Mahogany Inn & Distillery: Make History
Known as the 'Ye Olde Mahogany Inne,' the oldest hotel on the Great Eastern Highway, once known as York Road, began its legacy as a military barracks and evolved through time into roles as a wayside house, convict depot, and family residence. This inn has long woven stories into its walls. Today, it stands as a stalwart of heritage, a local watering hole where you Make History with every visit.
Originally founded as a military barracks, our Inn served as a guardian, offering protection and solace to travellers along the rugged paths. This period marked the inception of a legacy, laying the groundwork for what would become a pivotal rest stop and gathering place for generations.
Under Edward Byfield’s vision, the Inn was reborn as “The Prince of Wales,” a wayside house with the privilege to sell alcohol. This era saw the construction of the Inn’s older sections, establishing it as the first stop for the Mail Coach on its weekly journey to York. Our walls, bearing witness to brisk business and lively exchanges, resonate with the stories of those early days.
In 1856, our Inn played a crucial role as a convict depot, its cellar a temporary hold for prisoners en route to Perth. This chapter of our history is preserved in the cellar’s barred windows and the original table, offering a tangible link to our past. Notably, the Inn became a haunt for infamous figures, including “Five Day Jack,” John Purcell, and “Moondyne Joe,” who uniquely carved remains a point of intrigue for visitors. Moondyne Joe famously jumped out of the Inn window in an attempt to escape the police.
In 1881 the license for The Prince of Wales was taken over by John Symonds who renamed it ‘the ‘Oxford Inn’, but alas it was not for long; when the new section of the Eastern Railway line, from Guildford to Chidlow was completed in 1884, the old wayside inn which had been so popular with passers by, became left high and dry with only a few travellers now passing. So just 3 years after he had acquired the license in 1884, Symonds was granted permission to remove the license of the old wayside inn, in Mahogany Creek to a purpose built hotel at the new Chidlow rail terminus. Symond’s new pub retained the name Oxford Inn, and the old Mahogany Creek inn was transitioned into a private residence, by its then owner, Stephen Parker, a member of a well-known Australian family. As it became a home to generations of a family, it became enveloped in tales of the supernatural. Many rumoured ghosts, said to originate from this era, can occasionally be spotted around the venue with reports of them being friendly.
About 1933 Mr. E. L. Ilbury, of Guildford, bought the property, bringing it back again into their family, and leased it to a Mrs. Wake, who carried on a business there as a guest house and tearooms. The old inn operated as a guest house and tea rooms for many decades.
In 1991, the Inn was reinvigorated as a public house, reinstating its role as a central hub for locals and travellers. Today, Mahogany Inn Creek is not just about great food, drink, and entertainment; it’s about creating a space where history and hospitality intersect, offering onsite accommodation that invites exploration and relaxation. Our latest venture, the distillery, crafts the Spirits of Mahogany, a tribute to our Inn’s rich history. Each spirit is a homage to the legacy that has shaped us, inviting guests to experience history with every sip.
More information on our venue can be found at
