Brief History of Central Hotel Lakes Entrance

The Central Hotel has long been a part of Lakes Entrance although not always with that name. It was not until 1889 that the hotel was so aptly named due to its location in the town, the current building is the second to be on that spot, the original building being destroyed by fire.

Original Central Hotel

Lets look back to 1882 when the Fern Bank Hotel, an accommodation house of five rooms at the time, was built on the site of the current Central Hotel for Catherine Gray and later licensed to Captain William Charles Williams.

Some three years later on 29th May 1885, George Robinson opened the first School No. 2672 on the site next to the Fern Bank Hotel in a building provided by Captain William Charles Williams, one of the best known Masters and owners of the famous “Lady of the Lake”.

Tragically in the early hours of the 11th October 1886, a fire occurred at the Fern Bank Hotel, totally destroying the hotel together with all of its contents.

The hotel was rebuilt and on the 23rd February 1887, Captain William Charles Williams transferred the Fern Bank Hotel’s licence back to Catherine Gray.

19th December 1889,  saw an application to change the Fern Bank Hotel’s name to the Central Hotel  this was granted to the then licensee Thomas Sommerville.

On the 27th September 1890, after the New Entrance had been officially opened and a Pilot and Harbour Master’s Station had been established, Captain William Charles Williams was appointed Pilot due to his long experience with the Lakes. History does not recount whether or not the hotel was used for rest and recreation by the said Capt. Williams, but you can assume the obvious!

The Central as we see it today has stood the test of time and a number of owners/licencees, although not as many as many would think. The central tower-like structure has long been a landmark in the town and it seems little has changed in its architecture.

Having said that, a major refurbishment took place some years ago, (early this century), when part of the old building on the western end was demolished and a new section added to accommodate larger groups and an improved bar/function area.

The Central, a popular watering hole, providing not only a public bar with external seating, but a well serviced bistro area, also with al-fresco dining overlooking the front lake, multi-function room, which can be modified for different sized functions, together with the new glass fronted function/dining/bar area, which fronts the Esplanade and a drive through bottle shop to the rear.

The Central Hotel Lakes Entrance is indeed a landmark, its tower like structure clearly visible from both land and sea. It continues to provide rest, refreshment and relaxation to locals and visitors alike, as it has done for almost 140 years. 

Long may it continue.