Exterior, Entrance and Civic History

Welcome to The George Hotel.

Living History on Lydiard Street Since 1853.

Imagine Lydiard Street in the early days of the gold rush: horse-drawn carts rattling past, miners returning from the diggings, and travellers arriving from across the world in search of fortune. Inside the wooden George Inn, a meal, a drink and a welcoming place to rest awaited.

Established in 1853 by George Howe and Francis Herring, The George was Ballarat’s second licensed venue. It quickly became a gathering place where pioneers, publicans and local authorities exchanged news, conducted business and shared stories. During the stirring days of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion, the inn served as a rendezvous point for civil and military authorities, with hostess Eliza Hannah Forster among the memorable figures of its early history.

As Ballarat grew from a bustling goldfield into a grand regional city, The George grew with it. In 1902, local architects E & B Smith rebuilt the hotel into the three-storey landmark you see today. Its sweeping cast-iron verandah became a defining feature of Lydiard Street—and a stage from which parliamentary candidates addressed crowds gathered below.

Generations of owners, publicans and staff have since shaped its story. Through changing fashions, major fires in the 1980s and careful restoration, The George has continued to welcome people through its doors.

Today, that tradition lives on over shared meals, morning coffees, regional wines and memorable celebrations.

From the Heritage Bar Bistro to The Lane Cafe and Wine Bar, through the laneway to the former stables now home to Dear Eliza Social Club, there is a story waiting around every corner.