A town of roughly 100 residents might not seem like a hospitality hub, but Nungarin in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt has kept two heritage hotels alive for over a century. The Woolshed Hotel and McCorry’s Old Hotel each offer distinct experiences—one as a working man’s pub, the other as a pioneer’s heritage B&B.
Number of hotels in Nungarin: 2 main options · Oldest hotel established: 1913 (McCorry’s) · Average nightly rate range: $90–$200 · Caravan park available: Yes, at McCorry’s
Quick snapshot
- McCorry’s Old Hotel opened on New Year’s Day 1913 (Shire of Nungarin)
- Woolshed Hotel built in 1929 during rapid town expansion (Pioneers’ Pathway)
- Room rates at Woolshed Hotel range from $90 to $200 per night (Wheatbelt Tourism)
- Exact current hours of operation for both hotels (may vary seasonally)
- Detailed menu items at The Woolshed Hotel restaurant
- Specific room pricing for McCorry’s (not publicly listed)
- 1913: McCorry’s Old Hotel opens
- 1929: Woolshed Hotel replaces McCorry’s as primary hotel
- 1977: Locals purchase Woolshed to prevent closure
- 1997: Bellamy family leases McCorry’s for restoration
- Woolshed Hotel remains the primary operating pub with dining
- McCorry’s continues as heritage B&B with camping options
What is the history of the Nungarin hotel?
Nungarin’s hotel history reads like a tale of two towns. When Con McCorry built his hotel on the north side of town in 1913, he expected the railway would run through his property. It did not. The line headed south instead, and in 1929, the Kalgoorlie Brewery and Ice Company built a newer, larger hotel on Railway Avenue—effectively killing McCorry’s commercial viability as a pub.
The origins of The Woolshed Hotel
The Woolshed Hotel opened in 1929 as the newest hotel in the state, according to a Western Mail article from that year. Its unusual timber-framed verandahs and the small store once operated by “Aunty Jim” Farrell—the first Freeman of Nungarin—give the two-storey building its distinctive character. By 1977, local consortium Chalbury Nominees purchased the hotel specifically to prevent its de-licensing, keeping the pub alive for the community.
McCorry’s Old Hotel: a century of service
McCorry’s Old Hotel officially opened on New Year’s Day 1913, initially featuring Front and Saloon Bars, a Dining Room, six bedrooms, and a kitchen. Con McCorry served as the inaugural president of the Nungarin Agricultural Show, first held on 29 September 1917 between the town and his hotel. The original structure functioned as an operating hotel until 1929, when it ceased that role. A National Estate Program grant funded restoration in 1979/80, and in 1997, the lease was granted to the Bellamy family (Rural Concepts) for further restoration work, converting it into the B&B and caravan park it operates today.
Two hotels, two fates: the Woolshed survived by becoming the community’s living room, while McCorry’s survived by becoming a heritage relic. Both remain standing because locals decided they were worth saving.
How Nungarin’s hotel scene reflects the town’s growth
The placement of both hotels tells the story of a town that never became what its founders expected. McCorry’s sits in a tranquil bush setting surrounded by farmland on McCorry Road, while the Woolshed anchors the town centre at 58 Railway Ave. The Shire of Nungarin describes both as offering “true hospitality and display pioneer history”—and that duality defines the accommodation landscape here.
| Aspect | McCorry’s Old Hotel | The Woolshed Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 65 McCorry Road, Nungarin WA 6490 | 58 Railway Ave, Nungarin WA 6490 |
| Year established | 1913 | 1929 |
| Building type | Original stone construction | Two-storey timber and iron |
| Current role | B&B and caravan park | Operating pub with accommodation |
| Phone | +61 497 575 907 | (08) 9046 5084 |
Two distinct eras, two distinct visions, yet both hotels ended up serving the same purpose: giving travellers a reason to stop.
What accommodation options are available in Nungarin?
For a town of approximately 100 residents, Nungarin offers surprisingly practical sleeping options. The Woolshed Hotel operates as a conventional pub with rooms, while McCorry’s takes the heritage B&B route with camping thrown in. Neither will win awards for luxury, but both deliver an authentic Wheatbelt stay.
The Woolshed Hotel: rooms, amenities, and pricing
The Woolshed Hotel has 14 rooms plus staff accommodation, though 12 are available for guests. Rooms feature shared bathrooms, air-conditioning, communal TV, and free WiFi. Breakfast is included with stays. The hotel operates Tuesday through Thursday, according to the most recent update (31/10/2024). Room types and pricing include Family Room at $200 per night, Queen at $140, Double/Twin at $120, and Single at $90.
McCorry’s Old Hotel B&B and caravan park
McCorry’s operates as a bed-and-breakfast with twin, double, and family rooms available. According to guest reviews, the rooms are clean and comfortable. The property includes caravan and camping sites, making it the only option in Nungarin for those travelling with tents or campervans. The caravan park operates in a rural bush setting surrounded by farmland, offering a significantly different atmosphere from the town-centre Woolshed.
Nungarin Caravan Park facilities
The caravan park at McCorry’s provides basic facilities suitable for overnight stops along the Great Eastern Highway. This pet-friendly option accommodates both caravans and tents. The property’s location approximately 2 kilometres north of the town centre offers a quieter alternative to staying in the pub atmosphere of the Woolshed.
Pet owners and caravan travellers have exactly one option in Nungarin. If McCorry’s caravan park is full or closed, the next nearest facilities are hours away.
Comparing the two main choices
| Feature | The Woolshed Hotel | McCorry’s Old Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $90–$200/night | Not publicly listed |
| Breakfast included | Yes | Continental breakfast |
| Bathroom arrangement | Shared facilities | Private rooms |
| WiFi | Free WiFi | Not confirmed |
| Pet-friendly | Not specified | Yes (caravan/camping) |
| Location atmosphere | Town centre, bar noise possible | Rural bush setting, quieter |
| Food available | Evening meals, blackboard menu | Meals available |
The Woolshed Hotel dominates for those wanting pub atmosphere and certainty on pricing; McCorry’s wins for travellers needing flexibility with pets or camping gear.
What dining and pub options exist in Nungarin?
Dining options in Nungarin are limited by necessity rather than quality. Both hotels serve food, but neither pretends to be a destination restaurant. The appeal here is honest country cooking in historic settings.
The Woolshed Hotel restaurant and bar
The Woolshed Hotel features a bar, restaurant, and what the Shire of Nungarin describes as “the best Beer Garden outside of Perth.” The restaurant operates with a changing blackboard menu, and evening meals are available. According to TripAdvisor reviewers, the portion sizes are consistently praised, with one noting “excellent (and large) meals in the dining room.” The bar includes a pool table, darts, and TV. Travellers should note that bar noise can carry to rooms given the pub’s layout.
McCorry’s dining and pub atmosphere
McCorry’s offers meals alongside its overnight accommodation, though detailed menu information is not publicly available. The atmosphere is notably different from the Woolshed—quieter, more intimate, and focused on the heritage experience rather than entertainment. According to TripAdvisor reviewers, it is a “delightful heritage building” with welcoming family management.
Neither hotel publishes a detailed menu online. Call ahead if dietary requirements matter—spontaneous dining choices are limited in Nungarin.
Local pubs and restaurants beyond the hotels
For visitors seeking alternatives to the two heritage hotels, the broader Nungarin area offers minimal options. The town functions primarily as a stopover point rather than a dining destination. Planning meals around hotel opening hours (Tuesday to Thursday for the Woolshed) is advisable for any extended stay.
Upsides
- Two distinct accommodation styles in one small town
- Only caravan park within reasonable distance
- Authentic heritage experience unavailable elsewhere
- Family rooms available at both properties
Downsides
- Limited operating hours at Woolshed (Tue–Thu)
- Shared bathroom facilities at Woolshed
- No published pricing for McCorry’s rooms
- Minimal dining alternatives if hotels are closed
The pattern shows travellers prioritise either the Woolshed’s social atmosphere or McCorry’s peaceful setting, rarely splitting their stays between both properties.
What visitors say
“The newest hotel in the state.”
— Western Mail, 1929 (via State Heritage Office WA)
“This beautifully restored Country Hotel has hospitality and charm and the best Beer Garden outside of Perth.”
“So very glad we took a punt and stayed here. McCorrys is a delightful heritage building.”
— TripAdvisor reviewer (via TripAdvisor)
“Excellent (and large) meals in the dining room with a blackboard menu that changes regularly.”
— TripAdvisor reviewer (via TripAdvisor)
tripadvisor.com, reviews.birdeye.com, reviews.birdeye.com, nungarin.com.au, tripadvisor.in
Frequently asked questions
Is the Woolshed Hotel pet-friendly?
Pet policies are not publicly confirmed for the Woolshed Hotel. McCorry’s Old Hotel explicitly welcomes pets at its caravan and camping sites. Contact the hotel directly at (08) 9046 5084 to confirm current pet policies for accommodation rooms.
Does McCorry’s Old Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi availability at McCorry’s is not confirmed in current listings. The Woolshed Hotel offers free WiFi for guests. If connectivity is essential, the Woolshed is the safer choice.
What is the cancellation policy at the Woolshed Hotel?
Cancellation policies are not published online for either hotel. Direct contact is recommended: Woolshed at (08) 9046 5084 or McCorry’s at +61 497 575 907.
Are there grocery stores nearby in Nungarin?
As a town of approximately 100 residents, Nungarin has very limited retail options. Stock up on supplies before arriving. The nearest larger towns with full grocery services are considerable distances away along the Great Eastern Highway.
Can I host a wedding at The Woolshed Hotel?
Neither hotel explicitly markets wedding venues. The Woolshed’s beer garden and heritage character could accommodate small gatherings, but contact the hotel directly to discuss event possibilities.
Is there public transport to Nungarin?
Nungarin sits along the Great Eastern Highway but lacks regular public transport services. Visitors typically arrive by car. The remote location means planning transport before arrival is essential.
What is the closest major town to Nungarin?
Nungarin is located in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. The nearest larger centres with full services are significant drives away. Travellers should check distances and fuel availability before embarking on routes through the area.
For road trippers navigating Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, the choice between these two heritage properties often comes down to timing and tolerance. The Woolshed Hotel expects you on its schedule; McCorry’s asks you to work around limited public information. Either way, both represent something increasingly rare in Australian hospitality—hotels that remember they are, first and foremost, community institutions.