The Australian Arms Hotel was located in Euroka Street, west of the Commercial in the sprawling buildings occupied by Alfred and Mary Pearson. First records appear to start about 1880-81, and the licensee was Alfred Leach. The building was made entirely of vertical weatherboard construction, however, a large brick cellar was known to be contained within the foundations. The single-story building with a pitched roof and raised verandah fronted the street, in what was a closely arranged complex of buildings.
By 1883, the Cook family were in possession of the hotel, under William H. Cook.
In 1884, the premises were advertised for auction:
‘TO LET: The Australian Arms Hotel, Walgett, New South Wales. This commodious hotel is doing good business, and being surrounded by extensive runs owned by Victorians, offers an excellent opportunity for an enterprising Victorian (with about £700) to make a rapid fortune.’
Yet the subsequent licensee was Alfred William Cook, who continued as publican until his death by suicide in 1902, an event recorded summarily in various newspapers:
‘Alfred William Cook, hotelkeeper of the Australian Arms, Walgett, was discovered by his granddaughter early this morning, shot in the head, above the right temple. He was lying on the bed and had a rifle in his hand. A doctor was at once in attendance but entertains little hope of Cook’s recovery.’
Alfred William Cook died two days later and was succeeded in 1902 by Mary Cook.
It is not known when this hotel ceased operation but is believed to have been a private hospital known as ‘Opalville’ for a time, and later a boarding house conducted by a Mrs Pritchard.
Pubs and Breweries of Walgett
While there is no substantive hotel currently operating in Walgett, the village on the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers is a major hub of pastoralism and cropping, as well as a place of great significance for Aboriginal people. During its history, there were at least eight separate hotels in Walgett at different times – and a brewery.