The Avondale Hotel was at Merrywinebone siding, a horse-changing station for the coach line, and probably continued with the arrival of the railway.
The Avondale Hotel was licensed by the Shearer family, including the impressive matriarch Harriet Shearer, from the late 1800s until 1926. A newspaper ad in the Gwydir Examiner on the 22nd March 1898 indicates the Avondale Hotel was open for business;
AVONDALE HOTEL
(On the Narrabri, Merrywinebone and Collerenebri Road)
Gavin Shearer – Begs to inform his friends and the public generally that he has now opened the above palatial establishment, where the comfort of all those who favour him with their custom is studied.
The Bedrooms are airy, clean and large. The Table is supplied with all the delicacies of the season, and all at such a price as meets the times.
The Narrabri-Collarenebri line of coaches changes horses and passengers will receive every attention.”
The Tooths archives indicate a general drop in trade by 1925 and there are no further activities recorded beyond 1926.
The Avondale Hotel premises became the main property homestead after the hotel ceased to operate.