The Boundary Hotel has stood as a cornerstone of West End life for over 150 years. Originally built in 1864 by Scotsman Donald Wilson, the first hotel on this site was named after Boundary Road, where it still sits today.
Designed by architect John Hall and Son, the hotel was a product of Wilson’s vision after he arrived in Brisbane in 1848 and acquired land here in 1850. Wilson held the liquor license from 1864 to 1872 before passing it on to various proprietors. In 1884, his grandson, John Wilson, built the hotel that stands today, making it a key fixture in the local community.
Through the years, the Boundary Hotel has been at the heart of many local events. In 1900, it hosted a heartfelt farewell to a local man heading off to the Boer War, illustrating its central role in the social fabric of West End.
In 1922, the Corrigan family took ownership, leasing the hotel to Castlemaine Brewery, who made significant renovations in the 1930s, adding wings and modernising the appearance of the building. Despite these changes, the hotel remains a valuable example of late nineteenth-century architecture and continues to serve as a beloved local institution.
In 2014, the Boundary Hotel celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of history, and in 2024, it stands proudly as a testament to West End’s past and its vibrant future.