Broken Hill Hotel: Historic Victoria Park venue enters new chapter with stunning new Two Mile Spring Bar

A historic Victoria Park hotel built by two of the suburb’s earliest civic leaders has started a new chapter with the opening of an alfresco venue inspired by a long-forgotten natural spring.

The Broken Hill Hotel at 314 Albany Highway has officially opened the Two Mile Spring Bar, drawing on the site’s history while expanding its portfolio has a major hospitality destination.

The hotel was designed by Robert McMaster, who later became Victoria Park’s first mayor, and built for Alfred Russell, who then become the town’s second mayor.

The hotel opened in 1898 and has remained a popular part of the community for more than 125 years.

Former mayor and long-standing patron Trevor Vaughan said the redevelopment recognised the hotel’s heritage while ensuring it remained a gathering place for future generations.

“The Broken Hill Hotel has always been much more than a pub. It’s part of Victoria Park’s identity and one of those places where generations of locals have celebrated milestones, caught up with friends and built lasting memories,” he said.

“It’s remarkable to think the hotel was created by two of Victoria Park’s earliest civic leaders and it’s wonderful to see this next chapter honouring the past while creating something that future generations can enjoy.”

The new venue takes its name from the Two Mile Spring which was a natural freshwater spring that once existed beside the hotel and was about two miles from Perth’s original General Post Office.

The hotel was an important stopping point for travellers making the journey between Perth and Albany, giving people a place to water their horses and rest before continuing on their journey.

The spring is also credited by historians with influencing the distinctive bend in Albany Highway opposite the hotel, which remains a familiar part of the route through Victoria Park.

“The spring was once a place where people naturally came together,” Mr Vaughan said.

“More than a century later, that’s exactly what this venue is about. Whether you’re meeting family for lunch, catching up with friends over a drink or watching the footy, it’s continuing that tradition of bringing people together.”

The new bar has extensive landscaping and seating, along with two 13-foot cinema-grade LED screens for live sport.

The revamped venue also has a new menu with share plates and local produce, as well as a curated drinks selection.

Mr Vaughan said the investment reflected the town’s evolution into one of Perth’s major dining and entertainment precincts.

“Victoria Park has become one of Perth’s great food and hospitality destinations, and this is another investment that strengthens that reputation,” he said.

“It’s about recognising the history that shaped this community and ensuring one of Victoria Park’s most iconic buildings continues bringing people together for many years to come.”