Summary
Iconic 1875 freehold hotel on 2.75ha with bar/restaurant, cabins, camping, glamping and established events. A landmark Cape York tourism destination with major development and expansion potential.
Location Details
398 Shiptons Flat Rd
Located in Rossville on the Cape York adventure route, the Lions Den Hotel sits on 2.75ha of rainforest‑surrounded freehold land. A famous stop for 4WD, caravan and touring travellers seeking an authentic FNQ outback experience.
Potential
Significant upside exists across accommodation, events and tourism experiences. The large 2.75ha freehold allows for more cabins, glamping, premium powered sites and expanded campground facilities. The venue’s strong reputation and high seasonal traffic create opportunities for larger events, touring activations, adventure‑tourism partnerships and enhanced food and beverage offerings. With strong demand from Cape York travellers, the property is ideally suited for long‑term tourism growth.
Skills
General hospitality experience, bar and food service management, people leadership, customer service, basic bookkeeping, practical problem‑solving, grounds and facilities upkeep, and the ability to manage a multi‑stream tourism business in a hands‑on environment.
Hours
Open 7 days: 9.00am – Late
Lunch: 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm – 8.00pm Pizzas: 10.00am – Close
Employees
10-15 Employees Season Dependent
1 x Chef
2 x Kitchen Hands
1 x yard worker
2 x Housekeeping/Bar Staff
Seasonal additions are typically Bar Staff
Reason for Sale
Owner retiring
About the Business
The Lions Den Hotel is one of Australia’s most recognisable outback pubs — a legendary Cape York landmark with a national following and a constant stream of travellers who plan their entire journey around stopping here. As a freehold tourism asset with multiple income streams, strong brand power, and a captive adventure tourism market, this is a rare opportunity to step into a business with enormous commercial and lifestyle appeal.
What sets the Lions Den apart is its unique combination of history, character, and high performing tourism trade. The venue attracts 4WD adventurers, caravanners, motorbike riders, backpackers, and international travellers seeking an authentic outback experience. With accommodation, camping, food, beverage, merchandise, and events all contributing to revenue, incoming owners inherit a diversified, resilient business model built for long term success.
The freehold component adds significant value. The property sits on 2.75 hectares of freehold land, giving incoming owners full control over the hotel, accommodation, powered sites, camping areas, amenities, outdoor dining spaces, event areas, and operational outbuildings. The size and layout of the land provide excellent scope for future expansion, including additional cabins, glamping, premium powered sites, or enhanced event infrastructure. All existing buildings and improvements form part of the freehold, ensuring long term security and flexibility for the next operator.
Compelling reasons to purchase this iconic outback tourism asset:
• Nationally recognised, with decades of goodwill and traveller loyalty
• Freehold ownership of 2.75ha — secure the land, buildings, and long term commercial value
• Multiple income streams: bar, bistro, accommodation, powered sites, camping, merchandise and events
• High volume tourist trade from 4WD, caravan, and Cape York adventure markets
• Destination venue — travellers drive hours specifically to visit the Lions Den
• Strong social media presence driving organic marketing and repeat visitation
• Live music and events delivering reliable revenue spikes
• Unique off grid experience with no mobile reception — a major drawcard for travellers
• Established improvements included in the freehold: hotel building, kitchen, rooms, amenities, sheds, outdoor dining, event spaces
• Significant scope for expansion across accommodation and tourism experiences
• Ideal lifestyle business for a couple or hands on operator seeking a high profile FNQ asset
History
Established in 1875, the Lions Den Hotel is one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic outback pubs. For more than a century it has served travellers, miners and adventurers making the journey through Far North Queensland. Its timber bar, memorabilia and authentic character have made it a legendary Cape York stop, attracting generations of 4WD, caravan and touring visitors. Today it remains a celebrated destination with deep historical significance.
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