The iconic original Ettamogah Hotel in Albury in regional New South Wales has been listed for sale with leading agency Savills by vendor Leigh O’Brien. In addition to the high-profile hotel, the listing includes a rare cartoon portfolio including around 1,500 original artworks and video footage. The hotel and coveted cartoon assets have the potential to fetch a combined price upwards of $50 million.

Prominently located at 561 Burma Road in Table Top in the Murray region, the Ettamogah Hotel is based on a pub that featured in the late Ken Maynard’s cartoons published in The Australasian Post for almost 50 years from 1959.

An Albury local, Maynard named the pub in his cartoon after a local water hole he used to cycle to called Ettamogah, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of good drink’.

The landmark hotel was built and opened in 1987 as a themed family restaurant, it brought Maynard’s vision to life with distinctive architecture modelled on the cartoon. Unique design features include dramatically slanted timber walls, a bull-nosed verandah, and the signature 1927 Chevrolet truck perched on a bright red roof.

Since then, the Ettamogah Hotel has become a roadside landmark and sought-after photo opportunity for travellers. Over time it has evolved to include 17 accommodation cabins, a reception venue, a Ken Maynard Museum and souvenir offerings. The Hotel itself has a lively atmosphere that embodies the Australian larrikin spirit, with the original cartoons adorning its walls.

The eponymous hotel was replicated interstate with Ettamogah Hotels opening in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Cunderin in Western Australia and Kellyville Ridge in New South Wales.

“This presents a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic Australian hotel, and a carefully curated portfolio if Australian cartoon assets. It will appeal to a very particular buyer who prizes this unique history and is keen to preserve and add to Ettamogah Hotel’s legacy,” said Leon Alaban, Head of Hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand.

“The large site also offers abundant potential for repositioning and redevelopment either as an expanded tourism property, QSR or even medium-density residential.”

Drew Mitchell, Manager – Hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand added, “This is a fantastic investment and opportunity for someone who’s keen to hold onto the nostalgia of Australia’s culture and take this brand to the next level.”

The facilities span five main buildings including the original ‘Ettamogah Pub’ which consists of a two-story building with internal and external staircases and wide north and south facing verandas. The various retail, museum and dining facilities are assembled on the western side of the site leaving a substantial area of land to further development potential.

The original Table Top estate spans 15 acres and includes extensive grounds and visitor amenities. Early plans contemplated a caravan park, retail village expansion, and accommodation cabins - positioning the site as a highly versatile prospect.

Leigh O’Brien acquired Ettamogah Hotel in 1997 and is now retiring. Over the last 28 years he has preserved its legacy while cultivating a comprehensive cartoon portfolio of intellectual property and physical assets that are now up for grabs as part of the hotel sale.

“The time’s come for me to step aside and hand the hotel over to its next owner,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I’ve laid the foundation of building the hotel’s brand, here in Australia and internationally, over the last 29 years. Now it’s over to someone new to take it forward into its next iteration.”

The rare Australian cartoon catalogue includes full copyright and trademark rights to the Ettamogah characters and associated brand, including the “Ettamogah Mob,” Lil Larrikins, Whackaville, and associated assets.

The portfolio comprises a rich archive of around 1,500 original artworks, spanning 50–60 years of cartoon development. Many of these are showpiece-quality and primed for merchandising or production revival.

Whackaville (also spelled “Wakkaville”): A digital 2D animated series for ages 8–12. The initial run was licensed to Nine Network Australia in 2010 and episodes continue to air on Al Jazeera.
Li’l Larrikins: A digital 3D animation series targeting ages 6–12. The first series was licensed to Network Ten and included select episodes aired on Al Jazeera.
Public safety outreach: 10 bushfire safety adverts featuring Li’l Larrikins, produced in partnership with Network Ten and AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council). These were also distributed to schools, and still operate as educational tools.

Ettamogah Hotel is being offered for sale by way of Expressions of Interest, closing Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 4pm AEDT (if not sold before).