Travellers enters Victorian market with acquisition of Best Western Olde Maritime, Warrnambool

Brisbane-based regional accommodation group Travellers has entered the Victorian market, completing the acquisition of the 43-room Best Western Olde Maritime in Warrnambool. Settlement took place this week.

The deal is Travellers’ sixth acquisition since the group was established in late 2023, and its first outside Queensland and New South Wales.

The sale was negotiated by Hugh Thomas of ResortBrokers, marking the fifth Travellers acquisition facilitated by the national specialist accommodation agency, following deals in Bundaberg, Emerald, Dubbo and Rockhampton.

The asset

Located in the regional hub of Warrnambool, at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, the property comprises 43 rooms and the recently refurbished Clovelly Restaurant & Bar, which trades seven days for breakfast and dinner and is consistently rated among the city’s top restaurants.

The property will continue to operate under the Best Western brand, maintaining access to the group’s international distribution and loyalty network, alongside a strong direct, corporate and leisure booking base.

Strategy

Travellers Managing Director, Craig Smith, said the acquisition was a significant milestone for the group.

“Olde Maritime is the first of what we plan to be several properties in Victoria, and Warrnambool is the ideal place to start,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s a thriving regional centre with a diverse economy and year-round demand from corporate, leisure and international travellers, on one of Australia’s most iconic touring routes. Olde Maritime is a well-established, high-performing property with strong foundations and a loyal guest base.”

“Our focus is on building on that success, leveraging Travellers’ systems and service to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences, while supporting the local economy and community.”

Handover

The property’s existing team is continuing in their roles, providing continuity through the transition.

Mr Smith also paid tribute to outgoing owners Raj and Bronwyn Patel, who operated the property for 23½ years, including 12 as owners. “Raj and Bronwyn have been outstanding custodians of Olde Maritime and true ambassadors for Warrnambool. We’re committed to honouring their legacy,” he said.

“Olde Maritime is a standout regional asset on the Great Ocean Road, and Travellers is a values-aligned operator with a clear strategy for regional growth. We’re delighted to have brought the parties together,” Mr Thomas said.

Portfolio

Best Western Olde Maritime joins Travellers’ regional portfolio of Burnett Riverside Hotel (Bundaberg), The Emerald Inn (Emerald), Cityville Apartments & Motel (Rockhampton), Bluegum Dubbo (Dubbo) and Yallungah Boutique Hotel (Orange).

Travellers is focused on acquiring and operating high-quality regional hotels, aiming to set a new benchmark in regional Australian hospitality, with bold growth targets and a clear strategy to rapidly expand its portfolio over the coming years.

Media enquiries

Jessica Smith, Group Marketing Director — jsmith@travellersgroup.com.au | +61 (0)417 774 241