Sportsmans Arms Hotel Motel

The Sportsman's Arms Hotel, Deniliquin has quite a history behind it.

In the 1850s, the North Side of the Edward River was far bigger and busier than the South, where the CBD now stands.

"The Sporties" was the second hotel built on the North side and was originally called the "Faugh-a-Ballagh" and was licensed to Francis Edwards in 1856.

It was said to be built in the style of an English Pub with low verandah and roses. What colour the roses were is lost to time.

It was re-named The Sportsman's Arms in 1859, later re-built and run for some years by one William Herriott.

In 1870, after years of drought and depression, the water had run out and the people had run out not long afterwards. Those that remained took to hitting each other with loaded sticks, but it never caught on.

By this time, the South side of the river was growing larger than the North and, at this point, the author lost interest and went home to feed the cat.

At present, "The Sporties" is run by Edward and Judith Cully and their two sons (B1 and B2), and is still a very popular "watering hole" or the locals as well as being a comfortable overnight stop for travellers.

The Motel and Restaurant have been newly refurbished and are enjoying renewed popularity.