Caxton Hotel: 1864 History, $50M Sale, Brisbane Game-Day Hub

By the Koalahotel.org Editorial Team | Published May 20, 2026

The Caxton Hotel has anchored Brisbane’s Caxton Street since 1864, evolving from a printer’s namesake pub through a devastating 1884 fire into the city’s definitive pre-game destination. This guide traces its journey through the $50 million sale to Nick Politis’s group and examines how a 162-year-old hotel became the unofficial headquarters of Queensland’s rugby league culture, drawing on the venue’s official history and verified property records.

Last checked: 2026-06-04

Name: The Caxton Hotel · Location: 38 Caxton Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia · Established: 1864 · Notable recent event: Sold for $50 million AUD · Known for: Brisbane icon, game-day hub near Suncorp Stadium · Owner (post-sale): Nick Politis (as of 2026 deal)

Who is the owner of the Caxton Hotel?

Billionaire Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis backed the acquisition of the Caxton Hotel through his SEQ Hospitality Group, with the deal reported at roughly $50 million. The Urban Developer and The Hotel Conversation both reported the circa-$50 million transaction, noting it required approval by the Queensland liquor and gaming authority.

Nick Politis and the $50 million deal

The sale ended nearly three decades of ownership by the Farquhar family, who had operated the hotel since 1997. Savills Australia and New Zealand, led by Head of Hotels Leon Alaban with manager Drew Mitchell, negotiated the off-market sale on behalf of the Farquhar family. The Urban Developer described the venue as “without a doubt a trophy pub,” noting it changed hands for the first time in almost 30 years.

What is the Caxton Hotel famous for?

The Caxton Hotel is known across Queensland as the premier game-day destination for Suncorp Stadium events, particularly State of Origin rugby league matches. Tourism and Events Queensland explicitly highlights Caxton Street—and the Caxton Hotel—as the place to gather from about three hours before kick-off, with warnings that venues fill fast.

A Brisbane icon since 1864

The hotel markets itself as a “Brisbane icon” with over 150 years of history, containing multiple bars, a restaurant, café dining, a gaming room, TAB facilities, function spaces, and an on-site bottle shop. A Fox League video feature on “Aussie Footy Pubs” called the Caxton “synonymous with State of Origin,” reinforcing its cultural status as a rugby league pub. Savills’ sale announcement characterised it as the “unofficial headquarters” for pre- and post-match celebrations due to its position about 50 metres from Suncorp Stadium.

How old is the Caxton Hotel?

The Caxton Hotel opened in 1864, making it one of Brisbane’s oldest licensed premises. The hotel’s official history confirms the building was constructed for publican and compositor William Henry Warman, who chose the name “Caxton” in memory of William Caxton, the first English printer, reflecting Warman’s own compositor background.

Built in 1864

A photo study by the Brisbane History Group corroborates the 1864 construction date and notes that a sale advertisement for the hotel appeared as early as 1869—just five years after opening—indicating the property was traded commercially almost from the start. At 162 years old as of 2026, the hotel has been in continuous operation through multiple ownership changes and a devastating fire.

The original building stood opposite the current site, reportedly next to what is now Gambaro’s takeaway. It was gutted by fire in 1884 when a neighbouring shop fire consumed the entire building beyond repair, leading to its reconstruction on the present property at 38 Caxton Street. The hotel’s licence was transferred to John Hendry in 1873, and he promptly changed the trading name to the “Elephant and Castle”—an identity that later reverted to the Caxton name.

How much is the Caxton Hotel worth?

Based on the most recent transaction, the Caxton Hotel is valued at approximately $50 million AUD. The Urban Developer reported that billionaire Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis agreed to the roughly $50 million deal, adding the hotel to his SEQ Hospitality Group portfolio. The Hotel Conversation also reported the figure, cited as a “circa $50 million” off-market sale to Eumundi Group Limited.

Recent $50 million sale price

The site at 38 Caxton Street measures 2,265 square metres, on the edge of Brisbane’s CBD and immediately adjacent to the Suncorp Stadium precinct. The Urban Developer described the hotel as “without a doubt a trophy pub,” and the transaction marked the first change in ownership in nearly three decades.

Location and getting there

The Caxton Hotel sits at 38 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace, approximately 50 metres from Suncorp Stadium. Queensland’s official tourism guide describes Caxton Street on State of Origin night as a concentrated fan zone where supporters gather for pre-game drinks and atmosphere before walking to the stadium. The hotel is on the edge of Brisbane’s CBD, roughly a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Parking is limited on game days; public transport via train to Roma Street station or bus services on Caxton Street is the recommended approach.

Alternatives in the area

The Lord Alfred Hotel at 68 Petrie Terrace (entrance to Caxton Street) opened in 1864 as the Terrace Hotel and was substantially rebuilt in 1881 by architect Richard Gailey, according to Brisbane City Council heritage listings. It offers another heritage pub experience within the same game-day foot traffic zone. The Boundary Hotel, another historic Brisbane pub, provides a further option for those exploring the city’s 19th-century hotel heritage.