St Helens History Room said the true emergence of St Marys probably occurred in 1867, when Thomas Hardy opened the St Marys Hotel alongside the rivulet and the Tasmanian inn at Cullenswood closed down. 

Staying in the Hardy family until 1894, the hotel was purchased by William James Todd, 

Mr Todd extended the establishment but the hotel burnt down in 1910.

Mr Todd was tasked with rebuilding the considerably large establishment. 

In 1917, Todd’s Hall was constructed alongside the new hotel. 

In the 1990s, Todd’s Hall was lost to a fire, consequently causing damage to a section of the hotel but the majority of the building was not affected 

Owners Belinda and Rob Weyer relocated their family from Queensland to St Marys after purchasing the hotel about four years ago.  

Working as a dog groomer in Brisbane, Belinda said she loved her job but it was time for a change. 

After careful consideration the Weyer family finally decided to take the leap and buy the St Marys Hotel. 

Spruiking classic country features, including an old fireplace, a pool table and wooden bench tops from the final rebuild, the pub level had a cosy presence.

Welcomed by warmth, friendly faces, dime lighting and black ceilings, the hotel still stands on the original site. 

Belinda’s favourite feature, the freshly stained pillars that beam throughout the core of the first floor.  

Upstairs showcased 15 cosy rooms and a guest lounge room.

By stepping through a lounge room window, guests were able to access the delightful balcony.

Wrapping around the buildings frontage, the balcony provided a scenic lookout over the town’s main strip. 

A perfect place to watch the classic cars roll into St Marys each year, Rob said.  

“It is quite a good view, we are one of the few two storey buildings in town” Rob said. 

Between the luxurious courtyard which was receiving a fresh coat of red paint and the balcony views, St Marys Hotel was a drawcard for visitors throughout the warmer months. 

St Helens History Room archives said the late 1850s saw the gradual decline of Cullenswood as the principal local township and in 1857 the site of present day St Marys was surveyed. 

Information regarding the history of St Marys Hotel was provided to The Examiner by the St Helens History Room. It was found in the archives and the original text was cited by the late David Clement and Tim McManus.