The iconic central Queensland Great Western Hotel Rockhampton, established in 1862 and featuring a popular live rodeo arena, has succumbed to COVID-19 restrictions.
The pub is known for more than its steak and beer with locals and tourists drawn to its rodeos and major music events.
Owners Colin and Vickie Bowden issued a statement on social media announcing the indefinite closure of a place which holds fond memories for many.
It said the business relied heavily on overseas and interstate visitors, and with social distancing, border closures, and travel restrictions in place, the difficult decision was made.
Mary Carroll, chief executive officer of Capricorn Enterprise, said the hotel had been ingrained in the character of 'the beef capital' for decades.
"It is the only pub in the country that has a live rodeo out the back," she said.
"It is a training ground for our St Brendan's boys that do rodeo as a course at school.
"The Great Western is not just a pub, it's an iconic tourist destination. It's a fantastic venue not just for rodeos but major music events. It is now, sadly, our first COVID casualty in our region.
"It is so very sad. I hope we're not going to see more of this."
Retired bull riding world champion Troy Dunn said the Great Western had shaped local bull riders and enticed international athletes to the region.
"It was always professionally done, even back in the day when they just had the little ring before they built the big shed," he said.
"Everybody's got some great memories from there — whether you're a spectator or a rider.
"It was intimate and it was small. The crowd was right there and it created its own atmosphere."
The former bull rider said he was hopeful the venue would be revived once restrictions had eased.
Closed for good?
Ms Carroll said JobKeeper and State Government grants could only go so far, and she empathised with the owners.
"They've made a business decision based on their current position and the hotel, hopefully, will be leased or purchased by a new operator in the not-too-distant future, we would hope," she said.
"It would have to be someone, I suspect, with deep pockets. Because for a considerable time yet, the hotel will not be able to operate to its full capacity."
President of the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, Phil Henry, said the hotel's reliance on overseas visitors may be a disincentive.
"I don't know what proportion of their revenue came from overseas, but to my mind that will be the key factor about somebody wanting to invest in it," he said.
"I imagine there'll be interest. Let's just see, shall we."
