Federal Hotel

The Federal hotel was built in 1898 by Thomas O'Mara and was originally called the Rising Sun. The hotel was built from stone and lime on reclaimed land which was a tributary of Dead Horse Creek. The site had a high water level and it was necessary to install pumps in the cellars to avoid flooding.

The name was changed to the Federal Hotel to mark the federation of Australia in 1901.

The hotel was close to the BHAS Smelter and was known as the working mans pub, there was a section of the drinking area known as Rabbit's Corner and this was frequented by local metallurgists.

The tower on the top of the Federal is a prominent feature, which was used by pilots and wharf workers who needed to see the ships sailing up the gulf so they knew it was time to report to work.

Retrace steps to the park entrance and walk through Memorial Park to Gertrude Street and the CBD.