Lake Macquarie History

Speers Point Hotel (Pippi's)

The Speers Point Hotel, built in1902 on the northern shore of Lake Macquarie in exactly the same position that now stands the hotel known as "Pippi's at the Point". On Thursday, March 20th 1902, Thomas Williams was granted a conditional license for premises to be known as the Spiers Point Hotel. It was originally named after one of the early landowners, William Spier. The original building was a charming 2 story brick and timber structure in the "Swiss style of architecture" with balconette elevations at front and side with a tiled roof. Hot and cold water was available to guests as well as acetylene gas lamps to light the main rooms. It was very up-to-date for the time, contained 26 rooms, and sat on more than 5 acres. Described as "a first class hotel" and a "credit to the district" the hotel had all modern conveniences for visitors. It was a popular meeting place, particularly for men, as in the early days ladies did not frequent pubs. In 1903, Mr Williams had a dance hall erected for public use. The area including the hotel, lake, and beautiful park were very popular with holidaymakers and young people from the newly emerging suburbs of Boolaroo and Speers Point as well as from the older more established Teralba.

photo: speers point hotel

In 1911, the hotel became The Speers Point Hotel, and welcomed many visitors to the park and hosted many community and social events. These included the annual Speers Point Anniversary Regatta, picnics, and even bare-knuckle boxing in its grounds. In a bid to promote the area, in 1912, the licensee introduced sculling races and put up the prize money. Also in 1912, the Minister for Mines, Mr Edden, opened the extension of the tramway from Brush Creek to Speers Point by cutting the ribbon in front of the Speers Point Hotel.

photo: speers point hotel

The hotel has had many licensees over the years starting with Thomas Williams in 1902 and later Harold Robert Wilkinson in the 1950's who was known as Pippy Wilkinson the namesake from which the hotel has been called ever since. In 1956, the council had no objection to the additions of a lounge room, toilets, and a cellar at a cost of 17,000 Pounds. Many changes have been made to Pippy's over the years yet it has remained in exactly the same spot retaining its amazing view, through the pine trees down the lake. Now named "Pippi's at the Point" it now offers 14 boutique rooms and a restaurant.

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

If you experience any issues with the website or its content please contact us [email protected]