The balcony of Bunbury’s Rose hotel is set to look over another 160 years of history after winning major award

The balcony of Bunbury’s Rose Hotel is almost ready to reopen to the public, with only a few council ticks standing in the way. The iconic establishment has played host to 160 years of Bunbury’s festivities, though the balcony itself has been witness to major events since the late 1800s. In its history the balcony hosted people watching Diggers march as they headed off to war, the Bunbury Band playing to thousands as the town danced its way into the new year and countless other major events. The Rose Hotel balcony has seen it all. Bought in 2015 by hospitality group LocalsCo, the Rose was the second historical hotel acquired by the group after the Exchange Hotel in Kalgoorlie was bought two years prior. Renovations began immediately on the interior, with a further $3 million being put towards breathing new life into the facade, balcony and masonry. This effort was recognised with WA’s top heritage award for conservation. LocalsCo co-owner and renovation project manager, Dave Allan said winning the award was a proud moment. “The Rose is one of WA’s most important heritage buildings, so throughout 10 years of planning and through every step of the restoration, the LocalsCo team strived to ensure the heritage of the hotel was preserved and strengthened,” he said. “It’s a great honour to have led this restoration of one of our most treasured heritage pubs where history, hospitality and community can come together.” Now restored, The Rose Hotel balcony will soon welcome members of the public for casual drinks, though private events are already under way. The long-awaited reopening comes after the hotel managed to nab the top prize for WA’s best regional hospitality venue, and the casual pub dining award regional at the 2025 Australian Hotels Association WA Hospitality Excellence Awards. Rose Hotel manager, Mat Jeffery said he would be delighted to see the balcony up and running again. “It’s a spectacular space and it would be great to witness a new generation of residents enjoy festivals and occasions on the balcony and in the streets beneath it as the people of Bunbury have done for nearly 150 years,” he said.