The second oldest existing building in Bega, built by Mr Bransby, an early town surveyor, in 1857 from sawn timber slabs. The hotel burnt down shortly thereafter.
The current building was built in 1858-59, with an extension completed in 1901 by prominent local builders Thatcher and Underhill.
The hotel had a number of licensees and continued as a licensed premises up until 1938.
One of the key points of the hotel is the skylight in the hallway, both practical and beautiful and the gutters and drains outside are rare examples of the towns early drainage system.
Tenders were called during the 1800's for the construction of the drains, finally comprising the granite gutters and metal drain grids that are still intact today.
Commercial Bank of Sydney - 6 In 1864 Mr W. H. Braine petitioned the manager of the Commercial Bank of Sydney outlining the need for a local bank. In the meantime an office was opened in a room in the Victoria Inn, until the bank was opened in 1865, across the street.
The first Manager, a Mr Brearley, managed the bank from 1865-1870.
As the business centre of town gradually moved to Church St, the Commercial Bank sold their premises and moved to the corner of Church and Carp Sts.
The old premises became a private residence for almost a century when it was resumed by the Department of Education. In 1997 it was listed as a site of historical significance by the local council and is currently listed on the National Trust.
The Victoria Inn - 2 The oldest extant building in Bega, built by Mrs Annie White in 1858.
The Victoria Inn was the first brick residence in Bega and effectively became the civic centre, as meetings and important social gatherings were often held here, and when the Bega courthouse became too small for the populace, the inn was used as an alternate venue.
The Victoria Inn changed its name to the Queen's Hotel in 1888, and in 1901 the building was split in two by removing the central hallway, and converted to private cottages.
The National School - 7 In 1866 a brick building was built with two thirds of it's cost absorbed by the National Board of Education, with the remainder supplied by parents.
The first Local School Board comprised of; Dr King (Kingswood - Frog's Hollow), Daniel Gowing (Garden of Eden – Jellat Jellat), Patrick McNamara, W. D. Tarlinton and J. McGregor.
Mr W. Thompson, a prominent builder, was the first principal, but relinquished his post and the school was forced to close for some months.
In 1865 the school reopened with 10 pupils, with extra rooms constructed in 1868
The Bega Gazette - 3
The Bega Press was started with Robert William Sharpe's Bega Gazette on 3rd December 1864. It enjoyed a monopoly and went through different owners until the Southern Standard was formed, to compete with the Gazette, by Robert Sharpe in 1870.
Blacksmith Shop / Coach House – 8 For years there had been a blacksmith shop on the corner of Bega and Auckland Sts, originally owned by the Underhill family, the best known blacksmith was Harry Scanes, who also owned the unlicensed Family Hotel, using it as a private residence and horse stables
Denmark House – 4 (No longer standing)
Frederick Berne, born in Denmark, came to Australia when he was quite young. An astute businessman who spent nearly twenty years in Bega before his death in 1874.
Frederick built a large house in lower Auckland St and named it 'Denmark House'. It was from here he ran an auctioneering business. One of his daughters, Dagmar Berne, became the first female medical student in Australia studying at Sydney University.
Unfortunately, due to prjudices against women, she had to move to Edinburgh University, England to complete her studies.
Dr Berne practised as a surgeon and physician in Macquarie St, Sydney. She died in 1915 due to suspected poor health from the hardships of living and studying in England.
St. John's Church - 9 The first church, a timber building, which was also used as a schoolhouse, was constructed in 1854.The present St. John's Church was designed by the famous E. T. Blackett in 1874, dedicated in 1878 and consecrated in 1882.
The timbers of the roof were cut by the Spooner twins from Grey Box Eucalypts on Mumbulla Mountain, the framework was completed by the Taylor Brothers and the brickwork by Anthony Lineham.
River Crossing - 5 The River Crossing at the northern end of Auckland St was the original main entrance to town. Obviously, during times of flood, this proved difficult. In 1895 it was estimated that a footbridge would cost 116 pounds. A walkway was built at 'The Junction' in 1912, just downstream from the crossing, changesheds were also erected to cater for the frequented swimming area.