49-51 Montagu Street

The Bush Inn is Australia's oldest continuously licenced hotel. The original part of the building was constructed in 1815 and the first licence was granted to Ann Bridger in 1825.

The earliest image we have of the Bush Inn is this sketch from approximately 1830

The Bush Inn in 1881 with signage showing Octavious Blockey as Licensee. Note that by this date, the original building has been extended at both ends

Bush Inn circa 1890?

The Bush Inn in 1881

The Bush Inn in approximately 1910 after renovations - the roof line has changed and the windows have been replaced.

The Auto-Car Club's run to New Norfolk in 1913 - the Bush Inn is on the right and Peppermint Hill can be seen in the distance on the left.

We think this photo was taken around 1896-98

The Bush Inn in August 1950 from an Ash Bester postcard

The Bush Inn between 1962 and 1965

The Bush Inn in the 1970s

The Bush Inn in 2011

• Licensees
  • Ann Bridger (Bush Tavern) 1825 to 1831
  • Charles Barker 1832
  • John Dean 1838 to 1840
  • J Anson
  • Octavius Blockey 1877 to 1892
  • William Cowburn -1899 to 1901
  • G Hope 1901
  • John McDonald Singer 1911 to 1920
  • William Cowburn 1920 to 1927
  • Leslie Nicholson Cowburn 1930 to 1950
  • Sold 1851 after being owned by 3 generations of Cowburns
  • John Joseph Reidy 1952 to 1954

File:Montagu St 51 Bush Inn 1905c.jpg

The Bush Inn in 1881 with signage showing Octavious Blockey as Licensee