The listing includes a cartoon portfolio with around 1,500 original artworks and video footage.
The iconic original Ettamogah Hotel in Albury has been listed for sale with leading agency Savills by vendor Leigh O’Brien. In addition to the high-profile hotel, the listing includes a rare cartoon portfolio, which includes around 1,500 original artworks and video footage. The hotel and cartoon assets have the potential to garner over $50 million.
Located at 561 Burma Road in Table Top, the Ettamogah Hotel is based on a pub that featured in the late Ken Maynard’s cartoons published in The Australasian Post for almost 50 years from 1959.
An Albury local, Maynard named the pub in his cartoon after a local water hole he used to cycle to called Ettamogah, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of good drink’. The landmark hotel was built and opened in 1987 as a themed family restaurant; it brought Maynard’s vision to life with distinctive architecture modelled on the cartoon. Unique design features include dramatically slanted timber walls, a bull-nosed verandah, and the signature 1927 Chevrolet truck perched on a bright red roof.
The Hotel has become a roadside landmark and photo opportunity for travelers and has evolved to include 17 cabins, a reception venue, a Ken Maynard Museum, and souvenir offerings.
“This presents a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic Australian hotel, and a carefully curated portfolio if Australian cartoon assets,” said Leon Alaban, Head of Hotels at Savills Australia and New Zealand. “It will appeal to a very particular buyer who prizes this unique history and is keen to preserve and add to Ettamogah Hotel’s legacy. The large site also offers abundant potential for repositioning and redevelopment either as an expanded tourism property, QSR or even medium-density residential.”
The rare Australian cartoon catalogue includes full copyright and trademark rights to the Ettamogah characters and associated brand, including the “Ettamogah Mob,” Lil Larrikins, Whackaville, and associated assets.
Some of the works made from the collection include:
- Whackaville (also spelled “Wakkaville”): A digital 2D animated series for ages 8–12. The initial run was licensed to Nine Network Australia in 2010 and episodes continue to air on Al Jazeera.
- Li’l Larrikins: A digital 3D animation series targeting ages 6–12. The first series was licensed to Network Ten and included select episodes aired on Al Jazeera.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
