Community & Business
19 August, 2026
Railway Hotel to reopen
Railway Hotel will reopen this week after a transition of management
After an interim closing period from earlier this year, owner of the establishment, Donna Sant, has returned to turn The Railway Hotel back into a thriving hub for the community.
Donna has owned the pub for 15 years after taking it over from previous owners Mick and Annette Long in 2009. “Everybody’s glad to see me coming back,” Donna said.
“I’ve had a steady stream of people dropping in telling me to hurry up already,” she said.
The Railway Hotel has been an important feature for Gilgandra for over 120 years. First built in 1902 The Railway Family Hotel was born with John Murray holding the first license.
The pub soon changed its name to Hargreaves Railway Family Hotel in 1906, before changing to Skelton’s Hotel in 1909. In 1915 the pub burnt down and soon construction began to fix the building. Construction finished that same year, and the building still stands today.
Over the years the Railway Hotel has seen many a patron and heard many a story, but the ethos established in 1902 remains the same, a family friendly welcoming pub for the whole community to enjoy.
The Railway Hotel is open to families, workers, travellers and fury friends alike.
Donna says what sets the pub out from other local establishments is the absence of gambling, a point she is proud of. “No pokies, no gambling. I hate what they do to families,” Donna said. The pub is gaining some further modifications as well, with the liquor drive through changing from the Thristy Camel to Local Liquor.
Donna also hopes to take on the local rugby union team for sponsorship again, and is already sponsoring local Koori Knockout team, the Gilgandra Sandgoannas.
Donna is also proud to bring back her infamous pizza alongside some open day specials like chicken schnitty and chips and a happy hour.
The pub is a welcome space for all, including campers.
The Railway Hotel boasts free camping for caravanners and travellers, however, if that doesn’t float your boat accommodation at the pub is also available with 10 rooms guests can choose from.
“We’ve got free campers coming and they have 24-hour access to the toilets as well,” said Donna.
While there has been a lot of contention in recent times with the running of the pub, Donna said that the people are what makes it worth it.
“The clientele is what makes it worth opening up and doing all the work for, and the support that I get from the diehard locals who’ve been here for 15 years,” Donna said.
“I’m looking forward to opening, seeing what we can do. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again,” Donna said. “I’ll bring it back from the ashes,” she said.
