Today, visitors can still step back in time with a short drive to Crossing Inn, where the area’s rich history comes to life.
The Inn has welcomed travellers and locals since its establishment in July 1897 by Jospeh Blythe. Originally a "shanty inn and trade store" that served prospectors, bullock team drivers, cattle drovers and locals, it has operated on the same site ever since... although floodwaters have meant continual rebuilding over the years.
Floodwaters are still visible through the bars at the Inn - measured by bricks up the wall, and in 1993 this was recorded at 9 bricks high. The latest flood in 2023 was well above the “9 brick” mark, just ask the staff.
Fitzroy Crossing is a major centre for indigenous Aboriginal people. The Crossing Inn supports many of the initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of the community. For example, inspired by the success of the High School winning the 2000 Olympic Art Competition, the Crossing Inn sponsored and challenged the local youth to do paintings for the outside walls of the 100 year old hotel. The results are amazing - outstanding in both artistic merit and their local content. So the wall of this popular and historic hotel are now a tourist attraction in their own right, and are a wonderful museum of local heritage, culture and art.