Welcome to our place!
We met in WA
Mark and Amanda met and married in WA, moved to ACT in the early 1990s with two young children for what was supposed to be a two-year secondment to the Federal Government which turned into a 24-year journey.
Mark spent his time rising through the ranks of the public service in the Environment portfolio, finishing as a Division Head overseeing environmental science and state of environment reporting. A long way from his roots working in a seafood export factory in WA.
Canberra to Deloraine
While in Canberra, Mark was responsible for the development of the Coastcare program, he managed Landcare and other natural resource management programs. He established the Commonwealth environmental compliance enforcement capabilities and oversaw many environmental law reforms. He’s got a bit of an interest in the environment.
Amanda spent her time rising through the ranks of early childhood services. Starting in a small sessional program located in Duntroon providing a play-based learning environment for children whose parents worked for the Defence force. Finishing off managing a 136-place early childhood service providing care for children birth to aged eight years with before school care, after school care, school holiday program and long daycare. Amanda finds running a hotel has lots of similarities to an early childhood service but with fewer bottoms to wipe.
Mark and Amanda have two grown sons, a daughter in law and two young grandchildren all living in Canberra.
Mark and Amanda love travelling the world, enjoying the culture, food and drinks – and we get to bring that to our little Hotel in paradise.
The Empire
The Empire was built circa 1900 by Septimus Woodbury. At the time it was the tallest building in Deloraine – and it still is! It was originally built as a tourist hotel, providing stables and agistment for people making the trek from Launceston to the Mole Creek Caves by horse. In 1917 the front corner of the Hotel was occupied by Fowler’s Cycleworks – local lads who built quality push bikes. There are still Fowlers living in town today.
Over the years The Empire was often regarded as the place in town that welcomed outsiders. During the late seventies and into the early days of the forest wars The Empire was the watering hole and gathering place for the hippies. Many stayed on to make Deloraine the vibrant artistic community that it is today.
We continue to welcome tourists and locals alike into the Hotel and Restaurant – even old hippies.
The Empire and Cycles remain a place to share stories and make new friends. And there may or may not even be a ghost or two!
19 Emu Bay Road,
Deloraine, TAS 7304
(03) 6362 1029
After Hours
0455 100 834