Kyneton in Macedon Ranges Shire, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Royal George Hotel

— Discover Historic Kyneton —

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, August 31, 2026

1. Royal George Hotel Marker

Inscription. Built as the Gold Diggers Arms this hotel was first licensed in 1852 probably in a timber building.
The western bluestone half was erected prior to 1860, and the eastern brick half was completed in 1891. In 1915 the verandah and parapet pedestals were added.
In 1860 it was called the Criterion, and later re-named Wedgewoods.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 37° 14.661′ S, 144° 27.078′ E. Marker is in Kyneton, Victoria, in Macedon Ranges Shire. It is at the intersection of Piper Street (Victoria Route C793) and Ebden Street, on the left when traveling east on Piper Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22-24 Piper Street, Kyneton VIC 3444, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

of this marker: Willis Steam Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); G.W. Willis's Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); WT Jones & Son Stonemason (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Kyneton Gasworks Community Park (about 150 meters away); Old Bank of New South Wales (about 210 meters away); Kyneton Museum - National Trust (about 210 meters away); Our Lady of the Rosary (about 210 meters away); Kyneton Museum (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kyneton.

Also see . . . Former Diggers Arms Hotel. Victorian Heritage Database

From some early, but incomplete records, it is believed that this hotel was built by James Thompson and was opened in May 1852 by John Fahey as the Diggers Arms Hotel. By 1859 it had become the Criterion Hotel with Frederick Fitzgerald as the owner/occupier. The Wedgewood family who became the owners in the 1870s, made substantial alterations and additions in the 1890s and the building was then called the Wedgewood Hotel, and later the Royal George Hotel. The brick part of the two-storey building on the Ebden Street corner is probably the
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, August 31, 2026

2. Royal George Hotel
Marker is below the window that is behind the word "Royal"
oldest part and the large stone addition extends along Piper Street with a linking timber verandah which, together with the front facade, are reasonably intact.

The hotel is of local significance being one of the earliest built in Kyneton and is associated with various prominent pioneer citizens. The miscellaneous addition to the rear are not included.

(Submitted on October 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.