AN IMPRESSIVE part of Winton’s streetscape is the historic North Gregory Hotel Motel, with its famous sandblasted glass doors designed by sculptor Daphne Mayo.

The imposing building was completed in 1955 and is the fourth North Gregory Hotel to be built on the same site, the other three succumbing to fire.

The original hotel was built in 1878 and it was in this hotel that the famous Australian song, “Waltzing Matilda” was sung in public for the first time in 1895. The second hotel was built in 1901 after the first burned down and then the second one burned down in 1916.

The third was built in 1916 and it was at this hotel that Lyndon B. Johnson, later to become the President of the United States, stayed overnight in June 1942 when the Flying Fortress in which he was travelling force-landed at a place near Winton. This hotel burned down in 1946.

Today’s North Gregory Hotel Motel is operated by born-and-bred locals and aviators David and Prue Strang and their family, who have a lifelong love for this grand building and its history.

Visitors are warmly welcomed and urged to try the old-fashioned hospitality in this historic hotel. There are 28 rooms, featuring both self-contained motel rooms and hotel rooms. Courtesy pickup from the bus and airport is provided.

The North Gregory serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also tables and chairs out the front - it’s the perfect spot to relax over a drink and let the world go by. If you’re in a winning mood, have a flutter on the PubTAB or try your luck with Keno or the pokies. Within the complex is a bottle shop with a great selection of wine and beer.

For people travelling with motorhomes, caravans or tents, 20 sites are available for free at the back of the property. There is no electricity but bathroom facilities are provided.