The Lions Den

Grant Denyer and the 'Sunrise' crew discover the Den!

2010-09-05T15:04:00.000+10:00

Television up here in the north is like mail delivery in the wet season...sometimes you’re gunna get it and sometimes you’re just not. Channel 7’s television show ’Sunrise’ decided that it would be a good challenge (not to mention a good watch) for their golden boy Grant Denyer to take the average aussie out of their city lounge room on an exciting journey to the far north.....the very far north, Cape York!. Much to our pleasure the Sunrise mob decided to call our humble pub home for the night and show case to the world our little slice of paradise not to mention give us a good laugh and an excuse to stay up late. As many of you may know the crew was meant to arrive here on Monday night but after a mass of unseasonal rain they were delayed by Cooper Creek near Cow Bay, after a bus and a car got washed off the causeway.....that was meant to be the easy end of the Bloomfield Track, what was going on??? Next day they amazingly (for August) got stuck again at the Bloomfield River near Wajul Wajul where they waited for six hours for the waters to recede enough for them to cross. A very weary star and crew arrived here around 7pm Tuesday night and were quickly filled up with hot pizzas and cold beers.

Our late night suddenly became a very early morning with us cracking open the doors to the pub at 4.50am so the cameraman and his satellite crew could get setup, ready for their live feed into the Sydney studio at 6am. As scheduled Grant did a live cross every half an hour from various location around the pub and even had a chat with the local kids in the school bus on their way to school at Rossville. All up the Sunrise crew were a pleasure to have and we congratulate them on completing their trek to the top of Cape York with their satellite gear so others could share their experience. Hope to see them back this way again soon!

Faith – Visit the photo gallery to see more pics of the Sunrise visit.

WIN WALLABY CREEK FESTIVAL TICKETS!!!!!!

2010-08-22T10:54:00.001+10:00

WIN!

By staying at the Lions Den during the month of August.....You can have the chance to win a double 3 day pass to the spectacular Wallaby Creek Festival in Rossville valued at $170 (September24-26) simply by staying overnight at the Lions Den Hotel during August and entering your name and address into the draw at the bar. The winner will be entitled to a fully transferable double weekend pass to the three day festival situated at ‘Homerule’ in Rossville, just 7km from the Den. The Wallaby Creek Festival features live music, workshops, arts, children’s festival, indigenous culture, bush poetry and more. A true celebration of music and arts in the rainforest! For more information visit www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au or phone (07) 4069 5871 or 4060 3112

State of Origin - Will it be a Qld clean sweep?

2010-07-07T13:48:00.000+10:00

Tonight is the third and final match in the much anticipated State of Origin clash between Qld and NSW. Given that Queensland has ‘flogged’ NSW in each of their previous encounters, it is not unlikely that there will be plenty of blue flags trampled under the feet of many tonight. As you can see, the staff and the locals are just as capable as any city footy crowd when it comes to turning it on and having a good time! GO MAROONS!!!

JUNE LONG WEEKEND

2010-06-24T15:41:00.000+10:00

The long weekend was a huge success with fabulous weather and sensational music that just kept on coming. Friday night we were wowed by the experimental and exciting sounds of Moondogs Gypsy Blues Band, a duo of exceptional rhythm and soul moving blues. No strangers to the Den, Kate and Moondog brought cruisey blues sounds to the laid back crowd with many pitching tents and settling in for a long weekend of good music. Saturday saw the arrival of the fresh faced boys from Dubble D Infinitee that impressed everyone with their strong vocals, dynamic originals and unique take on alternative classics. Their confidence and professionalism proved they are a young and upcoming band to watch.

Saturday night saw a huge line up with the Barefoot Belles kicking things off with their strong girl rock, closely followed by the Hillbilly Goats and friends who packed out the stage with their hillbilly sounds. Our very own ‘Boney Goat’ aka Jack Ryle sported a new set of horns for is bone slapping solos and their fill in drummer and guitarist only seemed to boost the energy of this dynamic band.

Two French backpackers and buskers (kindly given the nicknames of ‘paddy and melon’ by friendly locals) gave an amazing display of their musical prowess by first playing high tempo Irish music for the crowd and later on Sunday’s open mic an artful account of traditional French music. It was an unexpected cultural injection into the Lions Den community, performed to a very appreciative crowd. After the goats on Saturday night came the well loved Roadtrippers who have no difficulty in keeping a crowd dancing. With the Roadtrippers and the Toadrippers at the helm the night was never going to be an early one!

Sunday saw the Hillbilly goats take to the stage again, with time-out for a traditional “Cane Toad Race” that allowed many people to share in the mayhem of this very Far North Queensland tradition. A dairy farmer from Gippsland in Victoria, Natalie White, the only girl in the field, showed all the boys how it was done by winning the race with the help of her toad “Hop a-long Cassatoad”. Nat kindly donated all her winnings of $290 to the Rossville Fire Brigade.....Good On you Nat!

Finally as the sun went down, the Lions Den microphone was thrown open to all those brave souls who had more music to offer. Local talents included young Albert who showed he has definitely got his father Gav’s musical talents, as well as the well loved singing cowboy Steve from north of Cooktown. Also plucking the strings was publican Max, Cairns local Carl and of course the unusual talents of the French boys Paddy and Melon.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend with a fantastic atmosphere made possible by the great crowd, filled with inquisitive and interesting visitors and the ever supportive locals. Thanks everyone for making it a magnificent time for all and we’ll see you back here next year!!!!!!

A big thank you must go to our FABULOUS staff who jumped straight in at the deep end and made this weekend possible. Thanks for your commitment and your positive attitudes, we could not have done it without you. Special thanks also to friend and neighbour Gavin Dear for all your untiring passion, support and dedication to the music... THANKYOU! To our wonderful Kerry and also to the always positive John, Nat and Sally, we definitely could not have managed without you...and that is the truth. Thank you all so much!

Faith & Max

Roadtrippers Anniversary Show

2010-05-30T15:15:00.001+10:00

The Roadtrippers - ‘100 Smoke to Kununurra’ anniversary show was a big success, with plenty of visitors from out of town coming to join the party. A high energy show with all the favourites as well as an alien inspired set from the roadtripper’s alter ego the ‘Toadrippers’ meant the action just kept going and going. Gav, Lee, Pando, Screamer and special guest Jack played for Lee’s final gig before hitting the road for Western Australia. Look out for the Roadtrippers over the June Queens Birthday long weekend, playing along with four other bands and various musical friends at the Lions Den Hotel’s massive 3 days of Music!

Going skywards!

2010-05-30T13:48:00.001+10:00

What promised to be a usual Saturday afternoon suddenly turned unusual last week when a visiting helicopter pilot treated pub owner Faith and two long time employees, Ali and Mark, to a heart pounding flight in his chopper and a chance to see our amazing home from the air. To see the Lions Den Hotel, the Lt Annan River, Black Mountain, the Annan Gorge and all its’ waterfalls was a special glimpse into the hidden beauty of this area. Fortunately, in between clinging to our seat belts and overcoming the feeling that we were about to fall out the open doors, we managed to take some great photos and a few snippets of video to share with you. So check out the you tube link below for a chopper eye view of the Little Annan River behind the Lions Den Hotel.........yeeeee haaaaaaa!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=371oRy2xtYs

Late Wet Season

2010-04-09T19:53:00.000+10:00

Just when we thought it was going to be a dry wet season, the last three weeks have proven that mother nature had no such intention. With the low pressure system over the gulf from ex-cyclone Paul we coped a huge amount of rain to take us back up to nearly our average yearly rainfall in just over a month. It’s been a good soaking with the Lt Annan River coming up into the campground behind the pub and both Mungumby Creek and Wallaby Creek flowing well over the top of their respective bridges. The place is looking greener than green and having both the Bloomfield Track and the Mulligan Hwy cut off a different times over a few days made it exciting times for those Easter travellers.

No one seemed to mind, and at least if you have to get stranded it may as well be on the side of the river that has the pub!!!!!!!

Faith

Brains put to the test

2010-03-22T14:13:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday night was the first ever Lions Den Trivia Night, that saw locals putting on their thinking caps and battling it out for the cash prize and the title of Trivia Master!!!! Teams of four tackled 10 rounds of 10 questions with winners and losers along the way given some cold beverages to keep the spirits high. A few quiet geniuses were discovered and after an extremely tight race to the finish one team was crowned the victors, happy to take home their new title. One does wonder however what the true colour of a stick of rock is???????.....apparently the answer is pink....Go figure!

From Helenvale to Canada

2010-03-22T13:25:00.000+10:00

Aussie motorbike tour guide and friend of the Den, Steve Lovelock, recently sent us this picture of himself and his beloved Lions Den Hotel t-shirt, overlooking Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, Canada. Steve said his trusty Den shirt “was keeping the back warm” while he worked away near these magnificent mountains. Great to see that a bush pub from the tropics is being remembered so far from home.....Good luck Steve

Join 'Friends of the Lions Den'

2010-01-19T14:29:00.001+10:00

To share your pictures, follow posts and read comments from visitors and workers at the Lions Den Hotel, join the group ‘Friends of the Lions Den’ on Facebook at www.facebook.com

A New Year Tree Tragedy

2010-01-09T18:21:00.000+10:00

Just as the dust was starting to settle after the New Year’s Eve celebrations (or should I say water receding after our early morning New Year’s day drenching) the new year was marred by the uprooting of one of the Lions Den’s most admired and recognised trees. A beautiful red flowering Poinciana estimated to be between 40-50 years old, this iconic tree was a favourite with, owners, locals, campers and nature lovers alike. It is a terrible tragedy and this beautiful old tree will be sadly missed..................please, no need to send flowers.

Christmas Eve with many Santas

2010-01-09T16:17:00.000+10:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL! The Den was a haven for good cheer and Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, with locals getting into the Christmas spirit by blowing the froth off a few XXXXs. Carols by Candlelight chirped away merrily in the background, fruit cake and caramels were handed around, and it seemed all you needed was a Santa hat to make all your dreams come true. English backpacker Ali wasn’t quite convinced Col was the real Santa, but we all went along with it anyway. Just goes to show all you need at Christmas is good friends, good beer and good cheer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here, here

NEW YEARS EVE!!!!!!

2010-01-09T15:50:00.000+10:00

See more of the fun from New Years in our photo gallery

New Years Eve at the Lions Den Hotel this year was always going to be a big one........

The anticipation of welcoming in 2010 and the lure of one of Queensland’s best pub bands ‘Black Image’, meant there was a staggering number of party goers travelling from stations, communities and towns far and wide to help welcome in the New Year. The opportunity to celebrate in a family friendly environment was a huge drawcard, the playground and the campground being utilized by families of all ages. Free camping was offered at the Lions Den campground for those who wanted to stay over, with many staying with their dogs and kids to make a weekend of it.

The long tradition of people coming together at the Lions Den Hotel for over one hundred years rang true again on New Years, with a diverse range of visitors and locals all happily rubbing shoulders, linking arms and cheering on together. The boys from ‘Black Image’ played their hearts out, with only two small breaks and of course a support set by the infamous Road Trippers, and other talented locals. Surprisingly the rain (which threatened to dampen the show) held off conveniently until we started shutting the bar.......gotta love nature! I must thank all the Lions Den Hotel staff who worked so tirelessly over those 12-15 hours and of course Black Image, Roadtrippers and all their crews that made the great sound possible. Special thanks have to go to ma and pa Lynch for everything, and for all those great party goers who made NEW YEARS 2010 really something to remember...cheers!!!!

Faith

*Send us your pics of New Year at the Den

Jack's Birthday

2009-12-24T16:54:00.000+10:00

Local boy Jack celebrated his 65^th Birthday last week at the den, helped by a crew of loyal friends and tag-a-longs. With a drum, some cow bones and a couple of roaming guitars I think everyone inside the pub that night helped make music of some sort. Friend and neighbour, Gav, from the Roadtrippers kept the guitar work sharp, Max and many others showed their hidden musical talents, including a new comer from Cairns who belted out a few hearty ones. Good one guys, it was a FANTASTIC night and just the sort of thing that happens any night of the week here. Happy Birthday Jack!

Check out the video grab in the gallery for a glimpse....

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE LIONS DEN HOTEL!!!

2009-12-17T16:22:00.000+10:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all from the Lions Den Hotel. Thanks all for a wonderful and memorable 2009, and we hope you all have a safe and happy new year.

Just a reminder that New Year at the Lions Den will have LIVE MUSIC with the fabulous “Black Image” playing until late. A great way to welcome in 2010 in the family friendly, laid back atmosphere of the Den. SEE YOU THERE!

Hillbilly Goats into the Lions Den

2009-12-09T11:53:00.000+10:00

Mid November saw the Hillbilly Goats enter the Lions Den for yet another heart-stopping, knee slappin’, bone rattling time. The trio left no stoned un-turned as they successfully entertained with their unique fast-paced tunes and vibrant wit. A breathless audience jumped around the place in old hillbilly style and the band’s buck-toothed goat banner made it clear there was nothing serious about this night. In true Den style, local Jack Ryle jumped up to lend the billygoats a hand with his infamous “bones” playing. The night was a cracker and for those of you who are keen, you’ll be able to see the Hillbilly Goats back here in June next year. YeeeHaaa!

Faith Nulley

LIONS DEN HOTEL

Ph: (07) 4060 3911

Fax: (07) 40603958

www.lionsdenhotel.com.au

Melbourne Cup Day - Far North Qld style

2009-11-08T15:12:00.000+10:00

*Dressing up for cup day Far North Queensland style.

By all accounts there is nothing like a good wager on a horse race. Well the gamblers just seemed to come out of the woodwork on Tuesday as the Lions Den put on it’s first major horseracing day. Although there were no bookies on site and the waging was done via our pub sweep, the saying goes….if you create it they will come. Forced by public demand the Lions Den management ran an A and B sweep with many more draws begged for by the patrons. We limited it to the two sweeps and even then there was chatting and strategies being discussed over many a XXXX stubbie.

The fashions were not overlooked with many locals donning their caps, fishing hats and Akubras for the occasion. The ladies did not disappoint with a fine display put on by the Lions Den staff and a few of the more adventurous. Best dressed was won by Kerry and funniest hat (or head) by none other than Mitch. The passing traffic did not disappoint either with a lovely tourist couple putting on their spring best for the big occasion, including beads, a colorfully decorated straw hat and gorgeous Hawaiian shirt…well done guys!

After all the excitement true recognition must go to the wonderful horse ‘Shocking’ that took home the Melbourne Cup. Just goes to prove that no matter where you are Melbourne Cup day is a day for the masses and ALWAYS a good excuse to break out the bubbly.

Motorbikes Galore

2009-11-08T14:46:00.000+10:00

About 45 motor bikers from far and wide made the trek from Cairns to the Lions Den Hotel via the famous Creb Track and Bloomfield Tracks as part of the annual DSMRA (Dual Sport Motorcycle Riders Association) ride. Fueled by a big day of riding the boys were geared up for some fun and managed to fall in love with the Lions Den backpacker barmaids.

It looked like a great turn out for the club, with a huge range in the ages and experience of riders. They all at least seemed to achieve what they’d set out for..…a bloody good weekend away. So with very few injuries and only sore heads to contend with Sunday morning the boys headed back to Cairns with plenty of dust but unfortunately no phone numbers!

TPI (Vietnam Veterans) jazz up the place.

2009-11-08T14:28:00.001+10:00

Lance Peterson and twenty of his merry men from the TPI Federation of Vietnam Veterans brought a touch of glamour to the Lions Den in recent weeks, with a formal military dinner at the pub to conclude their yearly reunion. A hazy but entertaining two days was had by these young at hearts and it was a night of many laughs with elaborate candelabras, printed formal shirts and of course the customary port. Cheers boys!

The 'Roadtrippers' get the party started.

2009-09-25T12:19:00.001+10:00

The local boys did it again on Saturday night, on their way to musical world domination. The Roadtrippers hit the Lions Den deck with a massive line up of pumping, rocky songs in a pre-launch of their second double album ‘Open Country/Demon Country’. The masses came to be entertained and were not disappointed as Gav and the boys blasted out a never ending array of great original hits.

The bar was pumping, the amber was flowing and the silver decorations hanging from the bar roof (from Mick’s 40^th) just added to the mood. There was dancing like you’ve never seen before, and may not again……...at least until next time!

Camping the night and staying over at the Lions Den allowed plenty of people to party on and enjoy the medicinal benefits of bacon and eggs the next morning and of course the occasional bloody mary.

Can’t wait till next month, where we’ll do it all over again!

4WD Action and Roothy blow the froth off a few!

2009-09-25T11:11:00.000+10:00

In typical Roothy style, Milo and the 4WD Action crew turned up at the Den for a great night of feasting, drinking and catching up with new and old friends. We helped them unwind after a long day of travelling up the Bloomfield Track, through the Daintree on their way to Cape York to film their latest DVD adventure for this months 4WD Action magazine. Endless laughs, tall stories, a few debates and a pile of dead VB’s ensured the night was another memorable one at the Lions Den.

Thanks Roothy, see you back here soon

cheers!!!!

When Charlie Boorman Came To Town

2009-08-13T10:17:00.004+10:00

Fans of Motor bike adventurer Charlie Boorman would have been as excited as we were when Charlie and his crew dropped in for a visit in July. The Big Earth TV team were on their way from Sydney to Japan filming the second series of By Any Means.

Charlie found fame a few years ago when he and his best mate Ewan McGregor, tackled what must have been one of the most challenging motorbike expeditions of all time. The intrepid pair rode from London to New York the 'Long Way Round' via Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Canada etc.

In this latest adventure, Charlie is travelling by any means possible, except flying, making it a true overland expedition. Our Max had just taken delivery of a new motorbike and was fortunate enough to be able to spend a day riding with Charlie and his crew up through the Daintree forests, certainly an experience he'll never forget.

After a big days riding, the By Any Means team kicked back with some local brews and regailed up with stories of their adventures before hitting the road the next morning.