History

The Willawarrin Hotel on Main Street is the third hotel to serve the village.

The current art-deco-influenced timber building dates from 1926 , with John O'Neill serving as its very first publican. Today, it stands as one of the oldest operational hotel sites in the entire Macleay region, second only to the West Kempsey Hotel.

Between 1949 and 1970 , Willawarrin grew into an important livestock-selling centre for regional farmers. During this boom era, the hotel was the thriving commercial epicenter where stockmen, timber workers, and dairy farmers gathered to trade cattle, talk business, and share stories.

The paddock directly adjacent to the hotel holds its own piece of Australian folklore. In 1955 , it was the birthplace of Abbey , a legendary Australian Stock Horse owned by Harry Ball. Abbey went on to become an icon of the sport, winning 23 campdrafts over a span of seven and a half years and cementing the pub's deep ties to local rodeo and campdraft history.

The property is recognized by the Kempsey Shire Council as an item of high heritage significance. Operating with traditional pub accommodation, a commercial kitchen, and an expansive beer garden layout, the venue proudly celebrates its centennial history.