The Wrest Point Hotel Casino is located at 410 Sandy Bay Road in he Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay, Tasmania. Wrest Point became Australia's first legal casino when it opened on 10 February 1973. Wrest Point became Australia's first legal casino when it opened on 10 February 1973.
Apart from Mount Wellington and maybe the Tasman Bridge, the most prominent feature on the Hobart skyline is an octagonal tower standing on the Sandy Bay shoreline, just south of the Royal Tasmanian Yacht Club. At 64 m, this building is the tallest in Hobart. It’s also one of the city’s nightlife hubs. It’s the legendary Wrest Point Casino.
At 64 m, this building is the tallest in Hobart. It’s also one of the city’s nightlife hubs. It’s the legendary Wrest Point Casino. Originally, there was another hotel on the site. Built in 1939, the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel was a popular spot in town and became part of Federal Hotels in 1956. On 10th February 1973, the doors opened. The development – Wrest Point – had a profound impact on the community. Boosting economic confidence and paving the way for the state’s thriving hospitality and tourism industries. The Wrest Point Hotel Casino opened amidst controversy in February 1973. An immediate success, it kick-started the nation's casino industry which has mushroomed in the decades since. Wrest Point Casino History – a collection of staff photographs from 1973. Peter Stevens was a member of the Tas. Police, when Wrest point opened, and he joined.
Originally, there was another hotel on the site. Built in 1939, the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel was a popular spot in town and became part of Federal Hotels in 1956. During the next decade, the hotel group, the oldest in Australia, wanted to attract more visitors to Tassie and they thought the best way to do this was to open a casino. The problem was that there had never been a legal casino anywhere in the country.
Not everyone thought a casino would be a good idea, though, so in 1968 a state referendum was held to ask the public how they felt. With a ‘yes’ vote of 53%, the casino was given a green light and construction of the new hotel and casino complex started. The grand opening was in 1973 and the Wrest Point Casino set the ball in motion for other casinos to open in Tasmania.
Today the complex offers a range of accommodation for different budgets, with the most luxurious rooms in the famous tower. At the top of this 17-floor structure is The Point Revolving Restaurant, where you can have lunch or high tea on Fridays and dinner on Tuesday to Saturday nights, all while enjoying stunning 360-degree views of Hobart.
The hotel and casino complex has several other dining options on offer too, including a waterfront restaurant and bar, a coffee shop and a bistro. There are a couple of bars too, one of which, the Birdcage Bar, has live music on most nights. Wrest Point regularly hosts spectacular shows and big-name acts and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra often performs here.
Other facilities at Wrest Point include a hair salon, a beauty salon, a convention centre and a private pier. There are sports facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, tennis court and mini golf too.
Of course the main reason for Wrest Point’s existence is the casino itself, Australia’s first. This is where you can be the high roller at the roulette wheel or blackjack table, put on your poker face or try and hit the jackpot at the gaming machines.
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Southern Tasmania
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Wrest Point is a stunning resort with a history that goes back to 1808, with the casino opening its doors on February 10th 1973, making it the first casino, or certainly the first legal casino, in Australia. Its setting on the River Derwent in the Sandy Bay suburb of Hobart lends it a degree of style and glamour whilst retaining easy links to the CBD. It offers pretty much everything you would expect from a casino in the state capital and poker fans are especially well catered for. There is a dedicated poker pit where the annual Texas Hold ‘em Championship takes place whilst regular games are held Wednesday to Saturday.
There is a range of accommodation available from the 3.5 star Mountain Side rooms to the 4.5 star Wrest Point Tower rooms and suites with sweeping panoramic views of the river, city and Mount Wellington. With a fine range of boutique, casual and premium dining options you can be assured of being well fed and watered no matter what your budget. There are six bars and special events, such as Footy Fridays, festive specials and gala events for big occasions such as the Melbourne Cup.
Getting to the casino and resort is easy. If you have a car there is extensive free and secure parking for all guests, whilst Sandy Bay is just a short 10 minute drive or 30 minute walk from the centre of Hobart. Taxis and buses are also cheap and easy options and the casino is always able to help make arrangements.
Wrest Point is likely to appeal to sports fans, with the Sports Lounge screening all big events and offering Betasport facilities too, as well as offering a superb selection of beers. With great shows too, be it comedy or top international music acts, Wrest Point has a good go at catering for people of all tastes.
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Wrest Point Casino History Map
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