Brief History

Established as the Royal Terminus Hotel in the 1840's, the hotel remains one of Brightons oldest landmarks. The second Hotel south of the Yarra River and originally built of local red ironstone, it was sited on a pleasantly treed cape on the very edge of "the south road" or southern border, of Brighton founder Henry Dendy's 2000 hectare estate.

The hotel was once so remote that it was bailed up by bushrangers.

Very quickly the establishment of five gracious sitting rooms, seven bedrooms for 30 shillings a week and stables became a destination resort. Also for hire were the prototype bathing boxes, these were wheeled into the bay for a healthy sea dip. The crowds from Melbourne came down the sand track to "The Esplanade" by horse drawn omnibus and later by horse drawn tram to the Terminus for a 2 shilling fare.The extension of the train line in 1861 increased the allure of Brighton to summer day trippers and to the middle class, who would make breezy Brighton their home.

The altered but recognisable "Georgian" facade has witnessed it all and is classified by the National Trust.

The ground level offers a Bistro, alfresco courtyard and function/event room, while the 2nd level also has a function/events room, as well as a terrace with fantastic views of the bay.

Milanos Pre 2008            Milanos Hotel 2008