The Peninsula Hotel officially opened on Melbourne cup day 1968, (formally known as the Dinosaur Hotel) – “Why it was called The Dinosaur”, in 1966 during the time it was being built, the owner Mr Irwin and a friend flew his light aircraft over the property after the foundations had been poured and from his aeroplane he photographed the foundations when the photos were developed it looked like the shape of a dinosaur. As Mr Irwin at the time was studying prehistoric animals as a interest, he called it the Dinosaur Hotel.

It had several other owners’ between1968 and 1986 when it was purchased by its current owner Keith Burns on December 22nd 1986 at the time Keith purchased the Hotel; it had a bad reputation and was quite run down.

In order to create a family environment and a totally different image for the Hotel Keith changed the name to The Peninsula Hotel (9 months later).

Since then the complex has undergone a total renovation several times to a very upmarket hotel with an indoor waterfall and glass roofed function centre its design is very fresh and inviting to all with many stand out features including a family friendly atmosphere whether you are dining out on your own, with the children, or celebrating that special occasion with friends, relaxing and enjoying a drink in the cocktail bar or outside in the heated beer garden complete with waterfall and background music.

Other features of The Peninsula Hotel include three outdoor smoking areas, a T.A.B c/w 3 terminals (3 EBT’s), 4 star motel accommodation, drive-in-bottle shop, children’s indoor / outdoor playroom and car parking for 200 cars.