Arkaba Hotel celebrates 60 years as one of Australia’s most iconic hotels
One of Adelaide’s most iconic hospitality venues, the Arkaba Hotel, is celebrating 60 years of entertainment, hospitality and community connection, marking the milestone with a program of special events, nostalgic activations and throwback food and beverage offerings.
Opened in 1966, Peter and Jenny Hurley acquired the Arkaba Hotel in 1991, saving the iconic venue from the hands of receivers and helping it to become a landmark destination in South Australia’s hospitality scene.
Over the years, the Arkaba has entertained generations of South Australians across live music, sport, milestone celebrations, dining, weddings, functions and unforgettable nights out.
Inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame in 2018, the Arkaba has played host to some of the most renowned artists and bands including Cold Chisel, Paul Kelly, The Cure, and Split Enz.
The 60-year milestone also follows one of the most awarded years for the Arkaba Hotel, recently crowned Australia’s Best Hotel at the 2025 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) while also taking out Best Overall Hotel – Metropolitan at the 2025 AHA National Awards for Excellence.
Managing Director of the Hurley Hotel Group, Jenny Hurley AM, said reaching 60 years was an incredibly proud milestone for both the venue and the wider community that has supported it for generations.
“The Arkaba Hotel means so much to so many South Australians. For 60 years it has been a place where people have celebrated special occasions, enjoyed live entertainment, gathered with family and friends and created lifelong memories,” Jenny said.
“The Arkaba has hosted notable bands by the likes of Icehouse, Mental as Anything and Midnight Oil, in addition to entertainers including Wil Anderson, Carl Cox and, more recently, Abbie Chatfield – the Top of the Ark has seen it all.”
“It’s incredibly special to see generations of families continue to return to the Arkaba. We’re very proud of the role the hotel has played in Adelaide’s hospitality and entertainment scene and grateful to our loyal staff, patrons and community who have supported the venue throughout its journey,” Jenny continued.
In 2024, the Arkaba Hotel underwent its most significant and extensive renovation. The $12 million revitalisation included the addition of the new Lounge and Restaurant, an upgraded Top of the Ark, refreshed reception and function facilities and the new-look Sportys Bar.
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the hotel will host a series of special events and nostalgic installations throughout June.
Celebrations will include live entertainment events such as New Romantics on Saturday 30 May, Timewarp Too on Friday 19 June and Saddle and Stomp’s first birthday celebrations alongside the Arkaba’s 60th birthday on Friday 26 June.
Guests will also be able to enjoy a range of nostalgic activations throughout the venue including a commemorative lift wrap featuring a collage of customer and staff photos, historical photo displays showcasing the evolution of the hotel over the decades, installations highlighting previous Arkaba logos and anniversary branding throughout the venue.
A series of throwback food and beverage specials will also run throughout June including the return of popular Schnitzels Plus offerings, prawn cocktail specials, triple chocolate desserts and a commemorative Brandy Alexander cocktail. On Tuesday 9 June, the venue also served 100 pieces of birthday cake to patrons dining at the hotel that evening.
Hotel Manager, Brad Harper, said the venue’s success had always come back to its people and connection with the community.
“The Arkaba’s strength is that it keeps evolving while staying familiar. A huge part of that comes down to our incredible staff who put so much passion into creating memorable experiences for every person who walks through the doors,” Brad said.
Today, the Arkaba Hotel employs more than 120 staff and remains one of Adelaide’s premier destinations for dining, entertainment, accommodation, functions and live sport, continuing to create lasting memories while shaping South Australians for decades to come.
For further information on the program of events, visit: Arkaba Hotel