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Sovereign Park Motor Inn & The Red Lion Hotel – Proudly third-generation, family owned and operated in Ballarat for nearly 50 years.

Since the early 1980s, our family legacy has grown from humble beginnings to become one of Ballarat’s most trusted destinations for accommodation.

Over the years, we’ve continued to evolve, adding executive spa units, conference facilities, improved dining spaces, and expanding our offerings, all while staying true to the values that Leo and Elaine built upon: genuine hospitality, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Today, Sovereign Park and The Red Lion are thriving together. We employ almost 100 staff and welcome well over a thousand guests a week. Guests love our family-friendly facilities, modern accommodation, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, gym, games room, and close proximity to Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Ballarat CBD.

1937
1937
1952
1952
1977
Leo and Elaine Canny purchased the freehold and business of the Red Lion. The building included a bar, bistro, kitchen and 11 motel units.
1977
1977
Leo & Elaine’s eldest son Peter began working in the bottle shop and bar whilst studying at university
1977
1981
Saw the purchase of the adjacent joinery works and timber yard and a roadway.
1981
1982
An extra 8 units, reception and a residence over reception were built and the motel was named Sovereign Park Motor Inn.
1982
1983
Peter, Karen and their 6-month old boy Tim moved into the residence above reception and took on management responsibilities of the 19-room Sovereign Park Motor Inn plus some Red Lion administration duties
1983
1984
The recreation centre was built within the factory walls. This included an indoor pool, spa and gymnasium.
1984
1986
Another 16 motel units were built.
1986
1992
14 Executive Spa motel units were built plus an upstairs conference room
1992
1993
Leo & Elaine’s youngest son; David Canny switched from teaching to hospitality and begun working at the Red Lion
1993
1996
1996
2000
Tim began working in the Red Lion whilst studying at uni
2000
2004
From 2004 until 2012, Tim travelled the world working in hotels in Perth, London and Whistler before returning to Ballarat to work with Peter at Sovereign Park Motor Inn.
2004
2012
The indoor pool was extended with a new kids pool and two in-ground spas added
2012
2015
The Red Lion dining room was renamed ‘Leo’s Restaurant’
2015
2017
Tim became a business partner in Sovereign Park Motor Inn
2017
March 2021
Leo passed away after a long life of building an incredible family legacy through the Red Lion and Sovereign Park Motor Inn.
18 months later, in October 2022, Elaine was reunited with her life-long soul mate, Leo.
March 2021
2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards - Winner of Motel of the Year
August 2025
Sovereign Park is named winner of Victorian Motel of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards
August 2025
Today
Today, the Red Lion and Sovereign Park Motor Inn employ almost 100 people and welcome well over a thousand customers a week.
Today

Our Values

Staff & Guest
Wellbeing

Endeavour for
Excellence

Honesty & Integrity

Sustainability

Reviews

Family Getaway
It was perfect for our little family getaway. Super close to where we wanted to be. Room was very clean and warm. The kids absolutely loved the heated pool. The pub next door had great breakfast and dinner and the staff there are so welcoming. Super handy after a busy day to nip there for lovely food. Will definitely stay again next time we’re in Ballara
Kimberley
July, 2025
Loved everything about this place. Beds comfortable. Had essential items for the kitchenette, which was very handy. The spa bath was great. The heated poo,l spa, table tennis, and pool was amazing!! Having the restaurant just across from our room was so convenient. Excellent service, very accommodating to our needs. This place was so good that we were happy to stay and relax by the pool. Will definitely be back. A hidden gem in Ballarat.
Misty
June, 2025
Perfect Place
I travel a lot for work and stayed at many places around Australia. Sovereign Park was clearly the best. All the staff were wonderful. That includes the Red Lion Hotel which sits adjacent to the motel where there is a great range of meals.
Richard
July, 2025
I recently stayed at the room with Spa Bath and had a fantastic experience. The room was spotless, spacious, and well-appointed, but the highlight was definitely the spa bath—so relaxing after a long day of travel! The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the location was convenient for exploring nearby attractions. I especially appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the attention to detail throughout the property. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a comfortable and rejuvenating getaway!
Chrissie
May, 2025
While working in Ballarat I needed an overnight room. Choosing the Sovereign Park was perfect in every way. Was greeted by the Tash who was super friendly and very helpful. The rooms were of a standard you would expect from a high end hotel. The stay was completed by the amazing staff at the on site restaurant which delivered top class service and food.
James
2025
The Spot to Stop in Ballarat
You will not be disappointed. The rooms are clean, fit for purpose and the beds comfortable but that's only for while you're in there. The pool, spa, sauna, gym, pool table, pickle ball court are where you'll spend time relaxing or taking on your friends and family in a contest to remember. When you're not in there the bistro, front bar and gaming room has everything you need from breakfast to dinner and all your sports entertainment can be found on the big TV's on the wall. The food is great value, proper "country" hospitality awaits and it is our go to when in Ballarat or stopping over on the way to Melbourne. If you're looking for a spot in Ballarat for a night or a week, look no further.
Dave L
May, 2025
Excellent
Excellent service throughout. From check in to dinner all staff were welcoming and a pleasure to talk to. A colleague who travels all over Victoria had been staying there for 2 weeks and raved about it. Says it’s the best service he had experienced in a long time. Thoroughly recommended
Tom G
March, 2025
Excellent
The staff were so lovely and helpful!! We had breakfast at the cafe in the morning, the kids breakfasts were fabulous and the coffee was delicious. The pool was so warm and lovely and clean and the kids had fun playing pickle ball. Exactly what we needed.
Bronwyn
May, 2025
A little Gem in Ballarat
Great Motel, within walking distance to Sovereign Hills and a number of restaurants and cafes. The Red Lion was excellent, great atmosphere and meals. Room was very clean and spacious, very comfortable bed and big roomy bathroom with a spa. Parking at your door which was very handy for moving luggage. Indoor pool and games area was really good, perfect if travelling with children. Highly recommend and would definitely stay again in back in Ballarat.
Bernadette
May, 2025
Fab!
Every single staff member was delightful, the rooms were meticulous, the food in the restaurant/bar was beautiful and well priced. The facilities were fantastic. Will definitely be back and have shared our recommendation to others
Sarah
March, 2025
Great Value
Booked 3 x rooms here as we were staying with friends for the night and all were clean and comfortable. Staff at check in were super nice and friendly which started the weekend off perfectly! Location was excellent and the restaurant next door was an added bonus as the breakfast was fantastic. Would definitely stay here again!
Sharyn
Jan, 2025
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