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.
The original 1850's Red Lion Hotel. It was then rebuit in 1938
Leo and Elaine Canny purchased the freehold and business of the Red Lion. The building included a bar, bistro, kitchen and 11 motel units.
Leo & Elaine’s eldest son Peter began working in the bottle shop and bar whilst studying at university
Saw the purchase of the adjacent joinery works and timber yard and a roadway.
An extra 8 units, reception and a residence over reception were built and the motel was named Sovereign Park Motor Inn.
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
The recreation centre was built within the factory walls. This included an indoor pool, spa and gymnasium.
Another 16 motel units were built.
14 Executive Spa motel units were built plus an upstairs conference room
Leo & Elaine’s youngest son; David Canny switched from teaching to hospitality and begun working at the Red Lion
Tim began working in the Red Lion whilst studying at uni
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.
The indoor pool was extended with a new kids pool and two in-ground spas added
The Red Lion dining room was renamed ‘Leo’s Restaurant’
Tim became a business partner in Sovereign Park Motor Inn
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.
Sovereign Park is named winner of Victorian Motel of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards
Sovereign Park wins GOLD at the VTIC Victorian Tourism Awards in the 4-4.5 Star Accommodation category
Today, the Red Lion and Sovereign Park Motor Inn employ almost 100 people and welcome well over a thousand customers a week.
