Our Story

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
2014
The indoor pool was extended with a new kids pool and two in-ground spas added
2014
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
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

Excellent Location
Staff were really welcoming, room was very clean, neat and accommodation has restaurant/pub on site, which was great. We were in Ballarat for 1 night to catch-up with family/friends, so easy to meet everyone for dinner.
Venessa C
August 14, 2022
Perfect night stay
This room was perfect for our family of 5. I highly recommend this to families. The pool and sauna were awesome, we had lots of fun in the games room, and the kids enjoyed a work out in the gym. Ideal if you are in Ballarat to go to Sovereign Hill. A little more than we normally would like to pay, but it was well worth it.
Rhiannon D
July, 2022
Great family friendly accomodation
Absolutely loved our stay, including the interconnecting rooms which meant hubby and I had a bed to ourselves - so much space to accomodate our family of 6! Close to everything including Sovereign Hill, Ballarat wildlife park, the cinema and city centre. Restaurant was lovely and the kids loved the pool. When they advertise heated pool, they mean it! It was like a big bath! Will def stay again if we come back to Ballarat
Louise G
July, 2022
Very good
Very friendly staff the amenities were great the room was a spa room very clean & had everything we needed. The bed was very comfortable with electric blankets being so cold. Plenty of parking everything was in walking distance. Overall definitely would stay here again.
Michael D
July, 2022
My new favorite.
Was desperate, my normal place had no accommodation. What a stroke of luck. This place is awesome. Service fantastic. Rooms amazing, big and clean. Great shower. Heated and cosy. And most importantly in Ballarat - electric blanket on the bed.
Aaron
May, 2022
Just perfect for family trip.
We had a great family holiday in this accommodation . Really satisfied with everything. Food was nice, breakfast service which I ordered late in the morning and they were willing to do it, great maintaining for all the facilities and all the staff were very kind. ( Tim, Hector, Alison...and staffs in the restaurant) We stayed 2nights and never feel discomfort at all. I'm grateful for their service.
Zena J
April, 2022
We would definitely stay here again!
We stayed for 3 nights in a two bedroom apartment. The room was excellent, very comfortable, very clean and was very well maintained. The pool area and games room were also a hit with the kids. We would definitely stay here again when we return to Ballarat!
Joel B
April, 2022
Excellent Accommodation
We stayed for 2 nights over Easter and had a great stay. Excellent room and facilities. Staff friendly and only too happy to assist s when required. Excellent hotel next door which made it easy to have dinner after a long day on the road. Definitely stay there again
Robert B
April, 2022
Great Stay
Executive Room was quite a good size for a family with 2 small children. Staff were super friendly, welcoming and accommodating to our requests. Heated indoor pool was a hit with the kids. Highly recommended and will stay again next time we're in Ballarat.
Mel K
Mar, 2022
perfect
Second time staying here, both times for work. The rooms are beautiful, bed big and comfy. Linen perfect. Bathroom large and accomodating. Thirst towels, plenty of hot water and great pressure. Staff are warm and friendly and so engaged. Close to everything, including the Red Lion which serves awesome food and will deliver to your room! Also very quiet.
Belinda D
Mar, 2022
Sign up now to receive deals, offers & news!