About

Mel's family first came to Benalla in the late 1800s when her Great x3 Grand-Uncles Richard and George (Geo) Louch purchased an old favourite of the Benalla locals - The Broken River Hotel, a majestic building that once stood in the heart of the town.

​

Mel and Woodsy were looking for an exciting life change that would help build a sustainable future and a legacy for their family, and in 2022 what started as an unusual internet search quickly led to taking over as the licensees of  The Northo. 

Mel's Uncle Daryl, a retired train driver from Melbourne, spent years driving engines on the Benalla line right past the front door of the Northo. So, when the opportunity arose for Mel and Woodsy to take on this exciting new adventure they couldn't resist inviting Daryl along to help them pick up where her ancestors left off.

​

Welcome to The Northo.

From our family, to yours.