Ramia family puts The Sphinx back on market
The Ramia family has relisted The Sphinx, seeking about $40 million
The 15,000 sqm Egyptian-themed hotel and entertainment complex at 2-6 Thompson Road, North Geelong, is offered a freehold going concern.
The leasehold and freehold are also available separately marking the end of an era for the operators which opened the complex in the late 1990s on a site operated as the Golf View Hotel, since 1971.
An adjoining 5600 square metre block of land is for sale too.
HTL Property’s George Iliopulos and Scott Callow are the agents.
Golf View to The Sphinx
Ray Ramia opened the Golf View Hotel after establishing himself in Geelong’s clothing and tailoring industry.
His son George redeveloped it, installing a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza above the building.
The approximately 15-metre-high structure was accompanied by Egyptian motifs, statues, hieroglyphics and a mock gold pharaoh’s tomb.
When the business was offered for sale in 2024, he said the family was large and members were wanting to do different things (continues below).
Gaming and entertainment
The North Geelong complex comprises Pharaoh’s Bistro, with seating for about 200 people, and the 400-seat Luxor Showroom, which hosts functions, weddings and live entertainment.
Other facilities include a sports bar with TAB facilities, a Thirsty Camel drive-through bottle shop and 16 motel rooms.
The venue has hosted Australian performers including Johnny O’Keefe, Little River Band, Cold Chisel and the Angels. It also stages the annual Geelong Elvis Festival.
The gaming operation comprises 67 electronic gambling machines.
The $11.5m in gaming revenue reported for FY26 accounted for most of the venue’s total revenue, according to the sales campaign.
Planning applications lodged with the City of Greater Geelong have included additional motel accommodation, an Egyptian-themed mini-golf course and alterations to parts of the existing hotel and outdoor areas.
The listing six months since the City of Greater Geelong sold the former livestock saleyards site at 125-135 Weddell Road to Leaf Corporation for $11m. The 4.3ha property has been earmarked for a residential-led project that could accommodate up to 600 homes.
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