Built in 1864, the Blues Point Hotel is one of the original pubs in Sydney's northern suburbs, boasting boutique accommodation as well as several outdoor entertaining areas.

The former Qantas chief executive bought the first hotel for the Dixon family's G & D Dixon Investments in 2012 -- a historic pub in Camden 65km southwest of Sydney's central business district.

The pub, called the Plough and Harrow Inn, cost more than $4m and has since been upgraded by the Dixon family.

Closer to Sydney, it is understood Mr Dixon plans minor renovations of the 150-year-old Blues Point Hotel, which he has purchased from licensee and owner Ken Thompson.

Apart from its award-winning bistro, the pub features six newly renovated rooms that rent out from $99 a double.

Sources close to Mr Dixon, the chairman of Tourism Australia, said last night he would continue looking for family-oriented hotels to purchase through G & D Dixon Investments. Settlement of the Blues Point Hotel is expected today.

Mr Dixon is also chairman of the Australian Pub Fund, a hotel venture involving advertising executive John Singleton and investment banker Mark Carnegie that owns 12 pubs in Sydney and Brisbane.

The APF is also continuing to scour the eastern seaboard for good pub deals, having recently bought the Elephant Arms Hotel in Brisbane and the Bristol Hotel in Sydney.

At some stage there could be a float or a sale of the pubs, which were worth about $200m, sources said last night.

Mr Dixon's penthouse in Hickson Road, The Rocks, remains on the market with a price tag of more than $8m.

Source:  The Australian - 14 March 2014