Australia’s oldest Greek cafe and milk bar to reopen with new owners

·

In the regional country town of Gundagai sits Australia’s oldest Greek cafe and milk bar, opened in 1902 by Kytherian migrant Strati Notaras.

For the past 18 months, the art deco Niagara Cafe in Sheridan Street, as it is now called, has languished unsold on the real estate market, in what was its second public sale in 100 years.

In March 2021, a year and a half after the Niagara’s long-time owners, the Loukissas family, put it up for sale, a buyer has been found.

The Loukissas family Nick, Tina and Denise, outside the cafe in 1986. Photo: Effy Alexakis

Wishing to stay anonymous, Marya Stylli, a real estate agent for MasterSell Australia, confirmed that a couple has bought the Niagara and that after a refurbishment, the buyers plan to reopen it later this year and operate it again as a milk-bar and cafe.

In the book Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia, authored by Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis, the Niagara, Australia’s “wonder cafe”, is described as “a magnificent example of the classic country Greek cafe”.

After opening in 1902, the cafe has been run by Greek-Australians continuously throughout its history.

Niagara Cafe in Sheridan Street. Photo: Facebook

“The Niagara’s recent sale has brought into sharp focus the socio-cultural and historical significance of the enterprise and the building,” says Mr Janiszewski.

“It is essentially, the finest remaining specimen of its kind; a jewel of the period when Greek cafés nourished the nation’s appetite for a good feed after a long country drive, or before or after a night out at the flicks.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to hold memorial marking 113 years since Lesvos’ liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events.

Film Review: ‘Athens Midnight Radio’ is Haralambidis’ nocturnal love letter to Athens

The 30th Greek Film Festival opened last week and featured a screening of Renos Haralambidis’ Athens Midnight Radio (2024).

Elena Pappas honoured with the 2025 Stephen Myall Award

At the Law Institute of Victoria’s annual awards ceremony in October 2025, Elena Pappas was recognised with the Stephen Myall Award.

‘Fertility and Filoxenia’: Empowering conversations on fertility and IVF options

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and Greek Community of Melbourne invite everyone to attend a free educational event on fertility.

Tom Panos blames PM for worsening housing crisis after confrontation at Sydney auction

Auctioneer Tom Panos says he was threatened by an angry bidder after an auction in Guildford over the weekend.

You May Also Like

Maria Menounos named Hellenic Olympic Committee Ambassador for LA 2028

Greek American actress and TV presenter Maria Menounos has been appointed Ambassador of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC).

‘Poor Things’ film sweeps four awards at 2024 Oscars

The winners have officially been revealed for the 2024 Oscars, with Yorgos Lanthimos’ film sweeping several major award titles.

Maria Sakkari crushes No.4 seed Kenin to reach first ever French Open quarter final

Maria Sakkari demolished Sofia Kenin, 6-1, 6-3, on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.