The restaurant was famous in Melbourne for its long-running television commercials, cabaret shows, and smorgasbord.

An unusually large establishment, The Swagman eventually had a capacity of 1,200 seats and covered 20,000 square metres,[2] and was noted for attracting buses of tourists from rural and international locations, especially Japan.

The floor shows, featuring dancers, singers, and other acts, were quite unique in Melbourne at that time.

Choreographers included Peggy Rush, Coral Deague, Jan Rogers, and Jodie Greenwood.

Performers who played at the venue included Frank Amorosi (father of Vanessa Amorosi), David Gould, Dean Lotherington, Sean Martin Hingston, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Goulet, the Mills Brothers, Dr. Hook, Pilita Corrales, and the Village People.