Justin Hemmes officially reopened The Whale hotel in Narooma on Friday, marking the continuation of his expansion on the South Coast. The Sydney hospitality mogul purchased his own waterfront property in the town in 2015 and has since acquired several local venues through his company Merivale.
A Boutique Hotel with a 1970s Vibe
The 18-room boutique hotel underwent a three-year renovation, much of which was carried out by tradespeople from Canberra. The property was reimagined by the Merivale Design Studio, drawing inspiration from 1970s coastal design while incorporating contemporary finishes. Perched high in the town, The Whale offers panoramic views across the Wagonga Inlet.
Hemmes described the project as Merivale's first venture into resort-style accommodation. "This is our first resort-style accommodation that we've done at Merivale, and it's a very different skill to creating a hospitality venue because there are so many more layers to it," he said. "You need to cover the 24/7 experience of the guest and there are a lot of complexities to get it right."
Local Support and Future Plans
Hemmes praised the local support, particularly from Canberra-based trades and suppliers. "We've had huge local support, including many trades and suppliers from Canberra. I don't want to name some and miss a couple, so I'll just say that all who we worked with did an incredible job and it was a pleasure to work with them," he said.
He expressed his commitment to Narooma, stating, "I would like to think that we will continue to invest in and promote Narooma. It really is a very special place." The Whale is designed to showcase the beauty of Narooma, with Hemmes emphasizing that "the hero is Narooma."
Facilities and Dining
The hotel features Dan Hong's Queen Chow modern Cantonese restaurant, which has returned with refreshed interiors and a new menu. Guests can also enjoy wellness amenities including a traditional sauna, ice bath, heated magnesium pool, and a pickleball court. Additional offerings include beach gear, yoga mats, and pedal-assisted bikes for guests to explore the area.
The Whale's general manager, Erin Proud, said the hotel aims to immerse guests in the local spirit. "Narooma has a real sense of character and authenticity that's becoming harder to find and that's something we wanted to protect," she said. "The Whale is about creating a place where people can properly switch off, while still feeling connected to the town and community around them."
When asked if he worries about Narooma becoming too popular, Hemmes responded, "Never! The region is magnificent with so much for everyone to enjoy, there's no secret about that. I'll always sing Narooma's praises and plan to support the area and its people through our venues and businesses for many years to come."
