Landmark heritage building in Eden, Hotel Australasia, will be holding a gala re-opening ceremony from 5pm on Saturday, 17 December, following a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion.
Commonly known to locals as the "Grand Old Lady", the hotel at Imlay Street is now 119 years old and has returned to be a place for locals and tourists to stay in luxury accommodation, eat, gather, and be entertained.
The Australasia now features eight superbly appointed rooms for couples and families, providing a base in the heart of Eden from which they can explore the beautiful Sapphire Coast.
The hotel's heritage bar, now called "The John Hines Bar", has been fully renovated and expanded to cater for small and large groups, while the building also features a new distillery producing vodka and gin.
Another key amenity is an intimate lounge room, called "Judy's Lounge", where high teas are served for intimate gatherings, while "Pikes Bistro" is now open and serving mouth-watering dishes.
The Australasia, which has just been announced as a State-significant site and heritage listed by the National Trust, will again be an important community amenity for Eden and wider Sapphire coat community.
The 5-star boutique heritage hotel has recently appointed Luke Wakefield as head chef. Mr Wakefield has 20 years of award-winning experience as a chef.
Mr Mark Toma, a director of Core Asset development, said "We are excited to be re-opening this Sapphire Coast icon and provide the region with a much-needed shot in the arm, generating jobs and tourism growth.
"We are proud to open the hotel again and welcome locals and tourists, especially as cruise ships have now returned to the newly renovated port in Eden", he concluded.
