The Kondari Hotel - Hervey Bay

The Kondari Hotel in Hervey Bay has been refreshed through a considered refurbishment that celebrates the relaxed coastal character of the Fraser Coast. Set around a tranquil lakeside setting, the venue has long served as a gathering place for locals and visitors, offering a uniquely casual hospitality environment that reflects the lifestyle of the region.

Hervey Bay developed from a small coastal settlement into a well-known tourism destination throughout the twentieth century, recognised for its sheltered waters and close connection to K’gari (Fraser Island). Today the area is widely celebrated as one of the world’s premier whale watching locations, with humpback whales migrating through the bay each year—an identity that strongly shapes the character and culture of the region.

C+W’s refurbishment responds directly to this setting and lifestyle, shaping a hospitality environment that feels open, relaxed and closely connected to the outdoors. The design enhances the venue’s relationship with the lake at the centre of the property, with hospitality spaces oriented to maximise views across the water and create a calm, resort-like atmosphere suited to long lunches, casual drinks and family gatherings.

The beer garden forms a key focal point of the project, where a large-scale mural of a humpback whale celebrates the natural heritage of Hervey Bay and its globally recognised marine visitors. The artwork anchors the outdoor space with a sense of place and storytelling, while reinforcing the relaxed coastal identity of the venue.

Overlooking the lake, the refurbishment also incorporates a dedicated children’s playground, allowing families to enjoy the venue while younger visitors engage with the outdoor environment. The combination of landscape, hospitality spaces and family-friendly amenities reflects the easygoing rhythm of life in Hervey Bay.

Through a carefully considered approach to materiality, layout and connection to the landscape, C+W’s hospitality design brings renewed life to the Kondari Hotel—strengthening its role as a relaxed lakeside destination shaped by the coastal character of the Fraser Coast.