Awaba House reopens after $7.8 million restoration

The historic Awaba House in Lake Macquarie has officially reopened following a seven-year restoration project. The redevelopment follows a devastating 2019 fire that gutted the 1927 building, leaving only its facade and circular portico intact.

The total project cost reached $7.8 million, covering reconstruction, landscaping, and safety works. The restoration design intentionally incorporates the building’s history by featuring exposed walls and burn marks from the fire near the entrance. The revitalized venue includes a function room overlooking the lake, an outdoor terrace, upgraded kitchen facilities, and improved accessibility.

Managed by The Catering Group, the site will feature a 50-seat cafe opening to the public this Monday. A casual fine-dining restaurant with capacity for 60 to 100 guests is scheduled to begin service in early November. The landmark, which has a history on the site dating back to the 1870s, is expected to serve as a major dining and tourism destination for the region.