Lake Macquarie's iconic lakeside venue reopens

After seven years, one of Lake Macquarie's most recognisable buildings is finally ready to welcome visitors again, reopening as a dining and events destination.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Booragul, alongside the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang and its surrounding Sculpture Park, Awaba House has long held a special place in the local community.

Following the devastating fire that gutted the building in 2019, the much-loved venue has undergone an extensive rebuild, bringing together its rich history with a fresh new look.

Taking the reins is The Catering Group, which will operate three distinct offerings across the venue: a casual cafe, a restaurant focused on seasonal and local produce, and a dedicated events space.

For The Catering Group CEO Greg Barclay, taking on Awaba House is about more than opening another hospitality venue.

"It has such a strong connection to Lake Macquarie and the local community, so our focus has always been on respecting that history while creating something that feels relevant, welcoming and exciting for the future," Greg said.

Mayor Adam Shultz and The Catering Group CEO Greg Barclay

The cafe will be open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, offering a relaxed spot to grab a bite, enjoy the lake views and make the most of the surrounding grounds.

The restaurant, opening in November, will operate Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, with a greater focus on showcasing the quality of produce available across the region.

For those planning a celebration, Awaba House also features a function room overlooking the lake, an outdoor terrace suited to wedding ceremonies, and flexible spaces for everything from intimate gatherings to larger events.

While the reopening marks an exciting new beginning, the story of Awaba House stretches back to the 1870s. The original house was built just a few metres from the current site and was home to William and Margaret Quigley and their four children. That building was destroyed by fire in 1886, with a second house constructed the following year.

In the late 1920s, the second house was demolished to make way for the third Awaba House, the building many locals will recognise today.

Over the decades, the property has had quite a few lives. It was home to Booragul High School's caretaker in the 1960s, returned to being a private residence during the 1970s and early 1980s, and was later left abandoned before being purchased by Lake Macquarie City Council in 1993.

It went on to operate as the city's art gallery between 1996 and 2000, before becoming a cafe and function venue in 2001. That chapter came to an abrupt end when fire tore through the building in 2019, leaving much of its interior destroyed.

One of the most interesting parts of the $7.8 million restoration project is how the building's past has been incorporated into its new design.

Rather than simply recreating everything as it once was, the rebuild has retained and celebrated a number of original features, including the building's recognisable façade, circular entrance portico, western verandah and an arched window. 

Inside, visitors will notice sections of exposed brickwork, damaged render and blistered paint that have deliberately been left visible as reminders of the 2019 fire.

The original fireplace has also been preserved in its fire-damaged state, creating a striking feature within the lounge area, while replicated timber panelling and custom-made windows help reconnect the new interiors with the building's heritage.

A rammed earth wall brings a contemporary element to the design, alongside an artwork that tells the story of the site, from its Aboriginal history through to the various buildings and uses that have shaped Awaba House over the years.

It's a thoughtful mix of old and new, allowing visitors to appreciate the building's history while enjoying a completely refreshed space.

With its waterfront setting, landscaped grounds and neighbouring art gallery and Sculpture Park, Awaba House has all the makings of a lovely spot to spend a few hours.

Whether it's breakfast after a walk through the sculpture grounds, a long lunch overlooking the lake, or a special celebration, there's plenty to look forward to as the venue settles into its next chapter.

And after seven years behind closed doors, it's wonderful to see this piece of Lake Macquarie history ready to welcome people back.