As the region regroups after three years on a business and tourism roller coaster, a South Coast family’s strong vision for the future of tourism is injecting a big vote of confidence into Kiama and Gerringong.

In addition to recently completing a multi-million dollar renovation of the old Kiama Shores Motel in Collins St which they bought a couple of years ago, the Bartlett family – best known as the owners of the Huskisson Pub – bought the Mercure Hotel in Gerringong last November with plans to take it upmarket and increase the number of rooms.

“As a family we are heavily invested – financially and emotionally – in the Kiama Council region,” says Rob Bartlett, GM of the Bar Hospitality Group.

“Kiama Shores is now 3.5 to 4-star and we feel it hits that market quite well. Property managers Pauline (Pea) and Gus Garner do a great job looking after the 52 rooms and they tell me that most people who stay here just want to get across the street to spend.

“The Kiama Shores is in a great location across the road from the park and cafes. People think you need to be directly across from the beach. But I believe the beauty of Kiama is in the Harbour and the main streets.”

Rob Bartlett, by the newly renovated pool area

After a recent tour of the revitalised facility, Kiama Council’s Tourism and Events Manager Sally Bursell gives the offering a big thumbs up.

“The new owner’s eye for detail was clear as was the deliberate intent away from the family market, focusing more on couples and corporate,” she says.

A collaboration with Kierrin McKnight – formerly of Sailor’s Thai and Darley Street Thai in Sydney – saw an offshoot of his Huskisson Wildginger restaurant open on the Collins St streetfront last August, and his new fish and chip bar, Single Fin Kiosk, has now opened at the entrance to the motel.

The Single Fin kiosk on Collins St

“Wildginger has been a welcomed addition to the Kiama area’s growing classy culinary experiences, and we think it is extremely clever to have branched out to offer another food option with Single Fin Kiosk – who can go past fish and chips by the seaside?” says Ms Bursell.

Mr Bartlett, a former consultant with Ernst and Young, also has some exciting plans for Gerringong.

“We purchased the Mercure in Gerringong in November 2022,” he says.

“We’ve been watching it for many years and loved it when it was Bellachara.”

He has brought in new head chef Steve Meredith who is redoing the winter menu.

“Steve has worked with us for a long time and is a great chef and person,” says Mr Bartlett.

“He is keen to create tasting menus paired with fine local wines. Our family is passionate about supporting local businesses and suppliers.

“I just did the wine list for the restaurant and 90 per cent of it is local.”

The newly renovated Kiama Shores reception area

The Mercure franchise in Gerringong is in place until October this year.

“We are waiting to see how that goes,” says Mr Bartlett.

“Being with Accor provides plenty of opportunities, so as part of our five year strategy we plan to either elevate it to a boutique five star property or a Pullman [which is an Accor five star brand].

“There are no other five star properties in this region. We would also like to get 70 to 80 rooms [currently 52 rooms] and five star would provide a completely different level of experience.”

The pool area, right by Collins St

Ms Bursell says that while both the Kiama and Gerringong properties have been popular over the years, she is certain that the new owners will take it to the next level.

“The Husky Pub is a South Coast institution,” she says.

“What they have done down there with that facility is bang on.

“To have the owners invest in our patch, both in Gerringong at the Mercure and Kiama with the Shores, offers us a big vote of confidence... and we are here for it!”