A heritage-listed lodge first built in the 1880s is welcoming a new era after a restoration to honour its “storied” past.
The iconic guesthouse, restaurant and bar located behind Hastings Street at Noosa Heads has attracted backpackers, visitors and locals over the years.
Inspired by a “laidback” 1970s energy, Halse Lodge has reopened to the public after the transformation.
Alongside her family, Noosa local and CLO Studios founder Chloe Tozer has led the nine-month restoration of Halse Lodge with a vision to bring the property back to its prime.
This included work on the guesthouse’s 14 dorms, 12 double suites and two private suites, plus a full bar and restaurant, undertaken by T Casa Projects.
“We’ve aimed to preserve the essence of what Halse Lodge always has been, a house for travellers and friends by the sea,” Ms Tozer said.
“Paying homage to the building’s history, the accommodation’s interiors evoke a nostalgic caravan feel, conjuring up sun-bleached memories of a summer by the sea.
“Embracing the laidback energy of the 1970s, yellow and salmon pinstriped curtains frame custom in-built bunks in ‘all spice’ alongside classic chrome fixtures.”
Ms Tozer said the original timber floors had been retained and restored, while the ceilings had been painted bold colours of sunshine yellow and strawberry red.
“We wanted the interiors to feel like seeing a rainbow cast over the sea,” Ms Tozer said.
The main dining hall, which houses the original 1880s piano, has been transformed into an extended bar with a restored vintage record player and speakers.
The walls feature historical photographs of Noosa as well as framed postcards collected along Ms Tozer’s travels.
Ms Tozer said her family had grown up with “fond memories at the lodge”, inspiring the family-led restoration and management project.
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“The reopening offers a renewed destination that bridges Noosa’s past and future, preserving the beauty of the lodge’s history and breathing new life into this treasured property,” she said.
The restaurant and bar are open daily and serve local beer, cocktails, share plates and pub classics.
Halse Lodge is the longest continuously operating guesthouse in South-East Queensland and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in April 1997.
The Anglican Church of Southern Queensland has owned the lodge for more than six decades.
Collective Hotel Management Group secured the leasehold for the site following a nation-wide expressions of interest campaign in 2020.
Michael Tozer is the CHM Group managing director.
Halse Lodge is at 2 Halse Lane, Noosa Heads.
