Iconic Evolution at Peregian Beach Hotel
From holiday dream to hospitality success, Melanie Rosettenstein discovers how the Peregian Beach Hotel has transformed into a thriving local icon and beacon for community.
Just like most things in the region, it all started with a holiday! That is how Kylie Plunkett and Sam McGrath came to be proud partners of the much-loved Peregian Beach Hotel, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Originally known as Charlie’s Tavern, the Peregian Beach Hotel, which enjoys a prime location right in the middle of the nostalgic beach town, was redeveloped in the early 2000s before being sold in early 2005 to the McGrath family, publicans from Tasmania.
It was a holiday some nine years later that kick-started an adventure that would bring Kylie, Sam and their young son from Melbourne to the fair shores of the Sunshine Coast – and never leave. The original plan was to help in the family business for a month or two, so they locked up their Melbourne house, loaded up the car and headed to Peregian Beach. But, as Kylie explains, circumstances quickly evolved. It was when Kylie fell pregnant with their second son, in August 2014, that the decision to move to Peregian Beach permanently was made.
“At the time, we had one foot here and a whole leg or more still in Melbourne, so we decided to take a big leap and Peregian Beach became our home.”
Kylie and Sam dived in with a focus on making small, impactful changes while creating an overarching vision to provide great food, lasting memories and a hub for the community.
“We jumped in and started with the basics,” Kylie said.
“This included new furniture, new lights and repainting, but it was more about supporting and partnering with local suppliers, artists and producers and connecting with our community.
“As an independent, we are all about supporting other independents and this focus allowed us to build our team, followed by our food and drink offering, then our brand and reputation.
“The response from our community gave us confidence to undertake more renovations to fulfill our vision of creating a beautiful place for people to gather and enjoy good times.”
The transformation began with the Main Bar upgrade in March 2020.
“We focused on opening up the space, bringing a lighter and ‘beachier’ vibe; raising and replacing the noisy tin roof; and adding one of my favourite features, the rattan ceiling and the beautiful white archways,” Kylie said. “The addition of the breeze block bar with touches of pink added a hint of what was to come later; and the covered walkway outside and larger white entry doors were designed to welcome everyone.
“This was all happening just as Covid was unravelling, and we closed before anyone had had a chance to experience the space, which was a bit sad!
“We got to enjoy it as our private space for months as we operated our takeaway and delivery service which was fun to a point, but nowhere near as good as sharing it. So when we could reopen it was a big welcome in more ways than one.
“At the time, it felt like a major setback, but in hindsight, it allowed us to welcome guests into a space that felt fresh and exciting.
“A day before the opening, we also welcomed the first of our beautiful wood carved whales – thanks to our friend and local artist Kay – KC Vidur.”
By the end of the year, local artist Cass Deller was commissioned to create the stunning, Insta-worthy mural on the main wall as a Christmas present to the community, the team and Sam and Kylie. It’s been such a hit that Cass has run several watercolour workshops in the mezzanine with another collab in the works.
Local flavours can also be tasted on the menu and heard within the live music program showcasing local artists.
“Our love for local food and drink, live music and community is at the heart of everything we do here at PBH. Local Love anchors us and our team – it’s our promise to the community,” Kylie said.
The hotel also received a branding overhaul, where Kylie and Sam’s penchant for colourful fun continued.
“Our new branding holds sentimental value and draws inspiration from childhood memories of Queensland holidays,” she said.
Stage Two included a redesign of the bottleshop, adding a more curated selection of wine and local drinks plus a focus on the outdoor areas, including replacing the sports bar with Il Porto – a more intimate 18+ space for cocktails and celebrations with a Mediterranean x Palm Springs vibe.
“We were coming out of all the stress of the pandemic and we really wanted to dial up the fun and holiday vibes and create a new experience with loads of personality, creativity and colour,” Kylie explained. “Travel had been missed so much, so we wanted to create an oasis you could escape to.”
The colour palette was inspired by a funky floor tile – a speckled, sparkly blend of blue and pink.
“We wanted a space that felt vibrant and inviting, and once we saw this beautiful tile that captured the ocean, the sky and stunning sunsets, everything fell into place,” Kylie said.
With pink tables, a blue floor and nostalgic branding featuring their iconic happy people diving into delicious-looking drinks, Peregian Beach Hotel had arrived – ready to bring the fun!
Kylie says the evolution of the Hotel has reimagined how people use the space.
“It feels like it has really found it’s groove, we now have different spaces where everyone can feel at home – families can enjoy dinner, friends can catch up for drinks, couples can have a date night and special events can be celebrated,” Kylie says.
Beyond the business, Kylie and Sam are passionate about their town.
“I love this place – I could talk about Peregian Beach to anyone. The Village Square, the beach, all the independent businesses, the people – it’s what makes it so special,” Kylie said.
The Peregian Beach Hotel has long supported local events, including sponsoring the annual Christmas Carols and fundraising for bushfire relief and charities. Kylie’s role in the Peregian Beach Business Association grew from behind-the-scenes support to Presidency, driven by her desire to preserve the town’s heart.
“It’s about supporting businesses and fostering community,” she said. “We’re all independent operators here, and that connection matters.”
On balancing business, family life and community commitments, Kylie says it’s all about surrounding yourself with a great team.
“Having a dedicated core team has been crucial,” she shared.
With key staff like their head chef Matt Holt and venue manager Phil Hibbert – who have been with them for over seven years – Kylie and Sam have transitioned from being hands-on opening and closing the hotel themselves to focusing more on the operational side.
“We worked hard on our processes and our team to get to a point where we can step back at times but still step in when needed,” she added. “That’s how we balance it.”
IN Noosa Magazine has been proud of its creative partnership with Peregian Beach Hotel for the past 10 years, partnering on wine lunches and magazine launches, and has witnessed this evolution.
Editor-in-Chief Deb Caruso said that while the aesthetics of the venue have evolved, the commitment to community remains steadfast.
“Kylie and Sam are constantly looking to how they can support the locals and are real champions for the area and for locals on every level,” she said. “Every village needs a business like this that is selflessly leading by example.”
So, what’s in store for the iconic Peregian Beach Hotel?
“The future is always a ‘watch this space’ moment,” Kylie laughed.
“Our long-term goal is to keep evolving, keep our team engaged and keep our customers excited.”
A local’s hub, a visitor’s retreat, a space for people to return to regularly, the Peregian Beach Hotel is more than a venue – it’s a welcoming destination that captures the nostalgic spirit of Peregian Beach.
And the best is yet to come!
