Love & Longevity at Rickys River Bar & Restaurant
Lovers, friends and families have long held rituals and celebrated their most cherished special occasions at Rickys River Bar & Restaurant. Carlie Wacker discovers the love affair locals and visitors have long had with the iconic waterfront venue.
There is a sense of romance that accompanies a celebration of any sort at Rickys River Bar & Restaurant – the breathtaking 180-degree view of Noosa River, the pretty park beside, the level of service, chic décor and spectacular food. It is no wonder so many guests recreate that experience by returning to the venue for anniversaries and other milestones; friends reconnect over long lunches and families grow up with Rickys as an important part of their lives.
Events Manager Sinead Murtagh has found deep connections with the venue’s clients and has seen families grow from a gorgeous couple getting married at Rickys to bringing the next generation to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. She’s watched families grow together and make beautiful memories within the waterfront walls.“
I love that our clients and guests return and share their lives with us,” Sinead says. “We’ve had three different families have multiple sibling weddings here over the years, so you get to see their families grow – it’s really special.”
Rickys has always had a cult following and is one of the most highly sought-after wedding venues in the region. After a decade running the restaurant, General Manager David Jouy understands the Rickys allure all too well. It is where he proposed to his now-wife Renée while they were in Noosa on a weekend away from Sydney. They have worked alongside each other at Rickys for the past nine years.
“It is a magical place and a big part of that is our commitment to consistency,” he said. “We don’t try to reinvent the wheel, people know when they come to Rickys that they will get a consistently high level of service, quality food and a memorable experience.”
That is precisely why a wedding at Rickys is all the more desirable for the bride and groom to-be. With a focus on delivering superb cuisine showcasing the freshest, local produce, you won’t find alternate drops or mass-produced dishes – guests can order from the menu you would any other occasion.
“You can sit and enjoy a riverfront view, great service and food for a party of two or a party of 150 people, we offer the full dining experience,” adds David.
Weddings at Rickys are fully customisable from set packages to decorating the space to deliver the wedding reception of your dreams – anything is possible with the team and their trusted suppliers. Sinead loves her role in helping to plan the big day. From food and beverages, to décor, hosting the ceremony and even transportation, she has the best contacts and can make expert recommendations according to your budget and brief.
“Many couples choose a beach wedding followed by a cruise to Rickys via the Noosa Ferry, Dreamboat or Gondola with guests being greeted at the jetty by our team who are ready with champagne, oysters and canapés,” David said. “It’s a quintessential Noosa Wedding.”
“Another personalised element that makes for even better memories are his-and-hers cocktails named after the lucky couple,” Sinead shares “A Mark Manhattan or Carlie Cosmo for example.”
Suddenly I want to renew my vows with a Rickys wedding! Luckily, my husband and I already share our special occasions at Rickys (we live in walking distance from Quamby Place) and I have regular long lunches with my girlfriends that we aptly named ‘Ricky’s Rituals’ so I still get my fill. On that note, dates are filling fast for a Rickys wedding in 2025 and beyond – book your dream wedding reception at the venue that delivers consistency in world class food, service and views plus a splash of love and longevity for a lifetime of memories.
