Timbertown sale
For only the second time in nearly 50 years, the Timbertown site in Wauchope, on the NSW mid-north coast, has hit the market with long-time owner David Waite offering the property for sale as he plans to retire.
The Timbertown site in Wauchope, on the NSW mid-north coast, is on the market for the second time in 50 years.
The freehold going concern, at 2325 Oxley Highway, is expected to fetch a price upwards of $10 million. It comprises about 34.56 hectares equal to 345,600 square metres of land. The site features a wide range of experiential offerings including a steam train, miniature railway, goldfields, steam sawmill, function spaces, farmyard, winery and cafe.
A development application has recently been submitted for a major caravan park expansion, signalling the property’s readiness for transformation and aligning with growing demand for nature-based and family-friendly accommodation options, particularly in regional tourism hubs.
Savills Australia and New Zealand agents, Selin Ince and Leon Alaban, are undertaking the sale.
Old Commodore opens
The McMahons Point institution, the Commodore pub, is throwing open its doors after a $10 million renovation by pub and hospitality expert Glenn Piper’s Epochal Hotels group.
Piper bought the Blues Point Road pub in May 2023 for $29 million to add to his Epochal group’s growing portfolio including Harbord Hotel in Freshwater, Beach Hotel in Merewether, The Scarborough Hotel in Illawarra and most recently, the Tumbulgum Tavern.
The relaunch of the pub under the new moniker, the Old Commodore, is a nod to its history.
The relaunch of the pub under the new moniker, the Old Commodore, is a nod to its history. It was first built 169 years ago by ferryman, smuggler, raconteur and entrepreneur William “Billy” Blue, who was affectionately known as the “Old Commodore”.
In 1854, his son, John, opened the original Old Commodore Inn in honour of his father’s legacy, on a site central to what is now the North Sydney CBD and the village charm of McMahons Point.
Piper said that legacy was woven into the very fabric of McMahons Point – and now, back into its pub. “The Old Commodore Hotel’s redesign is a living tribute to Billy Blue, reimagining his world for today,” Piper said.
The spaces deliberately collide worlds: working-class textures of timber, steel and brick sit alongside refined touches of travertine, linen and brass.
After discussions with the neighbours, the pub intends to offer a line-up of local music acts, small ensembles, and emerging artists, “designed to bring people together and keep the energy building from day to night”.
The new look is by Paul Kelly Design, which has worked on the project through three owners.
Intercontinental Coogee
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east is set to open in December and will be the latest addition to IHG’s luxury portfolio and a significant milestone for the Coogee precinct.
An ocean-facing infinity pool in Coogee.
The 198-room property will open in two phases, with guest accommodation and dining venues launching in December, followed by the leisure deck with pickleball courts, an ocean-facing infinity pool, spa and Club InterContinental in March 2026.
Positioned as a premium lifestyle and wellness destination, the project strengthens the luxury footprint across Australia of IHG and the owners, Salter Brothers, and signals continued investment in high-end coastal hospitality.
It was the former Crowne Plaza hotel, which was a hub for the NSW State of Origin team during its training sessions. A new eatery, Shutters Restaurant & Bar, where modern Australian cuisine meets Mediterranean influences through seasonal produce, will open alongside the Australian flagship restaurant – Rick Stein at Coogee Beach.
carolynannecummins@gmail.com
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