An Australian icon overlooking Whale Beach since 1929

1929: A Roadhouse Above the Sea

    Original dining room 1929

Jonah’s story begins in 1929, when it was established as one of the earliest buildings on the Whale Beach escarpment. Conceived at a time when weekend motoring was opening up Sydney’s coastline, Jonah’s was created as a welcoming roadhouse for travellers exploring what was then a largely undeveloped stretch of the Northern Beaches. According to historical accounts referenced by Pittwater Online News, the original owners recognised the magic of the location long before Whale Beach and Palm Beach became the destinations they are today.

Early Visitors & Growing Reputation

Through the 1930s and 1940s, Jonah’s reputation steadily grew. Its dramatic ocean outlook and warm hospitality attracted Sydneysiders seeking an escape from the city, and it soon became a favoured stop for notable visitors and social figures of the era. What began as a simple coastal roadhouse was fast becoming a destination in its own right.

in 1948, famous visitors created quite the stir when Vivien Leigh and partner Laurence Olivier visited Jonah’s on their tour of Australia. Many famous celebrities have followed in their footsteps throughout the years including the band Queen, One Direction at the height of their fame, Sir Anthony Hopkins and may others including Royalty.

Pic 1: Vivienne Leigh signing her autograph outside Jonah’s

Pic 2: Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivienne Leigh leaving Jonah’s

Both from their 1948. Source: Pittwater Online News

 

The 1950s: Elegance Takes Shape

Jonah’s Restaurant 1950’s – source Pittwater Online News

The 1950s marked a defining era for Jonah’s. The venue evolved into a refined restaurant, reflecting the post-war appetite for sophistication and fine dining. The iconic floor-to-ceiling dining room—captured in the archival image featured here—became a centrepiece of the experience. Remarkably, this same dining room, with its expansive glass and uninterrupted views, continues to define Jonah’s today.

Changing Times, Enduring Charm

As Australia’s dining and social culture shifted through the 1960s and 1970s, Jonah’s adapted. New influences, entertainment, and evolving menus reflected the changing tastes of the times, while the venue’s reputation as a special-occasion destination endured. Each chapter added another layer to the story without ever losing sight of the setting that made Jonah’s iconic.

The 2000s: A New Era of Luxury

Major transformations in the late 1990s and early 2000s redefined Jonah’s for a modern audience. The introduction of luxury accommodation elevated the experience from a celebrated restaurant to a complete destination. Recognition followed, including acceptance into the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, cementing Jonah’s place among the world’s finest boutique hotels and restaurants.

Jonah’s Today: Nearly a Century On

 

Today, Jonah’s stands as a living piece of Australian hospitality history. Nearly 100 years since its beginnings, it continues to welcome guests from around the world with exceptional dining, luxury stays, and the same breathtaking views that inspired its founders. With thanks to Pittwater Online News for preserving and sharing the stories of its past, Jonah’s legacy remains as compelling as ever.

 

Thank you to our main source Pittwater Online News for their very in-depth article on Jonah’s history. To learn more interesting facts visit the article here>