Our Story
History meets modernity
Standing resolute on Main Street since 1914, this storied heritage hotel has weathered more than a century of Queensland’s wildest elements — from floods and tornadoes to devastating storms. After sustaining major damage in 1971 and again in 2009, and years of quiet decline, the hotel has been lovingly restored by its new custodians. Their careful, character-preserving revival ensures this iconic landmark is poised to welcome guests for another hundred years.
Kin Kin is an aboriginal word referring to a small black ant that was common in the hinterland area. The quiet country village, 35 minutes from the buzz of Noosa has a rich history of logging, dairy farming, and the not-so-quiet Kin Kin horse race!
As part of the heritage restoration, the Hotel has reclaimed its original moniker, The Kin Kin Hotel — a nostalgic nod to its storied past. Known as “The Country Life Hotel” since the 1970s, the name's revival pays homage to the building’s rich legacy and timeless character.
Reviving the old crafts
The Kin Kin Hotel holds over a century of tales within its walls. It's seen it all – natural disasters, name changes, and even a gunfight or two, all while pouring countless cold beers for locals and weary travellers.
Now, there's a new direction for the Hotel: creative workshops and regenerative farming. Coming full circle, it's a return to old crafts and skills, with the head chef and owners focused on growing vegetables just steps from the kitchen and collaborating with local producers and artisans.
The pub hosts live music, welcoming anyone seeking connection, fresh seasonal food, and a relaxing, creative atmosphere.
A return to country whimsy
Designed by Ellie Ezrine of Squid Ink Interiors, the design at The Kin Kin Hotel is inspired by Kin Kin’s green hinterland colour palette, history and local artisans.
Kin Kin was historically used for timber and then dairy farming so using timber and leather has been a priority throughout the renovation process. The floors upstairs have been restored to their former glory, and the previously soulless tiles throughout the downstairs have been replaced with hardwood flooring, and a custom hardwood bar, inset with leathered granite in hinterland soil colours. In the lounge area, a heavy rustic woodworkers bench table offsets the more feminine pleated lampshades and 1940s floral sofa, sourced from a classic Queenslander in nearby Maleny.
“We sourced antiques and made unique pieces collaborating with local artisans. We have commissioned beautiful ceramic lights and tactile plate ware from a local potter, along with bespoke furniture, upholstery and lampshades from crafts people in the surrounding area. It has been a joy to breath new life into this old building.
The renovation of the Kin Kin Hotel has taken over 2 years with extensive consideration to preserve the building for the next 100 years. The roof needed to be completely replaced and the rotting front verandah was reinstated with handsome hardwood timber. The windows and doors have had careful love and attention from local carpenters to bring them back to a viable future.
Old world charm
Upstairs, custom corduroy bed heads, bespoke ruffled curtains, floral prints and hand finished barn lights all add to the country aesthetic. Every room is embellished with antique furnishings, referencing the history of the century old building. Each of the ten Queen bedrooms are slightly different, giving the cosy rooms a boutique hotel feel.
The interiors have been curated in the hope you wouldn’t know that a full scale renovation has just occurred. There’s Australian artwork, whimsical country taxidermy, and some serious wine on the handmade bar back.
Hopefully a feeling of country nostalgia will provide all guests with a comfortable, eclectic space to eat, play and connect in the hinterland.
