Images via Kincraig Hotel
After a long 18 months of planning, restoration and a whole lot of patience, the Kincraig Hotel is officially back, and the Naracoorte community is nothing short of ecstatic.
Opening night on April 14 saw a fully booked restaurant, with locals pouring in to be welcomed back into a pub many once called their own. The lovingly restored have been completed with an art deco styling and subtle nods to its Scottish heritage, including the stag in the logo, a classic symbol that reflects the venue’s strength and character.
Looking up at the diamond-shaped chandelier that now hangs in the entrance, it’s clear this isn’t just a reopening, it’s a full revival of the 90-year-old pub. The tone throughout the venue leans into a rich red and gold palette, blending old-world charm with an elevated finish.
In a social post the team wrote “When we took on this beautiful heritage venue in October 2024, we knew this was about far more than a renovation project.
“It was about bringing a much-loved local landmark back to life and creating a space the Naracoorte community can once again call their own.
“For the past four years, the venue has operated solely as a bottle shop, so tonight marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome our first dining and accommodation guests back through the doors,” they wrote.
Upstairs, a newly constructed hallway now connects the refreshed accommodation spaces, which have all been upgraded to a high standard. The rooms have been completely reworked, with bold red upholstered headboards, while pendant lights drop down over the bedside tables, giving the rooms a boutique feel.
The ensuites have also been significantly upgraded, with a mix of modern walk-in showers and spa baths, and all vanities finished with dark timber and marble tops. It’s a noticeable shift from what was there before, bringing the accommodation in line with the rest of the venue’s new premium positioning.
Now, you no longer have to take the stairs, with accessibility in focus, a lift is available to the upper level, allowing all visitors can easily enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
“From the very beginning, our vision has been to restore the Kincraig as a true pillar of the Limestone Coast community, a place to gather, dine, celebrate and reconnect, while honouring the history and character that has made this venue so special for generations,” they continued.
Outside, the courtyard has been designed as a proper extension of the pub, not an afterthought, with fresh lawn and shaded pergola and umbrella areas. We’ve even heard there’s a dedicated kids’ playground for all the families that drop through, with a swirly slide.
It was in October 2024, the hotel was taken on by the Dean Group, marking the beginning of its next chapter. The family-owned hotel group is no stranger to the pub scene. The Largs Pier Hotel, Walkers Arms Hotel and Peninsula Hotel Motel are all amongst the South Australian group’s portfolio.
The scale of the transformation reflects the ambition behind the project. The Kincraig has been closed for nearly four years, operating largely as a bottle shop while plans for the full redevelopment took shape.
Most importantly, the food offering is well and truly back, and it’s hitting that sweet spot between pub classics and something a little more modern.
From starters like miso and maple-glazed corn ribs and Korean-style pork belly bites, to generous sharing plates and hearty mains, the menu balances familiar favourites with globally inspired flavours.
Standouts include the loaded pulled lamb shoulder AB, rich shepherd’s pie, and a lineup of premium steak cuts, alongside lighter options like Thai rare beef salad and barramundi with coconut curry. Schnitzels, burgers and pizzas remain firmly on the menu, alongside indulgent desserts and a dedicated kids’ selection.
Desserts lean all the way in, with a decadent dulce de leche cheesecake with salted caramel, a peanut butter and chocolate brownie drizzled with ganache, and a build-your-own Kincraig sundae.
There’s also a weekend crowd-pleaser, with cocktails running two-for-one from 7pm to 9pm. The list features a Watermelon Aloe Sip, Lychee Mojito, Peach Kiss, and a signature Kincraig cocktail with whiskey, Cointreau, vanilla and orange bitters.
And for early risers, breakfast is served daily from 7am to 11am, with everything from a full Kincraig big breakfast (yes, hashbrowns included) to golden goddess toast, benny royale, granola bowls and a breakfast bruschetta with whipped feta.
Originally established in 1930, the Kincraig has long been a cornerstone of Naracoorte’s social scene. Its revival not only brings a historic venue back to life, but also reintroduces a central meeting place for locals and visitors alike, something the town has been without for years.
“To everyone who has followed the journey, supported the restoration, and shared in the excitement with us, thank you,” the team said.
“Tonight is just the beginning.”
Kincraig Hotel
When: Open now! Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Where: 158 Smith Street, Naracoorte
For more information, click here.
