Jan 22, 20192 min read

$15 million renovation sees former Salamander Shores become Bannisters Port Stephens

If you've been wondering what happened to Salamander Shores at Soldiers Point, the answer is - Something Amazing!

Now re-branded within the Bannisters Hotels stable of properties, the former Salamander Shores has become part of a collection of luxury coastal venues including Bannisters by the Sea and Bannisters Pavilion, both at Mollymook on the NSW South Coast.

After an 18-month, $15 million renovation, Bannisters Port Stephens opened in September 2018.

Occupying the beachfront of Soldier Point and featuring 78 rooms including a penthouse, four luxury suites, fifty rooms with picture frame waters views and forest and bushland outlooks, Bannisters Port Stephens has been designed to make the most of its position and the best views of the local area and its landscape.

But the venue is not just for overnight guests to enjoy.

The lofty, double-height lobby opens onto a stunning infinity pool and bar, and there are three distinct food offerings, including the celebrated Rick Stein at Bannisters by Sarah and Rick Stein, which has been designed to transition seamlessly from light filled lunches enjoying the water views, to intimate and textured interiors in the evening.

The other two food offerings at Bannisters Port Stephens include the Terrace Bar and Tavern Pub, best suited for casual dining.

There are three distinct food offerings, including the celebrated Rick Stein at Bannisters, by Sarah and Rick Stein...

"Bannisters by the Sea and its sister property Bannisters Pavilion, both in Mollymook on the NSW South Coast, have become favourite destinations for Sydneysiders, Canberrans and international visitors, many of whom are drawn to the barefoot luxury on offer and Rick Stein’s cuisine," Bannisters general manager, Peter Bacon said.

"It was a natural progression to expand to the Port Stephens area when the right site became available and the Soldiers Point location is exquisite. Our creative team, including architect Tony Freeman, interior designer Romy Alwill and landscape designer Will Dangar have made the most of the unimpeded water views."

When it comes to food, Bannisters Port Stephens is also leading the way with Rick Stein having worked closely with head chef, Mitchell Turner to design a menu featuring local king prawns, sand whiting, snapper and blue eye trevalla as well as fabulous Sydney rock oysters from local growers.

Keeping local with produce, Sarah and Rick also collaborated with Brokenwood Wines’ chief winemaker, Iain Riggs AM and created a very special wine for the restaurant...

The menu also includes his signature Fruits de mer platter, oysters Charentaise, fish and shellfish soup with rouille, Madras curry of blue eye trevalla with tomato and tamarind, and his ever-popular fish pie.

Keeping local with produce, Sarah and Rick also collaborated with Brokenwood Wines’ chief winemaker, Iain Riggs AM and created a very special wine for the restaurant.

The menu from the Terrace Restaurant includes steamed bao buns, fish tacos, haloumi salad, burgers, grilled barramundi, scotch fillet and Archie Rose gin and tonic cheesecake. Dishes from Tavern Pub are Bannisters' take on classic Pub Fare.