The Lifestyle
If you’re ready to step away from the city and into a life shaped by ocean views, fresh coastal air, incredible local seafood, and a warm, tight knit community—this could be your moment.
Working at The Whale offers more than a job; it’s an invitation to build something iconic, contribute to the rhythm of a growing coastal destination, and wake up every day to one of the most breathtaking outlooks on the NSW coastline.
Narooma delivers a true outdoor lifestyle, with year-round swimming, surfing, mountain biking, and endless time in nature. It’s also home to world class diving at nearby Montague Island, making it the perfect place for anyone who loves adventure and an active, outdoor community.
The Venue
Reopening early 2026, The Whale is Merivale’s newly reimagined 19 key coastal retreat in the heart of Narooma, NSW. Perched above Wagonga Inlet with sweeping ocean views, the property features retro inspired guest rooms, a penthouse with rooftop garden, a heated magnesium pool, wellness facilities (sauna + ice bath), lush landscaping and firepit areas. The adjoining restaurant, Queen Chow, will also reopen with a fresh coastal take on its beloved Cantonese dishes.
The Open Roles
Merivale Employee Benefits
At Merivale, we aim to bring a little magic into the everyday. We are driven to deliver unique and memorable experiences to every person who steps into one of our venues.
Owned and run by the Hemmes family for over 60 years, Merivale began as an iconic fashion house started by John and Merivale Hemmes. Merivale’s fashionable beginnings were soon followed by a venture into hospitality, opening a Thai tea café within their Sydney CBD fashion building in 1970. From here, Merivale’s hospitality roots were firmly planted.
Merivale is now led by CEO Justin Hemmes, whose creativity and knack for pushing the boundaries has made Merivale what it is today. Hemmes has become a pioneer within the Australian hospitality industry, growing the ever-expanding Merivale portfolio to over 90 brands and venues.
