Wharf Street is a contemporary mixed-use development located in the heart of Forster’s main street, bringing together hospitality, craft production and residential living within a single integrated building. The project comprises the two-level Wharf Street Restaurant and Gin Distillery fronting Wharf Street, the 1959 Café overlooking the channel to the south, and a private high-end residence occupying the upper two levels.

The clients sought a building that reflected the relaxed coastal character of the Great Lakes region while embracing contemporary design, environmental responsibility and local materials. In response, the project incorporates passive solar principles, Australian hardwoods, rainwater harvesting, solar hot water and grid-interactive solar power systems to reduce environmental impact and operating costs. Low-toxicity finishes and carefully selected materials contribute to a healthy and comfortable environment for occupants and visitors alike.

A key feature of the project is the extensive use of up-cycled materials throughout the café fit-out, repurposing timber and other elements salvaged from the original building that occupied the site. These materials provide warmth, character and a tangible connection to the site's history, creating a distinctive destination that celebrates both sustainability and place.