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On Australia Day, one of the country’s most enduring dining institutions marked a milestone rarely achieved, celebrating 97 years in unmistakable Jonah’s style.
Standing above the Whale Beach escarpment since 1929, Jonah’s hosted an intimate, invitation-only Australia Day gathering, bringing together some of Australia’s most recognisable cultural figures alongside long-standing friends of the house. More than a celebration, the annual event has become a quietly prestigious tradition, a place where Australian influence, excellence and history meet.
Guests this year included music icon Marcia Hines, musical theatre actress Ashleigh Rebunach, respected journalist Mike Munro, legendary jockey Jim Cassidy, former Australian Rugby Union captain John Eales, 10 Olympians and former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Sir Peter Cosgrove delivered a powerful toast to Australia, reflecting on what it truly means to be Australian. He spoke of Australian WWI soldiers being described as “gladiators with the eyes of children” and how Australians abroad continue to carry the reputation of coming from “the greatest nation on earth.” He also reflected on unity and shared support, recalling his attendance at the National Memorial Service for the MH17 Australian passengers, where Katie Noonan performed a revised version of I Am Australian featuring the words, “You are not alone, we are with you, we are Australian.” For Sir Peter, those words captured the essence of Australia more clearly than any commentary or headline ever could.
Since opening its doors in 1929, when Jonah’s was one of the very first buildings on the Whale Beach headland, the restaurant has quietly witnessed the evolution of modern Australia. Long before the suburb formed around it, Jonah’s was already welcoming artists, leaders and cultural figures drawn to its combination of discretion, refined service and extraordinary coastal beauty.
Across decades, Jonah’s has hosted countless notable Australian and international guests, forming the backdrop to private celebrations, cultural moments and historic conversations. While menus, fashions and eras have changed, the heart of Jonah’s remains the same, exceptional dining, polished service and one of the most breathtaking views in the country.
“Reaching 97 years is not simply about longevity,” said Jonah’s General Manager Niels Sluiman. “It’s about remaining relevant, respected and loved across generations. Australia Day allows us to celebrate the people, many of them cultural icons, who have shaped Jonah’s story, just as Jonah’s has been part of Australia’s.”
As glasses were raised overlooking the ocean, the occasion felt less like an anniversary and more like a living chapter in Australian cultural history. With its centenary now firmly in sight, Jonah’s continues to stand as a symbol of enduring Australian luxury, timeless, influential and unmistakably iconic.
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