Back, and looking very pretty, Moby’s has been saved, reinvigorated and opens today for seaside dining this summer…
Sunlight spills across the terrace, the ocean is just footsteps away below, and the atmosphere is calm, considered, and effortlessly welcoming. Moby’s at Whale Beach is back, reimagined with Italian flavours and a fresh coastal spirit.
With a coffee cart, and offering courtyard, terrace and interior dining, Moby’s is a place for long lunches, relaxed dinners, and unhurried afternoons. It’s also a stunning function centre once again.
An Historic Local Gem
So many on the Beaches will have fond memories of Moby’s as Moby Dick’s. And it has a wonderful local history shared proudly by the Whale Beach Surf Live Saving Club.
It was locals who raised the money to build the Club themselves back in 1951 with cake stalls, raffles and a glamorous ball, and everyone from architects to Club members donated their expertise, time, and materials. It took them two years but they managed to build a two-level clubhouse. A third level was added in the late 50s and named the Moby Dick’s Surfers Club.
“In 1962 the Moby Dick Club officially opened and in the ensuing years, the Club attracted strong membership with people travelling from all over Sydney to enjoy the facilities, the restaurant, regular floorshows with popular artists and musicians,” the Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club shares. David Bowie even played there one night!
Whale Beach Club House 1953, and Whale Beach Club House 2012. Images: Whale Beach SLSC Facebook
In the late 1970s “due to management difficulties and a change in the social and economic conditions at that time, Moby’s was closed and the space leased as a café/restaurant. This provided a steady Club income for many years. The top level then became a successful function centre run by The Boathouse Group and the name Moby Dicks was resurrected.”
The Boathouse Group ran the function centre – which was a firm wedding favourite – for over 15 years. However, complaints were made to Council when it was discovered the venue had never been approved as a functions venue and the Boathouse ceased as the operator late last year. The fate of the iconic venue looked grim.
Merci Group’s Signature Touch
It was the Merci Group who stepped in to breathe new life into Moby’s leasing the venue from the Club. Their Northern Beaches portfolio includes Dunes Palm Beach and Suki Modern Asian at Mona Vale.
Moby’s reflects their signature approach: thoughtful design, warm hospitality, and an effortless sense of comfort.
Across the coffee cart, restaurant, courtyard and event spaces every detail is thoughtfully crafted. With plenty of parking and direct access down to Whale Beach, the venue is now set to be a Beaches favourite once more.
A Reimagined Italian Experience
Moby’s reimagined menu brings Italian coastal dining to Whale Beach in a way that’s approachable yet elevated. Think handmade pasta inspired by Nonna, fresh seafood at the centre of the plate, and Josper-grilled favourites, all designed to be shared or savoured slowly.
Dishes range from Sydney rock oysters with jalapeño granita to gnocco fritto with prosciutto, and rich house-made agnolotti with ricotta and lemon myrtle butter.
In the courtyard, lighter bites like mixed Italian olives and calamari make for lovely sunlit lunches, while the cart offers coffee, toasties, and sweet treats for a casual stop.
“I really think this space will see a lot of happy, relaxed guests coming and going,” one team member shares. “Whether they’re walking past for a coffee, enjoying a slow lunch, or spending the evening at an event, it’s designed for comfort, connection, and memorable moments.”
It really is a wonderful venue for the Beaches, from the sunlit courtyard and comfortable dining room to the dramatic ocean views of the event space. The staff, attentive and warm, embody the Italian way of hosting, where food, space, and company are treated with equal care.
It’s a place to unwind, soak up the sunshine and enjoy exceptional flavours and pretty surrounds, now fully refreshed and ready for locals and visitors alike.
Moby’s
📍227 Whale Beach Road, Whale Beach
🌐https://mercigroup.com.au/venue/mobys/
🕧 Opening hours:
- Coffee cart: Wednesday – Sunday | 7:00am-11:30am
- Lunch: Wednesday – Sunday | 11:30am – 4:00pm
- Dinner: Wednesday – Sunday | 5:30pm – 10:00pm
- Courtyard: Wednesday – Sunday | 11:30am – 4:00pm
- Happy Half: Wednesday – Sunday | 5:30pm – 6:00pm
Story: Evie Scully
