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Rafferty’s Tavern – Cam’s Wharf

Creating a grand, low-maintenance entrance for a flagship hospitality venue

Rafferty’s Tavern sits on the edge of the lake at Cam’s Wharf. The owners wanted a landscape that created immediate impact for guests and wedding parties while remaining practical, safe and easy to maintain. Working from a concept design by Paul Scrivener Landscape Design, the Looking Up Landscapes team delivered a full landscape construction project designed to elevate the arrival experience and complement the new dining facility.

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Project Brief

The brief was to deliver Paul Scrivener’s design on time and on budget, while adapting the concept to suit the unique constraints of the site. The existing back-of-house entry needed to become a grand arrival point that would set the tone for the venue and frame the lakeside outlook. The space had to be visually striking, functional and welcoming for guests attending the tavern, restaurant and wedding venue.

Design Requirements

Although not an aged care or education project, the space still required full compliance with public access standards. This included safe access and egress, no trip hazards, and a layout that supported high visitor volumes. The design reworked existing concrete areas, introduced new pathways and incorporated stencil finishing to create a cohesive overall space.

Planting was selected purely for visual impact, using hardy varieties that suit the site and its ongoing maintenance requirements. Some adjustments were made to the original plant selection based on availability and long-term care.

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Collaboration and Coordination

The project involved significant collaboration with:
  • Paul Scrivener Landscape Design for design intent
  • FormaProject, the project management company overseeing construction
  • The venue’s client representative for design adjustments
  • Subcontracted trades, including electricians, plumbers, stencil specialists and installation manufacturers
Looking Up Landscapes coordinated all trades on site, ensuring the design stayed consistent while making practical adjustments required for construction and compliance.

Accessibility and Public Usability

While this was not a mobility-specific project, the landscaping had to meet relevant public access standards. The focus was on safety, clear movement paths and a welcoming, intuitive layout for all visitors. The primary goal was to create a strong visual statement. The entrance needed to draw people in and highlight the beautiful lakeside setting.

Construction Challenges

Several challenges shaped the delivery:

A highly particular client with specific standards and expectations

High rainfall, which affected sequencing and timelines

Mid-project design clarifications and variations requiring careful budget and construction management

Concept-only design, meaning the team needed to resolve technical details during construction

Public visibility, with local residents and visitors watching daily progress

Despite these complexities, sequencing and pre-planning ensured the build stayed controlled and efficient.
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Project Management and Delivery

The project was managed by a single Project Manager responsible for planning, on-site oversight and off-site coordination. A clear invoicing schedule, sequential delivery plan and early identification of site constraints helped keep the project aligned with timelines and compliance requirements. The team maintained high levels of communication with FormaProject and collaborated respectfully with other trades on site.

To ensure a safe and quiet build process, the team maintained tidy work zones, clear fencing, branded uniforms and a respectful presence, particularly given the public visibility of the space.

Outcomes

The finished landscape transformed an unattractive back entrance into a grand arrival space that now reflects the quality and atmosphere of the newly purposed facility. The result is attractive, cohesive and practical for ongoing maintenance.

Community feedback was strong, with residents, visitors and prospective clients commenting positively on the space. The venue’s project management team noted that Looking Up Landscapes consistently underpromises but overdelivers. The client has since engaged the team for follow-up works.

Standout Features

Two elements best showcase the team’s workmanship and problem-solving:

  • Circular sandstone retaining walls, crafted using precisely cut stone to form two concentric circles and an additional half circle with seating that overlooks the water
  • Striking stencil concrete, installed in collaboration with a specialist contractor, creating a cohesive and visually appealing arrival zone

Speak With Our Team

If you are planning a commercial landscaping project and need a capable, collaborative team that understands compliance, coordination and design intent, Looking Up Landscapes can help.

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