Peppers Marysville Resort & Spa has appointed Klaus Kinateder as general manager, bringing over two decades of hotel experience across Accor, St Giles Hotels, and prominent independent properties.
Kinateder previously served as resident manager at Tank Stream Hotel Sydney, where working across operations, sales and guest experience in one of Australia’s most competitive hotel markets shaped his hands-on approach to running a property.
With experience in leadership roles across diverse Australian destinations, including group operations manager with Cape Tribulation Resorts & Hotels in Far North Queensland and general manager positions at Mercure Cairns Harbourside, ibis Sydney Darling Harbour and Mercure Sydney Potts Point, Klaus brings a well-rounded perspective to running a regional resort where guest satisfaction and the local community are closely connected.
The 100-room Peppers Marysville Resort & Spa, which joined the Shakespeare Property Group portfolio in 2021, is located 90 minutes from Melbourne in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges. As the gateway to Lake Mountain and Yarra Ranges National Park, it attracts leisure groups and families seeking close proximity to hiking trails, cycling routes and snow fields, including Lake Mountain.
The resort also offers purpose-built conference and event facilities suited to a wide range of business events, from executive board meetings and strategy sessions through to multi-day conferences, corporate retreats and cocktail events for up to 350 guests.
“The resort has proven particularly popular with local government groups, finance organisations and forestry preservation organisations,” Kinatender said. “Car clubs and agricultural groups are also drawn to our expansive outdoor areas across 20 acres and our 120 on-site car spaces, which provide suitable space for vehicle displays, demonstrations and large-scale gatherings.”
The town of Marysville was significantly impacted during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and Kinateder recognises the role tourism plays in its continued recovery.
“Peppers Marysville Resort & Spa is privileged to play an important role in the town, as a natural extension of the community,” Kinatender added. “When the resort is busy, the town is busy, and its 250 residents and local businesses including cafés and shops all feel that energy.”
In terms of destination highlights, Kinateder said the surrounding forests are often what leave the strongest impression on guests.
“The walk to Stevenson Falls is a must-do,” Kinatender concluded. “My wife and I walk there every Sunday, moving through towering mountain ash trees that grow up to 90 metres tall, and dense greenery, where we’ll often see kangaroos, ducks and native birdlife along the way. It’s peaceful and a completely different pace to city life.
“Afterwards we’ll often spend some time in the resort’s sauna or stop by The Duck Inn, or ‘The Duckie’ as locals call it, to enjoy a glass of local wine and unwind.”
Kinateder’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Peppers Marysville Resort & Spa, which was recently recognised as Regional Accommodation of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence.
