Wanderers Retreat, Nelson Bay - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

7 Koala Place, Nelson Bay, Australia

Wanderers Retreat is an eco-friendly resort situated in 1.2 hectares of melaleuca rainforest, just 2.5 hours from Sydney. It prides itself on providing unique accommodations that blend luxury with minimal environmental impact. Nestled in a natural koala habitat, the resort also offers walking access to the stunning One Mile Beach and other nearby beaches. With multiple accolades, Wanderers Retreat is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and guest experience.

Location

Located in Port Stephens, Wanderers Retreat is conveniently situated near various landmarks and attractions, including One Mile Beach and Tomaree National Park. It is a short 7-minute drive to Nelson Bay's CBD, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and recreational activities. Guests can reach the resort via Port Stephens Bus services from Sydney, or it is a mere 25-minute drive from Newcastle Airport.

Rooms

Wanderers Retreat features a variety of one to four-bedroom self-contained cottages and tree houses equipped with modern amenities. They include private Weber Family Q BBQs and many offer outdoor hot-tubs for relaxation amidst rainforest surroundings. The cottages cater to families and couples, with select accommodation offering internal spa baths and stunning views of the gardens or rainforest.

Eat & Drink

While the resort does not have a full restaurant, guests can enjoy the convenience of well-equipped kitchens in their cottages for self-catering. Additionally, they are close to Nelson Bay's dining options including local cafés, restaurants, and takeaway outlets, which provide a variety of cuisines, from casual to fine dining. Guests can also enjoy meals accompanied by live jazz while dining at nearby venues.

Leisure & Business

Wanderers Retreat offers numerous leisure and entertainment options including a 12-meter freeform saltwater pool, barbecue facilities exclusive to each cottage, and access to private decks for outdoor relaxation. Active guests can participate in local activities such as snorkeling, fishing, hiking in Tomaree National Park, or even learning to surf. The resort also fosters a connection with nature, inviting guests to observe local wildlife.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Two-Bedroom Cottage

Max:

5 persons

53 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

room details

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Studio Spa Bath

Max:

2 persons

53 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Fireplace

room details

Check Prices

Two-Bedroom Spa Cottage

Max:

5 persons

53 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Nelson Bay 7.1 km

Airports

Williamtown (NTL) 31.6 km

Taree (TRO) 175.4 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Luxury Hot Tub Experience

“I absolutely loved the outdoor hot tub at Wanderers Retreat. Every evening, I found myself relaxing in the bubbling water while soaking in the beautiful views of the surrounding trees. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day and provided a serene moment where I could just relax and enjoy nature.” view full review

Well-Equipped Cottages

“The cottage we stayed in had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils, and included modern appliances like a large fridge and gas cooktop. It felt like home, allowing us to prepare our meals and enjoy them in the tranquil setting of the forest.” view full review

Beautiful Spa Bath

“The bathroom in our cottage featured a lovely spa bath that I thoroughly enjoyed. After spending time outdoors, soaking in the spa bath was pure bliss. It provided both comfort and relaxation—a perfect end to busy days filled with exploring the beautiful surroundings.” view full review

Family Friendly Entertainment

“We stayed in a spacious Beach House which was perfect for our family. The Chromecast feature for the TV kept the kids entertained in the evenings, allowing them to watch their favorite shows. It made for a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could unwind in their own way after a day in the sun.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Children

Cots
Toys

Spa & Leisure

Saltwater pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Shallow end

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

7 Koala Place, Nelson Bay, Australia

Map view

7 Koala Place, Nelson Bay, Australia

City landmarks

Hannah Parade

One Mile Beach

1.2 km

10a Hannah Pde

Swell

770 m

Morna Point

1.4 km

Beach

Samurai Beach

2.7 km

Little Kingsley Beach

1.6 km

Kingsley Beach

1.6 km

Whale Lookout

1.5 km

545 Gan Gan Rd

Samurai Nudist Beach

1.8 km

Birubi Beach Lower Public Car park

Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides

3.3 km

Sand dunes Birubi Point Public Carpark

Oakfield Ranch

3.3 km

Beach

Birubi Beach

3.4 km

Aboriginal midden

2.9 km

Beach

Birubi Point

3.0 km

James Paterson St

Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club

3.2 km

Anna Bay NSW 2316

Sand Dunes Anna Bay

3.3 km

Worimi Conservation Lands Lookout

3.3 km

Mini Golf

3.7 km

Park

Toboggan Hill Park

4.8 km

National Park

Tomaree National Park

4.8 km

Anna Beach

Stockton Sand Dunes

4.4 km

Anna Bay Point

4.2 km

Lilly Hill Rd

Gan Gan Lookout

5.6 km

Golf Course

Horizons Golf Resort

4.4 km

Church

Nelson Bay Seventh-Day Adventist Church

4.3 km

Gallery

Howard & Scott Ireland Gallery

4.4 km

The Rock

4.4 km

Uniting Church

4.4 km

Sand Dunes in Port Stephen

4.5 km

Mall

Salamander Bay Shopping Centre

4.7 km

Nearby

10a Hannah Pde

Swell

560 m

Restaurants

Swell Beach Kiosks

660 m

10A Hannah Parade One Mile Beach

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

80%

liked the resort and would come back again

8.0/10

Great

Rooms

6.6

Location

9.0

Service

7.8

Dining

6.8

Ethan

United Kingdom, March 2025

7.0/10

I had a mixed experience during my stay at Wanderers Retreat. On one hand, the beautiful bush surroundings and the fact that I could enjoy the serenity while soaking in the hot tub were fantastic. On the other hand, I faced several issues with the uncomfortable beds and lack of privacy. Overall, it felt like the place had potential but it didn’t fully meet my expectations.

Rooms

6.0

I stayed in a two-bedroom cottage with an outdoor hot tub. While the hot tub was enjoyable in the afternoon, the cramped space was disappointing. The thin quilts didn't provide warmth, and the mattresses were not comfortable at all, leaving us waking up with aches. Also, the outdated amenities, including the ironing board, were less than ideal.

Service

7.0

The service aspect was generally fine, though I wish there was more interaction with the hosts. Barry was friendly and provided useful information, but I felt the overall service lacked warmth. I did appreciate that I could check out later at 11, giving me a relaxed end to my stay.

Location

8.0

I loved the location—it was nestled in a quiet area surrounded by beautiful bushland, not far from One Mile beach. The tranquility made it quite special, with only occasional visits from wildlife like kookaburras and possums.

Dining

6.0

While dining options were limited, the tea and coffee provided were good. I would have liked more cooking amenities, but it was nice to have the ability to prepare some basic meals during my stay.

Facilities

5.0

The facilities were a bit lacking. The outdoor jacuzzi was nice, but I did encounter issues with the water pressure. Also, the WiFi was unreliable, which was quite inconvenient. The hotel was clean but could use some deep cleaning in certain areas.

Layla

United Kingdom, March 2025

7.0/10

I had a fantastic time at Wanderers Retreat! The beautiful bush surroundings were perfect for unwinding, and being just a short stroll away from One Mile Beach was such a bonus. The Beach House was spacious and comfortable, ideal for family gatherings. A downside was a few maintenance issues, but the overall experience was very enjoyable, and I can't wait to go back.

Rooms

8.0

The Beach House was roomy and had all the modern amenities. The spa bath was a lovely addition, though there were minor cleanliness issues.

Service

9.0

Barry and Vivienne were super friendly and provided great local tips to help us make the most of our stay.

Location

10.0

Nestled in a tranquil bushland setting and just a quick walk to the beach, the location was absolutely serene and quiet.

Dining

8.0

While we had good tea and coffee available, we enjoyed dinner at Swell, which was a nice addition to our stay.

Facilities

7.0

The retreat offered fantastic eco-friendly facilities with lots of activities nearby, but the BBQ and some outdoor furniture needed a bit more attention.

Elliot

United Kingdom, December 2024

6.0/10

My stay at Wanderers Retreat was a mix of positives and negatives. I loved the peaceful location surrounded by nature, and the amenities were quite comfortable. However, I struggled with the dampness in the unit and some privacy issues due to the cabin's proximity to the office.

Rooms

7.0

I stayed in a two-bedroom eco cabin that was clean and well-equipped. It had a comfortable living area and a bathroom with a lovely spa bath. However, the damp conditions made it uncomfortable, and I found the bedding quite cold at night.

Service

8.0

The service was generally good; Antony was friendly and responsive to any questions. I appreciated his assistance and the welcoming atmosphere upon arrival.

Location

9.0

The retreat is set in a lovely bushland environment, close to One Mile Beach, which made for peaceful walks surrounded by local wildlife. It felt like a tranquil escape despite being conveniently located for other attractions.

Dining

7.0

Although the dining options were limited, what was included was tasty. I particularly enjoyed the afternoon tea, which was a nice touch.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were decent, with an inviting swimming pool and good Wi-Fi. However, I found the outdoor hot tub in our unit less enjoyable due to mosquito issues.

Robert

United Kingdom, December 2024

5.0/10

My stay at Wanderers Retreat was a mix of serene location and disappointing accommodations. While the area's beauty and tranquility were a highlight, the cabin's lack of comfort and amenities left a lot to be desired. I appreciated the friendly atmosphere, but overall, the experience was hindered by the condition of the cabin.

Rooms

5.0

The cabin I stayed in was quite cramped, with uncomfortable beds and a musty smell that persisted throughout my visit. Additionally, the linens were not changed as promised during my week-long stay.

Service

6.0

The staff were generally friendly and accommodating, but the lack of proper upkeep in the cabins detracted from the overall experience.

Location

8.0

The retreat is nestled in a beautiful, semi-remote area surrounded by wildlife and nature, providing a peaceful escape, though it lacked good mobile and Wi-Fi signals.

Dining

6.0

Dining facilities were adequate, though I found the included amenities a bit lacking except for the tea and coffee provided.

Facilities

5.0

While the spa facilities were a nice touch, I felt that the overall amenities in my cabin were outdated and in need of an upgrade.

Alexander

United Kingdom, December 2024

5.0/10

My stay at Wanderers Retreat was incredibly enjoyable, nestled in a tranquil bush setting with easy access to nearby beaches. I loved the beautiful surroundings and the friendly local wildlife, like kookaburras and possums. However, the composting toilet system took some getting used to, and I faced some challenges with the water pressure. Overall, it was a fantastic getaway.

Rooms

7.0

The two-bedroom spa cottage was comfortable, although the sleeping arrangements were a bit awkward for five adults. It would have been more suited for a smaller group. The hot tub was a lovely addition, making the stay even more relaxing.

Service

9.0

The owners, Barry and Vivian, provided great hospitality with everything we needed in the cabin, from local knowledge to amenities. They respected our privacy while being available if we had questions.

Location

10.0

The retreat is in a peaceful area near One-Mile Beach, perfect for nature lovers and those looking to escape the city hustle. The nearby bush trails were a good discovery during my stay.

Dining

7.0

Dining options were included and good, but I found the coffee situation lacking since there was only instant coffee provided. I recommend specifying coffee preferences ahead of time.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities such as the hot tub were fantastic, and the outdoor green lighting added charm. However, I encountered issues with the water pressure and Wi-Fi reliability during my stay.