Wanderers Retreat Port Stephens

My gfs and I stayed here as part of our Tomaree Coastal walk multi day hike. We used the wanderers as a base and we could not have been more thrilled (walking from shoal bay to one mile on day one and then Anna bay to one mile on day two). The cabin was cozy, had everything we needed (and more, incl wildlife) and we had the luxury of an outdoor spa and a lovely pool. Antony is an excellent host who happily gave us tips for the walk and guided us to the starting point on both days. He and his family are doing a wonderful job and this place is a gem surrounded In nature. Also, it’s a 2 min walk from the beach with a spar grocer, restaurants/cafes and tourist towns nearby. Thanks again Antony.

Dont leave many reviews but felt like I had to for this place. This is what me and my partner experienced here. - The place wasnt properly kept, not clean, dust and dead bugs everywhere. Paid over $320 per night and felt like I needed to clean the place up to feel somewhat comfortable. - Dust, dead bugs, cobwebs was seen in all windows, window sills, under furniture and between the couches. Had to cover the couch in towels. - Someone's bits of rubbish left inside the cottage on our arrival. - The cottage bins outside weren't emptied on our arrival. Only to find out it's not daily serviced on an automatic email sent a few days prior. - Came into the place and found there to be a composting toilet (nothing mentioned of this in the price rates, cottage info, booking pages and all important landing pages). Wouldn't have booked if it was clearly mentioned. - Cutlery and plates weren't washed properly, had to clean that up too. - The smells of sewage and compost heaps walking through and around the so called luxury resort. - Resort owner's house on the property had a foul odor that was wafting into the cottage on one of the days (and all throughout the night). Couldn't have the windows open and get some fresh air in. - Seen the owner jumping up to our private outdoor spa unannounced with bottles of chemicals to add to the spa 3 hours before our checkout time. Was most likely able to clearly see inside at a time where me or my partner would most likely be changing or getting out of the shower to start the day. Definately not something you'd see in a private and romantic luxury resort. Poorly kept and a falsely advertised place. Wouldnt call it a luxury resort, definatley not clean and definately doesnt feel private. I've stayed at much cleaner and more private places for more than half the price. Would NOT recommend.

3 day getaway for my partners 50th birthday awesome place to stay. Peaceful, tranquil location. The location the wildlife were what made it extra special. Wildlife lovers we named all the friendly possums who visited us every night. I have stayed in many hotels and resorts but wanderers retreat is truely a unique and rewarding holiday to remember.