Koondrook Retreat

Waking up to kookaburras, birds and wildlife was a real highlight, and we enjoyed unwinding on the deck by the BBQ. The tent had comfortable beds, a proper kitchen with a fridge and dishwasher, and a great shower. We visited during a heatwave, with temperatures in the 40s, so it got hot inside around midday. Having the river nearby for a swim helped, and a good shower afterward felt great. The owners were lovely and accommodating, replied quickly to emails, and let us check out late. Check-in and checkout were easy. For families, there are two playgrounds within walking distance and several easy ways to get to the river. Bring old towels if you plan to swim. The general store and pub owners in town weren’t very welcoming, though there are plenty of good pubs in nearby towns. We had a great stay and would go back.

We had heavy rain while we were there, but the well-built cabin stayed completely dry. I’d been worried water might get in, so that was a great surprise. The layout and flooring made the space feel roomy and comfortable, and the smooth timber finishes were lovely. There was lots of wood, but it was finished so well I never worried about getting a splinter. The shower had excellent pressure and temperature, better than many hotel showers I’ve had. The linen and towels were soft, clean and much better quality than standard hotel sets. Everything felt hygienic and carefully maintained. For a glamping stay, the cleanliness really stood out. It was peaceful and relaxing, and the interior design was thoughtfully done. My husband and I were honestly blown away, and I’d recommend Koondrook Retreat for a clean, calming getaway.

That quiet morning by the river, with birds and soft light, was just the reset we needed. The glamping setup was spotless and comfortable, with thoughtful touches that made it feel special. Koondrook Retreat has a lovely mix of nature, charm and comfort, and we’d recommend it for a peaceful escape.

The Murray River setting was the best part for us. We kayaked, fished and rode bikes on the tracks, and the mornings came with birdsong. We also spotted goats in the bush. It was a quiet, relaxing place with room to unwind, plus a nearby general store and playgrounds for the kids. For the location alone, it was exactly the peaceful nature break we wanted. The accommodation didn’t match our expectations for $300 a night or the “luxury” label. The tent was extremely hot when we arrived. It would have been nice to have the air conditioning on already, as places we’ve stayed often do depending on the season. It took a long time to cool the tent, and the filters may need cleaning. You can’t park beside the tents, so you have to carry your things a short distance. There’s no WiFi, although mobile reception is excellent. Cleanliness was the biggest disappointment. The outdoor seating and indoor sofa felt unclean, with dust, fluff and tissues left behind the cushions. There was dust under and behind the beds, and fluff and dirt in both the kitchen and bathroom bins. The microwave wasn’t clean enough for us to use comfortably. We couldn’t get the stove working, though luckily we’d brought our own gas stove. The BBQ on the veranda worked well. A drying rack for dishes would also be useful. We’ve stayed in similar tents at other Big4 locations, and this was the least clean one. The setting was wonderful, but the accommodation needs more attention to detail and a proper clean to meet the “luxury” standard.