Newell Hwy Motel & Caravan Park

The shower block was old but clean enough. The cabin, though, was filthy, and I wouldn’t rent it out in that state. We scrubbed the kitchen and toilet sinks, wiped grease off the TV and cleaned the table, using antibacterial wipes on everything. We left the floor alone because there was nothing to clean it with. There were no usual supplies for an onsite van: no detergent, soap, tea or coffee sachets, or milk. We didn’t see cockroaches. It was humid and raining, our van’s aircon wasn’t working, and we were desperate for somewhere to stay where we might get some sleep. Several new units were only half finished, alongside older units that looked like they were rented permanently. Renae, the caretaker, was very apologetic and said she’d only been there a short time, the owner had recently taken over, and they were trying to fix the place up. She also said builders were delaying completion, which I imagine is a big financial burden and may explain the lack of cleaners. Renae was a lovely young woman with a few kids, and very apologetic. I’d like to return after the refurbishment is finished. I feel the current state is because of a lack of funds.

We were there Wednesday to Friday, and the amenities weren’t cleaned once. The toilet bowls and shower cubicles were dirty, with shampoo lids and razor tops on the shower floor. A mop and bucket had been left sitting in very dirty water. I emptied and rinsed the bucket, ran the mop under hot water for a while, then used it to wash the shower floor before showering. I left the bucket upside down and the mop clean with its head up outside, but by Friday morning neither had been moved. My husband checked the BBQs and said they were disgraceful, made him nearly vomit, and should be ripped out and disposed of. I took photos and have a good mind to report the place to the health inspector. I’d read the other reviews about new management and a full revamp, but that doesn’t excuse the dirt. Believe the bad reviews. I wish I had. Don’t go there.

We asked to see the cabin and found it dirty, with a disgusting toilet. The bedrooms were average, but the bedding looked crumpled and I wasn’t going to sleep in those beds. We left the park, though because we’d prepaid, we still had to pay $100. I’m not happy. It seems like a way to make money without actually providing accommodation. Avoid this place. At reception, noisy dogs greeted us, everything was dusty, and the manager took ages to find our booking. Then we were told we’d been charged incorrectly and asked whether we wanted a cabin with only a toilet or one with a shower as well.

The appliances were new and the budget cabin was very clean, with upgrades since our stay two years ago. For the price, it was reasonable, and we’d still come back for an overnight stop. The beds were the downside: the double was too short for my wife and me, even though neither of us is six feet tall, and the kids found their beds too soft and uncomfortable. All in all, I shouldn’t complain given what it cost.