Name: River Retreat Caravan Park
Address: 8-10 Philp Parade, Tallebudgera, Tallebudgera, Tallebudgera, 2486, Australia
Rating: 7

Smoke-free property

Garden

General

Laundry

Services and amenities

Barbecue grill(s)

Barbeque

Recreation

Free parking

Free Parking on Premises

Parking

Swimming pool

Outdoor pool

Pool and beach

Pets allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Tweed Estuary Nature Reserve

Gold Coast Airport

Murwillumbah Airfield

River Retreat Caravan Park

Tallebudgera

A+ on service, facilities and amenities. I booked the budget accommodation for myself and two dogs, I was not expecting much for $100 a night for pet friendly accommodation on tweed at Christmas so it's been a really pleasant surprise. 

The quality of the accommodation is great value for money and the service at the retreat is better than a 5 star hotel! The budget accommodation is clean and tidy, there is A/C and fan, kitchenette, TV, plenty of storage The extra touches have been executed with love including clean crisp white sheets, a nicely made bed, towels neatly presented, Tea and coffee, and shower products provided. 

Wendy has been so lovely and the accommodation is comfortable, safe and clean. So it's disappointing to see that there have been poor reviews on this accommodation- just don't believe everything you read, people are far more likely to write a bad review then take the time to write a good one. 

I felt the need to counter a few of the negative comments- I think they're unfair and keyboard warriors should be more wary of what a bad review (that is not legitimate/justified) does to a small business. Please note that I have no affiliation to Rivers Retreat, I am simply a happy guest. 

1. Pet owners: Getting put in the older accommodation should realise that other visitors without pets may not want to sleep in the same place that your dog has. Be thankful that there is still an affordable place to stay with your pets, or dig into your wallets and pay a lot more to holiday with them.
2. Poor service: I can't understand this comment, my dealings with the retreat have been above and beyond- very welcoming and so helpful. Perhaps the people reviewing were having a bad day...?
3. Accommodation was tired: I assume that the comment is regarding the budget accommodation which an older style (but still very comfortable). Similar to the pet owner comment...You get what you pay for, the retreat offers brand new accommodation as well if you have the $$..

I stumbled across reviews trying to work out what to expect/bring for my stay, so the only thing I would suggest is perhaps more of a description/promotion of the different types of your accommodation for guests (e.g. no ensuite in budget accomm- although I was told over the phone when booking so this was clear for me but perhaps overlooked by online bookings). I have posted my photos (and furry friends) in the pics. But all in all- I would highly recommend River Retreat Caravan Park for your next Tweed holiday, enjoy :)



A+ for service, value for money, facilities and amenities :)

We travel with a small dog so always request pet friendly accomodation. We stayed at River Retreat Caravan Park in July 2022 and had a great pet friendly cabin. Have just started in June 2023 and would appear the new owners now rate travellers with pets as 2nd class and put you in the really old cabins. Won't be back for sure. 

Disappointed! 

I booked power site for caravan Easter 2023 plus extra week,going by photos looked nice holiday park...however this caravan park is not suitable for holiday.   Mostly elderly residential accomodation with many road workers semi permanent in vans, daily domestic arguments between residents made us very uncomfortable .
 The park has no security no gates so cars are driving through 24 hours signs say 8k but no speed limits are enforced very fast traffic problems. 
  The location advertised on scenic river is actually  inaccessible and park is not close to any facilities or pleasant walk path need to drive everywhere.  
The pool looked great in photos but in reality is small attached to managers residence, not pleasant. 
Worst problem is the  Park is directly under main gold coast airport flight path 6am to 11pm every few minutes planes are either landing or taking off at tree top height van shaking with noise I can't explain impossible to ever get used to.
 The managers...it was easter so I guess everyone deserves a party...and she did ...when not socialising didn't know what she was doing at check in took way too long . Very unfriendly walks around park shouting out complaints to residents open loud arguments with residents making for a very unpleasant stay.  Did not feel safe here. Would not go back . 

NOT A HOLIDAY PARK

We have never stayed in such disgusting filth. Walked into find broom covered in long dog hair and when I moved broom realized there was dog hair under the bed and all over the floor. I went to the office and told them and was given a dustpan and broom to clean the floor. Then we discovered there was no washing up liquid or tea towels as the bench needed to be cleaned. Back to the office and was given the dishwashing liquid and tea towels. Cleaned all the rubbish under the sink and set about washing down everything. No one offered to come and clean the cabin. I suffer from allergies and become very ill that night and had trouble breathing. Left early next day and rang and left message at office to let them know we had gone and let them know I was ill caused by the filth of cabin, have not heard one word from them.  

Disgusting filth

Stayed for just one night, but the experience was a good one. The cabin was compact without being too small. We made use of the air conditioning to cool the room so had a good night's sleep. The location was just near to the Terranora Creek so we could walk by the riverbank and see the wildlife and the locals boating and fishing. Although full, the caravan par was quiet. Would stay again

Upgade to a studio cabin

Good Location near the river, the aircraft on short approach can get quite distracting. Facilities clean but aged. Close access to get across to the commercial area and onto the main highway north or south. Not much nearby traffic noise from the road.

Basic and okay

Had booked in for 3 nights, stayed just one. The planes take off directly over the park from across in Queensland. Made for a noisy stay starting at 6:00 am. Asked for a refund but was told that was not possible. So much for a relaxing start to our holiday.
Very disappointed.

Noise !

My sister and I arrived a week ago in our two vans and were able to occupy two sites next to each other. Our allotment is very spacious with lovely gardens nearby. Sue has been extremely friendly and accommodating. Nothing is too much trouble. The people here in the park, and Tweed Heads in general, are the nicest you will meet in this country. What a pleasant and relaxing park! We're so happy here we asked to stay several more weeks and this was granted. Highly recommended.

Just loving it

Very happy with our 3 night stay in an open plan cabin with ensuite, kitchen and everything you need.
Firstly the hosts Sue & Josh made us very welcome and provided a great rate for 3 nights.
We were impressed with how clean the cabin was and how everything was provided including clothes basket, pegs, iron & ironing board. 
The kitchen was very well appointed with all cutlery, glasses, cookware, cooktop, convection microwave and full size fridge. There was plenty of storage with coat hangers provided, 2 seater lounge and table with 2 chairs. 
The ensuite had a large shower with strong water pressure.
Unfortunately we didn’t try the pool as it was raining and didn’t use the amenities.
The park is very quiet and only a short drive to shops, restaurants, clubs and beaches.
The river is out the front and provides beautiful walks along the foreshore.
Undoubtedly one of the best cabins we’ve stayed in.
Will definitely return when in Tweed Heads.

Great Cabin with ensuite, kitchen, dining area plus everything you need.

Following my dad’s late stage cancer diagnosis, we booked a big family holiday before he gets too sick to travel. When some Covid popped up in Melbourne, we sent our parents to NSW before the border closures, so that they'd get a holiday even if without us. This is one of many places I'd booked.

Prior to their stay, staff asked whether they arrived after the cut-off. I replied "no". Despite this, mum calls me to say the owner called & bombarded her with questions. The owner apparently told her she "needed to know" [she didn't] the date my parents entered NSW and that she'd need to be able to prove it with receipts [she did not need to]. 

Horrified by the invasion of privacy, I requested a cancellation & refund. When I didn't hear back, I called. A women advised she had "reported" me to booking.com and would not be providing me a refund. She also accused me of breaking the law and breaking NSW Covid restrictions. She told me it was her job [it wasn't] to make sure everyone was following restrictions and I could not possibly know what the restrictions are because I live in Victoria. Apparently they don't have the internet at this caravan park? 

Ignoring her false accusations, I informed her she was actually the one acting unlawfully by forcing private information and breaching Australian Consumer Law by telling me that I could not get a refund. She still refused the refund so I asked how she could possibly steal our money without providing a service? She said they're welcome to come to the park. I reminded her that she said we were breaking restrictions and that it was her job to enforce them, so why is she letting them into the park? 

A man then came on & told me he would not give me the refund because he simply did not believe anything I said.

River Retreat Caravan Park

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