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Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers – reviews, photos

2 Koala Place | 1 Mile Beach, New South Wales 2316, Australia
Hotel amenities
Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
4.0 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
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25 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    16
    5
    3
    0
    1
Date Rating
Sydney, Australia
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“WOW!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 January 2012

My friend and I stayed in Sydney for New Years and decided to travel north after for a dolphin swim adventure. Because of the busy season there wasnt many options for lodging. We decided on Melaleuca because of a referral. SO impressed! What a neat place! There was a baby kangaroo that they had raised on the property which we stopped to pet on more than one occasion. Koalas in the trees (with babies). Beautiful beaches nearby. And plenty of restaurants nearby if you didnt want to use one of the free BBQ grills…they will even let you use a cruiser bike to get to them if you dont want to walk. They changed our linens every morning - a welcome surprise. Everyone was very friendly and respectful of noise. My only regret is that we didnt have time to stay longer! A very unique place!

Room Tip: We stayed in a premade tent because the lodges were full. It was very roomy and clean…the only downs...
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask travelmate333 about Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Port Stephens, Australia
1 review
“WAY too expensive, caged birds to lure tourists.”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 November 2011

We spend the night there with our campervan, because we were told it is quite cheap (ca. 10 dollars). When finally got there late at night I was too stunned and tired to turn around when I heard the price. We had to pay 36 dollars for the two of us. Without even having power. Even in top locations we never had to spend so much money for getting so little value. To get the same experience (Kanguroo, which wasn't there) we had more nights for free in the bush. So my tip just park your van somewhere in the area where it is not forbidden and you get more value for less money. By the way they have some caged birds. In case you have not seen yet a Cuckaburra or a Cuckatoo, which are abundant as free birds around here, you can look at their caged ones...
The area itself is quite nice, but so is the bush around the Backpackers...

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask I_am_NOT_a_Hippie about Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
kingston
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Unforgettable Experience”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2011

My husband and I spent five days here on the way up the coast - it was so good that when we came back down we stayed for another four. The relaxed atmosphere, the surrounding activities (Berubi Pt is amazing), the gracious hosts, the tropical setting - absolutely great. Passed around photos at the office - the girls are so jealous!! Miss all of it.

Room Tip: Comfort and privacy - opt for the cabin
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  • Stayed February 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask retiredgalKingston about Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sydney, Australia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Quiet, reserved, friendly”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2011

Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers was a great place to stay. Getting away for the Easter break without wanting to spend a fortune, my boyfriend and I opted for the glamping option to avoid putting up our own tent in the dark. The atmosphere was warm, friendly, and casual. Just want you want for your getaway. My favourite was their kangaroo Josephine who was the cutest and most lovable temporary pet I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.
A 5 min walk to the beach and a few shops to provide you with your essentials, I didn't want to leave this place. The facilities were clean (a huge plus) and despite it being really busy over Easter you didn't have to wait long for the shower.
It gets chilly at night but come 7am you're back in a singlet and shorts and beds in the tent were extremely comfortable! A great escape for family, with your partner or even a group of friends I would suggest.

Room Tip: Take a lamp for night, it gets dark :)
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  • Stayed April 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask luci321 about Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sydney
1 review
“one of the best places I have stayed at”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2011

Amazing place to stay if you want a relaxing place with a great vibe that is a three minute walk to the beach. We stayed in one of the beautiful tree houses and very much liked the Thai inspired architecture of the whole place. The location is surrounded by beautiful bush and shared with Koalas, Josephine the Kangaroo and other friendly animals. Staff is super friendly, the place is clean and there is heaps of things to do around including surfing different spots, dolphin / snorkeling tours, sand boarding in the dunes, great walks, etc. I can highly recommend this place.

  • Stayed April 2011, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask MikeManly about Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers
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