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Welcome to a small, exclusive retreat that nestles in one of Australia's most beautiful valleys. Here, just eight kilometres as the crow flies from the Pacific Ocean, nine secluded, individually styled, comfortable cottages put you in touch with the best of bush and beach. At Friday Creek Retreat you don't get just a room, you stay in a private,self contained cottage with a full kitchen, spa bath, open fireplace (winter months only) and air conditioning. In fact every comfort you'd expect from a top class resort...without the crowds. On its way to the Orara River, the crystal clear waters of Friday Creek ripple through the Retreat’s one hundred acres of gentle green pastures. The surrounding valley is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world and while it’s just 15 minutes or so to the coastal city of Coffs Harbour, it feels like you are a million miles away. Out here you will experience total tranquillity, clean fresh air and the soothing sounds of nature – and silence. Welcome to Friday Creek Retreat
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
267 Fridays Creek Rd, Upper Orara, New South Wales 2450 Australia
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We love our Moroccan theme cottage. Designer’s pick interior design and great value for money! We will definitely stay there again! The location is superb! It’s only 25 mins from the centre but it feels like it’s ages away! We have everything we need to cook our own meal, ordering a bottle of wine from them was also quick as they delivered to our cottage and the bottle is not over priced either just like the other places we stayed before! I can’t wait to stay there again!
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke , Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 22 Oct 2023
Thank you for a lovely review. We are blessed to be a hop skip and jump from the CBD but a million miles from the craziness . We look forward to hosting you again . We often have deals for return guests and direct bookers.
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This was our third visit to Friday Creek Retreat (and our friends’ fourth), and it has become one of our favourite places to visit. Dianne and Paul go out of their way to ensure we have a pleasant and relaxing stay. The ‘Tribal Cottage’ was nice and warm upon our arrival, and a lovely ‘Welcome Back’ message with a freshly baked loaf of bread and a bottle of wine was really appreciated.
We prefer the cooler months so we can enjoy the atmosphere of an open fire. However, the warmer months are also great for spending time around the pool, which has amazing views over the farm and the valley beyond.
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke , Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 25 Aug 2024
Thank you so much John - thank you for your lovely review . We do love our many returning guests.
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If you need to take some time out for yourself, this is the perfect place to do just that.
Situated about 10 minutes from lovely Coffs Harbour in the beautiful Upper Orara bushland, you can go for a walk, take a dip in the inviting pool, enjoy a spa bath or relax on the shaded back porch and enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside.
During winter, you can bask in the warmth of a fire in the gorgeous stone fireplace.
I also like the fact that the windows can be opened, so you can enjoy the fresh breezes that sweep across the valley.
Dianne and Paul are wonderful Hosts who will make you feel right at home. This is evidenced in the sweet personal touches like jigsaws, books and playing cards, cute knickknacks and bathrobes. There are also other thoughtful inclusions, like laundry liquid, basic kitchen supplies and insect repellent.
We cannot wait to return…
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke , Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for such a lovely detailed review . This valley provides the perfect backdrop to relaxation and quality time . We love our returning guests who are growing into substantial numbers
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We had high expectations for our getaway to here, after all the information on line & photos are beautiful, but….. everything is just tired. Our cabin did have a lovely view, but the outdoor furniture was in need of some oil/stain & some cushions so not comfortable for any length of time to sit. The kitchen had a freestanding stove, large fridge, the crockery,cutlery & kitchen utensils were a mismatch of items. The bed was very comfortable. We understand from the website that dogs are allowed, but we had dog hair on the lounge( obviously then on our clothing) so not sure about the extra cleaning. We used the communal laundry but it was untidy, with forgotten clothing items in the laundry tub & empty washing product containers. And the bikes were just piled up on the floor so you had to work around them. You couldn’t open the lid of the washing machine fully as the clothes dryer hung on the wall above the washing machine was too low. We didn’t use the pool it looked pretty but again tired, lots of weeds between the pavers. And we did see a green tree snake sunning itself on the steps between the top pool & bottom pool. We live in the country so are used to seeing snakes, but we do think that a sign letting everyone know that they may see “Sammy” would be a great idea.We did attempt a game of tennis but the court had a lot of weeds & built up silt & moss along the edges.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke , Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 31 Oct 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review us. We are very sorry that you are disappointed. As you can see from our reviews your experience is not how our guests normally experience the Retreat. your feedback is appreciated, and our team will closely review your specific feedback and address those issues to ensure that our guests are able to have the best experience possible.
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The whole retreat is just breathtaking. Even though it was torrential rain for most of our 3 night stay it was the most beautiful location. We witnessed a calf being born, saw wedged tail eagles, Kookaburras and possums. Driving out to the retreat is like having the most glorious Forrest bath even in the pitch black of night we were blessed with the sighting of two Bilbies in two different stretches of road and we stopped and watched their burrowing and scavenging for food close up. The cabin we stayed in#8 (French Provincial) was cosy and warm and was really just so perfect and what I needed. Planning my 50th there next year now. Can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Don’t be put off by the directions it was very useful and take in all the views. So beautiful.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke , Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 1 Oct 2024
Thank you Deb for your wonderful review. We do indeed have an amazing place for people to stop look and listen. We feel very privileged to live in this wonderland . We look forward to your 50th! We have many celebrations happen here and 50th booked in for three years in the future ! We are also opening up some old walking paths to make forest bathing easier . We are very glad you enjoyed your time .
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Wifi was not working, Oven was not working, Toilet seat broken, door handles broken, outdoor furniture covered in bird sh*. And the owners were so not responsive. They advertised that they provide pizza with 4 hour notice, we gave them 7 hours, and they refused to help us.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke, Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 20 June 2023
This guest has left this review everywhere. We do not respond to agression at Friday Creek or review threats. These guests ordered pizzas too late for the dough to be made .
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Booked Friday Creek Retreat via google search for accommodation in Coffs Harbour. I wanted to stay somewhere different to the usual beach resorts and Friday Creek fit the bill being located in the hinterland of Coffs. Its about 20 minutes out of the city but looks like its miles away set in amongst the rainforest and cow paddocks. The scenery was beautiful especially from our verandah and from the pool area. So green and lush overlooking bush,pasteurs and dams. The owners of Friday Creek also run a vineyard which makes the most beautiful rose. I was lucky enough to be able to buy a couple of bottles as they don't produce lots. Our cabin was one of 9 I think. Very private, clean, quiet and retro themed My daughter loved the hammock chair provided for the verandah. Was a nice touch. Judy and Stewart also can provide (for a nominal fee) fresh home made hot bread and jams for breakfast. And the pizza dough and sauce (you provide the toppings) and the pizza oven in the pool pergola area for a pizza dinner night (including lessons on how to roll the dough and prep the pizza oven). Such a great idea and we thoroughly enjoyed both. I would definitely recommend a stay at Friday Creek retreat.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:cabins 1 and 2 would be closer to the pool otherwise could be a bit of a walk.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith Bradley, Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 17 Mar 2021
Thanks Lyn for taking the time to write a review for us. regards Judy
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We love Friday Creek. For a romantic getaway I cannot recommend it enough. The peace and tranquility is exceptional and the winter bonus of an open fire gives it a truly snugly and romantic feeling. It is private with no-one else to worry about and Paul and Dianne (owners) respect this to the point that it makes you feel like you are the only people around having said this though they make it known that should you need their assistance they are only a short walk or phone call away. We have stayed at a few of the different decor themed cabins now and each one has been as good as the last. Cant wait for the next opportunity to try another one. Have had many truly memorable experiences at Friday Creek.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Bourke, Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 20 June 2023
Thank you Andrew . What can we say ? We agree and so many of our guests return as regulars. Its an easy place to unplug from life.
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3 fantastic nights staying in cottage number 9 Santa Fe. Having the Black Angus cows as our only neighbours it was so easy to switch off and enjoy the spectacular countryside and the general peace and quiet. The overall property is meticulously maintained and it is easy to see why Santa Fe is always in such high demand thanks to it's end location and therefore total privacy. Host Judy couldn't have been more helpful and responsive and we will definitely be back sometime soon.
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Date of stay: October 2020
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Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Santa Fe for its privacy and its Mexican feel.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith Bradley, Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 26 Oct 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay with us in Santa Fe, and thanks for the lovely review, it is much appreciated.
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This has to have been one of the most stylist, thoughtful, clean and relaxing cottages we have stayed in. The cottage decor was spot on in terms of matching the described look and very stylish. The views over the valley were impossible to beat. The kitchen was the best equipped for self catering that I have found. The pool area was beautiful and property so well spaced that you never heard or saw other guests. A short trip to Coffs Harbour as needed for supplies, or to stunning villages such as Nana Glen for a different experience. We plan to visit again in the future.
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Date of stay: November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith Bradley, Owner at Friday Creek Retreat
Responded 5 Dec 2020
Thanks for your review, much appreciated.
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There are more places to choose from in the Upper Orara area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$256 - AU$299 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesUpper Orara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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