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4.5

#1 of 1 motel in Leigh Creek

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Leigh Creek Outback Resort is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Leigh Creek, offering many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Leigh Creek Outback Resort offers guests an array of room amenities including an array of motel rooms and self contained cabins with air conditioning. Free limited wifi is available in the front bar. The motel offers a a front desk from 9am -5pm (hours differ in summer which is the off-peak season), to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also has access to the town's Olympic Size swimming pool, large playground, gym, tennis, squash, and bar and restaurant dining. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. During your visit, be sure to check out the picturesque Aroona Dam, a great place for picnic, swim, and soon to be fishing after a recent release of young babies. Watch this space as we try our hardest to fight for tours of the recently closed coal mine. Local places to visit are Historic Farina Bakery in the cooler months, Iga Warta, Copley Bakery, Old Beltana, Lyndhurst, Marree Man, Arkaroola, Flinders Ranges and the list goes on! There is a local air strip for private flights, with pick up and drop offs from the Resort. Bus Tours can be arranged if there are enough interested numbers.

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Property amenities

Free parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Outdoor pool

Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room

Bar / lounge

Squash

Tennis court

Meeting rooms

Secured parking

Restaurant

Kids' meals

Non-smoking hotel

ATM on site

24-hour front desk

Room features

Air conditioning

Refrigerator

Room types

Non-smoking rooms

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

Location

25 Black Oak Dr, Leigh Creek, South Australia 5731 Australia

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Nearby restaurants

Copley Bush Bakery & Quandong Cafe

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77Reviews1Q+A8Room tips

Reviews
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tellerto wrote a review July 2023

Gold Coast, Australia115 contributions100 helpful votes

Needs work to reclaim the title of “Resort”.

Not a resort by any means. Credit to Breyten and his few hardworking staff, but the “ transformation” promised a few years ago clearly hasn’t happened yet. The place is tired, untidy, feels abandoned, and needs a big injection of maintenance. The rooms are old and yellowed and we and our friends suffered from bed bug attacks. The Tavern / housekeeping / grounds staff (the same few people it seems) tried hard and were busy, but there needs to be quite a few more employed to lift the rundown feeling of the place. Perhaps it’s down to tough times during Covid, or the current shortage of backpackers, but at present it’s not very good.

Date of stay: July 2023Trip 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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 4 weeks ago

Sorry you did not enjoy your stay. We inspected for bed bugs and were unable to find these, and have had no reports from any other customers. The transformation has only been promised since Breyten purchased the resort from the government, in August last year. Prior to that, the resort was government owned. It will take some time to renovate and refurbish 80 rooms.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mrs Caveman wrote a review July 2023

Gawler, Australia42 contributions29 helpful votes

+1

A little oasis village in the outback

Fantastic place to stay. The room was simple but neat and tidy. Split system in room kept the room nice and warm when temperature was 4 degrees outside. Kettle, toaster, microwave, bowls, cutlery, mugs/cups, iron in room. We stayed in a queen motel room. One queen bed, one single bed. Foodland and shopping precincts are all in the little'village' area, so you can walk around for all you need. Nice playground, oval, pool, tennis court, batting cages. There is plenty of room for children to have fun. Great meals on site. Easy parking. Staff were great. Especially Bonnie and Ryan, these two staff members went above and beyond in customer service. Made us feel very welcome. Knew the area and had great suggestions on things to go, see, and do. Very quiet place to stay (other than our very loud neighbours who came in at 11.30pm every night, banging the door and stomping the mud off their boots, waking us all up) Could not fault pricing, food,and service. Rooms are a little outdated in their decor, but still very comfortable, and we were very happy in our room #2 Would definitely stay again when up that way. …

Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family

Room Tip: Book in advance is wanting to dine as the dining room gets quite busy.

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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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 4 weeks ago

Thanks so much for all of the positive feedback! We are glad you were well looked after by Bonnie and Ryan, and enjoyed all the facilities the town has to offer. We are gradually getting around to each room to renovate and refurbish. We can't wait to see you again!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Liam M wrote a review Aug 2022

1 contribution

An Amazing and unique Experience for My Tour Guests.

I must Give Ben and his staff a big thankyou. for helping to organise, A very early 5am Breakfast for my Tour Group, as we had a very long trip on the second day of our Wonders of The Painted Desert Tour. And had to Depart by 6.30 am from the Resort. Ben is such a nice person, who goes above and beyond to organise, and help . Thats why i keep returning to the Leigh Creek Outback Resort, with my Outback Coach Tours. 100 out of 100 for service and that great country Hospitality, and their meals are amazing, they can never do enough for you. Regards Liam Mackey. Holiday Wonders Tours Adeliade.

Date of stay: August 2022

Value

Rooms

Service

Trip type: Travelled on business

Room Tip: Rooms on the top level have Greater views of the beautiful red outback Granite rock outcrops.

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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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 30 Mar 2023

Thanks so much, Liam. We love having you stay, and your tourers are just beautiful people! We hope you continue to visit as it's just such a pleasure! Thanks again!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Graham K wrote a review Aug 2022

Brisbane, Australia175 contributions43 helpful votes

Oasis near Flinders Range

We stayed a night in one of the Queen Deluxe Motel Rooms and were very pleased. The room must have been recently refurbished as it was in near new condition. The room was immaculately clean and well presented. Microwave, large bathroom, the bed was really comfortable. Close to the restaurant and bar too. The meals were excellent as was the service. If travelling out this way, it would be very hard to beat Leigh Creek Outback Resort. It is an oasis with fuel, a large IGA, and post office in this lovely town. Highly recommended as being well worth a visit.

Date of stay: August 2022

Cleanliness

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Sleep Quality

Room Tip: The Queen Deluxe Motel Rooms are worth the extra expense

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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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 30 Mar 2023

Thanks so much Graham! we are delighted that you enjoyed our newly renovated rooms! It was an absolute pleasure having you and we thank awesome people like you that keep our town going! Please stay again!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HaydnP280 wrote a review July 2022

Melbourne, Australia261 contributions77 helpful votes

+1

Fabulous!

Great place to stopover on your outback trip. Rooms are fairly priced ($135), clean and functional. Food in the bistro is very good. $34 for the 300g scotch fillet and $20 for the beef schnitzel. Both cooked really well. Not a huge amount to do in town, but a nice place to relax. Call ahead for a free airport pickup

Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family

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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 26 July 2022

Thanks for your fantastic review! Did you have a look at our '20 things to do in a day from leigh creek?' We also have the free Black Rock Blue Sky Exhibition at the service station.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gianna M wrote a review Apr 2022

13 contributions1 helpful vote

Great lunch

Had a very good chicken burger...for lunch. Very friendly staff. The restaurant was spotless and nice. I felt sad for the town. Lots of houses closed down and being demolished. Hopefully it will pick up. Great stop on your way north. Pity the mine is totally closed and dont have tours there. Worth the stop to help the town.

Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family

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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 26 July 2022

Thanks Gianna! Hopefully in years to come we will be able to begin mine tours. Check out our '20 things to do in a day from Leigh Creek,' and the mine exhibition at the service station called 'Black Rock Blue Sky.'

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jaf92sydney wrote a review Apr 2022

Sydney, Australia88 contributions87 helpful votes

Interesting place to stay

We stayed one night as a stopover on our journey so didn't really have time to explore the area. As others have noted, the town was built in the 1980s to accommodate around 5,000 people and is now home to about 140. It's a unique thing to walk around a mostly deserted town. We shared a pizza in the restaurant and it was very good. Staff were pleasant and efficient, especially the young bearded guy in the restaurant - sorry didn't get your name. The room was a bit dated but it was clean and quiet - one negative is that Wifi did not work in the room. It was available in the restaurant/ bar area. There is a petrol station with small grocery store on-site. Would we stay here again? There aren't a lot of other options nearby, but regardless of that, yes we would.

Date of stay: April 2022

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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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 26 July 2022

I think you mean our bartender Joel. He is a great member of staff! Thanks for your honest review. Check out our list of great activities to do from Leigh Creek. We are hoping to gradually do up our resort. At the moment it is currently transferring ownership. Hope to see you again!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mark S wrote a review Mar 2022

Sydney, Australia179 contributions133 helpful votes

OK for a stopover, but not really a resort.

The Leigh Creek Outback Resort is really a bit of a misnomer. In reality, the town of Leigh Creek which was built in the late 1970s is in steep decline due to the closure of the local coal mines. The establishment of the resort is an attempt to rebadge the town as a tourism destination, whilst at the same time using the existing residential infrastructure as accommodation. So it’s not really a resort as such, really more like a booking office/tavern with some hotel rooms and self-contained cabins in the surrounding streets. The cabins are quite comfortable, although they do have a very 1970’s vibe (think orange Laminex, patterned carpets and textured floor tiles). They have kitchenettes where you could prepare modest meals and there are adjacent laundries. The rooms aren’t particularly well soundproofed and light sleepers may be disturbed by the sounds from next door. Whilst satellite TVs are provided, it should be noted there is no WiFi currently available in the cabins. The town of Leigh Creek has a couple of shops including a small Foodland grocery store if you need to stock up with anything. Sadly, I wouldn’t say Leigh Creek is a true tourist destination, but the Outback Resort is perfectly adequate accommodation on the way through.…

Date of stay: March 2022

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Room Tip: The cabins are probably more comfortable than the hotel rooms.

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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.

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Response from Emma Ruffles, General Manager at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 4 Apr 2022

Mark, we are sorry you did not find Leigh Creek a good tourist destination. Did you access our '20 things to do in a day from Leigh Creek?' Did you visit Aroona Dam and the picturesque picnic locations around the town? Currently the government owns all of the resort buildings so the managers have been unable to renovate extensively. This will be changing soon as the managers are purchasing the buildings and will gradually start renovating. With 100 rooms however, this will not be a quick process.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maxine H wrote a review Oct 2021

Adelaide, Australia69 contributions6 helpful votes

Interesting place and characters

An interesting concept on 'Resort'. We stayed one night and the room was clean and comfortable. We had dinner in the hotel next door which was popular and a good choice on the menu. The only parking was in the shopping area so we had to carry our bags to the unit. Chatted with the manager about the current situation with Leigh Creek and the demolition of houses because of the closure of the mine. It will remain a tourist town. Visit Aroona Dam Sanctuary - just stunning.

Date of stay: October 2021

Location

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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.

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Response from Breyten Ward, Marketing at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 12 Dec 2021

Thanks very much for your review Maxine! The town is going through a transformation at the moment and we hope many more exciting attractions will soon come.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lorne01 wrote a review July 2021

Lorne, Australia61 contributions40 helpful votes

A sad place

This old coal town has or is or seems to be dying. Avoid unless absolutely necessary. Food and wine were passable and atmosphere not good, but I felt for the staff who are working with old infrastructure. Try Copley instead at least for the bakery

Date of stay: June 2021Trip 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.

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Response from Breyten Ward, Marketing at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Responded 12 Dec 2021

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. The town is going through a revamp and the resort is government owned. The manager is in the process of buying it and hopes to make many upgrades once it is off of the government's hands.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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