Gindabara (Place of Laughter)

Gindabara is a private self-catered retreat starting at $850pn for up to 14 people ($59 pp/pn). Additional people pricing on request with owner. Connect with friends and family for those special gatherings or workshops. Metres from Morwong Beach. Set on 1 acre fully fenced with BBQ, games, learning area. AC all rooms. This is a group of 6 buildings consisting of 4 self contained cottages with separate Communal Hall with well equipped kitchen and separate games/meeting room. Ideal for groups with common interests to come together on a small island close to the beach $55 pp min 14 people per night. Gindabara has only recently been acquired and will be undergoing a gradual transformation from an institutional establishment into an environmental and sustainable lodge which is respectful and sympathetic of it surroundings. We would like our guests to be part of this transformation and learning experience. Guests will have full use of all the facilities and enjoy complete privacy during their stay Should the need arise there will always be someone to call on. In the case of a medical emergency the Island has volunteer, fully trained First Responders. Dial 000 Visiting Coochiemudlo Island is like stepping back in time. When off shore the Island looks deserted because it is protected by the conservation area know locally as the 'Emerald Fringe'. The sandy bush beaches cover two thirds around the Island and the other third is covered by Mangroves. Guided walks and talks can be organised. It is difficult to find two houses the same and owners take pride in their individual gardens. These are refreshing changes from the mainland. It is well said by most that once you leave the mainland all your daily pressures slip away. There are no shops as such on the Island. Shop on the mainland before you come. Their is a small Kiosk for emergency goods. However, we are blessed by having an excellent restaurant 'Red Rock Cafe' owned by Michael & Coleen Morgan. It is well patronised by the locals. The Island has a very active Coastcare and Bushcare groups. They meet once a month and tending various environmental jobs on the island. Visitors are welcome to join in and often their is a BBQ or morning or afternoon tea at the end of a couple of hours weeding or dune caring. Check out the Community notice board at the end of the Jetty or contact myself. Restoration tourism is the way to go. Coochiemudlo Island is a 10 minute ferry or barge ride from the mainland at Victoria Point. The Ferry runs every half hour on the hour and half hour from Victoria Point and on the quarter past and quarter to the hour from Coochie. Starting at 5am and the last ferry is 11.30pm. Price is $4 each way for Adult and $2 for concession holders and children over 5 years. You purchase tickets on the ferry. Weekends the ferry starts at 6.15am and ends at 11pm. The barge runs approximately 10 times a day and it is recommended to book by phoning Amity Trader. Timetable and prices are available online. Once on the island you are never too far from from any where. You can walk, ride a bike or drive. Bikes and boats can be hired on the Island or why not bring your own bike. When you book Gindabara you have the entire property to yourself with full access to all buildings. The property manager / owner lives on the opposite side of the island and is happy to help with any questions or suggestions during your stay. Gindabara sits just metres from the picturesque Morwong Beach on the island of Coochiemudlo. The island is 1km x 1.5km in size and yet it still manages to have a nine hole golf course where guests are very welcome. Walking tracks lead you through the paper bark trees as you meander the coastline. Spending a day on this island takes you back in time to a place where people still wave and smile as you go by and riding your push bike to the beach is the most fun you've ever had. Come and visit us!! you'll find yourself again! Coochiemudlo Tours takes visitors on tours around the island and showing the best spots to explore and the history of the island. There is so much to be found on our little island. Transport and Food delivery can also be arranged. Tours: $30 hr, contact Manager.