Kingfisher Bay Resort Hotel
, Fraser Island, Australia
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Kingfisher Bay Resort Hotel
, Fraser Island
North White Cliffs
- Fraser Island - Queensland - 4655 - Australia
Hotel Website |
| 61 7 41203333
357
Traveller
Reviews - Kingfisher Bay Resort Hotel
Read 357 additional reviews of Kingfisher Bay Resort Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Kingfisher Bay Resort Hotel
Great location, poor accommodation
from polarbear
My husband and I stayed at Kingfisher Bay for 3 nights on our honeymoon.
Fraser Island itself is fantastic - a 4WD tour is an absolute must to see all the beautiful varied scenery.
However we were very disappointed with the accommodation itself. We stayed in a 2 bedroom spa villa. The villa felt like it was built in the 1970s and hadn't been redecorated since; the carpets were filthy. Bedrooms were sparsely furnished and the bedding was very old and worn. The spa on the deck was great, though, but we were only given a small supply of towels.
On our second day we discovered that the rooms hadn't been cleaned and towels hadn't been replaced - on enquiring with reception we were advised that rooms are not cleaned and towels not replaced until you have stayed there four days - and if you require fresh towels you have to pay $25 for the priviledge! Although the accommodation had laundry facilities we thought this was still a bit ridiculous.
We also discovered, that being in a group of spa villas, several villas had 'spa parties' way into the night which kept a large number of guests awake.
The main part of the hotel complex is great, especially the reception building. Restaurants are also all fine, if not a little pricey - however the 'sandbar' restaurant was very reasonable and offered takeaway food too.
All in all, the accommodation was bearable, but... only because of the great location on such an interesting island.
Fraser Island itself is fantastic - a 4WD tour is an absolute must to see all the beautiful varied scenery.
However we were very disappointed with the accommodation itself. We stayed in a 2 bedroom spa villa. The villa felt like it was built in the 1970s and hadn't been redecorated since; the carpets were filthy. Bedrooms were sparsely furnished and the bedding was very old and worn. The spa on the deck was great, though, but we were only given a small supply of towels.
On our second day we discovered that the rooms hadn't been cleaned and towels hadn't been replaced - on enquiring with reception we were advised that rooms are not cleaned and towels not replaced until you have stayed there four days - and if you require fresh towels you have to pay $25 for the priviledge! Although the accommodation had laundry facilities we thought this was still a bit ridiculous.
We also discovered, that being in a group of spa villas, several villas had 'spa parties' way into the night which kept a large number of guests awake.
The main part of the hotel complex is great, especially the reception building. Restaurants are also all fine, if not a little pricey - however the 'sandbar' restaurant was very reasonable and offered takeaway food too.
All in all, the accommodation was bearable, but... only because of the great location on such an interesting island.
Butlins-on-Rainforest
from A TripAdvisor Member
To one side of the reception desk at Kingfisher Bay there is a framed photo of Prince Charles being introduced to a line up of smiling staff. The picture was obviously taken some years ago. The staff are all wearing garish eighties styled pattern shirts. Unfortunately, the staff at the resort today appear to be still wearing the same garish shirts. The reason that this is unfortunate is that this sets the tone for the whole complex. A bit like the rainforest outside it appears to be frozen in time.
The main entrance and reception area look impressive and set a good first impression, as does the suspended timber walkway leading to the hotel rooms. Think Jurassic Park film set. It was our room that was the real disappointment. It was damp, dark and tired. The bed cover looked like it had been knitted by someone’s grandmother. The room smelt horrible. We preferred to think that this was due to the damp rather than something worse. Some small attempt appeared to have been made to refurbish the dated bathroom with a new wash basin. It was a shame they didn’t think to replace the shower curtain which appeared to have turned yellow around the time the rainforest was still saplings. Outside the view was not of the beautiful island but a road with 4WD vehicles parked along side. I could easily go on.
The standard of the room would have been disapointing under any circumstances. This was the low point out of all the hotels we stayed in during three weeks in Australia. What makes this really disapointing though is that Kingfisher Bay was also the most expensive hotel we stayed in Australia.
The majority of the staff at Kingfisher Bay seemed to be young and presumably part time or seasonal. As a result they lacked a certain amount of professionalism, although we were happy to overlook this, as in our experience they were mostly friendly and helpful. The favourite job amongst the staff appeared to be driving a tractor up and down the beach to move boats around, to the annoyance of guests relaxing or children playing nearby.
During the time we visited, the majority of other guests appeared to be families, many with small children. This made the poolside area very lively during the day and conversely the bar just about empty during the evening. The atmosphere was distinctly Butlins-on-Rainforest, not luxury island resort as portrayed by many travel brochures.
We enjoyed the time we spent on Fraser Island, despite Kingfisher Bay Resort. Unfortunately there are limited accommodation options on the Island. You may be better off staying on the mainland, taking a whale watching trip from there and visiting Fraser for a day trip only.
The main entrance and reception area look impressive and set a good first impression, as does the suspended timber walkway leading to the hotel rooms. Think Jurassic Park film set. It was our room that was the real disappointment. It was damp, dark and tired. The bed cover looked like it had been knitted by someone’s grandmother. The room smelt horrible. We preferred to think that this was due to the damp rather than something worse. Some small attempt appeared to have been made to refurbish the dated bathroom with a new wash basin. It was a shame they didn’t think to replace the shower curtain which appeared to have turned yellow around the time the rainforest was still saplings. Outside the view was not of the beautiful island but a road with 4WD vehicles parked along side. I could easily go on.
The standard of the room would have been disapointing under any circumstances. This was the low point out of all the hotels we stayed in during three weeks in Australia. What makes this really disapointing though is that Kingfisher Bay was also the most expensive hotel we stayed in Australia.
The majority of the staff at Kingfisher Bay seemed to be young and presumably part time or seasonal. As a result they lacked a certain amount of professionalism, although we were happy to overlook this, as in our experience they were mostly friendly and helpful. The favourite job amongst the staff appeared to be driving a tractor up and down the beach to move boats around, to the annoyance of guests relaxing or children playing nearby.
During the time we visited, the majority of other guests appeared to be families, many with small children. This made the poolside area very lively during the day and conversely the bar just about empty during the evening. The atmosphere was distinctly Butlins-on-Rainforest, not luxury island resort as portrayed by many travel brochures.
We enjoyed the time we spent on Fraser Island, despite Kingfisher Bay Resort. Unfortunately there are limited accommodation options on the Island. You may be better off staying on the mainland, taking a whale watching trip from there and visiting Fraser for a day trip only.
Not very accommodating
from A TripAdvisor Member
At the recommendations of a fellow business owner who lives in Courtney, we and 6 other business owners went there for a two day business meeting.
On arrival with our two children, we were immediately told about the swimming pool hour restrictions for children..this was not a very friendly or welcoming greeting. From the beginning we felt second class because we had children.
The restaurant was very pretty, but no air conditioning made it warm inside. The food was tasty, but quite over priced in our opinion. There were 8 of us dining and they could not accommodate us on the patio, even though we had made reservations requesting we sit there. At 11pm we wanted to sit on the patio and enjoy some after dinner drinks, however the bartender had gone home and we were told that we must be quiet because Guests sleep with there patio doors open, which makes sense, because the rooms were also not air conditioned! We were basically sent off to bed!
The rooms were very small, however, were quite well equiped with a little kitchenette. Two of the outlets, one in the bathroom and the one outside the bathroom door did not work so it made it difficult to dry your hair!
There is not much privacy at the resort and you felt like you were at camp rather than a resort. We received the corporate rate which I felt was still quite pricey for what you were getting.
The following day we had reserved the meeting room and had requested that we be allowed to have a late check-out so that our two boys could stay in the room and they were not accommodating.
We just simply did not feel welcome or valued, we couldn't relax, or laugh too loud or enjoy cocktails and there wasn't much else to do there. I would not recommend it to families, it is suitable for retired older folks who eat at 5 and are in bed by 9.
On arrival with our two children, we were immediately told about the swimming pool hour restrictions for children..this was not a very friendly or welcoming greeting. From the beginning we felt second class because we had children.
The restaurant was very pretty, but no air conditioning made it warm inside. The food was tasty, but quite over priced in our opinion. There were 8 of us dining and they could not accommodate us on the patio, even though we had made reservations requesting we sit there. At 11pm we wanted to sit on the patio and enjoy some after dinner drinks, however the bartender had gone home and we were told that we must be quiet because Guests sleep with there patio doors open, which makes sense, because the rooms were also not air conditioned! We were basically sent off to bed!
The rooms were very small, however, were quite well equiped with a little kitchenette. Two of the outlets, one in the bathroom and the one outside the bathroom door did not work so it made it difficult to dry your hair!
There is not much privacy at the resort and you felt like you were at camp rather than a resort. We received the corporate rate which I felt was still quite pricey for what you were getting.
The following day we had reserved the meeting room and had requested that we be allowed to have a late check-out so that our two boys could stay in the room and they were not accommodating.
We just simply did not feel welcome or valued, we couldn't relax, or laugh too loud or enjoy cocktails and there wasn't much else to do there. I would not recommend it to families, it is suitable for retired older folks who eat at 5 and are in bed by 9.
An Experience
from A TripAdvisor Member
I took 32 kids/adults on a trip to Australia. We stayed at this resort hotel. I agree with the other reviewers...the food was expensive. Fifty dollars for a seafood buffet. Plentiful but expensive. There is only one other place where you can eat a rather inexpensive meal (by Australian standards) about a mile from the hotel. The food was so so if you want hamburgers.
The facilities at this hotel are average. We tried to get on their computers for internet and e-mail connections but while we were there (3 days) the computers were down without any explanation as to why and when they would be fixed. The rooms were very nice and spacious.
The facilities at this hotel are average. We tried to get on their computers for internet and e-mail connections but while we were there (3 days) the computers were down without any explanation as to why and when they would be fixed. The rooms were very nice and spacious.
Great Hotel
from KayCastleDonington
We have just returned from Australia and spent our last 3 nights at Kingfisher Bay. Perhaps the management have read some of the earlier reviews on here and taken action because I really could not fault the place. The staff were helpful and efficient, food in the restaurants was delicious and the 4WD Day tour was fantastic. Cant wait to go back there.
Eco Tourism at its Best
from leannemc
The resort is a fabulous example of eco tourism with many points of interest in the amazing architecture, how it was built and wildlife. I have visited the resort several times and found the hotel accommodation to be very good with some rooms having spa's and ocean views. All rooms have a verandah. Luxury private villas are also available for families. The restaurants are A La Carte and the Maheno Buffet with the Sand Bar complex situated on the beach with another pool - great for bistro scene and pizzas! Although beware that the Sand Bar is the day guest facility and also used for tours and backpacker meal times, but is situated well away from the main complex. The pools at the main complex are lovely (two) joined together with a small slide. The main pool is desiged based on the Lake MacKenzie, which is a gorgeous blue lake with crystal clear fresh water and fine white sand - about a 40 minute drive. You can hire a four wheel drive vehicle from the resort and travel around the island which is the largest sand island in the world! There are several fresh water lakes that are just amazing and rain forest and wildlife is in abudance. My husband and I got married at the resort - and overall it was unforgettable. Also whale watching season from July - Sept!
Not up to its potential yet
from BriDeehan
Stayed early Jan 05.Reception staff very helpfull but had missed our request for a room near main facilities for one of our party with walking difficulty.Rooms can be a long way away from facilities and walkways at various locations have nothing to prevent you tumbling over the edge for a 1 metre drop into the garden!Main Bar tends to close earlier than it should at 11.00pm.Disability access requires long detours and only one hotel wheelchair on site.Food is average.
Not an expensive place to stay if you dont eat at the hotel.
Highlight of Fraser Island was driving along the Beach for mile after mile - surreal.
The whole experience is not a patch on going on Safari to the Masaii Mara in Kenya where the Hotels are better and you see and experience probably 20 times as much flora and fauna.
Not an expensive place to stay if you dont eat at the hotel.
Highlight of Fraser Island was driving along the Beach for mile after mile - surreal.
The whole experience is not a patch on going on Safari to the Masaii Mara in Kenya where the Hotels are better and you see and experience probably 20 times as much flora and fauna.
Superb setting shame about the Service
from around
Superb Location
Hotel standard struggles to be International 3 star
Management have a lot to answer for--
Food indifferent far too much tinned etc
Staff poorly trained -
General cleanliness leads much to be desired
Rangers and trips very good
Shame we enjoyed our stay BUT __it could have been so much better with attention to detail
Hotel standard struggles to be International 3 star
Management have a lot to answer for--
Food indifferent far too much tinned etc
Staff poorly trained -
General cleanliness leads much to be desired
Rangers and trips very good
Shame we enjoyed our stay BUT __it could have been so much better with attention to detail
What a place
from A TripAdvisor Member
My only gripe about this place is that we wished we had stayed longer!!!! It was fantastic, the whale watching amazing. Can't complain about anything at all, it was a great experience, we will deffo go back next time we get chance to go down under!
Great place, worth the money at least with a package deal
from A TripAdvisor Member
I've now stayed at Kingfisher Bay resort twice, most recently in March 2004. I thought it was very reasonably priced and a delightful place - but I did have a pretty good package deal (something like 100 AUD a night for two for 2 nights). They seem to run these promotions pretty often.
The more expensive restaurants were nice too and (at least compared to home, UK) fairly reasonably priced.
The cheaper options were pretty awful though - so if you do want a couple of simple meals I'd suggest buying things from the village store and cooking yourself.
The day-long 4WD trip was brilliant, my only gripe was that I'd have liked to spend a little longer at each place, but I was still seriously impressed.
I'll definitely be back there next time I'm in Australia.
The more expensive restaurants were nice too and (at least compared to home, UK) fairly reasonably priced.
The cheaper options were pretty awful though - so if you do want a couple of simple meals I'd suggest buying things from the village store and cooking yourself.
The day-long 4WD trip was brilliant, my only gripe was that I'd have liked to spend a little longer at each place, but I was still seriously impressed.
I'll definitely be back there next time I'm in Australia.
Top Local Tips for Fraser Island
fun If you want a bit of excitement enter island thru inskip point but be sure you have a good 4x4 and the tide is out!
4x4 driving Take yourselves on an island tour..either one operated by the resort (the guides are very knowledgeable) or hire a 4x4. Visit lake Mckenzie, Eli Creek (swim down it), the coloured sands, Central station and any other lakes you have time to explore (look for little turtles)..Lake Mc kenzie is a good days' return hike with a divine swim in the lake as your reward!
Lake MacKenzie Take a picnic and go there on foot from the Kingfisher!
- (hotels)
Other names for Kingfisher Bay Resort Hotel
- kingfisher bay hotel
- kingfisher bay fraser island
- Address: North White Cliffs - Fraser Island - Queensland - 4655 - Australia
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- (hotels)
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