The Island

100% Recommended
10 people
No pets
The Island is our family home where we were raised. It's an incredibly special place to us. These days we get to bring our own kids here, and they love it too. For over 30 years we have been sharing this magical place with our family and friends. Now we are opening it up to share it with you and yours. The house is on the tip of the private and secluded Gareeba Island, on the Wallamba River, just 10 minutes outside of Tuncurry/Forster.

The house itself will be exclusively yours. There are no other houses on the island, but a member of our family will stay in the old shack in the next paddock. They will ferry you across the river in our boat and help you with anything you need.

It is a short boat ride from where you park your car - at the end of Manns Road, to the property. Only your host is able to drive the boat. Once you have booked you will receive an email with details on how to contact your host to arrange the boat trip across the river to the island.

During your stay you will need to arrange all trips across the river with your host. They will only be available within reasonable hours and for a limited number of trips per day, so please plan your travel, pack and shop accordingly. Kids and adult lifejackets are supplied for the boat trips.
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Features and Amenities

3 bedrooms
4 beds
2 bathrooms
BBQ
Hammock
Indoor fireplace

Details

  • Check in after 02:00pm
    Check out before 12:00pm
  • Minimum booking: 2 nights
Cancellation Policy: 

Receive a full refund (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.

Additional Information

ISLAND & HOUSE DETAILS
There are 3 bedrooms, each with a double bed, and a double fold out lounge in the sitting room. We will provide bedding for up to 8 people. If you want to bring extra bedding you can have up to 10 people staying in total.

We spend our time swimming, kayaking, fishing, going on little adventures down the island and on the river, hanging out on the big veranda, round the indoor and outdoor fires, and cooking and relaxing with our friends and family. 

You’re in nature so expect lots to see lots of wildlife! There are heaps of birds, we often get pods of dolphins in the river, and share the island with all sorts of other creatures. There are beautiful gardens, seasonal fruit trees to help yourself to, and lots of outdoor areas to explore.

The property is a converted old dairy farm house which still retains its rustic charms. It’s not slick and fancy, but it is super comfy, has everything you need and is a lovely place to spend time. It really is glorious. It’s perfect for families and groups of friends, but it’s also a sweet place for a romantic getaway. It’s a precious place to us and we hope that you love your time here as much as we do.

The island is our family home so there will be a little food in the fridge and cupboard, and personal stuff around. But there will be plenty of room for your stuff too.

You will need to arrange trips across the river with your host. They will only be available within reasonable hours and for a limited number of trips per day, so please plan your travel, pack and shop accordingly. Kids and adult lifejackets are supplied for the boat trips.

Water skiing and jet skiing erode the river banks and damage the surrounding natural habitat, so we don’t allow ski boats or jet skis to be brought to the island.

It’s an Australian bush property so it has the usual insects associated with that. We provide mozzie coils in the summer, and we suggest packing your favourite insect repellent.

The property runs on rain water so it is really important to conserve water. Please use it sparingly, particularly in dry times.
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Prices

  • Base Price $550 / night
  • Cleaning Fee $100

Finding fulfillment

Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more

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Peacefulness

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Reviews (7)

100% Recommended

Host

Rosie & Eartha
Email Verified
Phone Verified
Newcastle
1Listings
Eartha and I are 2 of the four siblings who grew up on The Island. Now we live and work in Newcastle, me as a midwife and Eartha the owner of Hide & Seeker, a vintage clothing and handcrafted leather goods shop. We take our kids and friends back to The Island as often as we can. Everyone loves it, and we hope you do too x
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Adventures on the Property

These are the exclusive natural wonders and outdoor activities within the property boundaries.

Pack The Tent

If you have a larger group and need an extra bedroom or some adventurous kids who would like their own space, pack the tent!...

Jump On In

You can dive straight off the jetty or boat into the river. Swim, chill, eat, sleep, repeat! There are also beautiful beaches, ocean baths, rock pools and Wallis Lake, all within a 10-20 minute drive....

Throw In A Line

Plenty of good looking fish have been caught straight off the jetty then cooked on the BBQ or outdoor fire. Bring your own gear. There are also several fishing charters that operate out of Forster/Tuncurry....

Wallamba River

The Island is on the beautiful Wallamba River, which flows into Wallis Lake. Explore the river by boat, or Kayak, or from the comfort of the hammock or couch. Spot our resident Sea Eagles, watch out for pods of dolphins, head out onto the water for amazing stargazing, and rise early to see the sun rise over the river. Gorgeous!...

Stargazing

The stars are incredible. Don't forget to look up!...
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    Kayaking On The Wallamba River

    Kayak Along the Wallamba River right from the property's private jetty. Explore the mangroves and the river's twists, turns, and inlets around the island on calm and glassy water...
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      Arrive By Boat

      The house is located on a private island and the boat ride across to takes 20 minutes....

      Outdoor Equipment Provided

      Enjoy the outdoors with the following equipment included in your stay.

      Snorkle set (2)
      Kayak (2)
      Canoe (1)
      Two kayaks available for use at the property....

      Location

      The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.

      Listing location
      Adventures nearby

      Adventures Nearby

      Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.

      Featured in these Stories

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        Island Charm

        A +3 hour drive from Sydney and a pleasant boat ride across the river transported us to the only house on Gareeba Island, a secluded and charming family home named “The Island”. After settling in by the fireplace, we awoke to ...

        $550per night
         
        No payment required until your host accepts
        $550per night