Frequently asked questions
Where do we begin?…..
Two and a half hours from Sydney City. Allow for another half hour if in northern or outer suburbs. Great stop off places on the way for refreshments – particularly Berry.
Six 1950s cottages and a Mudbrick Retreat:- At present the Mudbrick House is only being used at the owners discretion
The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake is ideal for a group booking and on the booking page you will see the maximum number of guests the cottages can accommodate. Obviously the most popular is when 6 couples book all 6 cottages. Or 10 couples when including The Mudbrick Retreat with the cottages but the upstairs bedroom is a loft so this accommodation is best when both couples know each other well. The Mudbrick Retreat is perfect for a couple stay.
Illoura Cottage: is just like a small home with a surrounding enclosed verandah. It has a large double bedroom with a King Bed and sleeps 2.
Nunyara Cottage: also with an enclosed verandah has a Queen Bed with a separate bedroom with single bunk beds – maximum total 4 persons
Standard Cottages:-
Alambee: One double bedroom with Queen Bed and Separate Single Bedroom – maximum 3 persons
Bimbimbie: One double bedroom with King size bed and separate Single Bedroom – maximum 3 persons
Burraburra: One double bedroom with Queen Bed and Separate Bedroom with two single beds – maximum 4 persons
Elanora: One double bedroom with King Size bed and Separate Single bedroom – maximum 3 persons
Mudbrick Retreat: One Queen Bed in loft upstairs bedroom with daybed that can convert to single by arrangement and One Queen Bed downstairs – Maximum 5 persons by request
TOTAL ACCOMMODATION : Maximum persons 24 but not so if group booking is for individuals. For group individual bookings in own bed – Total Maximum 16
By prior arrangement and at an added cost when booking out all accommodation we can accommodate tents (use shared facilities of cottages).
NOTE: The Mudbrick is generally rented out as separate quiet accommodation because it is situated further away from the cottages.
The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake caters exclusively for adults and is not equipped to accommodate children or infants.
No. Please note we have had many happy groups celebrating occasions such as birthdays and special anniversaries by arrangement, but The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake is definitely not a loud party venue due to our location within a residential area and noise restrictions do apply. Definitely no ‘Hens Parties’ ‘Bucks nights’ or end of year footy trips!
No. Catering options at The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake include bringing your own food, shopping on the way (or when you get to Sussex Inlet) and cooking in your own fully equipped cottage kitchen, or eating out at local restaurants cafes and pubs. There are no mod-cons like dishwashers in the cottages. We do dishes 50’s style – in a traditional kitchen sink and wipe up with tea towels (supplied).
No, unfortunately not. The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake was built in 1952 and entry to each cottage is via a couple of stairs. We do however, have a disabled bathroom which was a local authority requirement when we built our new amenities block. During our next works program we hope to build accommodation more suitable to those who are disabled.
We are absolute pet lovers but sorry – Definitely No Pets Allowed. Many natural creatures have made The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake their home and, for this reason, we ask guests to respect our strict No Pets Policy.
Not at present unless your group numbers are smaller. We do have an enclosed screened BBQ area which is our gazebo with fully functioning BBQ where guests can gather that is a great place to share mealtimes. On sunny days the number of people can spill out onto the surrounding grass area but there is limited space for sitting inside. The existing table would comfortably sit about 12 at a push. In the next stage of our works schedule we propose to construct an ‘All Purpose’ centre – which will be a separate building away from the cottages. This will be ideal for yoga classes, gatherings, special occasions like birthdays, workshops etc.
For a reasonable charge of $300 per weekend and by special arrangement for large group bookings, a marquee is located just near the amenities building providing an undercover area for guest use. Obviously this is a temporary measure so electricity is not properly connected and electrical leads must be used if power is required of a night time. Caution must be exercised with leads on the ground. It also has a fridge which can be turned on via the electrical lead if guests require. Cutlery and crockery is available in the marquee to save cutlery and crockery being taken out of cottages.
Yes there is a grassed area well away from the cottages where guests are welcome to play. Please note that ball sports are not suitable for play anywhere near the cottages or amenities block. Traditional game supplies for badminton and quoits are available exclusively for guest use by request.
The cottages are truly a home from home, however it is important you bring a few essentials with you including towels, personal toiletries, hairdryer, sunscreen, insect repellent, a torch if required and all gear for fishing, swimming, bikes, and outdoor enjoyment. We welcome wind craft at The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake (kayaks, canoe, sailboards, paddleboards) over noisy toys (jet skis/power boats). There is no access to the lake for power boats and we prefer wind craft over power boats anyway because The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake is a quiet haven for nature lovers.
A wheelbarrow will be provided for you to take your luggage from your car to your cottage. Please bear this in mind when packing! Cars may be driven to a sign-posted area and parked. This designated parking area allows the cottage area of The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake to be safe and ‘car free’. You might need to make a few trips but we thank you in advance for your cooperation.
In the interests of health and safety and as a courtesy to other guests we kindly ask you not to drive your car into the property other than to the designated car park area. Cars are parked at The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake at the risk of the owner. Please do not leave valuables on display, ensure that your vehicle is secure before leaving it and be mindful of tree branches when parking. The same goes for not leaving any valuables inside your accommodation. The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake is not responsible for any items lost, stolen or damaged during your stay.
Just Five minute’s drive from The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake is the township of Sussex Inlet. In the town you will find our local butcher, RSL, Spar Supermarket, Hardware, take away food shops and restaurants as well as other local amenities – banks, ATM, post office, surf clothing outlets etc.
The nearest towns to Sussex Inlet are Vincentia – (25 mins North) – Woolworths and a small selection of retail shops including food outlets, Township of Nowra (40 mins north) and the Quaint Historic town of Milton (35 mins south) and larger Township of Ulladulla (40 mins south) There you will find banks and larger supermarkets.
During high season check-out time is strictly 10.30am on the day of departure. This enables the cottages and amenities to be cleaned before the next guests arrive at 2.30 pm and it is therefore imperative that access is gained by cleaning staff at 10.30am unless prior arrangement has been made with management. At other times flexibility may be exercised but only by prior arrangement with management.
Before you leave…
Before you leave we ask you to ensure your cottage has all cups, glasses, plates and cutlery returned to their rightful place. As much as is possible cottages should be left in the same state that they were found with all dishes washed up and put away, rubbish placed in outdoor bins provided and refrigerators emptied of all contents and food disposed of in compost bins located on the property. Much time is taken to sort this out in changeovers between guests and a cost may be taken from your security deposit if sorting from one cabin to another is necessary. Guests will appreciate that the 1950s theme throughout the cottages has taken much time to source and as such, all breakages should be reported and may be charged.
Refundable deposits:
Refundable Deposits are returned to you following housekeeping check of your accommodation. Your deposit is returned using same method of payment made to us and or paypal/cheque/bank transfer/cash. We wish to advise guests making credit card/paypal/transfers that this may take 2-4 workings day to show on their account depending on your banking provider.
The property is protected by 24 hour CCTV. All cottages have keyed locks which serve both cottage and the bathroom of your respective cottage. You will be given your key on arrival at check-in. Please keep your key safe as lost keys incur a charge which may be deducted from your security deposit. The main gate leading out to the lake should be kept shut. Since the bike track was established which is located just outside the gate there has been a marked increase in uninvited guests walking through and by keeping the gate shut at all times it ensures a more secure environment for all guests.
The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake offers a rare tranquillity where guests co-exist with the natural surroundings and we want to keep our neighbourhood happy. We ask everyone who stays with us to respect their fellow guests by keeping noise, voices and radios to a minimum, especially after 11pm each evening. Violent and aggressive behaviour towards other guests and staff will not be tolerated.
As we’re in a designated ‘High Flame Zone’ when fire restrictions apply there are strictly No Fires. At other times however, we have a designated area for our site campfire. There is plenty of wood piled nearby for guests use. Make sure you pack a jumper for the evenings and throw in a bag of MARSHMALLOWS – nothing like toasting these over the campfire! Please be safe around fires and respect your neighbours’ need for quietness.
Yes we have an undercover gazebo area for the exclusive use of all guests. We also have all the utensils you will need. Please leave the BBQ as you found it – washing up any BBQ equipment used. Council also provide a clean BBQ overlooking the lake which guests are welcome to use. There is nothing quite like watching the sun go down while everyone enjoys a BBQ.
PS – please don’t feed the resident Wildlife!
We have resident possums who have made The Springs Cottages on Swan Lake their home. There is plenty for them to eat so we urge guests not to feed the possums or other wildlife as this causes problems both with their diet and with them approaching people for food in an aggressive manner. Please make sure that all food is put away and rubbish disposed of and, if hiring the marquee, that it is securely closed up each night by the last person.