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Summary of reviewsCooinda Lodge Kakadu resides in the heart of Kakadu National Park, providing guests with unparalleled access to the park's major attractions. Nestled amidst a lush monsoon forest, the lodge offers a serene and remote escape with convenient access to Yellow Water Billabong cruises, Ubirr lookout, Jim Jim Falls and the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The central location and natural surroundings are a significant highlight, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Guests appreciate the on-site amenities, including a lovely pool and an outstanding restaurant. The lodge rooms, cabins and glamping tents are clean, spacious and modern with thoughtful touches like air conditioning and organic bathroom products. The family rooms and deluxe options are spacious and well-appointed, providing a comfortable stay. The unique glamping tents also offer a notable experience despite minor issues with proximity to amenities.
While breakfast receives mixed reviews, the buffet is often praised for its variety and satisfying offerings when included in the room rate. Some guests feel the breakfast is overpriced unless bundled with accommodation. Dinner, available at the Barra Bar and Mimi’s Restaurant, is generally well-regarded for its quality and taste, though some wish for more vegetarian options and better alignment of prices with the dish quality.
Cleanliness standards vary with many guests praising the spotless rooms and communal areas like pools and gardens. However, there are occasional reports of cleanliness issues in communal spaces and shared bathrooms, particularly during peak times. The staff consistently receive high commendations for their friendly and helpful nature, significantly enhancing the guest experience with exceptional service.
One notable drawback is the limited WiFi service, available only in select public areas, which may inconvenience those needing consistent internet access. However, this limitation encourages guests to disconnect and immerse in the park's natural beauty.
Families find Cooinda Lodge particularly accommodating with child-friendly amenities, such as a large family pool, splash zones, shaded barbecue areas and movie sessions. Despite some minor issues, such as the occasional presence of bugs and costly food options, the lodge provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for family vacations.
In conclusion, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a mostly positive stay, combining unique location, comfortable accommodations, excellent on-site amenities and friendly service, making it a superb choice for explorers and families alike visiting Kakadu National Park. Show more
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Categories
3-Star Hotel
Located in Kakadu National Park, this lodge offers air-conditioned rooms and access to outdoor swimming pools. The lodge provides a comfortable base for exploring Yellow Water Billabong and other natural attractions in the park. It also features a restaurant and a small supermarket.
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Outback Retreat (Glamping)This tent features features shared bathroom facilities with free toiletries.
Outback Retreat Plus (Glamping)This tent features bunk beds only suitable for children up to 12 years, shared bathroom facilities with free toiletries.
Yellow Water VillaThe tent provides air conditioning, a seating area, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family RoomThis air-conditioned family room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit has 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu boasts an unparalleled location that puts guests in prime position to explore the wonders of this stunning region. The lodge is ideally situated for those eager to embark on the renowned Yellow Water Billabong and river cruises, offering convenient access for early morning excursions and breathtaking sunrise cruises. Guests consistently rave about its central position within the park, making it a perfect base for visiting key attractions such as the Ubirr lookout, Jim Jim Falls and Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
The lodge's unique setting amidst the beautiful monsoon forest provides a serene and remote escape, imbuing a sense of calm amid nature. Reviewers frequently highlight the proximity to key sights, emphasizing how easy it is to explore the rich natural surroundings and enjoy diverse activities like wildlife tours and cultural excursions.
With excellent on-site amenities such as a lovely pool and an outstanding restaurant, Cooinda Lodge offers comfort in an otherwise remote location. Many reviewers appreciate the cozy lodgings and friendly staff, noting the property's well-thought-out layout and the convenience of having various services right within the park. Whether for an adventurous day out or a peaceful retreat in nature, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu stands out as a superb starting point for a deep dive into Kakadu’s timeless beauty.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu receives mixed feedback from guests, ranging from high praise to notable disappointments. On a positive note, many guests commend the breakfast for its excellent variety, delicious offerings and satisfying portion sizes. The buffet breakfast, in particular, is often highlighted for its comprehensive selection of both hot dishes and continental options, including pastries, fresh fruits, meats and yogurt. Some guests describe it as a brilliant and great way to start the day with a special nod to the overall good value when included in the accommodation cost.
However, there are several areas where the breakfast experience falls short. Numerous guests feel that the breakfast is overpriced, especially when not included in the room rate and some find the quality and quantity lacking given the cost. Specific issues such as cold food, limited healthy options and occasional lapses in cleanliness and service efficiency also detract from the experience.
Overall, while many find the breakfast at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu to be a highlight of their stay, there’s a consensus that including breakfast in the room rate could significantly enhance the value perception for guests. Guests recommend more variety and better pricing to elevate the breakfast experience further.
Dinner
The dining experience at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu is generally positive, highlighted by great food quality and commendable service at both the Barra Bar and Mimi’s Restaurant. Diners often praise the delicious meals, particularly noting the variety and taste of the dishes. The food truck on-site adds an additional layer of convenience and variety.
However, some guests feel the menu lacks diversity, especially for vegetarians and options can be limited. Despite this, many dishes, including the popular parmi burger and kangaroo burger, receive high marks for flavor.
The cost of dining is a recurring point of contention. While the quality often justifies the price for many, others find it steep, considering the somewhat basic nature of certain offerings. The outdoor setting of the Barra Bar is appreciated for its atmosphere, although it can be affected by bugs and typical outdoor smells.
Overall, the dining experience at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu is well-regarded, though it could benefit from a more varied menu and better alignment of prices with the dish quality. The friendly staff and good service further enhance the dining experience, making it a pleasant part of staying at the lodge.
Rooms
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a mix of accommodations, including lodge rooms, cabins and glamping tents, designed for comfort and convenience in a remote location. The lodgings are described as clean, spacious and modern with thoughtful touches such as air conditioning organic bathroom products and stylish decor contributing to a pleasant stay. Guests appreciate the well-maintained rooms and the beautiful surrounding gardens, which provide a relaxing oasis vibe. The resort itself is quite large, offering various areas for relaxation including pools and communal spaces.
Family rooms and deluxe options tend to be spacious and well-appointed, while some basic rooms and smaller lodgings may feel cramped, especially for larger groups. Despite occasional shortcomings in room preparation and cleanliness, the overall comfort level remains high. The glamping tents were particularly praised for their unique and comfortable design, though proximity to amenities and noise from generators sometimes impacted the experience.
Comfortable bedding, clean linens and essentials like liquid soap and body lotion further enhance guest comfort. The outdoor seating areas and terraces attached to some cabins offer additional relaxation spots. Overall, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu provides efficient and comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, making it a very good choice for visitors exploring this remote part of Australia.
Beds
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a mixed experience when it comes to their beds with a general leaning towards comfort and relaxation. Many guests found the beds to be very comfortable with terms like comfy and surprisingly comfortable appearing frequently. The luxurious linen and electric blankets added an extra touch of coziness, making the sleeping experience pleasant for most visitors.
However, some guests noted that the beds were a bit too soft for their liking, indicating that those who prefer firmer mattresses might not be entirely satisfied. Size and type of beds also varied with single beds and fold-out options less favorably received compared to the main beds, which were described as super comfortable or even amazing. Despite some mentions of beds being too small or too soft, the overall consensus points to a generally good standard of comfort.
Other amenities, such as bedside lights, sometimes needed an upgrade and there were suggestions for additional pillows. Some beds in smaller family rooms and glamping tents received specific praise for their comfort, though there was a clear expectation for more from the room setups in some cases.
Overall, while there are areas for improvement, many guests enjoyed a good night's rest at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu.
Cleanliness
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness, though certain aspects stand out positively. Many guests have praised the lodges and rooms for being very clean, comfortable and well-maintained. Rooms were often described as spotless, modern and nicely kept with spacious and clean bathrooms. The facilities overall, including the gardens and pool area, were noted to be well-maintained and clean. Communal shower facilities also received commendation for being exceptionally clean in some instances, along with positive mentions about clean and brand new amenities.
However, the reviews reveal some inconsistencies, particularly in shared and communal areas that occasionally fell below standard. Issues such as unclean bathrooms, dusty rooms and mold in showers were reported. Shared bathrooms, especially those for the glamping tents, often needed more frequent and thorough cleaning. Additionally, restaurant areas and shared amenities sometimes lacked regular maintenance, leading to dirty cups, tables and other surfaces.
In summary, while Cooinda Lodge Kakadu is often appreciated for its clean and comfortable accommodations, some guests have encountered cleanliness issues, especially in communal spaces and during peak times. Ensuring more consistent cleaning practices could significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Staff
At Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, the staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly and helpful nature. Guests frequently highlight the friendly atmosphere fostered by the team, emphasizing their warm and welcoming interactions from check-in at the reception to service throughout the lodge. Notable mentions include staff members who provided exceptional recommendations and even went the extra mile to arrange special treats like cakes for guests. The reception staff, in particular, were often commended for being highly informative and accommodating.
Guests appreciated the attentiveness and professionalism shown by the staff, who managed to maintain great service even under busy circumstances. While the majority of the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests noted isolated incidents of less favorable interactions, highlighting areas for improvement, such as staff training and professionalism in specific situations.
Overall, the accommodating and kind nature of the Cooinda Lodge Kakadu staff significantly enhances the guest experience, making it a welcoming place for travelers seeking reliable service and a friendly environment.
Wi-Fi
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it comes with some caveats for those who rely on connectivity. The WiFi is only available in select public areas, such as near the pool, the reception and the bar. For guests staying in the standard lodge rooms, there is no WiFi provision. Connectivity is largely limited to Telstra mobile services, offering 3G data when available, but other mobile providers are not supported, leading to no phone reception for many guests.
While these limitations might pose a challenge for those traveling for work or who need consistent internet access, it can be seen as an opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse in the natural surroundings. However, those expecting the same level of connectivity as found in urban settings might find the lack of comprehensive WiFi and mobile service inconvenient. Overall, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu encourages a digital detox, which may or may not align with every traveler's needs.
Pool
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu boasts an exceptional pool experience that has consistently impressed its guests. With two pools available, visitors have appreciated the well-maintained, clean and spacious areas that provide a refreshing retreat. The larger pool, in particular, is often described as fantastic, amazing and a highlight of the lodge, offering a relaxing atmosphere complemented by loungers and shaded areas. The poolside bar and beautifully landscaped gardens further enhance the experience, creating a serene and picturesque setting perfect for families and individuals alike. Despite occasional comments about the pool being cold or needing more cleaning, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, making it a favorite spot for cooling down and enjoying some leisure time. The lagoon pool and smaller, more private pool options add to the versatility, ensuring there's a perfect spot for everyone to unwind in this stunning location.
Family
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu emerges as a welcoming destination for families, offering a range of activities to keep the younger ones entertained. The lodge's family rooms, though sometimes described as small, provide suitable accommodation for various family sizes, including setups for a family of four and even a family of five with an infant. These rooms come equipped with thoughtful touches, such as trundle beds and well-designed interiors, contributing to a comfortable and clean stay.
The lodge excels in its facilities for children. Numerous reviews highlight the large, family-friendly pool as a major attraction with amenities tailored specifically for families, such as a quieter pool and a splash zone. The movie and popcorn sessions are a hit among kids, adding to the array of family-centric activities. Families can also enjoy time together in shaded barbecue areas and well-designated family zones.
Despite the occasional mention of bugs and the somewhat costly food options, the overall atmosphere is relaxed and accommodating. Many guests appreciated the proximity to attractions like the Yellow cruise and the convenience of the facilities, which are just a short walk away. The glamping setup is particularly praised for its suitability for families, providing a unique yet comfortable camping experience.
In summary, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a pleasant retreat for families with children, boasting excellent pool facilities, ample family activities and comfortable lodging options designed to enhance the family vacation experience.
3 Star
Nestled within the pristine environment of Kakadu National Park, Cooinda Lodge offers a unique yet simple accommodation experience. The lodge facilities resemble those of a three-star motel, providing a comfortable but basic stay. The rooms are indeed clean and well-maintained, though some of the older lodges show signs of needing renovation. Guests can expect a straightforward and reasonably pleasant experience, albeit lacking in certain luxuries.
The location of the lodge is undoubtedly a highlight, offering a perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of Kakadu. The pool area, noted for being lovely, clean and fresh, is a welcome retreat after a day of exploration. The private view in the bush setting adds a serene backdrop for a getaway.
However, the lodge does fall short in some areas. There is no WiFi or TV in the rooms and signage around the lodges is not very clear, which might lead to some initial confusion. For some, the high prices do not quite match the three-star level of amenities and services provided, making it feel a bit overpriced.
Despite these drawbacks, Cooinda Lodge provides a fitting accommodation choice for those wanting good, clean facilities in a top-notch location within Kakadu. The combination of reasonable dining options and the natural beauty surrounding the lodge helps create a memorable stay for nature enthusiasts.
Accessible
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers a convenient and accessible experience for guests with disabilities. The amenities are designed to be accessible, making it easy for everyone to reach tourist attractions and shops. The central location of the lodge provides good transport and parking that is accessible, ensuring smooth travel. The lodge is conveniently situated close to key locations, allowing guests to engage in various activities effortlessly.
Communal bathrooms, although slightly needing better cleanliness and ventilation, received positive feedback for their general condition. Guests appreciated the comfort of the rooms, especially for a three-star lodge. Some areas, particularly the pool, may benefit from more disability accommodations to ensure full accessibility.
The attentiveness and welcoming nature of the staff significantly enhance the overall experience, making guests feel well taken care of during their stay. The Yellow Tour, specifically mentioned for its easy accessibility, adds to the range of activities available to guests, emphasizing the lodge’s suitability for an inclusive stay. Overall, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu ensures a largely positive and accessible experience with minor areas needing improvement.
Outdoor Pool
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers an outstanding pool experience with multiple reviews highlighting the exceptional quality and appeal of its two pools. Guests frequently praised the well-maintained pool area with its gardens and sun beds providing a relaxing and picturesque environment. The lagoon pool, in particular, received numerous accolades for being a delightful and beautiful spot to unwind.
The larger pool, described as brilliantly designed and beautifully maintained, often stands out for its great setting and adequate temperature, making it a comfortable spot for all-day relaxation. Visitors noted that both pools cater to different preferences with one pool being ideal for families and the other offering a quieter atmosphere for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of children.
Despite some comments about the lack of lighting at night and limited cover on hot days, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The pools are consistently described as great, amazing and fantastic with many guests emphasizing the enjoyment and relaxation they experienced during their stay. The outdoor seating and dining areas connected to the rooms further enhance the overall experience, allowing for a seamless transition from swimming to lounging. Whether seeking a refreshing dip or a peaceful spot to cool off, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu's pools offer a splendid retreat for visitors.
Yes, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu.
No, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu.