Top spot

Have tried calling numerous times and it keeps going to voicemail. Maybe a good idea if your phones are manned

A BIG thank you to Diana for helping us with our bookings and Jo and the team at Couran Cove for a great 5 night stay. The resort is looking good, pool is amazing! Look forward to seeing you over Easter. Michelle on Suite 1

The resort is horrendous. I am not sure how it is still legal for this resort to be open and to charge people to stay here. We were going to stay for 5 days but as soon as we arrived and looked around couldn’t imagine staying longer than one night. It’s an abandoned ghost town, all the facilities are closed, chairs broken lying around in pieces, beach full of broken beer bottles and most of the buildings falling apart. There is nothing to do apart from hire a bike. Everything is destroyed. Extremely depressing energy and locals complaining about the resort. Please don’t waste your time and money. We are deeply disappointed. Not even the beautiful room made this worthwhile for us. You should be ashamed to even advertise this as a beautiful getaway and charge innocent victims.

RUNDOWN! DELAPTITATED ! FILTHY! NO GOOD THINGS TO SAY!!! COULDNT WAIT TO LEAVE!!! DO NOT GO THERE!!! TAKE YOUR FAMILY SOMEWHERE ELSE PLEASE 🙏 Just do yourself a favour and forget all reviews of this place except THIS ONE!!! REVIEW AS OF 4TH FEBUARY 2023.

Great little hideaway just off the Gold Coast.

A stunning location, a beautiful lodge with wildlife on your door step, we enjoyed a wonderful holiday, however it was a little run down and very few staff

Whilst we were a little concerned about all the negative reviews, we are so glad we stuck with our booking at Couran Cove. Yes the resort has a lot of work and the cleanliness of the lodge was pretty poor, however put that aside and embrace waking up to a waterfront sunrise, all of the activities you can do on the island, including the sunset drinks and the sunset bar and really embrace what the island does have to offer and I can guarantee your family will have a great time!!! Staff were very friendly and helpful. Don’t forget to book for dinner at marlin bar and you will not be disappointed. Whilst it may take longer to get your coffees and meals please remember you are on island time and there is limited staff. After 5 nights and 6 days we found it hard to leave, but we will be back that is for certain.

We nt for family holiday. Cabin was good on the lake. Lots of room. Pool was large and clean, and lots of seating around pool. Pool bar was open and food was good. We were given use of 2 bikes for week and most paths are paved with complex. Rode to beach and within resort. Also paddle board and kayak was good. Hire cheap at $10 per person per day, and covered both activities. Used one tennis court and was in good condition. Only one main restaurant open at night that we noticed, but good was good. Not huge shop, but we were able to buy eggs and bread. Overall good getaway, but would like to see them get rid of old equipment no longer in use.

Some welcome improvements since our last visit . The ending take away means from the restaurant is a big step forward and sit down patrons are now the priority. However I would describe the buzzer and collect system as a bit retrograde. Although being stung peak rates when the marina is at maybe one quarter capacity is having a bit of a lend.

Service everything very bad

Couran Cove is the best kept secret. We love living amongst the wildlife, the surf beach is beautiful, golden fine sand that stretches for miles, & we enjoy socialising with wonderful people who enjoy boating lifestyle.

So sad to see this once beautiful, thriving resort so run down! We staying for four nights with a group of friends, we booked our accommodation through Airbnb. The resort itself has been let go, the kids pool was dirty with animal poo and bandaids, the pool bar had one staff members working and the poor girl was so overwhelmed, it took us 45 minutes for drinks. The staff at the main restaurant and reception are not helpful at all and very rude. We tried to have dinner at 5:30pm with no booking and they turned us away as they didn’t want to chefs to get overwhelmed, yet it wasn’t busy. The smoke alarm in our room went off at 6am and there was no one to be seen anywhere to help get them turned off. Do not recommend staying here

Stayed just outside resort but used the facilities...needs a bit of TLC...if not addressed it is going to end up quite rundown...pity , fab location

So sad to see a once beautiful resort, now a run down environment. This is the only place on the Gold Coast that could offer this type of resort, having many people flooding in like it use to. I understand staffing is hard everywhere but the staff can’t keep up with the small amount of visitors ( the staff are beautiful). It’s such a shame, it’s embarrassing for the Gold Coast. We have always loved Couran, although that’s a distant memory.

All the potential to be let down by unprofessional rude incapable staff & poor quality Worst management

Mike

I think here is nice, but they don’t have too many food options 😮‍💨

We are 2 French packpackers 🇫🇷 Who came to couran cove resort for 2 months it was an exceptional experience, very pleasant houses with magnificent views especially the sunset bar next to the beach, the employees of the resort are super welcoming and know how to be at your service ! I recommend 😊 Eliot and Bastien ❤️🔥🏝

Rooms were decent but that was about it. Staff were rude, whole place is run down with no atmosphere. Went to breakfast to get told ‘we don’t have enough food for you, on for the 30 JetSki people coming so you need to go elsewhere’ dinner took an hour to come out and was pretty average food. 36$ for a cheap piece of steak and some chips, over priced. Will not be returning.

We always enjoy our stay on this wonderful island, the general vibe is just so tranquil. Overall it was enjoyable. Our drawbacks were sports center, VR room, minigolf, playground, among other things still being dilapidated. We felt the $15 a day price tag on the bikes was far too steep considering the 5million sitting unused. I'd recommend pricing them on a scarcity scale. The only other issue was fluctuations in water quality between clear and yellow. We will note that the staff were incredibly accommodating and friendly. They even agreed to send some staff down to open the sunset bar for a couple of hours just for us. We were informed that the island will be going under repairs in the coming months to revive a lot of the features. We will continue to visit and can't wait to see how it develops.

Had a great weekend. Thank you.

After being told there would be an hour and a half wait for food the GM offered us food from the cafe instead then tried to charge us $15 for a container of frozen pasta… overpriced and long overdue for some renovations and upgrades. Will not be back.

Off season was very quite. friendly people and staff Food is a little pricey other than that great little get away

Love taking our little boat over from the GC....over water Bungalow a little tired but very clean. Restaurant & food amazing. Loved the cabana by the pool, more signage on the track would be good. Loved the sunset cocktails & music. Will be back

This place has so much potential but unfortunately the legal battle going on is preventing that. Our accommodation was wonderful and the locals are so lovely but unfortunately most of the facilities are rundown and unmaintained apart from the pool. We still had a great time tho and will be visiting again in the future

Nice place for a little get away.

It's a amazing place, falling apart and needs marketing but still so much fun.

My family and I really enjoyed our stay. Friendly staff and accommodation was clean and beautiful. Some facilities are definitely due for an upgrade but the pools and restaurant was nice. Thanks for the lift JT!

I dont leave reviews very often, but this one is justified. A resort with all the potential, but lacking a few key ingredients. Rips in sheets, carpets stained and the air conditioning filter so heavily clogged up, it doesn't work. Most amenities and structures on the island are in major disrepair and cannot be used. The food choices are very limited (no vegan, vegetarian or gluten free options) with most of the dining options being closed. If the owners thoroughly cleaned up the resort, spent a bit of money, perhaps the customers would be back.

Body Corp battling each other cutting off power to our unit then on our last day comjng to cut off the water. Place is falling to bits, totally over priced, all the staff are worn out / complaining about the disgusting events witnessed on our “holiday” so sad to see the place so broken.

Waited nearly 2 hours for my tables food, for one singular plate to show up. The rest of the family left and got a refund as our order had still not arrived after 1hr 30mins.

Images do not match what you see in person. Rooms are outdated and dirty, they also have an unpleasant smell. Overpriced and definitely not worth the stay

nice place

Our favourite getaway.

Good place to relax. Restaurant is just above average. Services is very high.

Back a decade or two ago this place must have been something else! Unfortunately, it’s now in a very sad and completely dilapidated state! Basically everything is filthy and falling apart.. Geographical location and scenery is stunning, but as a resort it really doesn’t have anything to offer! It sort of like Jurassic park but 10 years after the dinosaurs have broken free and taken over! Only a colossal investment will see this huge complex revived to anything close to what it once would have been!

A resort with all the potential in the world that fell apart because of the greed of a few. Then came COVID, and what was left well and truly ended paradise. This however should not be a justification for the poor state of the resort or the rooms. Cleanliness was appalling, sand over the furniture, hair pins left on chairs, carpets stained, toilet and shower dirty and the AC filter so heavily clogged that it would not heat the room until I removed the filters and cleaned them, and a safethat cannot be secured. The kettle blew the fuses, a giant hole in your wardrobe and ripped sheets. Most amenities and structures on the island are in major disrepair and cannot be used, a fact that Couran Cove staff do not provide to guest at the time of booking. The food choices are limited and not befitting a resort, while buffet breakfast was cold at 8am. Given breakfast is served between 8 to 10:30 that is unacceptable. As for the service, although most staff try their utmost they are simply not skilled and cannot deliver the services expected from a resort. I am truly disappointed and cannot understand why when you are at the brink of collapse you wouldn't value your guests over all else to recover and rebuild. The only positive about Couran Cove is that the scenery is spectacular.

Nice Place, but feels rundown. Docked the boat here and tried to have Fish and Chips, waited over an hour. As others have said, poor service and more polite staff needed.

3 days spent well! Stayed at the Eco-friendly cabins surrounded by the rainforest. Few days enjoying the sun and the rainforest in the island, Scenic views. Great service since the beginning and welcoming staff anytime. Enjoying great time with friends or just an awesome escapade for couples!

Sweet spot a short ferry trip away from the Gold Coast!! Nice water front studio apartments in the middle of the beautiful Stradbroke island. Pool, bar, kangaroos and beach!!

Stayed here for the weekend with my family it was very disappointing for the amount of money they charge it’s very run down they only have 2 electric bikes to hire…. They displayed on the website that there was wifi when we arrived that wasn’t the case Our apartment wasn’t very nice the balcony was run down felt like it was going to break under us in one of the bedrooms it had holes in the room the stove also didn’t work for us leaving us out of options cooking wise they displayed that had cooking facilities also but didn’t have an oven which I didn’t understand Non of the aircon worked in the apartment and the heater didn’t work which was very annoying Would not recommend staying here there is better places on the Gold Coast for the amount of money you spend

This place is lovely and quite but a few things you will need to know!!… forget the gym, the gym is closed, large outdoor chess-set is missing pieces and run down. The whole island is run down and neglected. Three restaurants closed including the surf club, Virtual Bar, sport area cafe. Also forgot the rainforest walk and tree lookout, these are in disrepair, closed off and I don’t think anyone is planning of fixing this place up. Reception doesn’t want to help you if you booked your room through Airbnb. $4 for washing machine and there is only two out of the four working. $4 for small water. $20 per day bike hire. Make sure you bring everything you need food wise as small general store, in the middle of no where, if you can even find it, is super expensive and hardly anything to buy. The Couran Cove ferry is tiny and old, it was over heating and nearly didn’t make it to the island. And water was coming is and wet visitors and there bags, suitcases etc.

Arrived 11/7/2021 . Shop has very little in supplies . Laundry is on the other side of resort very dirty dryernotdryer

Enjoyed 2 meals in the restaurant, they are coming back from covid19 so some work to be done in the resort but the management & staff couldn't be friendlier. Keep it up.

Insanely run down, restaurant was not open for 2 days in a row, breakfast was microwaved bacon & egg rolls (no other options). Tried emailing, accused us of lying. Very disappointing

This place would have to have the worst service. It's a mess of a place and they over charge to under deliver. Ferry was a joke. Lucky we took baby formula because they had no milk to sell in their Not so convenient" store that had nothing but junk. This place would have so much potential under the correct management."

I do not recommend Couran Cove,, unfortunately had a family situation arise and was not able to go on our holiday, my husband rang within the terms of full refund, we are still waiting, they take payment from credit card however only refund by internet transfer and only on Fridays (only advised this when I queried the delay) no payment received 21 or 28 April.

Great get away. Bring water ($7.00 for a litre and a half), also bring all your groceries = including milk, and do not forget your booze.

Nice place with lots to do. With limited staffing right now, food options are a bit limited but everything was tasty. Our apartment was lovely and spacious with a nice balcony, and the pools were great. Also, the staff are doing a great job - saw people working extra managing to do multiple jobs.

I cannot represent what the resort was in general before COVID but as of my stay on March 2022 I’d give it a 2/5. You have to get a ferry which latest leave at 3:30pm for 20 dollars per trip , paid around 240 for the water front studio for one night, was greeted by heaps of rules such as “a 50 dollar fine if we don’t clean our dishes or take the rubbish out”, “20 dollar fine if we don’t lock the door during checkout” which made me anxious during my stay, was worried even if we would get fined for not doing our beds properly. No internet either, please for god sakes if you are with Vodafone please do not come here, you will be stuck with less than 3G and sos majority of your time. There was a half dead cockroach next to my bin which I took a photo but couldn’t share on comment session. As for the resort itself majorly of the activities are closed after 4pm, the children pool was dead quite and looked like wasn’t cleaned for a long time. For the amount you pay you are better off finding a place at Gold Coast, at least there will be more options during the night.

We have a booking 28th December 2021 - 30th December for our family holiday however when we arrived the location which is on google map, there is No office, No resort. So Try to phone call many times but no one pick up the phone. Left massage but no reply. Our family spent more than 2hours outside but no one ring back. 3:40pm, I phone and finally receptionist got the phone. But it's too late as a last ferry time was 3:30pm. What they said to me come tomorrow. We paid 3night from today !! I can't believe they don't care about anything. They ruined our family holiday because of your service. We are find out other accommodations but not available. Could not believe..how they work? I don't a give 1star.

Carpets in the room are disgustingly dirty, the Aircondtioning didn't work, the screen doors were hard to open, they didn't advise YOU when you check-in that you should make a dinner reservations on the Saturday night even though you'd been there two nights before and not required to book, the meals were either half cooked or cold, the staff in the restaurant didn't know what meal or drinks belonged to what table and when you went to pay for your meal they charged you for someone else's meal because they didn't know who belonged to what, the whole resort is totally run down and is no way value for money any more

Could not believe how difficult it could possibly be to book accommodation. Try ringing their main desk for a accommodation booking yourself (07)55979999. We simply just wanted to book 2 nights accommodation for a worker for a job on south Stradbroke.Only way we could book accommodation because anybody that could actually answer a phone at couran once we kept ringing was so incompetent was to bypass their hopeless booking system and go to wotif. At last we could book and pay 2 nights accommodation upfront which of course cleared on our credit card.Our worker arrives with all paperwork intact for his booking with his room fully paid for upfront. He was then asked for a $250 “security deposit “, only payable with a credit card holder present in their reception with photo drivers license ID.Absolutely unbelievable. The only unfortunate thing is we can’t rate this establishment a minus 5 to warn others, we can only give a 1 star.

I am loathed to criticise a tourist point of interest given the current times, however we arrived for our extended long weekend with anticipation and excitement and left bitterly disappointed. The beds were uncomfortable. Many of the eating options advertised on the website were permanently closed (not just off peak), many of the activity areas were run down. However the most disappointing aspect was the appalling communication from resort staff. We were not given any in room information about restaurant operating hours. We were informed by text on the Sunday night that there was a power outage scheduled for the following morning. When I queried the time, and whether it would impact breakfast service at the restaurant reception staff were rude and condescending. We arrived at the restaurant for breakfast only to be informed that the restaurant was not open on the Monday regardless of the power outage. This left us “stranded” as the only other ferry off the island wasn’t leaving until late afternoon. Thankfully a staff member at the cafe was able to arrange a boat ride off the island with another staff member. A very disappointing end to our long weekend.

We berth at the Marina on a regular basis. Last minute decision to take advantage of Couran Cove’s food and beverage voucher to the value of your marina berth yesterday. Dinner was sensational and the service excellent. Great to see the resort busy. This is the second time we have taken up this offer and encourage boaties to support the resort and do the same.

Jessie the host of our apartment was amazing for sure only rent his place in future !

The staff were amazing and were wiling to help with anything you needed. The bar manager Archie went above and beyond!! The place is lovely with great ocean views scenic walks and tracks around the property. Including their own little jungle right in the middle !! They have 2 restaurants and 3 bars with a handy little cafe/store, we went very prepared but found ourselves eating and drinking at the restaurant and bar most of the time, everything was tasty and the beers were cold They have a great little bar on the beach for sunset which was something special!! Really made me feel like I was overseas again 10/10 will be back

Natural Australian Island Experience

This place is idyllic and because it is only accessories by boat or resort ferry, it is a true island escape. If you want to relax and unwind then this is the place. Too many great things to list about Couran Cove. Best to check the website to get a better idea.

Certainly not the thriving family holiday resort it once was. It's now a dilapidated mess. EVERYTHING needs work.

We attended the poolside restaurant for a simple order of fish and chips, we waited 1 hour and then was informed that our table number had not been placed with the kitchen, nobody checked to see if we had received our meal and people were served their meals ahead of us, by the time we received our meal the salads were sold out, unfortunately Couran Cove has lost our business

Very run down, staff not friendly, or helpful, rooms are big, but dirty, mould in the shower, dusty shutters, stained carpet, bird poo on deck, freezer dirty and can hear the people next door walk/thump. Gardens over run with weeds. Very noisy, long wait for breakfast. Water is black and greasey. Don't waste your time or money.

All power points in our room did not work so could charge devices or use toaster kettle etc, microwave also, tv didn’t work, dirt rooms, smelt terrible, restaurant food average old frozen steak overpriced for quality, 1 trolley for luggage for whole resort, shop closed way too early for snacks just all round terrible sorry that’s my second time there and never again

Beautiful spot. Lovely staff highly recommend

Why was our stay poor? Because it never happened. We paid Couran Cove over $10k for a wedding that was delayed due to COVID and they have now ignored all of our communication about re-scheduling for five months. It turns out they haven’t bothered because Couran Cove has been in administration since late 2020 and is now in liquidation. I recommend not paying any money in advance unless you can afford to throw it away.

Staff good. Resort run down.

Beautiful spot

The 2 bedroom apartment on the lagoon was very clean, well looked after and an ideal size, infact it was more than enough room for our family of 4. The pools are great for all ages and its a relaxing area for quick dip, to swim laps and for kids to swim. Our kids especially liked the inflatable obsticle course on the lagoon. The food was good at the pool area, prices are high, although that is normal for an island resort concidering logistics. Prices are very affordable for an island resort on the Gold Coast and there is so many different options of accomodation, from studio to 4 bedrooms. The veiws are fantastic over looking the lagoon and waterways and the bush trails and beaches are a great way to get intouch with nature. Its a great place to get away from the every day grind, you feel like you are a million miles away, although for its so close to all the Gold Coast has to offer. The pandemic has obviously taken it's toll on the resort, however it seems to be back in buisness now.

Very, very disappointing. Understaffed and under stocked (running on limited menu and food even ran out). It seems it's a reflection of bad management. Limited opening hours of the cafe and restaurant. Overall expensive meals and drinks. The rooms are good and the resort location is fantastic, lots to see. Only free-to-air TV is available, as the resort TV system is broken (not just our room). The playground is a genuine hazard for children and a rust bowl. Broken equipment and unkempt facilities are an eye sore. You can't climb up the watch tower in the rainforest walk anymore. A few staff members are gems and all acknowledge the current bad state of the resort (receptionist, activity centre and pool side cafe staff members - wonderful). We have been here a few years ago and it's genuinely sad to see it so run down. The resort convenience store is no longer stocked with fruit and meats like it used to. Management and owners must give themselves a hard upper cut to the face. I've been to African resorts better managed than this.

It's an amazing location and the water view apartments are great. Love the inland beach bar but unfortunately ocean side bar is closed. For the most part the negative reviews seem to be people who are expecting resort facilities. Bring everything you need and you'll have a great and relaxing time. Don't rely upon the restaurant and shop (that runs out of everthing). They seem to be struggling to get staff at the moment.

The place is ok, but in dire need for updates. The “gym” is broken, the tennis courts dilapidated, the put put out of order, the bins are overflowing, the beer costs 10 dollars, there is no food other than chips and tuna to buy. If you rent a house there will be no oil, salt or pepper in the house. So while there is a kitchen you can’t cook unless you bring everything... oh wait... there is a weight restriction on the ferry of 20 kg per person. We had to go back to the main land to shop for food. You won’t get rice, spaghetti, meat, sauces etc on the island at all.

Beautiful resort in a beautiful setting. Clean tidy and spacious accommodation. Unfortunately this all didn't matter because of the worst service I have ever experienced. 90 minute to 2 hour wait for a burger at the pool restaurant at lunchtime Even worse at the main restaurant. Expecting a long wait we pre-ordered dinner at 3pm with the manager for a service at 7pm. At 6.30 we were asked if we would like our starters? We said yes. 50 minutes later our garlic bread and spring rolls arrived. Everybody else at our table had finished their mains when mine was delivered. No wine list and no ice buckets to keep the limited selection that they do sell cold. The food however when it did arrive was delicious. Such a shame. Because it could be a fantastic place to stay or visit

Pathetic, have been calling since October, phone doesn't answer and the voicemail is to full to leave a message. emailed, messaged on Facebook, was provided a contact number for someone who doesn't even work there anymore. She gave theme the managers mobile number. Called and texted with no response. I give up will never attempt to stay here again.

Enjoyable holiday just the resort was bit run down however rooms were neat and clean. Awesome pool for the kids and they loved the fish and ducks swimming under the balcony of our room. Drinks were expensive but meals were reasonable.

Relaxing, room nice, staff friendly when not run off feet as way understaffed, no supplies one restaurant ran out of just about everything on menu overall disappointing. For those old enough, it very much has a Faulty Towers vibe

The resort is very disappointing and has been left to run down quite badly. Items that were once included like the kayaking are now all charged and the electric bikes are $20 per hour... Seriously??? We hired a private room which was lovely and relaxing, but still needed work. The food was pricey and pretty ordinary. Staff are friendly but overworked and service is incredibly slow. Some waited up to 45 minutes for a coffee order. No announcements for when the ferry is set to leave... Has the potential to be turned into something amazing again, or a great eco-resort... Until it does... Will stay elsewhere.

Can't even get in touch with this place. Have been trying since 23 September. No one answers phone. Emails are rubbish. Just want to confirm booking. Have ended up calling Booking.com to complain. I've paid for ferries etc. Not prepared to take risk and get there to no booking with a child in toe. Booking. Com couldn't even get in touch with them this morning. .

Not enough staff. No services after Saturday? I.E breakfast or dinner. The resourt is empty and not well maintained, the potential is there for an amazing resourt but management has let the staff down

Beautiful island but bogan filled resort!!

We booked a long weekend away at Couran Cove to be able to enjoy long days out on our jet skis. Before booking I inquired about if there was jet ski docks for us to safety park the skis when not in use and told they did have jet ski docks available. After we booked we received a brief email about the ferry times and restaurant hours. When we arrived at Couran Cove on the Thursday 5pm to check in we found the place deserted. Lucky there were a group of people walking by when I asked if they knew where reception was. They grabbed a “manager” who was looking less than professional in a track suit. He found our key card and had me fill out paper work then sent me on my way. When I asked about jet ski docks for parking he said they only had two spaces and they were taken, we would have to tie up in the marina, something we weren’t prepared for and didn’t want our skis scratched up with the tide coming and going. Lucky we stayed in a water view studio and had shore access and were able to tie our skis up and be mindful of the tide for when we wanted to go out as they were beached at low tide. Once we arrived in our room we found empty chip bags behind the curtains and no tv remote. We decided to get lunch at the pool side bar, the only restaurant open for lunch and dinner. We ordered chicken wings and chips and they were deep fried to a crisp. Very disappointing that we had to seek out every meal off the resort. The property itself was very neglected, after biking around we found a mini golf and sports ground, and trails. The boardwalk at the surf beach was collapsing with no signs of repair. At reception we were not offered a map of the resort or any sort of information of what activities were available except for the initial email about ferry and dinning times. The advertisement for this place is good it has it looking like a amazing luxury get away on south straddie but I would never pay that money again. It would’ve been amazing 10 years ago.

We had dinner at the Oasis bar and bistro. The menu was limited because of corona restrictions which was understandable. We asked to have some salad and fries with the chicken wings. The staff were so accommodating and were happy to change it to a full meal. The meals were huge and sauce flavour on the chicken was beautiful. Thanks for a great evening 😊

Very average place. Had potential in the past bit appears to be underfunded, understaffed and just ticking over. Although the staff were nice, there were a lot of different messages given when questions asked (such as parking and the ferry). This day wasn’t too bad, but I wouldn’t be rushing back.