Catalina Lakefront Retreat & Conference Centre - Rathmines, New South Wales

Terri Rowe

My husband and I were hosted by the wonderful, big-hearted David, who is the owner of the retreat. We found the venue to be clean, well maintained and staff were very friendly and accommodating. David went over an beyond to make us feel welcome and informed us on the very interesting history of the venue. There was a regular group meeting there at the time who seemed very happy with their choice of venue. The retreat is a large building space with two wings and many bedrooms that can accommodate just about any kind of group, especially those with mobility issues. The aircon keeps a comfortable temperature and all facilities are maintained well, there are many bathrooms, large and small kitchens, laundry, meeting and dining rooms all under one roof which is convenient. The gardens are beautiful and all is conveniently located near the lake. A well-priced good venue I believe deserves supporting and which I would recommend to any kind of group or family gathering.

Bakr Bardouh

A good place to stay for a couple of days. Location is close to the waterfront about a 5 min walk. Beds are a little stiff but ok nonetheless. The outdoor area was the best part, quite specious and well suited to large groups. Could do with a bit of upkeep. The shower door for example would not close fully and the decor is a bit dated, reminded me a little of a nursing home. Nonetheless, this was a good place to spend a weekend with the boys.

Meg Palmer

Perfect venue for our small youth group! We booked the Kookaburra wing for our group of 23 and it was perfect - plenty of space and all the equipment we needed at the facility. David (the owner) looked after us so well and was available any time if we had a question or needed assistance. In particular, the huge kitchen was really great for our self-catered group. We also made use of the proximity to the lake & they have kayaks available on-site!

Dan Au

This resort was a former military hospital turned nursing home turned retreat venue. They have kept the amenities and the hospital feel to give a warm and caring environment. At nights you can feel the eerily calm silence of your fears speak out to you. You must resist the urge come over you to attack your fellow guests. But you will prevail.

Nat KK Shinsiripakorn

We just had meditation retreat over the late weekend with over 60 people. Excellent setup and clean, peaceful and friendly service. Very suitable for a big group of people, Highly recommended.

Mario

Stay away from this ‘Aged care’ turned so called ‘resort’ …. The place is filthy, most of things does not work either like aircon, freeze…

The worst thing to hate is the caretakers/ owner old man keeps watching you throughout what you use but even does not bother to inform you that ‘they are all extra charges and not included on your original price .
Eg basic kitchen is an extra $200 per day if you use it…. Serously

There is no notice ,neither information anywhere , nor they tell you anything during the initial key handover/ tour when they explain things . Their website or the booking confirmation also does not have this information anywhere .
AND later before you check out , they come to you with the list of things you have used and how much extra you have to pay … which is just ridiculous and a trap for ripping out the money. Also, if they have not really posted the inside pictures on their advertisement as they know it won’t work. Just Couple of pictures of bed and tables which is not even real..rest all surroundings greenery pics..typical marketing strategy..

Sanjeevan Prabahar

A nice Retreat and Conference venue situated next to Lake Macquarie. A short walk to some grocery stores and an IGA. Parking is somewhat limited at the venue entrance, however, plenty of parking is available next to the lake (car park adjoining the site). Staff are very helpful.

A repurposed hospital buildings so there are remnants that remind you of its past.

Judy Choi

Had a church camp here.
Very well maintained clean place with plenty of beds and bathroom, kitchen, BBQ facilities.
You can go for a lake swim near the jetty and go for a peaceful walk just outside the building and there is a big oval across the road for group activities.
This is a lovely place and is a place to go back.
Big thanks to David who had been flexible and informative to our group.