Couran Cove Island Resort - South Stradbroke, Queensland

Simone Stickles

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.

Roanne Lombard

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.

Erin Vanderslot

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.

Nina Rowan

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.

Jing Ting Chan

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.

Natalie Parmenter (nataliemarpar)

Just arrived home from a long weekend stay over the Valentine's Day weekend. I was so looking forward to staying at Couran Cove! I had heard such good things about it.

Okay, things I couldn't fault... the rooms were well looked after, and spacious, overlooking the lagoon. Well, the bathroom amenities could have been better stocked.

Resort staff are shamefully undersupported, you could see how exhausted and run-off-their-feet they were, trying to look after a full weekend of guests with only a handful of staff to tend to their needs.

I can understand the pandemic has influenced recruitment and employment in the tourism industry, but the lack of support they received reflected badly on how they were able to look after guests who had paid GOOD money to stay here.

In turn, this shows how drastic the owners and managers of Couran Cove need to change things to improve the quality and reputation of this resort. It cannot continue the way it has... being told at a 4 star restaurant, (on a couple of occasions) that they have, "run out of food" is NOT acceptable!

Equipment for the kids was run down and neglected, and posed a serious safety risk to children. If I were the owner/s I would be VERY embarrassed to see the state of some of the facilities. We did enjoy the pool though, our singular past-time we enjoyed.

I would like to see a response from the owners detailing how they plan to ensure the maintenance of the property and the care of their staff will be improved in such a way that reflects the high cost of a reservation for a holiday which is meant to be filled with good memories and with the promise of a return visit! In its current state, I will not be returning.

Chris Humphries

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

Amanda Cassar

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.