Avondale University

Always love coming here

Really nice stay. Terrific breakfast.

We came from Perth to spend 4 nights at the Retreat. I cannot imagine a more wonderful place to stay for couples, groups or solo travellers. Every aspect is thoughtfully designed and aesthetically pleasing; it makes great use of the natural surroundings and materials are eco-friendly. We enjoyed evenings in the lamp-lit lounge and on the wide balcony watching the big city across the harbour. The buffet breakfasts were generous and delicious; guests’ attention drifted off with the intoxicating panorama. I loved that we were always in a relationship with the zoo. We could come and go through the days and joined a night tour plus small group Sanctuary tour led by zoo staff & volunteers. We met lesbian geese, an overweight menopausal echidna, daughters of a lioness who chose brains over swagger, a capybara who snuck out of his enclosure to let loose on a kids’ playground…I am missing the koala brothers snoozing in the tree right outside our room. The staff are happy and so they are kind, generous with stories and information. This was a genuine retreat for my daughter and me; I feel calmer but also energised. You should go!