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The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility

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The Banksias Estate "Where the bush meets the sea"
Our local beach Big Hill with property marked in fore ground
The Banksias Estate
Exterior
Aerial view

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
8 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 1843.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Crescent Head, NSW
  • Place, Crescent Head Country Club
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Killick Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Goolawah National Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Port Macquarie, NSW (PQQ)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Cabin 1 - delicte

1 Queen Bed

Cabin 2 - Sunrise

1 Queen Bed

Cabin 3 - Big hill

1 Queen Bed

Cabin 4 - Rcecourse

1 Queen Bed

Honeymoon Suite

1 Queen Bed

Main Homestead Banksias 1

1 Queen Bed

Main Homestead first floor

1 King Bed

Main house - Bunk Room

2 Single Bunk Beds

7 bathrooms

Cabin 1

Toilet · Shower only

Cabin 2

Toilet · Shower only

Cabin 3

Toilet · Shower only

Cabin 4

Toilet · Shower only

Honeymoon ensuite

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Main Homestead

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Main Homestead Family bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility

The Banksias – A Luxurious Coastal Retreat in Crescent Head
Welcome to The Banksias, a premier getaway on the stunning Mid-North Coast of Australia, perfectly located in Crescent Head, just steps away from some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country.

Whether you're planning a special celebration, a family holiday, or simply an escape from the everyday, The Banksias offers an indulgent experience like no other.

About the Property
Spanning 140 acres of lush rural landscape, The Banksias is a haven of activities and relaxation. The property features:

A 9-hole golf course for leisurely rounds.
A floodlit tennis court for matches under the stars.
A private waterway ideal for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
An outdoor spa, perfect for unwinding with a book or soaking up the peaceful surroundings.
An abundance of wildlife, including a resident mob of kangaroos, and captivating birdlife.
For beach lovers, a short stroll will take you to pristine 6km-long sands, ideal for morning walks or exploring the Big Hill Lookout, where you can spot whales and dolphins.

Accommodation
The Main Homestead
The charming weatherboard cottage combines classic character with modern comfort:

Master Suite: Detached from the main house, this retreat includes a queen bed, en-suite with bath and shower, air conditioning, and a deck with a hammock and outdoor spa overlooking the waterway.
Queen Guest Bedroom: Located in the main house, featuring an en-suite, air conditioning, walk-in wardrobe, and a private deck overlooking the cabins and tennis court.
Upstairs Retreat: A king-size bed, large TV with Foxtel, DVD player, and a games console, alongside a children’s bunk room sleeping four, make this an ideal space for families.
Kitchen & Living Areas: The kitchen, a chef’s dream, boasts a walk-in commercial cool room and luxury glassware and china. The family room features a cozy gas fireplace, and the front of the house opens with bi-fold doors and Hampton-style shutters to let in the ocean breeze.
Private Cabins
Connected by a walkway, four private cabins offer additional accommodation:

Each cabin includes a queen bed, en-suite, ceiling fan, walk-in wardrobe, mini-fridge, and tea/coffee facilities.
Private decks with garden views provide serene spots for relaxation.
Entertaining Spaces
The Banksias features two spectacular entertaining areas:

Outdoor Cinema/Function Room

Equipped with a multimedia system, lounges, and tables, this space is perfect for corporate events, intimate yoga sessions, or family movie nights.
Alfresco Dining Area

Overlooking the private waterway, it includes:
A fully equipped kitchen with BBQ, fridge, and dishwasher.
A 20-seater dining table with lounges, ceiling fans, an outdoor TV, a music system, and a large open fire.
Additional Amenities
State-of-the-art multimedia system, with zoned music options for different areas.
Outdoor shower, surfboard storage, and WC.
Full laundry and storage facilities.
Monitored security system for peace of mind.
Services
Your stay at The Banksias is enhanced by a dedicated property manager, ensuring your experience is seamless and memorable. Additional services include:

Full catering options.
Linen changes and maid service.
Transport arrangements for guests.
The Banksias: A Coastal Paradise
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment in the spa, taking in a tennis match from the guest room’s deck, or hosting a family dinner by the water, The Banksias offers a truly unique blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty.

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable escape.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Pets are only considered on a case by case basis
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 2440, PID-STRA-85656

About the area

Crescent Head

Located in Crescent Head, this holiday home is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Goolawah National Park and Hat Head National Park, while Kempsey Museum and Slim Dusty Heritage Centre are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking.
View more Holiday homes in Crescent HeadOpens in a new window
Map
Crescent Head, NSW

What's nearby

  • Crescent Head Country Club - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Killick Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Goolawah National Park - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Flynns Beach - 48 min drive - 79.9 km
  • Lighthouse Beach - 52 min drive - 90.6 km

Getting around

  • Kempsey Station - 23 min drive
  • Port Macquarie, NSW (PQQ) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cressence - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Blackfish Coffee - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Crescent Head Tavern - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Crescent Head Country Club - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Swell Nourished Cafe - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility?

As of 2 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility on 2 May 2026 start from AU$3,167, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Banksias- Rural Retreat - Eco Tourist Facility located?

This family-friendly Crescent Head holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Crescent Head Country Club and Killick Beach. Goolawah National Park is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lesley L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mim

Great holiday for all of us, plenty for the big & little kids to do, great place
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackson C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An incredible getaway

I highly recommend staying at The Banksias! The property is very well maintained with plenty of spaces to relax and spend time with friends and family. We had so much fun playing tennis, golf, operating the golf cart, making pizzas in the pizza oven and watching a Formula 1 race in the outdoor cinema area. The rooms and cabins were very comfortable and the indoor and outdoor kitchen spaces well equipped. We had a wonderful and relaxing time - hopefully we will be back in the near future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Family Holiday

Our large family of 15 adults, a 4 year old and a 1 year old had a wonderful week at The Banksias, Crescent Head. The location was brilliant with lots of space, a tennis court, golf course and walk to the beach. The accommodation was lovely with room for everyone and some really great areas for us all to gather around and relax. We enjoyed the use of the outdoor cinema, firepit and the jacuzzi. We had our lunch & dinner catered for each evening - all organised through our hosts Jo & Paul. The food was fabulous - huge quantities, a wide variety across the week and fresh, tasty meals that catered to the dietary requirements we have within the group. It was an absolute pleasure staying at The Banksias, everywhere was lovely and clean, the toiletries were excellent and Jo was quick to respond if we had any queries. It really suited all of us, and our ages ranged from 1 to 81. Everyone had a fabulous holiday.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

We had three families (with older teens and three tweens) at Banksia for four nights. We were hoping for a great experience in the first holiday after lockdowns, and we weren't disappointed. Surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, tennis, golf, kayaking, swimming, outdoor movies, fires, feasts, and a lot of chilling out - what a great time. Beautiful rooms. There's almost no mobile connection, and the wifi wasn't great, but frankly that improved the experience. Not once did a teenager say they were bored. My personal highlight was reading half a book in a hammock under a shady tree looking down the creek with a gentle breeze.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jesse w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway!

This is a well laid out and very spacious rental retreat. Endless activities or just relax and enjoy the beautiful naturistic scenes. Something to accommodate everybody, young and old. The owners were very personable, friendly, and welcoming. Could not have asked for a better experience. Love this place!
Verified

8/10 Good

Ciara R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable

We loved our stay!!! The beach was just minutes away and there were so much to do on property, never a boring moment. My kids had such a great time that they put themselves to sleep every night from exhaustion. Minor negatives - some of the kitchen stuff were dirty, coffee machine frother wasn’t working and the router for the wifi wasn’t working properly so we had problems staying connected (for those still working) . Despite all this, we would have loved to stay longer.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

50th Celebration

We had 20 people at The Banksias to celebrate my 50th Birthday, the place is Huge and has pretty well every thing a group would ever need. Thanks Jo and Paul .. it was awesome
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dr. Haran P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Excellent!

A great property for a family holiday.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anabella D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic week away with friends in a great location

We all loved staying at Banksias- the property, House, activities, beach, location are brilliant. Jo the owner was so helpful and helped immediately with any requests. The best!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhian A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place

We loved the place - so much to do and so kid friendly
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter D.

Perfect

An incredible weekend. The retreat has everything you need, the fact that it rained most of the weekend didn't hinder the amazing fun we had the whole duration of the stay. Impeccably clean, amazing food and outstanding location. Our days consisted of waking up to a cooked breakfast, then jumping straight into the wetsuits and paddle boarding/kayaking down the river. Then we'd use the golf buggies to take us and the surf boards to the other side of the property where we can cross the road and get onto an stunning and quiet beach. After we tire ourselves out we raced back to all fit in the hot tub before having a big lunch all together. Then the rest of the day could be spent rotating between napping in the incredibly comfy beds, playing golf, playing tennis, sitting around the fire, playing with the dogs or just chilling in the outdoor sofa area with a glass of wine. The Jo and Paul are experienced hosts who obviously have a passion for welcoming people into their resort and making their stay unforgettable.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Picturesque 5 Star Retreat

We stayed at the Banksia's for three nights in December and did not want to leave. When we did tear ourselves away, we left relaxed and refreshed. The property is a short drive from Crescent Head shops with access to some of the areas best and most secluded beaches (we rarely saw anyone else!) The main house and four adjoining guest houses are incredibly private, as they are surrounded on one side by the property's own golf course and the other by a picturesque river. The property has been set up for relaxed entertaining with a very generous outside barbecue/kitchen area, (where we ate most of our meals) and fully equipped inside kitchen and dining area. If we were not at the beach, we were having a hit on the golf course, or tennis courts, or simply relaxing in the hammock or many outside lounge areas. One highlight for our baby boy was the many kangaroos that call the property home and the beautiful birdlife. Early in the morning or at dusk the kangaroos could be seen around the property lazing in the shade or hopping down the side of the river. We would highly recommend this property. It is genuinely second to none and is clearly much loved by its owners, who have thought of everything to ensure guests have what they need at their fingertips.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben N.

Absolute Gem

Had the best time staying at Banksias with my family and wife’s sisters family who were visiting from the UK. The truly unique property is set on the most stunning part of Australia’s eastern coastline. On arrival we met the friendly local caretaker who showed us round the property and set up the kayak and SUPs ready for use. The house and cabins were super clean and fitted with everything you could possibly need. Kicked off the holiday with a walk around the headland where we saw an abundance of marine life including whales. Looking north it reminded me of the classic board walks of Byron and Noosa except didn’t see another person the entire walk! Gave the pommie inlaws surf lessons each morning on a safe protected rolling point break out the front of Banksias. It was easy to keep the kids off devices with endless afternoon activities including golf, tennis, full size football net shootouts and kayak paddling on the stunning river alongside the property. Blown away by the natural beauty of Banksias. We have recommended to our friends and will definitely be returning for future visits.

About the host

Hosted by Joanne Sanger

Host profile image
I’m passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests, and I take great pride in hosting at The Banksias. Originally from Australia, I’ve always been drawn to the natural beauty and laid-back charm of Crescent Head. Whether it’s relaxing by the waterway, watching kangaroos graze at sunset, or strolling along the pristine beaches nearby, I love sharing this slice of paradise with others. Hosting at The Banksias gives me the opportunity to introduce people to this incredible region and provide them with a space to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories.

Why they chose this property

Crescent Head is a truly magical place, and it’s no surprise it’s considered one of Australia’s hidden gems. The combination of stunning beaches, untouched natural landscapes, and a welcoming community make it an ideal location for The Banksias. I was captivated by the peaceful rhythm of life here—from the sound of waves rolling in along the 6km beach to the breathtaking views from Big Hill Lookout, where you can often see whales and dolphins passing by. The area offers something for everyone: world-class surfing, peaceful nature walks, and plenty of opportunities to simply unwind. It’s the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.

What makes this property unique

The Banksias is more than just a retreat—it’s an experience. Spanning 140 acres, the property offers unparalleled amenities, including a 9-hole golf course, a floodlit tennis court, and a private waterway perfect for fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. For those seeking relaxation, the outdoor spa and hammock overlooking the waterway are unbeatable.

What truly sets The Banksias apart is its blend of luxury and nature. Guests can enjoy modern comforts like a state-of-the-art multimedia system and a chef’s kitchen, while also being immersed in Australia’s unique wildlife, with kangaroos and native birds as your neighbors.

The property is designed for gatherings and celebrations, offering two spectacular entertaining areas: an outdoor cinema/function room and an alfresco dining area with a 20-seater table and open fire. The combination of thoughtful design, natural beauty, and tailored guest services ensures that every stay is unforgettable. Whether you’re here for a family holiday, a special event, or simply a peaceful escape, The Banksias offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

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