Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions General
What's the Difference between an Ultimate Spa Bower and a Premium Spa Bower ?
Frequently Asked Questions (Cont.)
What's the Difference between an Ultimate Spa Bower and a Premium Spa Bower ?
| | Premium Spa Bower | Ultimate Spa Bower |
|---|
| Shower | Double shower recess | Single shower recess |
| Flooring | Timber underfloor with vinyl tiles | Polished concrete flooring |
| Bathroom flooring | Underfloor heated tiles | Underfloor heated tiles |
| Floorplan | Open plan with a wide doorway to the living areas | Open plan with blackout blinds on most openings |
| Deck | Square with full roof cover | Triangular with roof eave only |
What is a Bower?
A Bower is our name for a standalone, adults-only retreat designed for couples at The Bower.
We use the word because common terms like cabin, lodge, villa, cottage, chalet, suite, or apartment do not fully fit the experience.
Each Bower is set privately in Australian bushland, with outstanding forest views and around 100 metres of bushland separation between Bowers for quiet and privacy.
What’s the difference between the Ultimate Spa Bower and the Premium Spa Bower?
Each Bower has exactly the same double spa bath, a king size bed, reverse cycle air-conditioning and a slow combustion wood fire, along with a well equipped kitchen and gas BBQ on the deck. The following Quick Comparison chart details the differences;
What's the Difference between an Ultimate Spa Bower and the Double King Ultimate Spa Bower?
The Double King Ultimate Spa Bower has the same facilities as the other 2 Ultimate Spa Bowers, with the addition of a 2nd bedroom with a king bed, to accommodate 2 adult couples.
How do I get the best rate at The Bower (and what does Book Direct include)?
To get the best rate, book on our official website and use BOOKDIRECT at checkout. This provides a 10% rebate [discount] against the accommodation cost and cannot be combined with other offers. For more info Email Us here
Book Direct includes:
• Breakfast hamper on arrival
• Preferred Bower request [add it in the booking notes, subject to availability]
• Priority for early check-in and late check-out [subject to availability]
• Linen, bathrobes and slippers
• Fire set ready to light, plus a starting supply of firewood [extra firewood available]
View Booking Terms
How private are the Bowers, really?
Yes. The Bower is an adults-only retreat designed for couples who want privacy, peace and quiet.
We do not accommodate children or infants, so the atmosphere stays calm and romantic, and each Bower feels like a true escape.
Are there romantic views to enjoy around The Bower and the surrounding area?
Yes. Every Bower looks out over beautiful Australian coastal bushland (or brush), with peaceful forest views from your private deck.
Nearby romantic viewpoints and walks include:
- Broulee Island (coastal and beach views)
- Broulee Headland (headland and ocean views)
- Illawong Walk (divers wildlife, expansive countryside and mountain vista)
- South Broulee Beach (wide open shoreline, great at sunrise)
- Mossy Point (river and ocean outlooks)
Best times for couples are sunrise and late afternoon, when the light is softer and it’s usually quieter.
Is The Bower adults-only, and why?
Yes. The Bower is an adults-only retreat designed for couples who want privacy, peace and quiet.
We do not accommodate children or infants, so the atmosphere stays calm and romantic, and each Bower feels like a true escape.
Is the Book Direct rebate the same as a discount, and how is it applied?
It works like a discount, but we describe it as a rebate. When you book on our official website and apply the Book Direct code at checkout, you receive a 10% rebate against the accommodation cost. It cannot be combined with other offers. For more info Email Us here
Can I choose a specific Bower, and how do I request it?
Yes, if you book direct. When booking on our website, add your preferred Bower in the booking notes or request field. Requests are subject to availability at the time of booking. If your preferred Bower is not available, we will allocate the most suitable available option.
Can we get an early check-in?
Guests who #BookDirect, get priority and we make every effort to offer early check-in and we’ll do our best to manage it. However, the check-in time will partially depend on the ACTUAL departure time of the prior guests, which is theoretically 10 am, but we find many of our guests linger quite a bit longer, as you might imagine. If you contact us at around 11:30 am – 12 noon on the day of arrival, we should be able to give you an estimate of how soon we can have your Bower ready for you. In the meantime, on request when you book, we’ll amend your ETA to 3 pm at no extra cost. We will then ask our team to get your Bower ready as soon as possible on the day. In any case, we’ll send you an SMS, if you have registered with us a working [Telstra or Optus] phone as soon as your accommodation is ready for you.
How far is Broulee Beach from the Bower?
The main beach in Broulee is 1km [or 0.6 miles] from the entrance to The Bower. Many guests take advantage of this proximity to enjoy a sunrise walk along the beach or an evening walk around the Illawong wetlands with stunning sunset view across the wetlands.
How far is the Bower from the major towns?
The Bower is located 23 kms [or, 12 miles] from Batemans Bay. It is about 2 hours’ drive from Canberra, 4 hours from Sydney and 8 hours from Melbourne.
Is The Bower pet friendly, and why not?
No. The Bower is not pet friendly and we do not accommodate animals.
This helps protect the surrounding bushland and wildlife and keeps the setting quiet and low-allergen for guests.
If you are travelling with a pet, we are happy to recommend pet-friendly alternatives nearby.
Is breakfast included?
For direct bookings, yes. If you book directly with The Bower, a breakfast hamper is included on arrival. For more info Email Us here
For OTA bookings, the breakfast hamper is an optional extra and needs to be booked in advance.
Do you accept one-night stays, and what is the minimum stay?
In most cases, no. The Bower generally has a two-night minimum stay, especially on Fridays and Saturday nights and during long weekends.
Occasionally, if an orphan night opens between bookings, we may accept a one-night stay. Phone or email us to see if we can make an exception.
Can I change dates [postpone] instead of cancelling?
If you booked direct, often yes, subject to our booking terms.
If you cancel or postpone more than 14 days before arrival, your deposit is refundable less any costs incurred and a 10% admin fee. If less than 14 days’ notice is given, your deposit is refunded only if we can re-let the accommodation. All requests must be made in writing and attract a 10% admin fee.
If you booked via an OTA on a non-refundable rate, changes are usually governed by the OTA’s terms and may not be possible, or must be requested through the OTA platform.
What time is check-in and check-out, and can I request early check-in or late check-out?
Standard check-in is after 4:00 pm and standard check-out is 10:00 am.
Direct-booking guests receive priority for any available early check-in or late check-out, but it depends on same-day arrivals, previous departures and housekeeping schedules.
SMS or phone us after 10am on the day of arrival and we will confirm what is possible. We will also SMS when your Bower is ready if you have registered a working Telstra or Optus mobile number.
What WiFi can we expect [and is there a faster option]?
We offer two WiFi options. Free WiFi runs via NBN with download speeds up to 40 Mbps.
Optional 4G WiFi is available on request with speeds up to 170 Mbps.
Actual speeds can vary depending on network conditions and device setup.
What does it mean that The Bower is an immersive nature stay?
The Bower is designed to help you feel surrounded by nature, not separated from it. Rather than creating a sealed indoor environment, each Bower offers privacy, comfort and luxury within a living bush setting. The sights, sounds and changing moods of the outdoors are part of the experience.
Will we hear wildlife or natural sounds during our stay?
Yes. Because The Bower is set in natural bushland, you may hear birds, frogs, wind in the trees, rainfall, or other gentle sounds of wildlife and weather. For many guests, this is one of the most relaxing and memorable parts of staying here.
Is The Bower completely sealed off from the outdoors?
No. The Bower offers luxurious comfort in nature, rather than a fully sealed indoor environment removed from it. Our aim is to give you privacy, warmth and thoughtful amenities while still allowing you to feel connected to the surrounding forest.
What should we expect from a remote bush setting?
You should expect peace, privacy and a stronger connection to the natural world. In a setting like this, the experience includes the rhythms of the outdoors, from birdsong in the morning to frogs after rain and wind moving through the canopy. That natural atmosphere is part of The Bower’s charm
Does luxury at The Bower mean complete control over nature?
No. At The Bower, luxury means meaningful comfort, thoughtful design and a deeply relaxing private escape, while still respecting the natural environment around you. We focus on romance, comfort and immersion, rather than trying to shut nature out.
Why do guests love this style of nature-based accommodation?
Many couples choose The Bower because they want more than just a place to sleep. They want to slow down, reconnect and feel immersed in the beauty of the bush. The sounds of birds, rain and forest life help create the sense of escape that makes a stay here feel so special.
Frequently Asked Questions (Cont.)
The price for stays varies by date, due to a number of factors. e.g. The
• length of stay – e.g. 4 nightly rate is cheaper than 2
• seasonal demand – e.g. non-holidays is cheaper than holidays
• time from booking to arrival – e.g. advance purchases [normally] get preference, although we occasionally offer last-minute specials
• specific demand at The Bower for the dates required e.g. typically when there is a local event/wedding etc. as more Bowers get booked for a date, the rate increments slightly higher
• channel [website] you use to book e.g. we distribute our rates to 3rd party at the same rate as we advertise on our website, but if you, we offer a loyalty discount on the final checkout page with the code #Bookdirect
So, if you can let us know which dates you have in mind, we can check if we have availability and give you a firm quote at that point in time.
Otherwise, you can click here to get a quote and the discount
book direct, we offer a loyalty discount on the final checkout page with the code #Bookdirect
We have good reception for Telstra & Optus 4g communications plus a free WiFi network via an optic fibre network within the property. Unfortunately, we’re limited to a copper-based NBN service from our property to the nearest NBN node.
Guests who #BookDirect, get priority and we make every effort to offer early check-in and we’ll do our best to manage it. However, the check-in time will partially depend on the ACTUAL departure time of the prior guests, which is theoretically 10 am, but we find many of our guests linger quite a bit longer, as you might imagine. If you contact us at around 11:30 am – 12 noon on the day of arrival, we should be able to give you an estimate of how soon we can have your Bower ready for you. In the meantime, on request when you book, we’ll amend your ETA to 3 pm at no extra cost. We will then ask our team to get your Bower ready as soon as possible on the day. In any case, we’ll send you an SMS, if you have registered with us a working [Telstra or Optus] phone as soon as your accommodation is ready for you.
For direct online bookings, you’ll receive:
Our best possible rate for the accommodation level and nights you require.
Your choice of individual bower, [subject to availability] if specified at the time of booking.
Breakfast Hamper, on arrival. [Local supplies whenever available].
Linen, bathrobes & slippers plus an extensive range of kitchen supplies.
Starting supply of firewood with fire already set ready to light. Extra firewood is also freely available at the wood heap.
T&C’s apply to the above.
The main beach in Broulee is 1km [or 0.6 miles] from the entrance to The Bower. Many guests take advantage of this proximity to enjoy a sunrise walk along the beach or an evening walk around the Illawong wetlands with stunning sunset view across the wetlands.
The Bower is located 23 kms [or, 12 miles] from Batemans Bay. It is about 2 hours’ drive from Canberra, 4 hours from Sydney and 8 hours from Melbourne.
The Bower at Broulee offers transfers from the airport only by prior arrangement (fees may apply). Please contact the property at the number on the official Bower reservation confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. This property does not have a front desk. This property doesn’t offer after-hours check-in.
Please Note: Fires are not to be used on declared Total Fire ban days [if in doubt, please check with reception] and firewood will not be supplied prior to forecasted extreme fire danger]. For more info, Check the RFS website/apps below:
Fires Near Me
Fire Danger Ratings
Total Fire Bans
Yes, all Bower have Smart TV’s with Netflix. You will need to log in to your own Netflix account [thru Optus or Telstra 4g] and your viewing history will be cleared after checkout.
Yes, [in case you need it] we have Fibre to the node NBN and we’ve installed an optic fibre backbone within the property to transmit broadband to/from the Spa Bowers]
Full Disclosure: The WiFi is dependent on a fairly slow [about 27Mbps downloads] NBN connection and the signal to your accommodation is susceptible to faults in the Telstra/NBN copper line ! We DO, however, have good mobile phone signal with both Optus & Telstra if you need to set up a hotspot. If you have any difficulties, please contact us so we can assist with Plan B
DVD players are only available by advance request. Please email us prior to your arrival so we can have it set up in your Bower for you.
We provide a generous healthy breakfast hamper, made up of locally sourced produce, where possible, on arrival for guests who #bookdirect.
This consists of fresh fruit, fruit juice, a selection of cereals, homemade Granola, croissants & Sourdough bread (in the freezer) plus eggs, full cream milk, juice and a selection of English and herbal teas, ‘Nespresso’ style pods & instant coffee.
This is provided on your arrival and is designed to get you started. Most people find it lasts a couple of mornings.
However, if you need to supplement your breakfast, or have special dietary requirements, you can get extra cereal, etc. at either the;
- Foodworks, 44 Train Street Central Broulee (about 300m [or yards] from The Bower entrance), or
- Broulee Supermarket & Cellars Cnr of Coronation Drive & 23-25 Grant St BROULEE 7.00am – 7.30pm for 7 days, or
- Tomakin IGA ‘supermarket’ all of which are only a couple of kms [1 mile] away from The Bower.
Yes, each Bower has its own Weber BBQ on the deck.
The Bower is on George Bass Drive, Broulee opposite Train Street turn off. Suburbs nearby are Tomakin, Mossy Point, Jeramadra, Guerilla Bay, Moruya, and Rosedale.
Yes. The Bower is proud to announce the installation of a Tesla Destination charger on our property. Our installation provides 1 x 3 phase Tesla Connector, up to 22kW.
Available for accommodation patrons (or other Tesla drivers, by appointment). Self-park. This charger provides a convenient overnight charge to Tesla vehicles and is available upon request (Subject to availability). You can find further information about the power source on the Tesla site or PlugShare.com
No, your bathroom in the Bower has a hairdryer.
No, we don’t have Pay TV in your Bower, but it is available at our local Tomakin Sports & Social club, if you wish to watch a special event or your favourite footy game. You can also log in to Stan/Kayo or Netflix etc. thru the Smart TV in your Bower.
Each Bower is designed to be completely self-contained with its own private kitchen, equipped with a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Therefore you’re welcome to self-cater, plus we can also order in a range of ‘ready to cook’ BBQ hampers, as an additional option.
If you’re pressed for time, there’s an excellent IGA with quality meat and local produce (plus easy parking etc.) about 2kms away from us at Tomakin.
No. The Bower is designated a ‘wildlife refuge’ and our management plan specifies that we cannot accept guests pets on the property.
Grocery supplies and liquor can be purchased at the
FoodWorks, Broulee which about 300m from our front entrance. Unit 7, 40 Train Street. Here’s a link to their food catalogue
IGA Tomakin Supermarket/Bottle Shop which is about 3kms North of The Bower. Already much appreciated by locals and our guests alike, the Moorings IGA makes your holiday experience that much easier and more convenient. The supermarket is open 7 days a week from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm, and stocks a great range of fresh fruit & vegetables, meat, groceries, deli items & liquor. For any information call +612 4471 5559.
Address is 2158 George Bass Drive, Tomakin.
Also, the Broulee ‘Supermarket’ and Cellars, and Post office agency [2.5kms] offers a good range of wines and liquor, fuel, fishing tackle, ice cream and confectionery, and basic grocery supplies. 23-25 Grant Street, Broulee. Phone +612, 4471 6100.
The kitchen cooking utensils include basic saucepans and a stovetop frying pan. If you want a large boiler or baking dish we would suggest you bring these along. Bowls, cutting boards, etc. are supplied and all crockery, cutlery, and glassware is provided.
There is salt and pepper, raw sugar, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in your Bower. A selection of T2 teas, instant coffee, and Nespresso pods for the coffee machine are included.
The Bower is designed for couples [to have a break from the kids] and therefore is not suitable for children.
Couples dining and champagne service, as well as premium bedding and fireplaces in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The Bower at Broulee. Is The Bower at Broulee family-friendly? No
Increasingly, over the years, our guests [and even those who have kids of their own] have said to us ‘The Bower is a place for us to escape from the kids and everybody else’s kids !’.
We can, however, recommend some excellent kid-friendly alternative accommodation options. We can even recommend a local babysitter who can give you ‘child-free’ nights [at least] while you’re staying at The Bower.
In saying that, for those with infants, [in arms], we appreciate they’re a bit difficult to separate from their mum so as long as you have their own portable cot/bassinet and other required equipment, etc. we are quite happy to give Mums with a ‘babe in arms’ a break at The Bower.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you drive to The Bower from Sydney on one tank of fuel?
Yes. Most modern vehicles can comfortably reach The Bower from Sydney on a single tank, depending on your vehicle and driving style. The journey is approximately 4 to 4.5 hours via the South Coast route, offering a relaxed and scenic drive without the need to refuel along the way.
2. Can you drive to The Bower from Canberra without stopping for fuel?
Yes. The drive from Canberra to The Bower typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and the return trip is easily achievable on one tank for most vehicles. It’s one of the simplest and most stress-free coastal escapes from the capital
3. What is the best route to drive to The Bower from Sydney?
The most popular route is via the Princes Highway along the NSW South Coast. Many travellers also choose to incorporate sections of the Grand Pacific Drive for a more scenic experience, including coastal views and iconic stops along the way.
4. Is the drive to The Bower scenic?
Yes. The drive to The Bower is part of the experience. Travellers can enjoy coastal lookouts, national parks, and charming towns along the NSW South Coast. Routes like the Grand Pacific Drive and coastal tourist drives are known for their dramatic ocean views and relaxed pace.
5. How far is The Bower from Sydney and Canberra?
The Bower is located on the NSW South Coast near Broulee, approximately 4 to 4.5 hours from Sydney and 2 to 2.5 hours from Canberra by car. This makes it an ideal short break destination without the need for flights or complex travel planning.
6. Do you need to refuel on the way to The Bower?
In most cases, no. The “one tank trip” concept means you can leave home and arrive at The Bower without stopping for fuel, depending on your vehicle’s range. However, there are plenty of convenient fuel stops along the route if needed.
7. Is the drive to The Bower suitable for a weekend getaway?
Absolutely. The relatively short drive time from both Sydney and Canberra makes The Bower ideal for a spontaneous weekend escape. Many guests leave in the morning and arrive by early afternoon, ready to relax and unwind.
8. Are there good places to stop along the way?
Yes. Popular stopovers include coastal towns, scenic lookouts, and national parks along the NSW South Coast. Many guests choose to break up the journey with coffee stops, short walks, or ocean views to make the drive part of the getaway experience.
9. Is The Bower a good stop on a Sydney to Melbourne coastal road trip?
Yes. The Bower is perfectly positioned as a premium stopover on the Sydney to Melbourne coastal route. It offers a private and relaxing break between longer driving days, allowing travellers to recharge before continuing their journey.
10. Why is The Bower considered an easy road trip destination?
The Bower combines accessibility with escape. It is far enough from major cities to feel like a true getaway, yet close enough to reach comfortably in a single drive. Guests often describe it as “far enough to switch off, but not too far to get there.”
