Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort Review: Dining & Cinema Value

The Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort combines accommodation with a dining and entertainment complex that makes it a practical base for a Central Coast getaway. According to Booking.com, the property scores 8.0 out of 10 from more than 1,000 guest reviews, with location and staff ratings that consistently rank above 8.5. This review covers pricing, room types, on-site amenities, and how the resort compares to nearby alternatives.

Last checked: 2026-07-26

Price per night: from

The Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort combines accommodation with a dining and entertainment complex that makes it a practical base for a Central Coast getaway. According to Booking.com, the property scores 8.0 out of 10 from more than 1,000 guest reviews, with location and staff ratings that consistently rank above 8.5. This review covers pricing, room types, on-site amenities, and how the resort compares to nearby alternatives.

Is Ettalong Beach worth visiting?

The Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort operates as a combined accommodation and retail complex, giving guests direct access to a cinema, multiple restaurants, and cafes without needing to drive. Booking.com rates the location at 8.9 out of 10, and the same platform shows a staff rating of 8.7. These scores suggest that most visitors find the setup convenient and the service reliable.

Value for money is a recurring theme in guest feedback. Booking.com reports a value-for-money score of 8.1, and one Tripadvisor reviewer described the property as “a very nice clean and neat welcoming motel, very good value for money.” The free parking and the range of on-site dining options help reduce incidental costs during a stay.

Overall rating

Across three major platforms, the resort scores between 8.0 and 8.4 out of 10. Expedia rates it 8.4 as “Very good,” while Booking.com gives an 8.0 from 1,055 verified reviews. Tripadvisor hosts 2,026 reviews, though the platform does not publish a single aggregate score for this property. The consistency across platforms indicates a reliable experience rather than one that varies wildly by guest.

Value for money

With standard rooms starting at $103 per night according to KAYAK, and an average weeknight price of $137, the resort sits at the lower end of the Ettalong Beach accommodation market. The free parking — rare in many coastal towns — and the ability to walk to the beach in under two minutes add practical value. Late check-out is available for a $40 fee, which is clearly stated upfront.

What types of accommodation are in Ettalong?

The Ettalong Beach area offers a mix of hotel-style rooms, self-contained apartments, and motel units. The Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort is one of the largest single properties in terms of on-site amenities, though it is not the only option within walking distance of the beach.

Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort

The resort has 36 rooms, according to its Tripadvisor listing. Rooms feature shared balconies, and the property is classified as a “beach aparthotel” on Expedia, meaning guests can expect motel-style accommodation with access to resort facilities. Check-in runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and check-out is before 10:00 AM. Travelocity notes that late check-out is subject to availability and carries a $40 fee.

Other hotels and self-contained apartments

Mantra Ettalong Beach is the closest full-service competitor, located within walking distance of the same beach and dining precinct. For travelers who prefer kitchen facilities and separate living areas, BASE Holidays — Ettalong Beach Premium Apartments offers private hot tubs and kitchenettes. The Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort distinguishes itself by concentrating dining and entertainment under one roof, which suits guests who want everything on-site.

What is there to do in Ettalong?

The Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort functions as a hub for activities, with the beach, cinema, and dining all within a short walk of the rooms. The surrounding area adds a few more options for day trips.

Beach and swimming

Ettalong Beach is 500 feet from the resort, making it a two-minute walk. The beach is a sheltered stretch of the Brisbane Water estuary, suitable for swimming in calm conditions. The resort’s own Roman-style outdoor spa pool operates from October to March, giving guests a second swimming option during the warmer months.

Cinema and dining

The on-site 6-screen cinema complex shows mainstream releases, and the resort’s dining options — listed at 9 restaurants on Booking.com and 10 on Expedia — include Beef and Barramundi Bar and Grill, Yusu Japanese, La Fiamma Pizzeria, Gusto Italian Bistro, Oz Napoli Pizza and Pasta, Safran Turkish Cuisine and Bar, La Taco Mexican, Toto’s Trattoria & Bar, and Hong Kong Chinese. The discrepancy in restaurant counts likely reflects different counting methods or outlet changes over time, but the range covers multiple cuisines and price points.

Nearby attractions

The Ettalong Wharf area, a short walk from the resort, offers additional dining and provides access to ferry services across the Brisbane Water. The property also includes an art gallery and a shopping centre, according to Expedia, adding indoor options for rainy days.

Sample itinerary: A weekend at the resort

Is Ettalong Beach expensive?

Compared to other coastal destinations in New South Wales, Ettalong Beach sits at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Accommodation at the Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort starts from $103 per night, and the free parking and on-site dining reduce the need for a car or taxis.

Accommodation costs

KAYAK reports an average weeknight price of $137 and an average weekend-night price of $156 for the resort. February is the low season with the cheapest rates, while December is the most expensive period. The Tripadvisor price range of $137–$255 for a standard room aligns with seasonal fluctuations. For a specific date pair (2–3 November), Expedia listed the price at $180 including taxes and fees.

Dining prices

The 9 to 10 on-site restaurants span casual (pizza, tacos) to mid-range (steak, Japanese, Turkish). No specific menu prices are available from the research sources, but the variety of cuisines suggests options at different price levels. The five cafes provide lower-cost breakfast and coffee options.

Overall budget

For a two-night stay, a reasonable budget would be $250–$400 for accommodation (depending on season), plus dining costs that vary by choice. Free parking eliminates what can be a $20–$40 per night cost at other coastal resorts. The late check-out fee of $40 is a one-off cost if needed.