+ If I book directly with you, will I get a cheaper rate?

We set and manage the pricing on our website as well as any other sites where you see our cottages and houses advertised. However, you will always get the best rate by booking directly with us – that’s either by emailing us at sandpipercottages@bigpond.com or by calling us. Although we do set the prices on other booking platforms, those platforms add in additional booking fees which then increases the end price. They also are then the booking agent, so any changes have to be managed through them.

+ Do you offer discounts for longer stays?

We look after guests who book for longer periods with extended stay discounts. These may vary based on the cottage/house chosen, length of stay and time of year, but we generally offer one night free for a week’s length stay.

+ Do I get a discount if I book multiple cottages or houses?

We offer a group discount where possible for multiple families travelling together, or when multiple cottages/houses are booked for reunions and so on. The discount is generally 10%, but may vary, depending on the type and number of cottages/houses selected, length of stay, and time of year.

+ Do you offer repeat guest discounts?

We have many guests who consider Sandpiper to be “their beach shack”! Guests who have visited us on more than two occasions and who book directly with us receive a 10% discount. Our repeat guest are also rewarded with special off-peak season offers. When booking, please mention that you have stayed with us twice before, so we can look after you!

+ What is your cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details of our cancellation policy. There is no cancellation charge if 30 days’ notice is provided, or if the cancellation is due to a government imposed travel restriction (due to COVID). We otherwise generally charge only a small administration fee if we can re-sell the nights cancelled. If we can’t re-sell the booking, the fee charged will be a percentage of the total tariff, set on a sliding scale depending on the notice provided.

+ Can I add extra guests to my booking, or have extra guests stay who are not included in the booking confirmation?

You are welcome to add guests to your booking (up to the maximum number permitted at the cottage/house), as long as you confirm the details with us and pay the applicable per person tariff. Our standard rates are $30 per night per extra adult, & $20 per night per extra child (under 18). We do not charge for infants, and we have portacots available on request for a small fee.

+ Can I bring my own extra beds/mattress and put on the floor?

We generally do not allow this, for health & safety reasons. The maximum number of guests permitted at the cottage/house is noted on the listing and reflected in the number of beds provided.

+ Is linen provided?

Yes, linen is included at the property for the number of guests booked. This includes all bedding (organic cotton doona covers and pillow slips), a soft fluffy bath & face towel for each guest, and a bath mat and hand-towel for each bathroom. There are also bathrobes for your use.

+ Does the property provide beach towels?

Large fluffy beach towels are provided at your request.

+ What is supplied in the kitchen?

Your kitchen is fully equipped. It has a variety of basic homewares for your convenience including knives, cutlery, crockery, and cooking utensils and saucepans. It also has extras like a rice cooker, sandwich press/grill, egg cups, serving platters, salad bowl/servers, BBQ equipment (each cottage/house has its own BBQ), cling wrap, aluminium foil, baking paper, and the like. Basics like tea, coffee (instant and plunger), milo, sugar, biscuits, flour, salt, pepper, olive oil, sunflower/canola oil are also provided. You also have the materials from your welcome basket as supplies (fresh sourdough bread, milk, butter, jams, free range eggs laid on site by our lovely hens, and gourmet cereals). If you are cooking something and need a spice or condiment, just come to reception and ask us! Annette’s pantry is extensive and we are happy to help when we can! We also supply ecofriendly dishwashing liquid and dishwasher tablets (if applicable), eco-cleaning cloths (no disposable/single use cloths), spray cleaner, air freshener, paper towels, and the like. If you need something in particular, please ask!

+ Do you supply baby items?

We have a high chair and portacot (with bedding) available for a small fee. If you need something else, just ask us and we will try and accommodate you.

+ Are laundry facilities available?

All of our cottages/houses have laundry facilities, including a washing machine, dryer, drying rack, ecofriendly laundry detergent/fabric softener, iron and ironing board. If you need stain treatment, just ask us.

+ Is cleaning included?

Standard cleaning is included with each booking. You are expected to clean and put away dishes, clean the BBQ and leave the cottage/house in good order. If the cottage or house is left excessively dirty, an extra cleaning fee will be charged, based on the issue presented and the extra cleaning time or supplies required. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.

+ What else is supplied at the cottages/houses?

There are spare cleaning cloths, BBQ wipes (each cottage/house has a BBQ), games, books, a BOSE [Bluetooth] speaker, USB charging facility, a flashlight/headlamp (bedside table), nightlight, wood and fire lighting equipment for your fire (all but Hanalei Cottage), beach equipment, and lawn/beach chairs. There is also a compost collector and hens to eat your scraps. We even provide dogs for petting whenever you like (if you like—if not, we promise to keep them sequestered!) There is also free FOXTEL, Wi-Fi, and a vast supply of DVDs. Finally, we have children’s books etc available on request.

You will also find a candle for ambiance and aromatherapy.

+ Is there a mini-bar available?

We provide red and white wine, sparkling, beer, coke, and diet coke in your mini-bar. There is also a local bottle shop and IGA for your convenience.

+ What time can I check-in?

You can check-in any time from 2pm till late- just come to the reception office at the main house (it is signposted). Reception is open from 9am to at least 8pm, and other hours are available with notice. We live on site, so we are always here on call to help if needed.

If we are unable to be in attendance for some reason, a map and instructions will be left on the reception door to guide you through the self-check-in process, and we will call in to your cottage on our return, with your welcome basket and to answer any questions.

Early check-in is available on request, subject to availability. Early arrival may not be available during peak season due to heavy booking and cleaning schedules. Please let us know at least 2 working days prior to check-in if you want an early check-in and we will do our very best to accommodate you. We manage such requests depending on the cottage turnover and cleaning schedule. We will let you know as soon as possible if an early check-in is available. If you arrive early and your cottage is not yet ready, you can always park and have a walk on the beach!

+ What do I need to do prior to checkout?

Please ensure that the property is left clean and tidy to avoid excess cleaning charges. This includes:

• Cleaning, drying and putting away all dishes used. Emptying the dishwasher if applicable
• Emptying fridge
• Cleaning BBQ
• Cleaning any spills in the oven, dishwasher, fridge
• Sorting rubbish into external bins
• Turning off all lights, heating and fans

We recognise that accidents happen and things break—if something is broken or amiss, please let us know so that we can take care of it properly. We will ask guests to be responsible for damage other than normal wear and tear (within reason).

+ What time is checkout?

Check out is 10.00 am, unless other arrangements are made directly with us in advance. This allows time for adequate cleaning prior to the next guests’ arrival. If you would like to request a late check-out, please speak to us as soon as possible, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate last minute requests as cleaners are scheduled in advance.