Testimonials
Tripadvisor.com comments click the link below
Reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, flights, holiday rentals, holiday packages, and lots more!
“Paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2012
Spent six nights at Turtle Cove in far north Queensland in paradise. The setting is ideal with beautiful palm trees, tropical flowers, two very private beaches, a delightfully shaded pool, waterfall and panoramic views. The accomodation is very clean and individually decorated in a pleasing style.
The staff are all very pleasant and friendly and could'nt go out of their way more to fulfill all our needs. Bert the manager was extremely welcoming and enjoyed talking and getting to know each of his guests.
We had an excellent time at Turtle Cove, even spotting turtles for which the resort is named, and very much look foward to returning.
Room Tip: Rooms upstairs have magnificent views and the front rooms are private with direct access to the beach.
“Nice place that is only getting better”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012
We stayed five nights in a deluxe room with ocean view. Room was spacious. Clean. View was amazing. The grounds are very nice. Hard to keep pristine in the jungle climate but they try. The pool and common areas are cleaned daily and things are in generally nice shape. The bar and eating areas are very nice and tidy, comfortable and clean. The staff is super. Bert, the manager and former owner/founder is there to make sure things run smoothly and he is a delight. Wayne tends the bar and couldn't be sweeter. The beach is gorgeous but it was box jelly fish season so there was no going in to the ocean. We made good use of the pool instead. They're committed to continuous improvements so on our next visit I expect to be even more polished and luxurious. Best yet we made several friends whom we've already met up with in Sydney! Though we live in San Francisco, CA. Highly recommend.
Room Tip: If you can spring for one of the ocean front rooms, do.
“Best and most friendly resort I have ever been too”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012
Turtle cove is not only in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, with two private beaches an amazing swimming pool with a waterfall, and secluded in the magnificent rainforest, it also has the unique ability at being one of the only resorts, that I am aware of, where you never need to feel alone, if you dont want to be. The social aspect of Turtle cove is amazing, dinner everynight with groups of new friends ( thanks to the Turtle table ) drinks around the pool, and if you lucky a spa with a special new friend. Any resort can be beautiful, clean and friendly but only Turtle cove adds the social aspect which makes any holiday amazing, yet at the same time allows privacy and seclusion when you want it. In the last 3 years I have travelled back to this slice of paradise 4 times staying upto 15 days at a time. The staff are amazingly welcoming and treat you like family everytime you arrive, as a gay couple it is one of the only places my partner and I feel fully safe, relaxed and feel that we can be ourselves. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a relaxing, fun, and simply amazing holiday, I can not rate this place more highly and hope that the rest of the gay community continue to support such a place so that we can have our own piece if paradise.
“Bert is Back”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2012
Thank you again Turtle cove for your rotating menu, magnificent christmas champagne breakfast that lasted all day and Bert for his gratuitous humour and dress ups. The place is looking great! Good luck with the renovations next march, we look forward to seeing them sometime soon. Greatly appreciated Sean and Jeffrey x0x0x0x
Room Tip: If you like extra space the beach front rooms are brilliant.
“Its paradise!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 January 2012
Turtle Cove Resort is an amazing find for the gay traveller. We were there for Christmas 2011 holidays, so there were a few couples and singles all ready for a fun time together. The food and hospitality was excellent! The rooms are spacious and in good condition. The beds are comfortable. The balcony from our room gave us a view over the Coral Sea which was amazing.
Room Tip: Best to upgrade to the Sea View Rooms
“New Years function and New Onsite Management”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2012
I have just been to Turtle Cove over the New Year period having been to the complex a number of times in past.years.
Congradulations to all involved--After a series of manager's they have now got it right and are worth a huge hug from us all.
The Staff( especially the staff), the meals, the resort, the location and the entertainment was second to none
Forget what you have heard in the past and do yourself a HUGH favour--get your behind in a car or a plane seat and support the new look and feel Turtle Cove
Well done Bert, Sharron, Wayne and the team. It was just GREAT!!!!
It is now up to all of us (men and womenn) to show our support for our very own beachside gay retreat in tropical Northern Australia
“Fantastic!!!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 December 2012
The Turtle Cove Resort is absolutely an amazing treasure for gay travelers. It is a definite paradise. We were there for 3 nights during the week, so there were just a few other guests. The rooms are spacious and in good condition. The beds are comfortable. The balcony from our room gave us a view over the main building to the sea. The pool and spa are wonderful. The food was great. Since there was only about 10 of us there, we all ate together every night. It was a great way to make new friends. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. We would have stayed a week if we could. Highly recommend Turtle Cove for a relaxing getaway. Can't wait to visit this place again.
“Paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 December 2011
We went for the most amazing wedding, and had the place to ourselves with the rest of the wedding party the honeymooners are gay with a mix of gay & straight guests. we were completely at ease and just wish we had longer than our 4 nights booked.
Would not hesitate to go back and we are straight !
“Turtle Cove keeps getting better”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 October 2011
We have just come back from our fifth visit to Turtle Cove.
The new owners have improved on heaven - the new chef is serving fantastic meals, the new wine list is more varied and economical, and Gavin (the General Manager) has put together a terrific team of friendly, helpful staff.
If you haven't been before, or if you haven't been since the new owners took over two years ago, do yourself a favour for a piece of gay and lesbian paradise.
Room Tip: Upstairs Coral View Rooms are more private than the Beachfront Rooms
“ULTIMATE Queensland Escape. THE NEW TURTLE COVE!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 October 2011
I had never been here before, OMG! IT DOESN'T GET BETTER FOLKS.
According to other guests (its a very social resort!) Turtle Cove had been let go by previous owners. That was until 2 years ago... it has been renovated, restored and nutured by sensational new owners, managers and staff. If you thought Heaven on Earth was not possible...you haven't experienced THE NEW AND IMPROVED Turtle Cove.
5 star rating from us.
TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!! We definatley are!
"A Really Nice Hotel "
asialoverFrance
France
Sep 18, 2010 | Trip type: Couples
A secluded marvelous beach; upgraded rooms (beachfront are perfect); best of all : quality of service, friendliness, atmosphere.
You can meeet interesting people, relax, visit (trips to the reef or the forest)
It was our 3RD time and i was a perfect stay.
PS : it has stayed gay
"One of our favorite places in the world"
Ingmar53 68
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Sep 3, 2010 | Trip type: Couples
This was our fourth visit to Turtle Cove over the past decade, and we love it as much as ever. This unpretentious, ideally located gay beach resort is unmatched anywhere we've traveled. We always choose the more expensive beach-front rooms, given that we travel so far to get there, but all the accommodations appear comfortable and up to date. A major re-hab is in the works with large flat-screen TVs and other room comforts.
Many years ago we were a bit skeptical of the "gay resort" label, fearing it may be just a cheesy "sex holiday" locale. I guess it could be that if you like, but what we have come to appreciate most is the relaxed comfort, the perfect beach location and the great mix of men and women who stay there--we've made new friends each visit. Having been there at different times of the year, I must say that the American Labor Day time-frame seems ideal--it's end of winter/early spring in Australia, and the weather couldn't be better: not too hot, warm ocean water and no "stingers" which can plague the area in Australian summer.
There have been rumors that Turtle Cove has "gone straight" which is apparently keeping some gay vacationers away. The new family owners have a gay son and were extremely friendly and accommodating.
Our only disappointment this time was the quality of the food: it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either, and the limited number of options didn't change during our 5 days there. Nevertheless, we are already planning to return next year with a group of friends from the states.
"Friendly and relaxed, will stay again"
BrisbaneDon
Brisbane Aug 1, 2010 | Trip type: Couples
We had a great time at Turtle Cove, The staff are great fun, special mention to Terry and Rob.
Weather wasnt the best but didnt matter. Locals who visited made you feel welcome and other guest were happy to chat. It feels like a holiday with friends, not a sterile resort. Will definetly go back.
"Turtle Cove is like staying at your own private beach house.”
Lanny68
Buford, Georgia
27 Jun 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
Turtle Cove Resort has a new owner and management team who are committed to renewing this wonderful, small, isolated resort which is perfect for a relaxing vacation in a tropical paradise setting. The new owners have done lots of work to make the resort look new and refreshing.
I am from the USA and found the resort from an internet search. I called the hotel to get additional information about the resort and the sights near the resort. I had the pleasure to speak with Sharon, their front desk/receptionist. She was so very personable and friendly. She took the time to email me information on nearby tourist attractions, dive operators, and information on the special events the hotel would be holding while I would be staying there (Queen’s Birthday). She took care of booking not just my hotel room but my dive, sigh seeing trips, and airport transfers.
I was given a wonderful personal greeting from the staff upon my arrival at Turtle Cove. They gave me a tour of the resort. The room I was given #306 had just gotten new white title on the floor. I found the atmosphere of the resort to be calming and relaxing and clean. Rob and Terry at the Bar are great. They are so friendly and helpful and remember what everyone is drinking.
A rental car is essential if you want to go into Cairns or Port Douglas as the resort is in the middle of nowhere. Cellular service and wireless internet service is very limited due to the remote location nestled on a private beach between two mountains.
I look forward to returning to Turtle Cove next year.
“What an amazing place.”
whitenite_10
Ulverstone
6 Jun 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
Being from interstate nothing like this exists where I come from. I eventually found it after driving past the entrance several times. Large signage is not permitted due to its location. After phoning, I was guided to it by a very friendly person on the phone,
I found the atmosphere calming and relaxing. I asked the office to organise a couple of day trips for me which was done without a problem.
I found the tape of the frog rather annoying and was told it was a real frog--yer right !
I found the bar staff very helpful and they even remembered my choice of drink when I arrived at the bar.
I found the rooms to be clean overall but the gardens were looking a little tired.
The changover of ownership was about to happen and a sense of change could be felt.
A hire car is essential because if the pick up service is used, there is little way of getting about.
Phone and computer coverage is restricted--not a bad thing when on holidays.
I have booked a return visit this coming September-all day flying through 3 airports is no fun but I know it will be worth it.
Don't forget my Bundy when I arrive. !
“great place to relax”
knitefxs
world
20 May 2010 | Trip type: Couples
My husband and i stayed there for few days. the staff was great loved the room the location was perfect in the middle of nowhere. Loved that at night you could see the fruit-bats and see so many stars and the waves put yo to sleep . would love to go back agin
"Turtle Cove has its mojo back”
IanFromPort
Melbourne, Australia
13 May 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
I have just returned from a few days at Turtle Cove - and I am very pleased to say that it's back in The new owners have done lots of work - the resort is looking fresh and new. The staff are friendly and helpful. The whole place has its vibe back.
Of course it is still located on one of the beaches in Australia. Perfect for solo travellers (my first solo trip there) or for couples or groups.
If you saw the tired Turtle Cove, it's time to get back and visit again
"The place to go!”
ejfiaschi
Guam, Hawaii, Florida...
15 Feb 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
I was hesitant about staying at turtle cove because I thought it was going to be too big and impersonal. Boy, was I wrong! Everyone from the staff to the owners was super friendly and always willing to help you with anything and everything. The food was great, the drinks were strong, and the view is excellent. The new owners of Turtle Cove are some awesome people and they are working hard to make the place even better for future guests. I can't wait to go back and stay at Turtle Cove again!
"amazing resort”
BrisbaneTraveler2009
5 Jan 2010 | Trip type: Solo travel
Turtle Cove is the most relaxing place I have been to in years, it feels like your on a torpical island, with everything only a short drive.
The staff where wonderful, food 5 star, would recomend this resort to any one wanting a relaxing holiday,
FANTASTIC!!!!!! Never felt so relaxed!”
Turtle Cove Resort
austruetraveller
brisbane
16 Dec 2009 | Trip type: Couples
i have visited here before but i must say this time Turtle cove was FANTASTIC! Great location, Great food, fun and friendly staff, i could not have asked for more. . ...Its great to see Turtle cove is still GAY even though it has been sold. Last time i visited you could tell the resort was starting to slip but this trip it was obvious the new owners have got it back on track! keep it up guys.
