Walkabout Lodge

Not a lot of choices in Nhulunbuy but the Walkabout Lodge was what you would expect with a good 3 star establishment. Rooms are spacious and clean while the food at the restaurant was very nice. Not a lot nearby by Woolies is less than half a km away. Staff were pleasant and efficient.

If you like a level of accommodation of another era, this is the place to be. But first we must acknowledge Nhulunbuy is extremely remote, one of the remotest towns in Australia and it’s smack bang in the tropics, so things operate at a different level and pace. Don’t go in expecting a world class product. Most of the staff were very warm and welcoming, the house staff gentle and lovely. We stayed in room 112, so please avoid this at all cost. Supposedly the suite, it’s also bang against the bathroom and laundry for campers on the property. We had campers gathering around late at night and early morning chatting outside our bathroom window. There is also a repetitive pump, sewage treatment or compressor operating all night long, intermittently, every minute or so, winding up to somewhat of a roar then switching off again. The suite, at nearly $400 a night can’t be considered value for money and the kitchenette lacking in basics, such as a dish cloth or tea towel. A request to change rooms was met with “we’re full” and “we’ll check out the noise”, with no further words provided, other than “we require 48 hours notice to vacate”. It was later acknowledged that the pump has been rectified however the noise didn’t abate. Nhulunbuy is not truly on the tourist route yet, but it will be and they’re not ready for it. With the mine closing in 5 years this place will struggle if it can’t meet basic tourism requirements. The inclusive continental breakfast at Walkabout Lodge is seriously lacking - hardly any fresh fruit, no whole meal or grain bread, stale muesli, but in fairness probably reflecting supply limitations. The full chargeable breakfasts looked better if you want to spend more.

I’ll start by saying, the first in counter with a staff member as we walked into the lobby to check in. That should of been the time i turned around i found somewhere else to stay. No hello, how’s your day going Or even a smile. That was the start of the hospitality service, that this motel was going to offer me. Throughout the stay I felt uncomfortable. When I entered the dining/bar room to get a drink at one point around lunch time to go have a nice time around the pool. I was greeted by a lady that just said “ WHAT DO YOU WANT”. There was many other things I could list off but I’m going to finish with. PLEASE… take my advice and never EVER book a room at the walkabout hotel you will regret it. I’m in the hospitality trade and I run a few venues and I am thinking buying the surf club around the corner, and show them what real hospitality service looks like.

This place was very busy. The staff were friendly and helpful. The property is clean and well maintained. The room had a door leading to an outdoor area or balcony. The pool is lovely. The meals were delicious.