Tandara — Local services in Sydney

Went here for 1 night with husband as a gift for his birthday. The PROS: The bath and shower was nice, instant hot water Deck was nice to eat and sit outside with - not sure about views overlooking Lane Cove National Park but it was nice still Nice touch with the fake fireplace inside tent, good for cold evening Large fridge for storage Bed was soft and large Reasonably close to walking Riverside walking trail and picnic points

The CONS: We didn't know this, but the tent/area is directly under flight path. There were so many planes up until the late afternoon about 6pm, so it was quite noisy on the deck. At night still, you can still clearly hear traffic/main road sounds from tent The tent is weathered and tired-looking The tent strongly smelled like wet umbrella which is understandable being out against the elements for ages. You need to try ventilate as much as you can. The tent had mould, dust and webs along ceiling. Surfaces along bedhead, bedside tables, light shades needed wiping from dust Nowhere on site mentioned what type of cutlery would be provided or not etc. Didn't know a microwave was provided. There was a kettle and toaster provided. I couldnt find, but there was no plates, no cutlery, any BBQ cooking utensils, dishwashing sponge/liquid, and no tissues. There was however 2 wine glasses, 3 mugs and 2 glass cups provided, with some tea/coffee + 1 milk. If you go, please bring those items to eat/clean with. Had a mouse in the tent which... freaked us out. Guess that's what you get #nature

Overall, it was OK the stay. Although you may feel physically you're out of Sydney being in the national park, the noise of traffic and planes made that impossible to completely take you there. You are literally next to the caravan park so just bear in mind you wont be secluded completely, you're pretty close to other people. The tent needs a bit of a refurbishment and work and airing. If you can, bring some mosquito repellent or coils as there is quite a number around or be mindful to close the tent net. And try not leave food scraps in bin outside next to BBQ as there was a possum that ransacked through it at night keeping us up and climbing on our tent. This review is trying to neutral and observant, if you decide to go just keep these pointer in mind...

We booked in for an anniversary treat. We are quite competent campers used to no amenities so when we found this we thought it would be the perfect compromise for a quiet weekend away with no tent pitching. What we actually discovered was that we would have been far more comfortable in our own tent and with our own gear.

The idea is lovely and probably well appointed when it was first built but unfortunately it has not been maintained.

The tent was shabby, the setting felt extremely over grown and scrubby with no view of the valley as described in the reviews. The powered camp site next door was brighter and had a much nicer outlook. Perfect to pitch our tent. Had we brought it.

There was large mouldy patches on the tent and tears in the zips leaving large holes for any number of creepy crawlies to join us.

We were harassed by a family of brush turkeys who seemed far too comfortable for our liking and even hoped on the table to join us for dinner.

During he early evening we noticed a family of (bush) rats also making themselves at home near the large deck while we enjoyed our evening wine. Fair enough, we are in the bush. Can deal with wildlife...outside... I draw the line at the rats being inside nibbling on the soap left next to the sink and causing no end of disturbance. I would have happily, at this point relocated to the car to sleep had it not been for the warmth of the tent. THis was a positive as was the large single fridge inside and tv that we used to block out the road, air and rat noise.

At one point my husband and I discussed driving home it was that ridiculous.

Given the amount of weekends that are booked out for the coming year, I suggest some serious maintenance is done as it is certainly not the experience we were expecting. If you have a booking, please be aware it may not be as glamourous as the images... it was more Camping than Glamping

Would never recommend or stay again and will be asking for a refund...

Glamping on the edge of the Lane Cove River National Park is sublime. Tandara is luxurious and secluded and sits right at the top of the hill leading down to the river (although you can't see it from the deck in front of the spacious tent). Remember to bring your own food and booze as there's not much to buy on site and it's a car ride to get anything. The tent is amazingly well appointed and has a permanent bathroom attached to the back of it, along with fridge/toaster/kettle. But the BBQ area outside is where the cooking occurs right next to the bush Turkey nest. Those, along with parrots, cockatoos, possums, dragonflies and more accompany your stay. Highly...