Last verified 05/26
Ettalong Beach has a small selection of accommodation, which makes choosing easier. Most visitors stay at the Mantra for beach views and resort facilities, or the Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort for a central, affordable spot near shops and cafés. Holiday rentals are also widely available for families and longer stays.
This guide will help you quickly determine which option best fits your trip.
These are the best picks
- Best for views & resort feel: Mantra Ettalong Beach
- Best for budget & location: Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort
- Best for families or groups: Holiday rentals
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Best Accommodation in Ettalong Beach
1. Mantra Ettalong Beach (Best Overall)
The Mantra sits across the road from the beach, with many rooms looking out over Broken Bay and across to Lion Island. It has the most facilities of any accommodation in Ettalong, including a large pool (unheated), spa rooms and onsite parking.
Rooms range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, suiting couples, small families and short weekend stays.
The property is showing its age in places, with some rooms more recently refreshed than others. The location and views are the main draws rather than the finishes.
It’s also next door to Ettalong Diggers, which means restaurants, bars and live entertainment are a short walk away.
Why stay here: You want water views, a pool and the most resort-style stay in Ettalong, with facilities and dining right downstairs.
2. Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort (Best for Location & Value)
The Tourist Resort sits within the Ettalong Beach Galleria, a Mediterranean-inspired complex with a maze-like layout of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and a six-screen cinema. The character of the place is unusual for the Central Coast. It feels like a small slice of Italy.
Rooms range from budget studios to family suites, with varying standards depending on whether your room has been recently renovated. The property has an outdoor pool (unheated). The beach is a few minutes away on foot.
One thing worth noting: some restaurants are closed Monday to Wednesday, and the markets only run on weekends. If the dining and shopping atmosphere is part of why you’re staying, plan your visit for Thursday to Sunday.
Why stay here: You want affordable accommodation with genuine character, the cinema downstairs and the beach a short walk away.
3. Holiday Rentals (Best for Space & Flexibility)
For families, groups or longer stays, holiday rentals are usually the better option. Ettalong has a wide range of apartments, beach houses and pet-friendly properties available through Stayz and Airbnb, with most either within walking distance of the beach or a short drive away.
Holiday rentals work best if you want a kitchen, more space than a hotel room, or somewhere that fits a group. Prices and availability vary significantly, so it’s worth searching directly on Stayz or Airbnb for current options.
Why choose this option: You want more space, privacy, or a place that works for kids, groups or pets.
Is Ettalong Beach a Good Place to Stay?
Ettalong is a good fit if you want a relaxed coastal stay without the crowds.
The water is calm and shallow, which makes it better for swimming, paddleboarding and families than the surf beaches further north. You can stroll the foreshore, take the ferry across to Palm Beach, or use Ettalong as a base for visiting Umina Beach and Pearl Beach nearby.
If you want a busier beach with surf and more nightlife, Terrigal is a better fit. Ettalong suits slower and quieter trips.
Final Verdict
Pick the Mantra if you want great views and a relaxed, resort-style stay. Choose Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort if you want everything close by for a lower price. Go for a holiday rental if you need more space or flexibility.
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