Is parking available at the property?

Free self-parking is available on-site.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

Continental breakfasts are served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee, approximately AUD 13 to 30 for adults and children.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities in public areas and rooms.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The property is located approximately 11.3 miles from the University of Newcastle and 12.4 miles from Stockton Sand Dunes. It is also close to various nature reserves and parks.

Does the property have a swimming pool?

Yes, there is a seasonal outdoor pool available from October to May, with access from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Are children allowed to stay at the property?

Children are welcome at the property, and kids can stay for free up to a certain age.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

Cribs are available for a fee of AUD 10 per night, and rollaway beds can be requested for AUD 25 per night. Advance request is required for both.

Sir Francis Drake Motel in Heatherbrae

Average nightly price at Sir Francis Drake by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$107
February	US$109
March	US$102
April	US$106
May	US$114
June	US$128
July	US$106
August	US$110
September	US$107
October	US$105
November	US$99
December	US$108

What guests think

At Sir Francis Drake, travelers highlight large, quiet rooms and welcoming staff, while noting the property is older with occasional pests and maintenance issues, plus mixed results from on-site dining.

Guests value easy highway access and being able to park directly outside their rooms. Facilities like the pool, spa and gardens are frequently praised for relaxing stopovers. Expect a convenient, no-frills stay suited to road trips.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Pool, spa and garden areas are appreciated, and parking at the door (including space for trailers) is easy. On-site restaurant and bar are convenient but hours can be limited; some signage/lighting and general upkeep feel a bit tired.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

5 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious and clean room with kitchenette and dining table. Beautiful gardens, pool and spa. Plenty of parking outside the room. About 30 minutes drive into the city.

10

Jin

29 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A beautiful swimming pool and also a farmland at the back

8

Munish

3 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,356 nights

Pros: -Nice Motel on the main road with a restaurant and a pool. -Free parking, comfy bed and rooms are big and decent. -Friendly staff Cons: - Hotel restaurant does not have too many options on the menu but there are lot junk food outlets nearby (McD, KFC, Subway etc.). -It's kind of an old property, no USB ports and TV has only free to air channels. Overall, it's a good motel to stay for a day or two.

8

Melanie

26 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was large and spacious, had everything we required, gardens were beautiful, pool was lovely, food and service was great. O

8

Jodie

8 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff and easy check in/out. Convenient spot on the highway with plenty of trailer parking.

8

Errol

12 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location and impressive room size. Loved the grassed area around pool. Hotel a little 'tired' but would definitely stay again. Food was good and enjoyed convenience of restaurant.

10

Therese

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great room parking outside door

10

Wendy

3 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room beautifully clean. Grounds gorgeous. Pool was clean and inviting. Staff very pleasant.

10

Chad

27 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay on our travels. The ability to do late check-in and park directly in front of your door is a bonus. It makes for an easy arrival and departure when passing through. The rooms are very spacious and beds are comfortable. It has all the amenities we needed for our quick stopover. We will definitely visit again.

8

Peter

17 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Big suite, comfy beds, plenty of room for trailer parking

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many reviews find rooms very clean, but cleanliness is inconsistent. Several cite insects (flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches) and occasional dirty or worn areas like carpets, curtains or bathrooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

5 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious and clean room with kitchenette and dining table. Beautiful gardens, pool and spa. Plenty of parking outside the room. About 30 minutes drive into the city.

4

Darren

26 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room adequate however we had to deal with a dozen mosquitoes as well as flies

10

HELEN

7 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean and quiet. Staff were very pleasant. I had left my toiletries in the bathroom and reception rang me to tell me. I was very grateful to be able to pick it up on my way home. Very much appreciated.

6

Simon J

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The service was great for a late arrival. The Rooms are old and I guess the fly spray inside was there for a reason. And thank goodness it was supplied by the motel, thank you. I have to spray the room and the carpet to exterminate some biting insects and non biting insects. I think the room had a few midges as my keen and leg itched. I suggest front and back full perimeter door seals be installed. Otherwise the bed was comfortable.

2

Michelle

12 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The carpet upon walking in was vile. Stains everywhere. There was hair everywhere in the shower, on the toilet, and on the bathroom floor outside the shower. And not hair from someones head - yuck! We actually chose not to shower for the night because we decided we would be cleaner not using it. My 8yo chose to not sleep under the covers in bed after seeing the state of the place as he was concerned it would be dirty underneath. And he's only 8. Very weird smell around outside the place. It even leached into my car.

6

Joyce

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was quiet but some of the furniture was grimy and found an insect in the cutlery drawer.

2

Michelle

14 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nails ripped up carpet- absolutely filthy. Mould - shower broken . Jug / cups filthy . I stayed 30 years ago & knowing we are nearly in the 25 th century this place is extremely old . Should be condemned

4

Lynne

29 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Sewerage smell in bathroom, carpets and room furnishings dirty and grimy, curtains in disrepair, bedside light needed bulb,

8

Alan

18 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a few cockroaches, flies in the room.

10

Katherine

24 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy check in, pleasant staff. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Highly recommended.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are notably large and generally comfortable and quiet despite the highway, though decor and fittings feel dated. Some report poor lighting or older TVs, and a few layouts lack a kitchen sink for washing dishes.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

5 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious and clean room with kitchenette and dining table. Beautiful gardens, pool and spa. Plenty of parking outside the room. About 30 minutes drive into the city.

10

Stephen

7 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived mid-evening at the end of a 14 hour drive. The welcome was great, the room large and comfortable, the bar and restaurant better than you might expect.

8

Sally

9 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was a good size and comfortable. It was quiet considering it was on the highway. Dinig options were not too far away.

8

Dr Sandy

12 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I stayed here just as a stopover on the way down to Sydney. It’s a bit tired. I assume they’re going to either fix it up after the bypass or do something with it. It was a bit uncomfortable being in the toilet and kind of being exposed, the actual place was alright, but again everything looks like it could do with a bit of a clean and TLC. I will say it was definitely quiet and you couldn’t hear any of the traffic from the road.

10

Kathleen

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Always a good quiet stay on a sprawling property which includes restaurant. Great stop off from driving or between places to visit.

8

Rodney

11 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Have stayed here a number of times before. It would be good by now to have a Smart TV with associated streaming services.

10

Jeanette

8 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We came from the north and it was a bit tricky to find the entrance. The grounds are lovely and our room was very big, however, the lighting was very poor, with no bedside lamps.

8

Caroline

6 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I like the space that’s created in the centre of the rooms, lovely gardens and very good location when travelling. Some features could be updated, like shower heads and fridge, but all still functioning.

10

Chad

27 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay on our travels. The ability to do late check-in and park directly in front of your door is a bonus. It makes for an easy arrival and departure when passing through. The rooms are very spacious and beds are comfortable. It has all the amenities we needed for our quick stopover. We will definitely visit again.

2

Todd

7 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The room didn't have a sink. All plates etc had to be washed in the bathroom. Very unhygienic. Place should have screen doors. Both front and back doors had to be kept closed. TV couldn't be retuned. We could only get 4 channels out of the 50 odd normally on free to air.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are frequently praised as friendly, helpful and accommodating, including for late check-ins. Occasional complaints mention slow or understaffed restaurant service, limited reception hours, or inconsistent welcome.

Related guest reviews

10

Stephen

7 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived mid-evening at the end of a 14 hour drive. The welcome was great, the room large and comfortable, the bar and restaurant better than you might expect.

8

Christopher

23 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Despite contact as to arrival I was treated as an interloper when I arrived. Little directions given eg drive around the front or the back? Other motels often have the lights on in your room and during winter the AC on, not here.

10

Coral

18 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The unit was very spacious, clean and well appointed. Parking was easy right in front of unit. No traffic noise even though close to highway. It was great that reception is open late even on sundays to 8pm as we arrived later than expected.

10

HELEN

7 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very clean and quiet. Staff were very pleasant. I had left my toiletries in the bathroom and reception rang me to tell me. I was very grateful to be able to pick it up on my way home. Very much appreciated.

4

Frazer

31 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

If you are after a very basic hotel, this is it. The room had a terrible smell and there were unruly guests which management didn’t do anything about.

10

Anne

16 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Enjoyed our stay, the restaurant staff went out of there way to ensure our guests and us had a great night.

8

Peter

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property is well laid out and well maintained. Our issue is with the Restaurant. The food is very average at best. The poor lady, Bell, is required to look after drinks, meal orders, serving meals, cleaning up the tables. This is too much for 1 person and we had to wait in a que while she had to go about other duties before we could order meals and drinks. Unstarstaffed. Also $12 for a continental breakfast made up of toast and cereal was way too much.

10

Chad

27 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay on our travels. The ability to do late check-in and park directly in front of your door is a bonus. It makes for an easy arrival and departure when passing through. The rooms are very spacious and beds are comfortable. It has all the amenities we needed for our quick stopover. We will definitely visit again.

10

Don

28 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly staff. The chef who cooked my family breakfast was top knotch. Very kind and attentive. The rooms are massive and spacious. We enjoyed our time there that much that we had to rebook to stay with them again.

10

Suzanne

6 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

They were able to accommodate my late arrival from the airport. Very helpful 🙂

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Right on the highway, the location is convenient for road trips and access to Newcastle or the airport, yet many found rooms quiet. A few mention tricky access or signage due to one-way routes or roadworks.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

5 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious and clean room with kitchenette and dining table. Beautiful gardens, pool and spa. Plenty of parking outside the room. About 30 minutes drive into the city.

8

George

29 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

One way access only from main road

8

Kaye

23 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great - surprisingly quiet, considering it was right on the freeway.food was good, staff were very friendly

8

Peter

26 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were really friendly and it is a great location.

8

Jodie

8 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff and easy check in/out. Convenient spot on the highway with plenty of trailer parking.

10

Jeanette

8 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We came from the north and it was a bit tricky to find the entrance. The grounds are lovely and our room was very big, however, the lighting was very poor, with no bedside lamps.

10

XIN

25 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Chick hotel next to hight. Convineit if you stop by the area

8

Mark

13 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy access from the highway. Great for an overnight stay as part of a road trip

8

Bridget

23 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyed the overnight stay. Great location, easy on and off the highway north and south. Room was large, warm and quiet, very comfortable bed. Dining in was a pleasant experience, good food and quick service.

8

Anne

26 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great Hotel but no well displayed needs more lighting got lost

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

On-site restaurant and bar draw mixed feedback: several enjoyed tasty dinners and good value, while others found food average or disappointing with slow service or limited menus. Breakfast or restaurant closures on some days caught a few guests out.

Related guest reviews

6

Allan

31 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good sized rooms and well appointed for a old facility. The restaurant, listed as fine dining, both meals we had were disgusting

10

Stephen

7 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived mid-evening at the end of a 14 hour drive. The welcome was great, the room large and comfortable, the bar and restaurant better than you might expect.

10

JILL

3 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,358 nights

The room was very clean and comfortable. The gardens and pool area are lovely. I ate in the restaurant and the food was excellent. I will definitely come back to this motel.

8

Terry

6 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nothing to dislike. Disappointed that restaurant / bistro not open Sunday night, but plenty of nearby options.

8

Colin

12 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Food in restaurant was very disappointing to say the least. Service in the restaurant was also slow.

10

Lee-anne

7 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, nice and quiet and lovely restaurant.

8

Peter

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property is well laid out and well maintained. Our issue is with the Restaurant. The food is very average at best. The poor lady, Bell, is required to look after drinks, meal orders, serving meals, cleaning up the tables. This is too much for 1 person and we had to wait in a que while she had to go about other duties before we could order meals and drinks. Unstarstaffed. Also $12 for a continental breakfast made up of toast and cereal was way too much.

10

Phil

2 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was great, big and spacious. The bistro was excellent

10

Cheryl

26 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Normally breakfast included but kitchen not even open Monday morning but other than this all good

8

Bridget

23 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really enjoyed the overnight stay. Great location, easy on and off the highway north and south. Room was large, warm and quiet, very comfortable bed. Dining in was a pleasant experience, good food and quick service.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12 $109	13 $95	14 $95
15 $95	16 $95	17 $96	18 $96	19 $97	20 $97	21 $100
22 $97	23 $100	24 $100	25 $97	26 $100	27 $105	28 $105
29 $102	30 $102

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1 $102	2 $102	3 $114	4 $108	5 $105
6 $102	7 $102	8 $102	9 $102	10 $102	11 $102	12 $102
13 $99	14 $113	15 $101	16 $113	17 $99	18 $99	19 $98
20 $110	21 $99	22 $109	23 $102	24 $99	25	26 $128
27 $138	28 $138	29 $123	30 $139	31 $138

Sir Francis Drake

Prices for Sir Francis Drake

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Double Queen Room

Standard 2 Bedroom Family Room

Standard Twin

Executive 2 Bedroom Family Room

Executive Room + Spa

Standard Queen

Standard Family Room

Deluxe 2 Bedroom Family Room

Honeymoon Studio Suite

Twin Room

Superior 2 Bedroom Family Room

Guest reviews of Sir Francis Drake

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Sir Francis Drake

Prices for upcoming dates