Port Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: First Landing Motel!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the sandy, salty, and hopefully sanitized world of Port Lincoln’s “BEST Kept Secret”: First Landing Motel. And honestly? The secret's kinda… out? But that doesn't mean it’s not worth the hype. Or at least my incredibly opinionated two cents.
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Title: First Landing Motel, Port Lincoln: The Good, the Meh, and the Maybe a Little Too Much Sun (Review!)
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Rolling Into Paradise (Hopefully)
So, the initial approach? Easy street. The drive in? Scenic as heck. Parking? Abundant and free. (Bless you, First Landing, for not gouging me on parking!) But here's where things get interesting. Accessibility. They tout it. And listen, as someone who appreciates a smooth entry because… well, stairs are the enemy, I went in with high hopes.
Wheelchair Accessible? Okay, here's the deal. The website claims it. And yes, there are ramps. BUT. This is Australian accessibility, which, let's be honest, can be hit or miss. Some rooms are definitely better equipped than others. I’d call ahead and confirm exactly which room you're getting, and quiz them aggressively about the door widths, shower situation (roll-in or step-in? HUGE difference!), and the distance to the pool. Don't be shy. Ask for photos if you can. Because, trust me, I had a friend who booked a room believing it was fully accessible, and it was a nightmare. So, yeah, some serious diligence is needed here.
The Room (Because Let’s Be Honest, This is Where We Live)
Okay, I'm gonna give you the raw, unfiltered truth. The rooms? They're… comfortable. Let’s say that. They've obviously been around the block a few times, but hey, I’m not looking for the Ritz here. I'm looking for clean, comfy, and a decent view. And in my room? I lucked out with the amazing view.
- Available in all rooms: Ah, the essentials! Air conditioning, alarm clock (thank god, I can't adult without one), bathrobes(yes, please), coffee/tea maker(another yes), free bottled water(thank you), daily housekeeping, desk, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access wifi, Ironing facilities, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, seating area, shower, smoke detector, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens… check, check, check.
- Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi for special events Now, the Wi-Fi. It's free in all the rooms, which is bloody brilliant. I was able to stream my shows, catch up on emails, and annoy my friends on social media, without having to pay anything extra. I did notice the speed varied based on where I was in the motel.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Everything was there, though I would have loved to be on a higher floor.
The Extras (Where Things Get Interesting)
- Dining, Drinking & Snacking:
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar The restaurants? Well, there is one. It's by the pool. It's… convenient. The food is decent. Don't expect Michelin star quality, but you won’t starve. The poolside bar is a lifesaver, especially after a long day of exploring. Happy hour? Yes, please. I definitely enjoyed a few bevvies watching the sunsets.
- Room service [24-hour] Yup, you can get food in your room. Which, let's be honest, is a major win for those days when you just want to curl up in bed and watch telly.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service I'm a big fan of a buffet breakfast! And they do it pretty well here. Fresh fruit, pastries, the usual suspects. And if you’re in a rush, they'll sort you out with a takeaway option. Score!
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view The pool is a beauty. And the view from it? Stunning. Definitely a highlight of the motel.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna They've got a sauna. I'm a sauna fiend. After a day of exploring, there's nothing better.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness They have a gym. I may or may not have used it. Let's just say I prioritized the pool bar.
- Massage, Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath And… the spa! I didn't indulge in a full treatment, but the idea is tempting.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Crucial in Current Times)
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Anti-viral cleaning products Huge points for actually taking cleanliness seriously. I saw staff constantly cleaning and sanitizing. Peace of mind is priceless, folks. Room sanitization opt-out? Excellent.
- Services and Conveniences:
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop The essentials are covered. A free car park? That's a win. Luggage storage? Genius, when you arrive early or leave late.
- Business facilities, Business center, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars If you're there for work, they've got the gear.
And Now, The Rants! (Because Let's Be Honest, I'm Human)
- The Bathroom: The bathroom. It was… fine. But it could have used an upgrade, especially in the shower. The water pressure was a little… trickle-y.
- The "View": While my room had a lovely view, some rooms might not be so lucky. Ask for specifics when booking is the name of the game.
- The Staff: The staff, overall, were pleasant. But they felt a little… stretched. A few extra smiles and genuine warmth would have gone a long way. I swear, smile more, it’s free, you know?
The Verdict: Is First Landing Motel a "Best Kept Secret?"
Look, is it perfect? Nah. Does it have its quirks? Absolutely. But, for Port Lincoln, for the price point, and for the overall experience? Yeah, First Landing Motel is pretty damn good. It's convenient, has decent amenities, and the pool alone makes it worth a visit. Just do your homework, especially if you have accessibility needs, and go with an open mind. You'll have a great time. And hey, maybe I'll see you at the pool bar. I'll be the one drinking the overpriced cocktail, soaking up the sun, and secretly judging your swimwear. (Kidding. Mostly.)
Luxury Escapes Await: Unbeatable Hotel Suedtor Backnang Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is more like… my brain, after a few too many Tim Tams and a sunrise over the Southern Ocean. We're going to Port Lincoln, baby! Specifically, the First Landing Motel. God help us all.
(Pre-Trip Hysteria/Must-Pack Madness)
- Days Before: Panic packing commences. I swear, I'm the only person who still hasn't figured out how to pack light. My suitcase currently resembles a black hole of "just in case" items. Like, am I going to need a ball gown? Probably not. Will it be in the suitcase? You bet your sweet bippy. Found a forgotten, half-eaten packet of gummy bears I packed for my last trip. That’s a yes to re-pack. Oh, and I'm convinced passport photos make me look like a wanted criminal.
- Night Before: Sleepless night fueled by caffeine and the existential dread of leaving my cat, Mr. Fluffernutter. Sent a photo of my suitcase to my travel buddy. "That looks optimistic" was her reply. Rude. Responded with a photo of my cat in my suitcase.
(Day 1: Arrival & Initial Disappointment…with a sprinkle of Hope)
- Morning (Approx. 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Stumble out of bed to discover Mr. Fluffernutter has decided my face is an acceptable breakfast buffet. Groan. Breakfast, a frantic toast-and-coffee situation. Uber to airport, somehow manage to forget my phone charger. Swear.
- Flight (Approx. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM): Flight to Port Lincoln. Planes are the worst. Stuck next to a guy who clearly hasn’t showered in roughly 3 days. Keep my nose firmly planted in my book, avoiding eye contact with the world.
- Arrival & First Landing Motel (Approx. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM): Land. Breathe in the salty air. Pick up the rental car. It's a '98 Holden Astra. I mean, it runs, and that's about all I can ask for at this point. Drive to First Landing Motel. Okay, so, the photos online may have been…optimistic. It's not exactly the Ritz. My room key looks like it's seen more action than I have in the past decade. Check in. The smell of…something…kind of floral, kind of disinfectant, hangs in the air. Charming. But, hey, the view from the window is of the ocean. Maybe this won't be a complete disaster.
- Room Inspection & Early Pessimism (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Unpack the 'ball gown' (just in case!) and settle in. Okay. The bedspread has seen better days. So has the toilet. The remote control is held together with tape. But the Wi-Fi works. Small victories, people. Small victories. Think a nap is needed after this trauma.
- Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Fish & Chips. Because, duh. Found a little takeaway joint near the marina. Solid. Absolutely solid.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Wandering the beach. This is what I came for. The ocean is gorgeous. The air is crisp. The sun is warm. Start to feel my worries melt away. The smell of the sea. Bliss.
- Evening (4:00 PM - Till whenever I feel like it): Sunset drinks at a pub overlooking the harbor. Get talking to a local fisherman. Real, honest people. He regales is with tales of sharks, of fishing boats, of life at sea. I tell him about my '98 Astra. We laugh. The beer is cold. The sunset is spectacular. Maybe, just maybe, this trip isn't going to completely suck.
(Day 2: Shark Cage Diving – Goodbye, Sanity)
- Morning (Early… Like, REALLY early): Wake up. Stumble out of bed. Remember I’m going shark cage diving. Immediately question all life choices. Drink coffee. A lot of coffee.
- Shark Dive Prep (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Pick up adrenaline levels at the dive shop. Get fitted with a wetsuit. The smell of rubber and fear. Sign a waiver. Lots of waivers. Start to think I may be actively suicidal.
- The Boat Ride (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Boat ride out to the Neptune Islands. Ocean is choppy. I'm already seasick. The other tourists are all overly enthusiastic. I'm just trying not to throw up. The captain, a burly Aussie with a grin that could launch a thousand ships, tells us about the Great Whites. This is not helping.
- Shark Cage Diving (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Okay. Here we go. They lower the cage. Get in. The water is freezing. The visibility isn’t great. Suddenly, a hulking shape appears. A shark. Massive. Absolutely terrifying. My heart tries to escape my chest. My brain screams. But, I can't help but be in awe. It’s primal. It's terrifying. It's exhilarating. I do it again. And again. I'm actually IN the water with a great white shark. I never, EVER thought I'd say that. The whole experience is a blur of adrenaline, fear, and overwhelming, heart-stopping wonder. It. Was. EPIC.
- Post-Dive Aftermath (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Back on the boat. Shivering. Shaking. But alive. And grinning like a lunatic. Share my experiences with others on the boat.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch. I eat like I haven't eaten in weeks. That shark is the most terrifying thing I have ever seen. I could not stop talking about the sharks.
- Evening (5:00 PM - whenever): Collapse into bed, exhausted but buzzing with energy. It was crazy. Absolutely nuts. But so worth it.
(Day 3: Relaxation (Finally!) & Departure)
- Morning (Lazy): Sleep in. Finally. Eat a real breakfast. No rush, just peace.
- Exploring the Peninsula (Morning): Drive up to the Whalers Way. Wind in my hair, epic views of the rugged coastline. The sun is shining, the scenery is beautiful, the air is fresh. The '98 Astra manages the drive.
- Wildlife Watching (Whenever): Visit the Mikkelsen Lookout. Spotting whales. A beautiful sight.
- Lunch & More Relaxation (Afternoon): Grab a casual lunch at a café. Read a book. Sip a coffee. Let the world drift by.
- Packing & Departure (Late Afternoon/Evening): Pack, this time with greater success. Drive the '98 Astra to the airport. Bid a fond farewell to the First Landing Motel. Secretly hope it will be slightly nicer next time.
- Flight & Home (Evening/Late Night): Flight home. Reflecting on the trip. A bit messy. A bit imperfect. But filled with moments I'll never forget. And, hey, I lived to tell the tale of the sharks. That's a win.
(Post-Trip Thoughts & Musings)
Was it perfect? Hell, no. Did everything go to plan? Absolutely not. Did I love it? Totally. Port Lincoln. I'll be back. And next time, I'm getting the shark cage diving again. And maybe a better room. And definitely a new car. But mostly, for the sharks… and the salty air… and the unexpected moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
Escape to Comfort: Kyle, TX's Best-Kept Secret!
Okay, spill the beans – what's the BIG secret about First Landing Motel everyone's gushing about?
Alright, okay, FINE! The secret's REALLY simple but also kinda… magic. First Landing Motel in Port Lincoln isn’t just a place to crash. It’s… well, it’s got *soul*. Forget the sterile, cookie-cutter hotel chains. This place feels like it's been lovingly, quirkily, stubbornly put together over decades. It's not fancy, it's not flashy, but it's… *real*. Think less "luxury suite" and more "cozy haven with character". And the *views*? Okay, I'll admit it: the views from some of the rooms are genuinely breathtaking. I swear, I spent a solid hour just gawking at the sunrise one morning, coffee in hand, just feeling… peaceful. It's the kind of place you accidentally unwind at. Seriously.
Is it actually *clean* though? Because let's be honest, that's crucial.
Okay, look, I'm a *massive* germaphobe. Seriously, hand sanitizer is practically a limb. And I can honestly say, in my (admittedly neurotic) opinion, the rooms are genuinely clean. They’re not *hospital* clean, mind you (that's just terrifying), but they are definitely fresh, tidy, and well-maintained. I once spilled red wine on the carpet (don't judge!) and alerted the front desk, expecting a horrified reaction. Instead, the lovely lady just chuckled and said, "Oh, happens all the time, love! Don't you worry." And within minutes, the stain was gone. So, yes, CLEAN. Phew. Huge relief!
Tell me about the rooms! Big, small? What can I expect?
Right, the rooms. This is where it gets a little… varied. Some are bigger than others. Some have balconies overlooking the sparkling sea (those are GOLD, snag one if you can!). Some are a bit cozier, but always comfortable. Think classic motel charm, not minimalist modern. You've got your basic amenities: a comfy bed (honestly, I slept like a log), a decent TV (because sometimes you just need to veg), and a functional bathroom. Don't expect a jacuzzi in every room, okay? This isn't the Ritz! But you get what you need. The *real* star is the view from some rooms, though. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it... I once spent an entire afternoon just reading on the balcony, the sea breeze gently caressing my face. Pure bliss. Absolutely. Pure. Bliss.
Breakfast. Is there breakfast? MUST. KNOW.
Oh, yes. Breakfast. It's… continental. So, don't go expecting a full English, alright? But they have the essentials! Cereals, toast, spreads, fruit, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead (thank goodness). It's simple, it's convenient, and it gets the job done. I’m a coffee fiend, and I’ve had some truly horrific motel coffee in my time. First Landing’s coffee? Actually pretty good. No complaints here. Though, maybe bring your own fancy artisanal jams, if you're that way inclined. I'm not judging.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they friendly? Do they seem genuinely happy to be there?
Okay, listen to the staff. They're the real heart and soul of the place. Seriously. The people at First Landing are some of the friendliest, most genuinely welcoming people I've met in a long time. They're locals, through and through. They know the area, they can give you tips on where to go and what to see (ask about the best fish and chips, trust me). They're unfailingly helpful and always smiling. Once, I locked myself out of my room at 11 PM (mortifying!), and the night clerk was SO patient and understanding. She didn't even make me feel like a complete idiot. That, my friends, is the sign of a truly excellent place.
Is there anything *bad* about it? Be honest! Nobody's perfect.
Okay, fine, you want honesty? Here's the deal. It's not the fanciest place you've ever seen. The decor is… well, let's call it "classic." It's not shiny and new. And sometimes, the wifi can be a little… dodgy. Like, it might cut out at a REALLY inconvenient time. (Seriously, trying to upload photos of the sunset and getting *that* buffering wheel of death… the rage!). And occasionally, you can hear the seagulls. Those darned seagulls! They can be loud. But the slight imperfections? They're part of its charm. Seriously. They give it character. And honestly? The good SO overwhelmingly outweighs the bad.
Alright, alright, you've convinced me. But what's the absolute *best* thing about First Landing Motel?
This is it. The absolute best thing? Okay, here it comes... It's the feeling. You know that feeling when you arrive somewhere and *immediately* relax? That feeling like you've finally found your escape? That's what First Landing gives you. It's a place to breathe. To unwind. To actually *enjoy* your holiday. It's not just a motel, it’s an experience. You're not just *staying* somewhere; you're *immersing* yourself in the real Port Lincoln. I remember one evening, I sat on the balcony with a glass of wine, watching the sky change color. The sun setting over the sea. The air was crisp, the sound of the waves… it was just perfect. That moment? That's what First Landing offers. And it’s priceless.
Any tips for someone planning to visit?
Absolutely!
- Book in advance, especially in peak season! This is a popular spot, and rightly so. Don't be disappointed!
- Ask for a room with a view! Seriously, pay the extra. It's worth it, and the view might just change you life! (Okay, maybe not change your life, but it’s amazing).
- Pack binoculars! You'll want to watch the boats, the birds, and the dolphins (if you're lucky!).
- Bring your own fancy jams, if you're snobby about that kind of thing.
- Embrace the imperfections. They're part of the charm. And if the Wifi is dodgy, just disconnect and enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Chat to the staff! They know all the best local secrets.
- Go! Seriously. Just go. You won't regret it. I promise.
