"‘Toxic and very dysfunctional’: Sydney adults-only resort slides into chaos", 14 May 2025

An adults-only ecotourism resort in Sydney’s north has descended into chaos and closed its doors amid claims of wage theft, bullying and a battle over who actually owns the isolated site.

The exclusive Marramarra Lodge, which is only accessible by boat, offered glamping, luxury cabin stays and fine dining with expansive views over Berowra Waters from $2200 a night.

Now customers are chasing refunds and unpaid workers want the company that was running the lodge, P & F Hurley Pty Ltd, to come up with their missing money.

The lodge’s manager [...] Greg Walker, said only some staff were not paid, and alleged serious misconduct by workers.

A group of Spanish backpackers working at the resort refused to leave until they were paid. Another foreign worker secretly called a water taxi – the only way off the peninsula apart from lodge-owned boats – and left by night to escape the increasingly tense situation.

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The nature and extent of staff underpayment, and where responsibility for the mess lies, are unclear. Several workers said they had received their wages months late, only after the Herald began asking questions. Others have yet to see their money.

A statement from lawyers representing Walker, sent in response to questions from the Herald, said most staff had now been paid and claimed those who had not were guilty of misconduct at work.

“These staff members were let go because of multiple incidents including theft, abuse, breach of contract, deceptive and insightful [sic] behaviour during and after work hours, consumption of illegal substances and alcohol while on duty and while on the property, using the guest accommodation to wine and dine and a person our client suspects was underage (who stayed overnight), sexual advances to others staff members that was brought to our client’s attention,” the statement said. ...