Living and remembering life 

We understand how difficult and devastating it is for a family to find out their child has a life-limiting condition and the reality that diagnosis brings. 

Our goal is to support families through every stage of their child’s condition as it progresses. 

What’s most important at Bear Cottage is that every child and family enjoys the time they have together to the fullest, creating lasting memories to treasure. 

Care, comfort and respite 

• book respite and take off some of the pressure that comes wiht around-the-clock care
• support for you as your child’s condition progresses
• pain and symptom management
• end-of-life care according to your family’s needs and spiritual and cultural beliefs
• ongoing bereavement care through our ‘Footprints in the Sand’ program
• get a referral for counselling services. 

We’re right beside the seaside 

Bear Cottage is the only children’s hospice in NSW. Just a stone’s throw from Manly beach, families have easy access to one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations. 

A child can be referred by anyone provided they meet our admission criteria. Families do not pay when they stay with us. Our assistance, comfort and support are given freely to any family who needs it.

Built for fun

Bear Cottage has been specifically designed to create a home-like environment for children and families. Our facilities are state-of-the-art and care is delivered in a way that allows the children and families to relax. 

While at Bear Cottage, children and their family can participate freely in whatever activities are most appropriate for them, their age and condition.

Free from the pressure of providing constant care, families can spend quality time with their child while also connecting with other families at Bear Cottage who are experiencing similar challenges. This can help to form lasting friendships and emotional connections between families. 

One big family 

The one thing that makes Bear Cottage truly special is not our facilities or programs – it’s our caring team. While staying with us, children receive the best 24-hour care delivered by an expert team. Our team of play, music and art therapists develop specific programs for each child based on their abilities, age and condition. The daily tasks, like cooking and cleaning are attended to by our chefs and housekeepers who are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.