Take a look around
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.
We provide respite and end-of-life care for children with terminal illnesses and their families in a medically supported ‘home away from home’. For children in our care, there is no happy ending or miracle cure so we give them as much love, care, laughter, fun, and support, as they need.
We care for children from across Australia and from all walks of life. Every child that visits us lives with a condition that means they are unlikely to see their 18th birthday. Many don’t make their first one.
We cater for the entire family—parents and siblings can enjoy time together without the worry housework and cooking. There’s time for families to create lasting memories to cherish after their child has passed away.
Explore our facilities
Individual children’s rooms
Each room is set up as much like a child's bedroom as possible - all medical equipment is 'hidden' away and no medical procedures take place in the room. When a child stays with us for the first time, a beautiful handmade quilt is placed on the bed that they can then take home with them and bring with them every time they visit. There is lots of natural daylight and each room has access to an outdoor area.
Adding to the home-like environment of Bear Cottage, each bedroom has been given a name rather than a number - each one is named after the northern surf and harbour beaches - Barrenjoey, Bilgola, Clontarf, Forty Baskets, Curl Curl, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Fairlight, Freshwater, Manly, Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach.
Family suites
We have two family suites on the ground floor. Each suite has two bedrooms, a lounge/dining area, kitchen, bathroom and access to an outdoor space.
Multi-sensory room
Our multi-sensory room is an immersive environment equipped with a wide range of sensory tools and equipment that target different senses.
Gardens
Among the gardens surrounding Bear Cottage, we have a sensory garden, a path which leads directly to Shelley Beach (wheelchair accessible) and a wheelchair accessible swing.
We also have our Garden of Remembrance, a meaningful place for families to visit and remember their child. It is a place of quiet contemplation. The centrepiece of the garden is a bronze statue of a young boy and girl. The boy holds a small teddy bear and the girl has a beautiful butterfly just landed or about to take off from her outstretched hand.
Spa
Our spa gives children and families the opportunity to relax and offers a range of benefits that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Multimedia and games room
Wheelchair accessible play areas
Our wheelchair accessible play areas enable children and families to fully participate in recreational activities and have a fun and inclusive play experience.
Quiet room
Our quiet room is designed to provide a peaceful and tranquil environment for families to retreat, relax and rejuvenate both mentally and emotionally.
Kitchen and dining room
Our kitchen and dining room are a communal area where families, staff and volunteers can come together to enjoy meals, socialise and a sense of belonging.
Clifton Gardens
This special room enables families to stay with their child at Bear Cottage after they have died.