We all know the top things to do when you travel to Hervey Bay are Whale Watching and visiting Fraser Island.  Hervey Bay was excited to be named as the first certified World Whale Heritage Site by the World Catacean Alliance in October 2019.  Our tour operators are among the best in the world.  You are guaranteed to have a great time on the water from mid-July to mid-October.

World Heritage Listed Fraser Island as a must do and is usually at the top of the list if you are travelling from overseas.  With its pristine beaches and rain forest area growing entirely in sand, it is definitely a day trip you have to do.  But what do you do after the Island adventure or when the whales are migrating to their next destination?  Let us share a few of our favourite things with you.

Lady Elliott Island

Lady Elliott Island is a day trip that you absolutely must do.  The island is nestled in a green zone in the southern World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.    Day trips to Lady Elliot Island include return scenic flights to the Island and an orientation tour on arrival.  International travelers visiting Hervey Bay rank this as one of the best day trips.  A guided tour in a glass bottom boat and snorkeling (all equipment provided) is the highlight of the day.  Guests will have full use of day facilities, a buffet lunch including dessert, tea and coffee and an afternoon of snorkeling, guided tours of the island or just lazing and relaxing. Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort is a short 40 minute flight from Hervey Bay Airport.  The pilots for these flights are very professional and very experienced.  The grass airstrip on the island  runs the length of the island.  The view from the plane as you come in to land is breath taking. The airport in Hervey Bay is only a 5 minute drive from Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat, so its the perfect place to base yourself while you enjoy a day on the island.

Diving and snorkeling

If you love being in the water, the Hervey Bay has some amazing places for you to snorkel and dive.  Some are free, some have a fee.  No matter which you choose, you won’t be disappointed.  There are a number of tours available for you – kayaking, snorkeling, diving, turtle discovery and many more.  Just a short distance from the Urangan Marina in Hervey Bay you will find the Roy Rofus Artificial Reef.  It has some of the most interesting wreck dives and loads of sea life and colourful corals. Another great dive site is the ex-HMAS Tobruk, which caters for divers of all levels and abilities. The fish life and the sheer size of the HMAS Tobruk  offers one of the BEST wreck dives in Australia.  There are also a number of great shallow reefs off the beach at various locations in Hervey Bay.  We are more than happy to point you in the right direction – ask at reception for more details.

Sunset Cruise

A number of our local tour operators offer a sunset cruise.  Life doesn’t get any better than that.  Sitting back and relaxing with a glass of wine or a beer (juice for the kids), cruising out on the calm water, watching the sun go down.  Pink skies and crystal clear water.  Sunset can be viewed from various points along the western side of Fraser Island.  Enjoy the view from a luxury yacht as you enjoy a Champagne Sunset Sail. Discover the local Aboriginal ways in the friendly and relaxed company of your Butchulla guide on a glass bottom boat on the Sunset Aboriginal Cruise.  Or take in the beautiful Hervey Bay sunset whilst the crew serve you local seafood and non-seafood delights aboard a modern luxurious vessel. There are lots of options and the tours are very affordable. We can arrange your bookings for you.

Botanic Gardens

If you love nature and walking, then a stroll through the gardens is a must.  The Botanical Gardens in Hervey Bay offers a relaxed atmosphere with bird & wildlife viewing.  You will also find an orchid house with beautiful flowers on display & a small pond.  Access to the Botanical Gardens is free.  It has easy access and parking & lots of friendly staff. There is a donation of $2 to see orchid house – and the fantastic volunteers are always happy to provide you with loads of information.  It will takes about an hour or so to wander through the gardens, but take longer if you like and enjoy the scenery and the ambiance. The Chinese garden is worth seeing! And if you are staying with us, its just a hop, skip and a jump out the back gate to get there.  Enjoy!

Cuddle a Koala

Who doesn’t love a cute and cuddly koala?  Well, you can do just that.  Only an hour’s drive away and you will have opportunity to experience some up close encounters with koalas and other creatures.  With a display of over 45 species and sub-species of Australian reptiles, amphibians and marsupials, its a great day out.  Other attractions include a snake house and a walk though vivarium (a home for dragons and frogs).  You can also head over to the kangaroo reserve and hand feed the residents. The most recent additions to the zoo are the koalas and you are welcome to come meet them.  Entry fee includes two different snake shows, crocodile show, reptile handling, koala talk, guided tours and entry into the kangaroo/emu reserve.  For a small extra fee you can have an encounter with a koala or the meerkats and receive a photo.  Bookings are essential, so let us know and we can arrange it for you.

How to get to here if you are an International Traveler visiting Hervey Bay

Flying:  See Virgin Australia’s website for direct flights from Sydney and Australia’s major cities to Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast.  QantasLink also operate daily flights from Brisbane see the Qantas website.

Self-Drive:  Hervey Bay is just over 3 hours drive (289km) north of Brisbane, via the Bruce Highway.

Train:  Queensland Rail offers a train service between Brisbane and Maryborough.  A Shuttle Bus can transfer you from Maryborough to Hervey Bay.  Visit Queensland Rail Travel’s for more information.

Bus: Greyhound Pioneer and Premier Motor Services provide a daily service between Hervey Bay and Maryborough and Brisbane.

To find out more about what’s available at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat and the local area, make sure you check out other articles.

The post 5 things you must not miss if you are an International Traveler visiting Hervey Bay appeared first on Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.

Booking accommodation for a family group or club doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful – if you find the right location. What could be more perfect than a private and peaceful spot with individual accommodation for space and privacy. All this while still being close to the other members of your group?  Large group or small group, we can help you out.

At Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat we offer just that and will take the hassle out of making the arrangements.  You can just drive in, unpack and relax.

Here are the Top 6 reasons to book your group into Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat

1. We make it easy – We often look after groups, offering a simple booking, check-in and check-out process, making your visit with us stress-free
2. We have something to suit all groups – We have several different cabin configurations dotted throughout our 10-acre nature reserve, all overlooking the lake
3. Get the barbecue going – we have many free barbecue facilities scattered throughout the retreat, as well as picnic tables.
4. We’ll help you organise your stay – tour bookings, restaurant bookings, club shuttles and more can be arranged at reception
5. We’re close to all amenities – we may be located on 10 acres, but we are also in the heart of Hervey Bay. Shopping, dining and holiday supplies are just a short walk and even shorter drive away.
6. Sanctuary Lake Fauna Retreat is a beautiful place to stay! It is peaceful, lush and tropical and full of wildlife – who wouldn’t want to come and visit!

Whatever your group needs, we can accommodate you. From a travelling team or club to a large family getaway, we will make sure your visit is tailored to your group.

Family get-togethers

We can take the hassle and stress out of your special occasions.  Want to book a family holiday? Christmas,  Easter and school vacations are so easy – just give us a call. Have a wedding or another family function coming up?  Why not give us a try.  We cater for groups for birthday parties, anniversaries, surprise visits and much more.  We can keep your group together in one section within the Retreat so you can all be close but still have your own space.

Clubs

Are you a member of a sporting club and looking for somewhere to stay that keeps the team together?  We can help you with your needs here too.  Are you into soccer, touch football, tennis, lawn bowls, boating, triathlons or anything else sports related?  Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat could be the perfect place for your clubs.  We have plenty of parking for boats.  The Urangan Bowls Club is within walking distance. We have golf clubs nearby, as well as plenty of fishing spots for the anglers.  If you are a bird watcher or nature lover, we can accommodate your groups as well.

Retreats

We have the perfect place for weekend retreats as well.  Get a group together for an Artist Retreat for the weekend.  We can arrange the venues and meals as well as providing a tranquil place that will provide lots of inspiration for a project.  Need a place to get away for a relaxing weekend or week away?  Why not host a yoga retreat or a meditation retreat here by the lake. Contact us with your needs and we can help source everything for you.  What about a team building weekend for your business?  You want it – we can make it happen for you.

Call Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat today to discuss your group booking needs.

The post Group bookings appeared first on Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.

Hervey Bay is undoubtedly one of the best locations in Queensland for boating and fishing. You have to come visit and see it for yourself.  Famous for its protected waters in the bay, close proximity to islands and access to estuaries and lakes, Hervey Bay is the perfect destination for a holiday or short break.  Its well worth a visit so make sure its on your “to do” list. Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat is the perfect spot to base yourself for a weekend or for a while because it is so central for all your needs.  Come stay with us and get your boat out on the water.

Where to Launch

Hervey Bay is the perfect location for whale watching, fishing and sight seeing, so its no surprise that there are plenty of places for you to launch your boat.  Take a look at the map to locate the best place for you to get your day started. Can’t find the right one for you?  Then speak to our friendly staff, they are more than happy to help point you in the right direction.

From Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat at 1 Shell Street Urangan, drive to the closest boat ramp which is the Urangan Boat Harbour Boat Ramp. Other boat ramps close by include Gatakers Bay and Gables at Point Vernon, Scarness Foreshore, Torquay Foreshore and River Heads North Ramp.  Burrum Heads, Toogoom and Howard are also just a short drive away.  There are plenty of options for every boat type to choose from.  You just need to decide which is the best for you.

Where to launch your boat

Stock up!

Boaties and fishermen will be spoilt for choice when it comes to supplies so have a quick look around before you go out on the water. There are many places to stock up around boat ramps and throughout the Bay. If you are looking to grab something close by, visit Boaties Warehouse and Anglers Den. They are only a short stroll or quick drive away so take a few minutes to make sure you have everything you need.

There are plenty of great fishing spots in and around Hervey Bay as well.  These are just a few of the options you should check out:

Top fishing spots

• Great Sandy Straits – This top spot lies between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.  It’s popular with anglers for the wide variety of species you can catch there – trevally and queen fish to name a few. It is also known for its natural beauty so its perfect for those not looking to cast out a line.  You might see dingoes strolling along the beach on World Heritage Listed Fraser Island.  Be mesmerised by sea turtles or watch dugong grazing just below the surface. You just never know what you might come across in the Great Sandy Straits.
• Local Reefs – There are plenty of inshore and offshore fishing spots. For inshore reefs head to one of the many islands such as Round Island, Big Woody Island, Little Woody Island and Little Picnic Island. Depending on your boat, offshore fishing Platypus Bay offers more sheltered waters.  You are likely to find snapper,  mackerel, queenies and trevally in the reef.
• Rivers – Hervey Bay is central to three beautiful riverways.  The Mary, Burrum and Isis rivers are all close by. Take a short drive you will be boating along kilometres of picturesque scenery with great fishing spots.  These are home to some great sports fishing species like barramundi, blue salmon, mangrove jack, tarpon and flathead.
• Lakes & Dams – Lake Lenthalls offers impounded barramundi and Australian Bass. Its location is rich with bush and wildlife making it an excellent spot for fishers and sightseers. Lake Monduran and Borumba Dam make for a great day trip.
• Urangan Pier – Technically this isn’t a spot for boaties but it is one of the most iconic fishing experiences in Hervey Bay. The pier is 868m long so there is room for everyone. It is also well lit, making it a great spot day or night.  Why not stroll along the pier and take a moment to read the plaques along the iconic landmark.  Take some time to chat to the locals and learn some history – you’ll be glad you did.

Come visit us

If you are a boating or fishing enthusiast then there is no doubt that Hervey Bay is a must stay destination.  Bring the family or bring your mates but make sure you bring your boat.  Stay at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat and enjoy a relaxing break.We are nestled among 10 acres, so you will find ample space to park boats and jet skis. Make your next getaway fun and hassle-free.

The post Boat lover’s Paradise appeared first on Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.

Why not come to Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat and take a “Walk on the Wildside” with us for a couple of days.

Join us for a weekend art retreat with the amazing Teresa Mundt who will be facilitating the 2 day workshop on February 16 and 17.

Meet our instructor

Teresa specialises in quirky colourful creations celebrating life’s simple pleasures.  Come along and you will learn some simple steps to help you create your own masterpiece.

What to expect at the Art Retreat

This will be a fun-filled acrylic workshop encouraging artists of all skill levels to get creative through a series of techniques while working on a number on canvases at the same time.  You should expect to complete at least one work of art by the end of the weekend.  Be inspired.  Get creative. Have fun.

What is included

Packages include 2 nights accommodation, breakfast, morning tea and lunch on both days.  Come on your own – we will make you feel welcome, or travel with friends who can check out Hervey Bay while you enjoy meeting new friends and paint, eat, drink and just have a good time.  You can catch up with your friends later because there will be plenty of time for you to explore too.

Afterwards, its up to you what you choose to do.  Wander through the nearby Botanical Gardens.  Stroll along the nearby beach.  Relax with a glass of wine on the balcony and watch the wildlife around the lake.  Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Consider a cruise, with prawns and champagne, to a secluded little island not far from the marina where you can sit and watch the sun set over the mainland.  There is so much to see and do while you are staying at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.

Don’t miss out

Hurry though, spaces for this Art Retreat are limited and the workshop is filling up fast.

How do I book?

Contact us for more information or take a look at Teresa’s website for other ideas and tips.

The post Weekend Art Retreat appeared first on Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.

What attracts them to Hervey Bay for several months between June and November?

Well, firstly we should clarify that individual whales don’t stay here for all that time. There are around 1200 whales that make their way along the coast from Antarctica to the tropics.  Then they go back again.  This is their annual migration. Many of them stop off in the calm waters around Hervey Bay for a few days to a couple of weeks, arriving in stages rather than en masse.

According to the Oceania Project, the warm sheltered waters of the bay provide the perfect haven for young whales, mother/calf pods, and pregnant females.  They can rest and play before they make the long journey back to their Antarctic feeding grounds.

Learning Life Skills

During their time in the relatively safe waters of the bay, mothers with new calves can often be seen teaching their babies essential skills.  These include breaching, lob-tailing, pectoral slaps, and head lunges. The spectacular moves look like a lot of fun to spectators, however, they are essential for survival.  Especially if the whale needs them to shake off an attacking predator. This practice is particularly evident during September and October.

Socialising & Mating

Humpback whales are also very social creatures and their time in Hervey Bay’s waters is important for their interaction. Yearlings that have just separated from their mothers can be observed attaching themselves to new pods. Also, mothers that have completed the separation from their last season’s calf move into the next phase of courtship and mating. That’s why you might observe large pods of adults hanging out together.

Build That Body Fat

An essential for any young calf heading to Antarctica for the first time is to build up some body fat.  This will give them energy for the long journey and give them some warmth when they get there. You may observe the mothers and calves resting or ‘logging’ on the surface in the calm waters. What they are doing is getting in some serious feeding to help build up the calf’s body fat.  They need this as they generally can’t feed much while travelling in the open ocean.

A few quick facts:

• The 2500km journey is one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom
• While most whale species stay well away from land, humpbacks stay relatively close to shore during their migration.
• A mother whale produces up to 600L of extremely rich milk per day.
• Once they start the long journey to Antarctica, the calf will swim in the ‘slipstream’ of its mother to conserve energy.
• You may also observe the occasional curious minke whale in the bay as well.

Book Your Tour at Reception

While humpbacks have known about Hervey Bay for thousands of years, it has only been relatively recently that we humans have caught on to what amazing creatures they are. What a fantastic opportunity we have here to observe them in nature right on our doorstep.

When making your booking at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat, ask us about arranging a tour for you.  We will ensure you travel with one of the reputable whale watching operators here in Hervey Bay. Going with an experienced operator is the best way to get up close to see our magnificent humpback whales.

The post Why Do Humpback Whales Love Hervey Bay? appeared first on Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.

Fast Facts

• 123km long and 22km wide at its widest point
• World Heritage listed
• World’s largest sand island at 184000 hectares
• Vehicle access is 4WD only

Lakes

Fraser Island supports more than 100 freshwater lakes, 40 of which are known as ‘perched’
lakes. Perched lakes are formed over thousands of years when organic matter builds up and
hardens in depressions created by the wind. They are above sea level and are filled only by
rain water making the water as pure and clear as you can possibly find in nature.

Lake McKenzie with its crystal waters and white sandy foreshore is one of the most popular
and easy-to-reach lakes on the island.

Vegetation

One of the truly amazing things about Fraser Island is its ability to sustain a wide variety of
vegetation in sand – which is not exactly known for being nutrient rich! Nonetheless, the
island is home to magnificent towering pine trees, rainforest trees with girths up to 3m,
giant ferns, eucalypt forests, and flowering shrubs creating a spectacular natural
wonderland.

Wildlife

Many of the native marsupials and rodents on the island are nocturnal, burrowing, or rare
and endangered species so you may need to keep your eyes open during the day to catch a
glimpse of some of them.
One animal you will probably encounter is Fraser island’s dingoes – believed to be the
Australia’s purest dingo population. Please don’t feed them though.
You will also see plenty of bird species, reptiles, and frogs (there are 17 different species of
frog on the island).
Sand Dunes & Beaches

Sand Dunes

Fraser Island has a constantly evolving and moving network of sand dunes caused by the
prevailing south-easterly winds on the eastern side of the island.
North of Eli Creek you can also see spectacular coloured sands with over seventy different
colours caused by leaching of oxides creating bands of different shades of red, brown, and
yellow.
Seventy Five Mile Beach is not only a stunning golden stretch of beach, it also a policed
highway where all road rules apply.

How to Experience Fraser Island While Staying at Sanctuary Lakes

There are a number of operators offering guided day tours. We can help you arrange
your tour booking.

• If you have a 4WD and would like to explore at your own pace, you will need to
  arrange a permit to drive on the island through QLD National Parks (link:
  https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/recreation-areas/vehicle_access_permit_fees.html)
  and book your vehicle on the Fraser Island Barge
  (http://www.fraserislandferry.com.au/)
• If you don’t have a 4WD, we can recommend a vehicle hire company
• You can also leave the car behind and catch the ferry for a day trip to Kingfisher Bay.
  We can also help you organise this at reception.
• If you are planning on heading over to the island for a few days to camp, let us know
  so we can manage your booking here on the mainland around your island stay.

The post Discover the amazing Fraser Island appeared first on Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat.