10/10 Excellent
Mike I.
6 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
Mike I.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Entire home
Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley
Photo gallery for Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley
Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Fraser Island, QLD
- Eli Creek21 min drive
- Central Station81 min drive
- Lake McKenzie106 min drive
- Hervey Bay, QLD (HVB)69 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 5
1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 5
1 Single Bunk Bed
3 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Bathroom 2
Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Bathroom 3
Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area
About this property
Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley
Walking distance to the beach and local store, this well appointed home located inside the dingo fence that protects Happy Valley, will comfortably accommodate and entertain 2 families.
COMFORTABLE, WELL APPOINTED AND EQUIPPED FAMILY HOME
Comfortably sleeping 6 adults and 3 children, with three Queen beds, and two sets of bunks, the house can expand to meet the size of your family.
Pillows, blankets, under blankets, duvets and duvet covers, hand towels, bath mats and tea towels are provided. You will, however, need to bring your sheets, pillow cases and towels.
The house is fully screened, with ceiling fans in all the bedrooms and living areas. The large front verandah and living areas catch cool breezes all year round.
LARGE ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING AREAS
Both the verandah and dining tables cater for 10.
EXTENSIVE LIBRARY OF GAMES AND BOOKS
As a holiday home, furnished to support broad family demographics, it contains a large library of games, beach toys and books to entertain both young and old on the days you are not exploring the island.
There is also a library of reference books on K'gari (Fraser Island) and the surrounds, along with books to help identify local birds and fish, for those thirsty to learn more about the Island.
BEDROOMS
The master bedroom is located on the second floor. It has an ensuite and separate sitting room complete with a lounge suite, table and chairs, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
The main downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, lots of cupboards, and plenty of room to accommodate a porta cot (provided along with change mat, high chair and baby gate) or additional bed.
There is second queen bedroom downstairs, plus two rooms each with a set of double bunks. There is a spare mattress under each of the sets of bunks in case your guests are not sharing the queen beds.
SHEARWATER
Shearwater is well equipped to cater for up to 10 guests, including kitchen and baking equipment and basic supplies.
The house is solar powered, with a back up generator that automatically starts when the battery power is low. The oven, barbecue and stove top run on gas, with instant Rinnai gas hot water supplying the house.
As the house is isolated, with no access to regular cleaners, we ask that you leave the house as you found it, cleaning the house on exit. More information is available on the Shearwaterfraserisland site.
HAPPY VALLEY
Shearwater is at Happy Valley, a small township half way up the east coast of the island protected by a dingo proof fence. Drive up into the Valley, and the house is just past the Retreat on the road to Lake Garrawongera. Fuel (both diesel and petrol), a limited range of food, alcohol and souvenirs can be purchased from the Retreat. Along with the shop, the Retreat also has a Bistro and bar operating 7 days a week, and is just a 1 minute walk from the house so an easy alternative to cooking every night.
GETTING TO K'GARI
The beach is the main road on K'Gari, so a four wheel drive vehicle is essential for visiting Shearwater. Vehicular ferries run from both River Heads, Hervey Bay and Inskip Point, north of Rainbow Beach.
COMFORTABLE, WELL APPOINTED AND EQUIPPED FAMILY HOME
Comfortably sleeping 6 adults and 3 children, with three Queen beds, and two sets of bunks, the house can expand to meet the size of your family.
Pillows, blankets, under blankets, duvets and duvet covers, hand towels, bath mats and tea towels are provided. You will, however, need to bring your sheets, pillow cases and towels.
The house is fully screened, with ceiling fans in all the bedrooms and living areas. The large front verandah and living areas catch cool breezes all year round.
LARGE ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING AREAS
Both the verandah and dining tables cater for 10.
EXTENSIVE LIBRARY OF GAMES AND BOOKS
As a holiday home, furnished to support broad family demographics, it contains a large library of games, beach toys and books to entertain both young and old on the days you are not exploring the island.
There is also a library of reference books on K'gari (Fraser Island) and the surrounds, along with books to help identify local birds and fish, for those thirsty to learn more about the Island.
BEDROOMS
The master bedroom is located on the second floor. It has an ensuite and separate sitting room complete with a lounge suite, table and chairs, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
The main downstairs bedroom has a queen bed, lots of cupboards, and plenty of room to accommodate a porta cot (provided along with change mat, high chair and baby gate) or additional bed.
There is second queen bedroom downstairs, plus two rooms each with a set of double bunks. There is a spare mattress under each of the sets of bunks in case your guests are not sharing the queen beds.
SHEARWATER
Shearwater is well equipped to cater for up to 10 guests, including kitchen and baking equipment and basic supplies.
The house is solar powered, with a back up generator that automatically starts when the battery power is low. The oven, barbecue and stove top run on gas, with instant Rinnai gas hot water supplying the house.
As the house is isolated, with no access to regular cleaners, we ask that you leave the house as you found it, cleaning the house on exit. More information is available on the Shearwaterfraserisland site.
HAPPY VALLEY
Shearwater is at Happy Valley, a small township half way up the east coast of the island protected by a dingo proof fence. Drive up into the Valley, and the house is just past the Retreat on the road to Lake Garrawongera. Fuel (both diesel and petrol), a limited range of food, alcohol and souvenirs can be purchased from the Retreat. Along with the shop, the Retreat also has a Bistro and bar operating 7 days a week, and is just a 1 minute walk from the house so an easy alternative to cooking every night.
GETTING TO K'GARI
The beach is the main road on K'Gari, so a four wheel drive vehicle is essential for visiting Shearwater. Vehicular ferries run from both River Heads, Hervey Bay and Inskip Point, north of Rainbow Beach.
Property manager
Elspeth Murray
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
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9.6 out of 10, (116 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Maheno
Located in K'gari, this holiday home is on the beach. Maheno Shipwreck and Maheno Wreck are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Hammerstone Sandblows and Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Fraser Island, QLD
What's nearby
- Eli Creek - 21 min drive - 5.8 km
- The Pinnacles - 49 min drive - 12.6 km
- Lake Wabby - 61 min drive - 22.0 km
- Central Station - 81 min drive - 30.2 km
- Lake McKenzie - 106 min drive - 36.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Satinay - 90 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Chris J.
6 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wondeful
Chris J.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
sally p.
28 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Getaway
sally p.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sharon G.
22 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birthday Week at Fraser
Sharon G.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alys L.
15 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cousins catch up
Alys L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Adam P.
12 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay at Shearwater
Adam P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Clayton B.
16 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great accommodation and location
Clayton B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Martin W.
11 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
best holiday ever
Martin W.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ashleigh K.
13 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Getaway
Ashleigh K.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy S.
3 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing.
Jeremy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rahn S.
11 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family home!
Rahn S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
byron p.
5 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
family getaway
byron p.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jason P.
12 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family holiday on Fraser Island
Jason P.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael M.
24 Feb 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Shearwater perfect for our family
Michael M.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kristy L.
13 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pack your floaties ☀️
Kristy L.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lynette R.
15 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome location, fabulous holiday
Lynette R.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kirri H.
16 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hains
Kirri H.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jamie F.
8 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
10 Day Getaway
Jamie F.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sanita M.
19 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay and everything we could of needed was there and then some more
Sanita M.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
8/10 Good
Amy O.
3 Apr 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
Amy O.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
8/10 Good
Sheridan T.
14 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Homely, comfortable, central!
Sheridan T.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Andrew A.
2 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great week on Fraser
Andrew A.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Michael H.
18 Oct 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rod Squad, Fraser Island 2022
Michael H.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Joellyn B.
14 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location
Joellyn B.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022
6/10 Okay
Glen B.
3 May 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Photos do not depict the layout and house could have been cleaned much better by last tenant
Glen B.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2022
About the host
Hosted by Elspeth Murray
My family has been visiting Fraser Island for over 50 years. In 1976, my parents purchased a half completed set of units, turning it into a holiday home to house their large family and all the friends that accompanied them, as they explored the island.
In the 1970's, timber logging and sand mining were still occurring on the island. While the island was covered in tracks, none of them were sign posted. Three enormous forestry maps, with roads identified by blazes cut into trees, were the only guide the family had as we returned to the Island every school holiday period. While we explored the island and our love for it deepened.
Since purchase in 1976, the house has been renovated and extended many times. Over time, the house has been opened up for renting, and has been the holiday destination for many families. It has also been a base for many fishing enthusiasts, bush walkers, and 4WD enthusiasts, with some groups now having returned annually for the over 30 years.
With the family now extending to 4 generation, Shearwater remains the favourite holiday destination of the extended clan. My mother, now 88, still returns to the island regularly. I manage the rental of the property on behalf of the extended family, and love providing the opportunity to other families to enjoy this piece of paradise.
Cheers Elspeth (number 3 daughter)
In the 1970's, timber logging and sand mining were still occurring on the island. While the island was covered in tracks, none of them were sign posted. Three enormous forestry maps, with roads identified by blazes cut into trees, were the only guide the family had as we returned to the Island every school holiday period. While we explored the island and our love for it deepened.
Since purchase in 1976, the house has been renovated and extended many times. Over time, the house has been opened up for renting, and has been the holiday destination for many families. It has also been a base for many fishing enthusiasts, bush walkers, and 4WD enthusiasts, with some groups now having returned annually for the over 30 years.
With the family now extending to 4 generation, Shearwater remains the favourite holiday destination of the extended clan. My mother, now 88, still returns to the island regularly. I manage the rental of the property on behalf of the extended family, and love providing the opportunity to other families to enjoy this piece of paradise.
Cheers Elspeth (number 3 daughter)
Why they chose this property
Situated half way up the east coast of K'Gari, Happy Valley is the perfect location to explore all the island has to offer. Surrounded by a dingo fence to keep your family safe while you relax at home, Happy Valley is a small close knit community, with a shop, bar and bistro just a short walk from the house.
What makes this property unique
With all the benefits and inclusion of a warm and welcoming family holiday home, Shearwater is the ideal location for your family and friends to relax and enjoy all that K'gari (Fraser Island) has to offer. While still a short walk to the beach, the house sits in a quiet neighbourhood at the back of Happy Valley, bordered by bushland to the west, and lots of space to park multiple vehicles. With an elevated position, the front verandah catches lovely sea breezes, when houses closer to the beach do not. Screened, and with ceiling fans throughout, it is a comforatble home summer and winter.
Languages:
English
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