Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Explore the area
Fraser Island, QLD
Lake McKenzie
Place, Lake McKenzie
Urangan Pier
Place, Urangan Pier
Esplanade
Place, Esplanade
Hervey Bay, QLD (HVB)
Airport, Hervey Bay, QLD (HVB)
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.
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Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
It is a requirement of the rental that guests clean the house on exit, and remove all rubbish, leaving it as they found it.
Guests must bring their own sheets and towels.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley on 5 May 2026 start from AU$350, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Shearwater - Spacious family holiday rental in Happy Valley located?
This family-friendly K'gari holiday home is located on the beach, steps from Seventy-Five Mile Beach and within 6 mi (10 km) of Hammerstone Sandblows and South Waddy Beach. Orchid Beach and Eurong Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
OMG! Where to start!Location location location!Extra amenities, port a cot for Bub, sand toys, floaters for creek and extremely well sourced cooking utensils, cutlery, coffee machine and more! So easy to get up, down or inland on island tracks and a great meal at the pub/convenience store just a very short stroll down the way. The 3 bathrooms and 3 toilets made sure no one was kept waiting and the car takers and host both amazingly wonderful to deal with! We are crossing our fingers the house will be available for next years trip (once we confirm the dates with all our travellers)
Karen A.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Mar 2026
Thanks Karen. I am glad it was such a successful trip for you and the house worked so well. You and your family are welcome back any time.
Fantastic accommodation, very clean, lots of room, and heaps of cooking/meals plates cups cutlery etc. huge fridge capacity and freezer. Hot hot showers, and relaxing lounge and outdoor area with gas bbq. 8 fishermen, we appreciated the warm homely feeling at the end of each loooong day
A great spot to stay on Fraser Island! Central to everything on the east side. The house has everything you need.Elspeth was great to deal with and was more than happy to accomedate an early check is for us as we were travelling with 3 young children. There care takers Pete and Ann we friendly and sorted out a new gas bottle for the BBQ as soon as we contacted them.
Our stay at Shearwater was amazing! Great house in a great location. Plenty of activities provided for the kids to do without needing technology! Will definitely stay here again!
Ashleigh K.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2024
I am so pleased you had such a good visit Ashleigh. And thanks for leaving the house looking so good. You are welcome back anytime. Cheers Elspeth
Awesome accomodation, great location. Property Manager has outdone herself with everything catered for from games, books, basic consumable supplies. WE had a family of 9 adults stay and we fitted in with ease. Would definately stay at Shearwater again and highly recommend it to all.Thank you for making our Fraser Island holiday one to remember.
What a beautiful family welcoming home! We had the most wonderful time and the location of the property to all the attractions on Fraser Island is just perfect!! We will be back!
Martin W.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Dec 2024
Thanks Martin. you are welcome back any time. Cheers Elspeth
Quiet, very comfortable house, Elsbeth was a wonderfully easy host to communicate with and left no detail aside with the care taken with the property. Highly recommended, will be using again.,
Here’s a quick review for the property:“We had an amazing stay at the Shearwater property on Fraser Island. Everything was exactly as described, and the host’s communication was exceptional. The property is packed with fantastic features, perfect off-the-grid holiday home. The kids absolutely loved it, and we’re already planning to return. Highly recommend!”
Great property in a great location. Thankyou for sharing your property. Everyone had an awesome break. Look forward to our next visit.
Jamie F.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2023
Hi Jaimie
I hope your father and his friends had a great holiday. please thank him for the the effort they went to leave the house clean on exit. Our caretakers gave him five stars (and they are tough markers!)
See you next time
Regards
Elspeth
We really enjoyed our stay. Normally camping on the beach but with the wind predicted Shearwater was fantastic. Thank you.
Kirri H.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
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)
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests