Cameron
Staff were good nice and quite too
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Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat
Fraser Coast - QLD · Australia
49-63 Elizabeth Street Hervey Bay Qld 4655View location
9.2/10Excellent375 Reviews
Cleanliness8.8/10 8.8
Service9.0/10 9.0
Comfort8.6/10 8.6
Condition8.2/10 8.2
Location10.0/10 10.0
Neighborhood9.2/10 9.2
Value9.4/10 9.4
Amenities8.4/10 8.4
See all ratingsPhotos are not available for this hotel yet.
Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.
About Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat
Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat offer 26 individual melanesian style villas, all with lake frontage, set amongst 3 acres of nature reserve, teeming with wildlife, yet in the heart of Hervey Bay.
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Located in Hervey Bay (Urangan), Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat is within a 15-minute walk of Urangan Pier and Hervey Bay Botanic Garden. This aparthotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Esplanade and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Reefworld Aquarium.
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 36 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring indoor private hot tubs. Rooms have private patios. Kitchenettes are outfitted with refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.
Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Popular amenities
Free WiFi
Parking available
Airport transfers
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Entertainment
Non-smoking
Check-in and check-out
Check-in from
2:00 PM
Check-in until
5:00 PM
Check-out until
10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age
18
Hotel policies
Beach nearby
No rollaway/extra beds available
No elevators
By ocean
No alcohol served onsite
Events/parties not allowed
Professional property host/manager
Property does not offer onsite COVID-19 testing
Property does not require health documentation at check-in
Pets not allowed
Cleaning and safety
Sanitization
Property uses a professional cleaning service
Contactless check-in is available
Contactless check-out is available
Important information
-
You need to know
- Up to 3 children 17 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
- Alcohol is not served at this property.
- The property is professionally cleaned.
- Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
-
Special Instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Prior to arrival, guests must complete online registration with the property via a secure link. Guests will be asked to provide the property with a copy of their government-issued photo ID before arrival. \nIf you are planning to arrive after 2:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
-
Instructions
- 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
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
- This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
- Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
- 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
- Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, window guards, and outdoor lighting
- This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
- This property is professionally cleaned
-
Minimal age
18
-
Spoken Language
English
Chinese (Mandarin)
Nearby attractions
Urangan Pier
1 km / 0.6 mi
Hervey Bay Botanic Garden
1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Esplanade
1.3 km / 0.8 mi
Urangan Central Shopping Centre
1.4 km / 0.9 mi
Shelly Beach
1.5 km / 1 mi
Great Sandy Strait
1.7 km / 1 mi
Reefworld Aquarium
1.7 km / 1.1 mi
Great Sandy Straits Marina
2.2 km / 1.3 mi
Torquay Beach
2.2 km / 1.4 mi
Duggan Conservation Park
4.7 km / 2.9 mi
Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum
5.3 km / 3.3 mi
WetSide Water Education Park
6.3 km / 3.9 mi
The Big Whale
7.6 km / 4.7 mi
Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre
7.6 km / 4.7 mi
Hervey Bay Surgical Hospital
7.6 km / 4.7 mi
Hotel facilities & services
Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.
- hotel
- Wi-fi
- Airport Shuttle
- Laundry service
- Garden
- Terrace
- Grill/BBQ
- Library
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Indoor freshwater pool: 1
- Outdoor freshwater pool: 1
Show 4 more facilities & services
- Children playgroundExtra charge
- Game room
- Picnic
- Non-smoking establishment
Upon availability
Room types
These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability
No room details available for this hotel.
Guest reviews
What other guests saying about Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat
100
reviews shown
Lisa
We loved our stay at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat. The gorgeous little cabin is set in a peaceful lakeside setting surrounded by wildlife, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The cabin was spick and span and fully self-contained, with a lovely deck overlooking the lakes. There were plenty of blankets to keep us cosy on the cold winter nights, although the air conditioning kept the cabin perfectly comfortable. Tea and coffee were provided, along with complimentary milk, and the full-size fridge and microwave made it easy to bring our own meals for a longer stay.
If I had just one suggestion for improvement, it would be the shower. The water was beautifully hot, but the shower rose seemed to have a split personality. One jet had enough pressure to cut steel, while the others felt like I'd turned up to the O.K. Corral armed with a water pistol! I kept trying to look up to see if the shower head needed turning to a different spray setting, but judging the angle while being pelted from all directions proved a challenge, so I eventually surrendered.
The check-out process was a little tricky with no instructions on whether to leave the keys in the room or at reception (which was closed with no drop box). Eventually I texted for instructions and all was easily sorted!
A wonderful place to stay, and we'd happily return.
The cabin was spick and span and fully self-contained, with a lovely deck overlooking the lakes. There were plenty of blankets to keep us cosy on the cold winter nights, although the air conditioning kept the cabin perfectly comfortable. Tea and coffee were provided, along with complimentary milk, and the full-size fridge and microwave made it easy to bring our own meals for a longer stay.
If I had just one suggestion for improvement, it would be the shower. The water was beautifully hot, but the shower rose seemed to have a split personality. One jet had enough pressure to cut steel, while the others felt like I'd turned up to the O.K. Corral armed with a water pistol! I kept trying to look up to see if the shower head needed turning to a different spray setting, but judging the angle while being pelted from all directions proved a challenge, so I eventually surrendered.
The check-out process was a little tricky with no instructions on whether to leave the keys in the room or at reception (which was closed with no drop box). Eventually I texted for instructions and all was easily sorted!
A wonderful place to stay, and we'd happily return.
Stephanie
From the beautiful lake with Turtles and Ducks. To the amazing villa with the comfiest bed. Everything was perfect. Close to shops and the boat harbour. Truly a tranquil getaway.
wayne
Wonderful
Was simply wonderful . Geat location , lovely stand alone villa on lake teaming with birdlife and turtles . Quite roomy and well equipped 💕
Lilibeth
Cozy and clean
We had a great time, the room was cozy and clean,
Staff are friendly and helpful. We will definitely comeback
Staff are friendly and helpful. We will definitely comeback
Arthur
It is a lovely setting by the lake.
What we didn’t understand was why $5.00 something was added to our bill as a debit card fee.
What we didn’t understand was why $5.00 something was added to our bill as a debit card fee.
Dane
Great cabins and excellent facilities
Yasser
Staff are not friendly, AC was not working even we complained twice and no action taken, the balcony hasn't been cleaned for ages, they have provided very few housekeeping and when we asked for an additional toilet paper roll they charged us $2.03 for it.
Note: we got a villa for 5 for 3 nights and they provided 2 shampoos, 2 soaps and 1.5 toilet paper rolls!!!
Note: we got a villa for 5 for 3 nights and they provided 2 shampoos, 2 soaps and 1.5 toilet paper rolls!!!
Peter
A great place to rest and relax. Beautiful surroundings and very clean and quiet.
Yvonne
Lovely surrounds
Beautiful location.very comfortable bed.
Bathroom very clean.Lounge chairs badly stained could do with covers. Microwave rusty. In saying that I would stay again. Value for money
Bathroom very clean.Lounge chairs badly stained could do with covers. Microwave rusty. In saying that I would stay again. Value for money
Peter
Many thanks to the owners putting ours fears, of our 1am arrival, to rest by sorting out a taxi and clear information how to get in.
The location is wonderful especially if you like birdlife!
A relaxing stop off to go to K’Gari and couldn’t have asked for more!
The location is wonderful especially if you like birdlife!
A relaxing stop off to go to K’Gari and couldn’t have asked for more!
Debra
The tranquility and relaxation of the surroundings and wildlife was really lovely
Kathy
our cabin a little dated, but extremely good value for what it was with comfy bed & great shower pressure in pleasant sanctuary with easy check in etc there are some amazingly renovated cabins within in this gated bird & turtle sanctuary but we chose to save a few dollar in a more dated one & it was very adequate.
Andrew
loved the wild life.our cabin was comfortable but needed a little up dating.a few small maintenance issues could be addressed.but in all great place to stay.we will certainly come back.
Cassi
Clean and comfortable stay. Close drive to everything.
david
at the edge of nature and a lake
Rod
Great little quiet spot with room to park the boat after a day on the water
ROBIN
Lovely environment. WI a bid not connected for short times. Signal a bit weak.
paul
very poor condition
Emma
Quiet, private cabins with a great outdoor area next to the lake. Fully equipt kitchen with everything needed to cook for yourself.
Sue
Such a tranquil place to stay. Thank-you
Dan
Definitely aging, but for the price, it’s brilliant value for money, peaceful & quiet
Lewis
First time stay but definatly not my last 4 nights in a lovely comfortable villa quite surrounds a fully equiped unit nothing short of great hosts frendly and helpfull free wi-fi intrernet also
Thank you Sanctuary Lakes
Thank you Sanctuary Lakes
Daniela
Nice place
ke
very quiet and relaxing….sadly the fan did not work, & the curtains did not close properly as they were broken…all in all the quietness of the place made it very enjoyable :)
Andy
Very restful environment. No traffic noise and very private cabins. The managers promptly addressed any problems that arose so no frustrations...
Audrey
We rented two chalets side by side - The fridges were not working - one froze everything, the other leaked water all day. The floors were sticky - as if they had been vacuumed but not mopped. the ceiling fan was so noisy we had to switch it off. Crockery was chipped - generally the chalets were run down and need updating
Pat
A beautiful, quiet setting in comfortable accommodation with friendly, healthy people. Will return.
Denis
Comfortable and convenient
A very comfortable convenient place to stay in Hervey Bay. Every unit has a peaceful view over part of the lake. Everything you need for self catering. Woolworths is an easy walk away. We loved our stay at Sanctuary Lakes
Verified traveler
Room was not cleaned properly kitchen was very dirty food on appliances , furnishings were old and broken in the room , not enough coffee ,sugar,or bisc for 3 adults ,beds shower and toilet were clean
Stephen
Great place and excellent management. Highly recommend
Jay
Old but quiet place to stay
Old and dated. Needs a bit of a renovation but on the positive a quiet location
Naomi
This was a great spot to wake up and sit on the front porch with your coffee overlooking the lake, listening and viewing the wildlife.
Sharyn
Peaceful and loved the sounds of the birds
Michael
Beautiful location, walking distance to foreshore, shops and restaurants.
Elayne
Loved our stay, loved the birds and turtles, staff were excellent, room was great
Terese
Loved feeding the turtles in the lake they were very friendly. A lovely quiet setting close to the beach.
Errin
Wonderful for families
A great place to stay for families for some wonderful interactions with local wildlife. Hosts are very friendly and welcoming, would thoroughly recommend.
Christine
Great property
Valerie
Worried about safety of coconuts on trees
Dennis
It was close to where my family lives so just a quick walk away. The villas are dated, but adequate for my purposes as I didn't spend much time there. The internet was non existent and upon moving villas, the internet was sporadic. In this day and age I would have thought internet would be available and reliable.
Andrew
Accommodation was clean and comfortable.
Access to lake fauna was amazing.
Access to lake fauna was amazing.
Ian
Where do I begin? Please note, I have taken photos to back up the following.
I had booked on line for 4 nights accommodation. Mon Jan 16 - Thu 19. I checked in mid afternoon, received instructions on where cabin 29 was and moved in only to discover
1. No Wifi. On inquiring with the managers why? I was told only a limited number of cabins had Wifi and if I wanted Wifi there was another cabin available for an extra $30 per night. That got me thinking maybe this was an up sell or a bit of a con. Had I known this on booking I would have booked elsewhere.
2. On checking the accommodation, I discovered:
The bathroom light fitting had been replaced and a rather large hole had been left in the celing from the previous fitting. The hole had been stuffed with a ball of paper!
3.The toilet seat was not fitted correctly and was loose.
4.The shower screen door frame was really dirty at the base and looked and felt like it had not been cleaned properly in a long time.
4, The vanity basin and shower drains seemed to be partially blocked and took some time to clear. Not much fun when having a shower and standing in soapy water!
5.The main room celing had a long crack in it, directly over the bed. Also, where the celing cornice met the wall, there were long cracks. In both cases I could see where dust had been falling through. These cracks should be cleaned and sealed. I didn't think it was healthy to sleep under these cracks.
I checked out the following morning.!
Not a happy chappy!
I had booked on line for 4 nights accommodation. Mon Jan 16 - Thu 19. I checked in mid afternoon, received instructions on where cabin 29 was and moved in only to discover
1. No Wifi. On inquiring with the managers why? I was told only a limited number of cabins had Wifi and if I wanted Wifi there was another cabin available for an extra $30 per night. That got me thinking maybe this was an up sell or a bit of a con. Had I known this on booking I would have booked elsewhere.
2. On checking the accommodation, I discovered:
The bathroom light fitting had been replaced and a rather large hole had been left in the celing from the previous fitting. The hole had been stuffed with a ball of paper!
3.The toilet seat was not fitted correctly and was loose.
4.The shower screen door frame was really dirty at the base and looked and felt like it had not been cleaned properly in a long time.
4, The vanity basin and shower drains seemed to be partially blocked and took some time to clear. Not much fun when having a shower and standing in soapy water!
5.The main room celing had a long crack in it, directly over the bed. Also, where the celing cornice met the wall, there were long cracks. In both cases I could see where dust had been falling through. These cracks should be cleaned and sealed. I didn't think it was healthy to sleep under these cracks.
I checked out the following morning.!
Not a happy chappy!
Felicity
Peaceful place, love the wildlife and atmosphere. Kids loved it.
Staff were friendly. Would stay here again and would recommend
Staff were friendly. Would stay here again and would recommend
Samantha
Great for a family.
Brett
Commendations great views, great great amenities
Fiona
Nice and quiet easy access to area
John
Really nice outlook, accommodation getting a bit tired, but overall enjoyable experience.
Alex
I loved being near the lake, seeing various birds and fauna, and having the Fraser Island Explorer pick us up and deposit us right back outside the gate!
Robert
It did feel like a hideaway retreat that was attractive, accessible and secure. The overall layout of the units around a lake created an interesting and pleasurable escape. The swimming pool was an understated bonus set in a tropical garden.
Great bbq facilities. Deb and Rob were lovely & helpful. We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you.
Great bbq facilities. Deb and Rob were lovely & helpful. We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you.
Sandra
Break away time
My husband and l had a wonderful time in Hervey Bay and our accommodation was in a great location. We were close to everything we needed and our unit was in a lovely quiet location. You didn’t feel like you were in town.
Angelina
Great place
Pauline
The room was dated and too far from the car 180 feet from car to front door. No under cover parking . It was raining that day and i decided to cancell
I have healed back issues and didnt want to strain them with carry on luggage for that distance.
I have healed back issues and didnt want to strain them with carry on luggage for that distance.
Guilherme
The property was very spacious and had all the amenities for a family stay. The location was great, close to restaurants, shops and the beach.
Geoffrey
Lovely private retreat. Very relaxing watching the wildlife. Great location
cynthia
The host is very friendly and helpful in all possible way.
The beddings which I am very much particular are superb - very clean and fresh. Perfect place to stay anytime.
The beddings which I am very much particular are superb - very clean and fresh. Perfect place to stay anytime.
Verified traveler
Great location just unfortunate that we had bad weather for our stay. Will just have to return
Carolyn
Nice & quiet & peaceful location and handy to all that we needed .
Verified traveler
The setting is wonderful however spoiled by having to wash flying fox poo off the car every morning. There is no wifi in or near the villas. Entering the property requires a phone call at the gate. The bathroom door handle can get stuck.
Sharron
We loved staying there & will recommend it to all our friends. The environment was so relaxing & we slept well.
Darryl
Great location, quiet and decure
Caroline
Fabulous natural surrounds in both flora and fauna. In the evenings we were surrounded by an orchestra of frogs and other wildlife. A hidden treasure within Hervey Bay. Will definitely be back for another visit.
Sam
Was very quiet and peaceful Loved the birds and turtles Didn't like the mosquito's at night (HEAPS )
Patricia
Needs an uplift
The setting is beautiful but the cabins need a facelift. They are very dated and no storage or clothes etc. blinds were broken and curtains in bad condition and hung incorrectly one was back to front with the faded and dye run side inside. Paint was dull and off in lots of places. The grounds and lake with its wildlife are the saving feature. Very convenient to everything. Also very safe and secure.
Emma
Such a peaceful place. Perfect for kids.
Sarah
Really enjoyed the area that the cabins where in with looking over the water and that you could feed the ducks and turtles.
Unfortunately cabins however were very dated and not the cleanliness. We had two dinning chairs covered in mould and everything was very dusty. Our main issue was the water in the shower. Don’t know if all cabins are like it but the water did not stay at one temperature. Would go cold to burning hot back to warm. It was just horrible especially with trying to shower two small children.
Unfortunately cabins however were very dated and not the cleanliness. We had two dinning chairs covered in mould and everything was very dusty. Our main issue was the water in the shower. Don’t know if all cabins are like it but the water did not stay at one temperature. Would go cold to burning hot back to warm. It was just horrible especially with trying to shower two small children.
Sherilyn
Nice \"bushy\" setting. Not too crowded so it maintains the lakes view without the space. Lots of area for kids to play outside.
sharon
The things I like about this place is the abundance of birds, ducks, turtles. You have no idea you are 5 mins from the beach and in suburbia. It it is so peaceful. Have stayed before and will definately be back again......
Debbie
I spent a holiday at this place approx 36yrs ago. The place has not changed. Every cabin is very private and some overlook the logPlenty of room inside.. The only small fault that may be
Vicki
Lovely peaceful setting, comfy bed and handy location, but phone reception and internet not great - this of course can be a good thing.
Verified traveler
Fantastic place to stay. Very friendly staff. The rooms are very clean and have everything you need.
Verified traveler
Staff were friendly and lovely to deal with.
Villa was clean and tidy, a couple things required maintenance but overall no issues with use.
Villa was clean and tidy, a couple things required maintenance but overall no issues with use.
Verified traveler
Well run property, nice people to deal with, organised easy access and check-in. Picturesque setting, peaceful, a bit of a getaway from it all.
Verified traveler
We found the managers to be helpful in every way..The Retreat was full of wildlife and certainly would be on our list next holiday
Verified traveler
Tranquility, very peacful
Verified traveler
great cosy and comfortable place to stay.
Won
Good place to rest
Good place to take a rest in nature.
But, wifi is not working during stay and tv has no sinal most of stay.
But, wifi is not working during stay and tv has no sinal most of stay.
Verified traveler
We had a tremendous time, my wife, son & I had a awesome time, enjoyed feeding the ducks & turtles & the owners are absolutely wonderful, they were very helpful & great to talk with & can’t wait to come back again
Verified traveler
Close to beach and every room has lake view. Property is clean, just a bit old and wifi signal up and down.
Verified traveler
We really enjoyed our stay. Friendly helpful hosts. Excellent value for money
Diana
It is a lovely place, very relaxing. I have been there on several occasions. Lovely sitting of an evening feeding or watching the turtles, ducks and birds on the lake.
Verified traveler
We have stayed here before a few years ago. The property itself is in a great position and is great being all off road parking. It is in a very convenient location. The cabins are a great size and there are the verandas too. The only letdown is the beds and kitchen items could do with an upgrade.
Lilibeth
Awesome stay
The place is very relaxing, definitely worth the trip.
Verified traveler
Lovely spot area great location peaceful loved all the animals....our room needs a lot of maintenance work done and a thorough clean
Verified traveler
staff are friendly, helpful and unit is clean, enjoyed the wildlife, need to warn guest if using googlemap to put address in full not just resort
Verified traveler
This Sanctuary is absolutely beautiful. So peaceful and quiet. Kids loved it here and so did I. The owners are so accomodating and caring. I could live there if I was allowed. Thank you for manny our stay so beautiful Deb and Rod.
Dimity
The villas by the lake are perfect for that weekend getaway with all the amenities you need to be self sufficient. You can feed the turtles and ducks in the lake out the front which is so special for the little ones!
Margaret
We had a lovely lakeside unit so enjoyed the wildlife. The bed was very comfy, the amenities provided sufficient for a self-catering holiday. Management friendly and very helpful. Well maintained paths so no problem for someone with walking difficulties.
CH
Very relaxing place. It’s so nice to wake up to a view of a lake and plenty of wildlife. Rod and Deb are lovely hosts. We’ll be going back.
Jo
Love being able to sit on the balcony only a few metres from the amazing wildlife. The kids absolutely loved the turtles.
Susan
The boys had a great time because the wildlife is amazing. The turtles were laying their eggs and came right up to the cabins.
alan
GREAT PLACE YOU FEEL FAR AWAY BEACAUSE SURROUNDED BY THE LAKE AND FAUNA BIRDS TURTLES AND ONLY 400 METRES FROM BEACH
E
Cabins are very old. Cupboards falling apart and a musty smell. Bathroom tap leaked heavily through entire trip. Middle of winter but our reverse cycle air conditioner did not work. It was freezing and the owners said it could not be fixed during our stay. Not hugely kid friendly as outside is mostly driveways and the lake. Have to be careful with young children.
Won’t be staying again.
Won’t be staying again.
Roxanne
I chose this accommodation because of the lake and the fauna and was not disappointed. It was so peaceful sitting on the front porch watching all the birds and turtles in and around the water. The cabin was clean and comfortable. The toiletries provided consist of one tiny soap and one little tube of conditioning shampoo so you should bring your own stuff.
Helen
Fantastic location, the grounds are just devine, loved the turtles...check in was fantastic....highly recommend
Elizabeth
great place to relax and unwind from the day to day grind
Verified traveler
The place itself was lovely, nice atmosphere. Clean but dated facilities. The only thing that wasn't great was our daughter was told off trying to feed a duck and it ran away from her. She was accused of chasing it. i was there and this wasn't the case. unfortunately she then felt nervous for the rest of the time there.
Juli
Nice play to stay surrounded by nature. The room was a bit cold and the heater too noisy.
Ian
Good location. Rooms quiet and clean. Great aspect with the birdlife on the lake.
Pillows need an upgrade.
Pillows need an upgrade.
Jan
So peaceful in the middle of the urban rush. Lots of birds, fish, turtles. A great view from our verandah.
Location & surroundings
Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat
49-63 Elizabeth Street Hervey Bay Qld 4655, Qld Central Coast, Australia
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