International travellers have been flocking to the Fraser Coast in recent years for its natural beauty, whale watching adventures and frolicking on Fraser Island. However, it's the bayside beauty of Hervey Bay that gets my vote for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Hervey Bay is an easy 3.5-hour road trip from Brisbane or you can simply fly into Hervey Bay Airport. Interstate travellers have largely overlooked this resort town for more fashionable locations, however with its relaxed atmosphere, sunny climate and great value surely the tide is about to turn?
The bayside town is still sleepy enough, despite growing tourism to the Fraser Coast, but that's essentially part of its charm. Rundown Queenslanders, desperately in need of a paint job and a little TLC, sit alongside modern resorts and low-rise apartments all twinkling in the Queensland sunshine.
One such house to receive its fair share of TLC is Seekia in Urangan. This modern 3-bedroom holiday house sits smartly a few blocks from The Esplanade in an unassuming quiet suburban street. Beautifully renovated, it's furnished in funky, bright colours to really put you in that holiday mood.
The owners have embraced an open plan design for Seekia, with plenty of louvre windows and French doors to catch the sea breezes. Central to the house is the newly renovated kitchen, featuring bright red splashbacks and island bench for friends and family to gather for meals. It's incredibly well equipped, with large 6 burner stove top, stainless steel double sided fridge with ice machine, coffee machine and even a blender.
The kitchen opens out to a wonderful outdoor deck and alfresco dining area with BBQ. The huge backyard beyond is ideal for the little ones to run around and play and as the house is also pet friendly, ideal for dogs, plus ample parking for cars, boats and all the kid's toys. In the far corner of the garden is a chook pen, where you can collect fresh eggs and pick herbs from the garden for the freshest omelette and brekkie creations.
Seekia can actually be booked as a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom holiday house, which makes it appealing to couples, families or groups. The rates are based on two guests and it's just $50pp thereafter.
The master bedroom is light & bright with king bed and new en-suite. The second bedroom features another king bed and the third bedroom has twin beds all with bright artwork on the walls. A second modern bathroom has a shower, while there is a separate bathhouse out back boasting a claw foot bath for total relaxation.
The family will be happy and entertained with Foxtel, DVD and two 50" TV's, one in the lounge room and one in the adjoining sunroom. There's free WiFi too to keep connected and Instagram your Hervey Bay adventures.
There's plenty to see and do in Hervey Bay, offering the world's closest whale watching encounters with humpback whales as well as easy access to the eco-paradise of Fraser Island. Sunny Queensland weather ensures year round swimming, diving, sailing, water sports and fishing. If you're looking for something more relaxed, kick back in the many cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade or marina.
I managed to hunt down Hervey Bay's best coffee at School House Espresso. It's away from the main tourist area in a local shopping/business area, however you'll be glad you found it. Ultra friendly baristas, super cute interiors and strong coffee using premium beans make it a must visit. It's the collaboration of My Kitchen Rules winners Dan & Steph and coffee supremo Tim Adams, so you can be assured of some high quality food & coffee at this hidden gem.
Venture out for a long lunch at The Vinyard, a fantastic new restaurant and wine bar overlooking the water. Originally conceptualised more as a wine bar, popularity has grown for it's delicious share plates making it a dining destination in its own right. We tried the crispy pork belly with palm sugar glaze, apple and fennel pickle and Zap fried calamari dusted in lemon pepper and paprika with red cabbage, coriander, mint salad and aioli which were both sensational.
Another great spot for divine dining is Coast Restaurant & Bar for stylish seaside dining and coastal cool cocktails. Their menu puts the spotlight firmly on local produce paired with inventive flavours. It's impossible to go past Hervey Bay scallops and save room for something sweet for dessert. Personally, we can't go past the killer espresso martinis!
Hervey Bay is no longer Queensland's secret getaway, it's ready for everyone to enjoy a piece of paradise and Seekia is the perfect base for a family holiday of fun in the sun.
Seekia Hervey Bay Holiday House is available to book online at alluxia with rates from $290 per night based on 6 guests. Minimum 2-night stay during low season and 4 night minimum stay in peak season.
The writer was a guest of Seekia. Images: IG @patriciagadd, IG @alluxia
