Sea Shanties

Sea Shanties at Amity Point is a little piece of paradise, set on the water's edge with a view across the bay to Moreton Island. 

Take a step back in time and enjoy the kind of holiday where bare feet, shorts and swimmers are all that's needed and watches can be left on the bedside table. Here, you can switch off from the mainland and on to island time.

These quaint little cabins are reminiscent of fishing shacks of days gone by and there's a good reason for this. The cabins were once owned by the army and located on Moreton Island. In 1949 they were transported across the bay to North Stradbroke Island where they became an integral part of the Amity Point fishing village.

Current owner, Elizabeth Burns has renovated and refurbished the Sea Shanties and whilst on the outside they still resemble the original buildings, inside they are fresh, modern, comfortable and very well equipped with everything needed for a relaxing beach holiday. Floor to ceiling louvres and large windows allow both the sea breezes and plenty of light to flow through the interior. Each cabin has its own full sized bathroom.

Bedding configurations vary between cabins and accommodate four to six people with one cabin being wheelchair friendly. The fur babies are welcome here too with four of the cabins being pet friendly. Two cabins have absolute waterfront positions and enjoy breathtaking views across the lawn and the bay.

The one acre property and it's grounds are beautifully maintained and include stunning old gum trees, native shrubs, bromeliads and a wide expanse of green lawn leading down to the private jetty, rock wall and waterfront. Those keen on fishing are well catered for with a private jetty and rock wall making the perfect spots to whet the line. A fish cleaning bench and sink are also found on the waterfront for those lucky enough to catch a feed. A spotlight on the jetty means that fishing can also continue into the evening.

Birdlife, wildlife and marine life abound with whistling kites, ospreys, rainbow lorikeets, sulphur crested cockatoos, pelicans, plovers, curlews, terns and of course, seagulls being frequent visitors. Dolphin sightings just out from the private jetty are almost guaranteed and turtles, wobbegong sharks and a variety of colorful fish can also be spotted. 

The occasional wallaby visits the property but the stars of the show at Sea Shanties are the resident koalas. There's a very healthy colony of koalas at Amity Point and it's not unusual to see four or five dotted amongst the trees around the cabins. It's quite a sight to see a female koala with a very tiny baby clinging to her back as she climbs to the very top of a large gum.

An ideal place for family holidays, Sea Shanties has playground equipment and a swing for the  younger members of the family and the front lawn is big enough for them to have a run around. Whilst there's no pool on the property, a very inviting swimming enclosure is just a short walk away. 

Leave Sea Shanties via the back gate and discover Sea Shells Cafe where good coffee and enjoyable food can be found. The Amity Point  Community Club is also an option for those who want a holiday from cooking. The local store, Amity Point General Dealers stocks a good variety of food and basic essentials and is also just a short stroll away. 

And seafood lovers couldn't have it any better with Rufus King Seafoods just down the road, so if the fishing doesn't go as planned, a seafood dinner is definitely still do-able. 

A very well equipped camp kitchen is available for guests' use and includes an industrial sized oven, two BBQs, microwave, kettle, toaster, full size freezer, two large fridges, cutlery, crockery, glasses, washing up facilities and so much more. Under a marquee in front of the camp kitchen guests will find two long wooden tables and chairs - the perfect spot to gather over drinks as the sun sets over the bay.

"Club Hollywood" (situated behind the camp kitchen) provides a space where groups can gather to play board games, cards, watch the large flat screen TV or just chill out. Another BBQ can be found here and an adjacent building houses a modern laundry, toilets and a shower. An outdoor shower is also located behind the camp kitchen for those wanting to rinse off before heading inside.

Hosts and Managers, Lyn and Neil offer a warm welcome to Sea Shanties and are only too happy to offer advice or assistance. Ask Lyn about the Woolworths online shopping service, which is available to guests on set days. For those not bringing their car to the island, Lyn and Neil offer a courtesy pick up and drop off service to and from the ferry. A vehicular ferry operated by Stradbroke Ferries leaves from Cleveland regularly as does the water taxi.

Nice to know - The grounds of Sea Shanties can be hired for wedding ceremonies and photographs and the cabins are perfectly set up for accommodating wedding guests. The property is also a great venue for retreats and workshops, offering a peaceful and relaxing environment. Ideal for groups, Sea Shanties provides the opportunity to gather as a group in either the camp kitchen or Club Hollywood whilst at the end of the day everyone can retreat to the privacy of their own accommodation. Sea Shanties can accommodate 31 people in 7 cabins.  Why not get organised and plan a visit to this well hidden gem where it seems as if time stands blissfully still.

Need to know - On site parking is available, however it is not under cover. There's a small but easy walk from the car park to some cabins.

By Sandy Ludinski

Must Do Brisbane was a guest of Sea Shanties.