When the storm clouds roll in at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat at Hervey Bay, it's a signal for the Krefft turtles to start laying eggs.
The species occurs only in Queensland and is the only short-necked freshwater turtle east of the Great Dividing Range. There is a large colony of the turtles at the Hervey Bay fauna retreat.
Sanctuary Lakes sits in a former National Park and is 300 metres from the water and a short boat ride to K'gari (Fraser Island). The lake at the retreat is teeming with bird and marine life.
When Deb Schultz and partner Rod took management rights for Sanctuary Lakes 5 years ago, little did they appreciate the challenges ahead.
Business manager and proud Gummingurru woman Deb has ancestral links to the Jarowair mob in the Bunya Mountains, another beautiful Queensland natural attraction.
Now Hervey Bay business owners, not long after the couple took over the retreat, the state's tourism industry was hit with COVID lockdowns. Ironically the spaced-out design of the 36 cabins on the 4-hectare site allowed the retreat to keep trading and thrive.
"Many of the travelling salespeople and itinerant workers still needed accommodation and we picked up a long-term government contract which also helped keep us at 75% occupancy," said Deb.
The couple also knew the lockdowns weren't forever as they set about rebuilding the retreat as a destination for travellers looking for an interactive nature experience.
"We wanted to be international trade ready so with Tourism Queensland's assistance, we were able to jump on virtual meetings with the travel buyers from around the world.
"It was an experience, after 3 days of meetings we ended up securing contracts with international companies, our first group through were U.S.A. high school students.
"They've committed to sending 3 groups over the next 18 months, the youngsters really enjoyed the experience," said Deb.
In addition, the couple have locked in contracts with large international tour companies, with one global agency committing from April 2024 to bring groups of up to 16 travellers twice a month to enjoy the nature experience.
Apart from the turtles, there are possums, squirrel gliders, tawny frogmouth owls, and the odd python.
"When the guests check in, it's optional to register for our text alerts we send out whenever there is an event of interest happening such as the turtles hatching" said Deb.
"The turtles can lay eggs any time of the day and they are most active when it starts raining."
The Sanctuary Lakes and Fauna Retreat has 93 different bird species and is popular with the birdwatchers.
Business growth and resilience
Wishing to shore up their resilience to the seasonal visitor cycle and improve business growth, Deb and Rod successfully received a grant in November 2022 from the Queensland Government's Business Boosts Grants Program.
The program provides support to small and medium sized businesses to increase key capabilities, embrace innovation, and assist high-growth businesses to capitalise on opportunities.
They've used the grant for training and to update the resort's website to reflect refreshed branding.
From mid-July to early November, Hervey Bay is a popular destination for domestic and international visitors to go whale watching and see humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef to breed and give birth.
Post COVID, the part First Nations owned retreat is in good financial health, although like many businesses in Queensland, Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat is struggling to find staff.
Currently, Rod handles maintenance and helps Deb with front of house and the business management, while 3 housekeepers do the guest rooms.
Deb says they work through an employment agency and offer older persons a start who may have struggled to find a position elsewhere.
As the whale watching season draws to an end and the Hervey Bay storm season is about to thunder in, the Krefft turtles are working up to a productive summer of boosting the colony and welcoming guests from around the world.
More information
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) administers grants and programs, such as Business Boost, to help Queensland's small businesses continue to grow and thrive.
Potential grant applicants can register for a free Mentoring for Growth session where you discuss your current business opportunity or challenge with volunteer business mentors and get your business ready to apply for future grants.
Last updated 25 October 2023
