Although it's a little off the beaten path, the Emeraldene Inn & Eco-Lodge, true to its name, is a jewel of a property. Enveloped in lush tropical foliage -- home to a number of exotic birds including chatty parrots -- the motel is an oasis in the midst of a major business district.
Given the peaceful surroundings, you would not know that a major highway and hospital run alongside its perimeter. The rooms are clean and quiet, night or day, and comfortable without being fussy. We appreciated the complimentary coffee, tea and milk, as well as having access to a microwave and mini-fridge.
Although the lodge is not within walking distance of *downtown* Hervey Bay, it has made arrangements with a number of local businesses to offer free transportation to its guests. This is a savings of some $30 per one-way trip. We chose the Emeraldene as a stopping point before a week-long excursion to Lady Elliot Island Eco-Resort and it's a great option for those making that same journey.
In defense of its location, Hervey Bay doesn't have a central shopping or recreational district. It is actually six small cities strung out along a 12-mile bay front. The best meal we had was at the Hervey Bay Beach House with its water view and scrumptious seafood. It is one of several restaurants that offers a free ride to and from the Emeraldene.
But what makes the motor inn truly...Although it's a little off the beaten path, the Emeraldene Inn & Eco-Lodge, true to its name, is a jewel of a property. Enveloped in lush tropical foliage -- home to a number of exotic birds including chatty parrots -- the motel is an oasis in the midst of a major business district.
Given the peaceful surroundings, you would not know that a major highway and hospital run alongside its perimeter. The rooms are clean and quiet, night or day, and comfortable without being fussy. We appreciated the complimentary coffee, tea and milk, as well as having access to a microwave and mini-fridge.
Although the lodge is not within walking distance of *downtown* Hervey Bay, it has made arrangements with a number of local businesses to offer free transportation to its guests. This is a savings of some $30 per one-way trip. We chose the Emeraldene as a stopping point before a week-long excursion to Lady Elliot Island Eco-Resort and it's a great option for those making that same journey.
In defense of its location, Hervey Bay doesn't have a central shopping or recreational district. It is actually six small cities strung out along a 12-mile bay front. The best meal we had was at the Hervey Bay Beach House with its water view and scrumptious seafood. It is one of several restaurants that offers a free ride to and from the Emeraldene.
But what makes the motor inn truly special is its hospitality, courtesy of Lina Kasjan, who goes above and beyond to make her local and foreign visitors feel at home.
As for the rooms themselves, in addition to clean, crisp sheets and the aforementioned amenities, they are decorated with some of the outstanding Great Barrier Reef photos taken by the lodge's owner, Rob Lennon. His masterful images got us psyched up for our own reef experience on Lady Elliot. Each room also has a complete guide to the area, including transportation options, restaurants and even where to view kangeroos. If you like, you can rent movie DVDs for a nominal price from the office.
All in all, the Emeraldene is an affordable option for anyone planning to visit the Great Barrier Reef. If you choose to not avail yourself of dining options downtown, the lodge offers a barbecue area to its guests, too, complete with a swimming pool. The better to get to know your fellow guests and Lina! When we say you will feel right at home, we could imagine ourselves living there easily.More
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