Serenity by the Sea: Island Waterfront Oasis

PLEASE NOTE: Redland City Council's current City Plan prohibits short-term accommodation (less than 3 months) in character residential zones. Discounted rates are available for extended stays.

Serenity by the Sea (serenitybythesea.com.au) is a comfortably-furnished, Hamptons-style waterfront cottage ideally suited for longer stays. Set in a serene oasis overlooking neighbouring islands, it’s the perfect place to read or write a book with nothing but nature to distract you! Up for a bit more adventure? Explore this paradise on foot, paddle the supplied kayak around the islands or try your luck with crab pots. With fast Wifi and 4G phone reception, you'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer location for a Zoom call!

This sub-tropical gem is 52km from Brisbane Airport and 96km from Gold Coast Airport. Karragarra Island is just 15 minutes by passenger ferry or 35 minutes by car barge to/from bustling Redland Bay Marina.

Set on almost ¼ acre, the cosy “Settler’s Cottage” is among Karragarra Island's earliest homes. Extensions, a charming waterfront gazebo and a recent Hamptons-style renovation have combined its rustic charm with modern features and comforts.

Upstairs:
The master bedroom is an expansive retreat spanning the entire top floor, with breathtaking water and garden views. A reading nook overlooks the bay across to Lamb Island and North Stradbroke Island; the dormer window nestles two luxurious split-king Tempur fully adjustable beds (German-made Froli electric bases with independent suspension) for optimal sleeping comfort.

Downstairs:
On the main level, you’ll find a modern bathroom with a shower and whisper-quiet Bosch washing machine. Watch sunrises through the bright kitchen window as you brew your morning tea or coffee (Nespresso and plunge-coffee makers provided). The dining area’s solid timber table seats four and also takes in the water views.

Off the kitchen, a large screened-in porch provides the ideal setting for alfresco dining - enjoy sea breezes and water views while preparing meals with the outdoor kitchen’s gas cooktop.

The expansive lounge room is a modern addition to the original cottage and provides a generous living area that takes in spectacular water views at one end, with large glass doors opening onto a sheltered porch at the other. Among room amenities are comfortable sofas, Samsung 4k TV and a lounge that also converts into a bed suitable for two people. The entire lounge becomes a spacious private domain by simply closing the sliding barn doors.

The mains-powered gazebo epitomises “Serenity by the Sea”: it’s literally a few steps from the shoreline, and the gazebo’s power outlets, comfortable outdoor furniture and Weber BBQ have most of your creature comforts covered (including a handy outdoor shower).

Suited for stays of 3 months or longer, Serenity by the Sea is an idyllic place for "workcations", sabbaticals, or a charming "home-away-from-home" to escape winter or inclement weather. If you’re thinking about relocating to the Bay Islands, "try before you buy" by experiencing a few months living in the heart of the SMBI group first - have an ideal base while searching for or building your island paradise.

Karragarra Island is the smallest of the four South Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) and is well-serviced by TransLink's integrated bus, train, ferry and tram network. Frequent fast passenger ferries operate from 4:15am until late, and it's also free to take your bicycle or dog along! Tap your GoCard on the ferry at Redland Bay Marina and Karragarra is just 15 minutes away! SeaLink also operates frequent car barges (35 minutes travel time by vehicle ferry).

Take advantage of FREE inter-island ferry travel to visit and explore the other local islands' markets, cafes and amenities like golf and lawn bowls. Or just “keep it local” and enjoy family-friendly swimming in Karragarra's netted swimming enclosure or peaceful strolls along Karragarra's sandy beaches and nature reserves. Karragarra’s western beach and outdoor public picnic and BBQ areas are wonderful places for sunsets; meet friendly locals and enjoy conversation and a cuppa at Karragarra's Community Gardens.

It's easiest to shop for groceries online (Woolworths provides doorfront delivery on Karragarra). Willow & Oak (25 High Central Rd, MacLeay Island) is among the many boutique shops on the larger islands offering wonderful coffees, cakes, fresh fruit and vegetables; supermarkets on Macleay (Spar) and Russell (IGA) ensure most everything you may need is within the Bay Islands community. All inter-island ferry travel is free!

Passenger ferries ("clockwise" travel to Karragarra from Redland Bay Marina):
https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/ferry/t/southern-moreton-bay-island-ferry/clockwise/

Passenger ferries ("counter-clockwise" travel from Karragarra to Redland Bay Marina):
https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/ferry/t/southern-moreton-bay-island-ferry/counterclockwise/

SeaLink Vehicle ferries (book in advance):
https://www.sealinkseq.com.au/transport-options/timetables/bay-islands-vehicle-ferry-new

Moreton Bay Marine Park map:
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/163487/map3-zoningplus.pdf

Southern Islands information:
https://www.visitredlandscoast.com.au/discover/places-to-discover/coastal-islands/southern-islands

Karragarra Island Services:
http://www.redlandsdisasterplan.com.au/karragarra-island/karragarra-island-services/

Dugong information:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/d/dugong/