Svendsens Beach

I went to Carl and Lyndie's place with four other musicians as a break in our tour, and it was absolutely paradise. We were divided amongst the house and one of the tents, and it was all really comfortable, a spitting distance from the beach. But the best part was definitely the depth of knowledge that Carl and Lyndie shared with us so openly - taking us out on the kayaks to the mangroves at nightfall, telling us the best snorkelling spots, taking us on the boat to some of the surrounding islands and even having a jam with us on the beach. Absolutely going to visit again!!

This extraordinary retreat offers a unique holiday experience. Lyndie and Carl are your friendly and caring hosts. They use their great skill as artist and craftsman to create a beautiful environment that also celebrates the nature of the island. By making comfort in simple and elegant ways they enabled us to have an experience of Barrier Reef Island life in an affordable way - away from the bustle and noise of the built-up areas. It's peaceful, beautiful, natural and friendly. Thanks indeed, Lindy and Carl. I can't wait to get back.

I just came back from a one week getaway with my friend at Svendsen’s Beach Retreat on Great Keppel Island. My friend lives in Melbourne and I live in Brisbane so being reunited was wonderful, and spending a week at Svendsen's Beach Retreat made our week together even more special! From the moment Lyndie picked us up at the ferry stop in her boat to our departure a week later crossing the island on the back of Lyndie and Carl’s quad bike we had both been pinching ourselves, being astonished everyday.
Lyndie’s bubbly and warm personality made us feel like she was an old friend. She made us laugh so much telling us fascinating stories. Her husband Carl is very passionate about the island he grew up on, and he was always happy to share his knowledge and answer our many questions.
Svendsen's is a little eco-heaven where you feel straight away relaxed and connected with nature. It’s a really unique experience. The safari tents and the studio built by Lyndie and Carl are really great! They offer you all the comfort you need, but also make you aware and more mindful of your environmental foot print.
My friend and I stayed a week in the studio which has a really nice view of the beach, and we could have definitely stayed longer. There is something for absolutely everyone. You can relax and recharge by the sea or if you feel adventurous, the island is a wonderland to explore. Each day there is place for a little adventure: kayaking, snorkelling (corals, green turtles, a lot of colourful fishes…), hiking (there is a great network of walks starting from the retreat), watching the moon and stars through Carl’s telescope, singing or lipsyncing along with Lyndie playing her guitar on the beach at sunset…. The capacity of the place is a maximum of 6 people so you can have your privacy if you wish, or socialise whenever you feel like it.
It’s definitely a wonderful romantic getaway or a great place to share quality time with a friend. And Keppel Island has the most beautiful crystal clear water and sandy beaches. We’ll be back for sure.
Thank you again Lyndie and Carl for everything!

Beautiful place to stay, amazing couple who host, so many incredible hand made things that they have added to the accomodation and overall area, you can snorkel from the home beach, take the kayaks out, hike over to some of the more secluded and remote beaches and bays. The cooking facilities are great. It is certainly the most comfortable “camping” I have ever experienced. Overall one of the best getaways I’ve had! Highly recommended particularly if you have an adventurous spirit and like to enjoy all that nature has to offer.

This is a magic place, both the scenery and the couple who greet you there. Lyndie and Carl, who run the tiny eco resort and have lived on the island for many years, show a genuine love of the place and a deep and thorough knowledge. Carl is a fairly quiet man until he gets talking about things he is passionate about, when you get a glimpse of just how much he knows about the ocean, the land and the sky. His enthusiasm comes out when he greets you on the beach on a starry night, brings out his flashlight, and shows you fish and other creatures that only he knows how to find. Lyndie has a talent for making people feel welcome, and she will join you for an afternoon and make it that much more special. She joined us for an afternoon of snorkelling and, like Carl, was able to show us how to spot the tortoise that we would have overlooked. A highlight of the stay was when Lyndie showed up on our section of the beach one night with a wagon with a guitar, song books and cake tins as percussion instruments. We had a wonderful singalong as the sun set on that beautiful island.

The saying rings true “that people make the place”
From the moment we set foot on the shores of Great Keppel Island and the warm welcome we received.

Svendsen’s Beach is a true hideaway, secluded on the other side of the island we’re Lyndie and Carl have managed to create and maintain a little patch of paradise on earth.

A short distance from the hustle and bustle of a metropolis.
This extraordinarily humble and precious duo, with incredibly pure souls and passion for their Island, work tirelessly to protect and be the voice for so many endangered species of wildlife and habitat, which if not for their efforts will no longer be available for future generations.

Continuing to ignore what our waterways and planet are saying will result in complete destruction of this and many other remarkable destinations.

We learnt so much in our short stay, to appreciate what we take for granted day to day and preserve what nature provides by minimizing our environmental footprint, thank you for sharing your home, knowledge, kindness and hospitality.

A unique duo with an extraordinary life and mission to educate the rest of us, thank you thank you thank you.

A destination not to be overlooked with the best this planet has to offer, spectacular coral, magic sunset sky’s, sights and sounds to behold and pristine beaches xxx

Huge thank you Grace and Alan

Most beautiful beaches, paddling, snorkelling and swimming. Great accomodation at Svendsens and lovely hosts. Couldn't ask for anything better. We will be back.

Amazing caring hosts. Carl is setting up his telescope for us to view Saturns moons

A beautiful slice of heaven. We felt so at home here and couldn't think of a better place to relax and celebrate my 30th birthday.

A great, serene place to relax. No words can do justice to this place, the photos speak for themselves.

Fantastic and totally relaxing...

Lovely relaxing hideaway nestled in the trees

Lovely place, quiet, peaceful

Such a beautiful spot

Amazing part of the world .

Absolutely beautiful

Perfect place to be !