Hervey Bay Sheraton to include stunning dive and snorkelling centre

Designers involved in the 21-storey, $445m Sheraton proposed for a regional Qld town have revealed plans for a stunning, beachside oasis in the resort where visitors will be able to dive and snorkel.

The proposed $445 million five-star Sheraton resort in Hervey Bay will include Australia’s deepest themed dive and snorkelling facility if it is approved by the Fraser Coast council, with plans to create a natural oasis as the hotel’s centrepiece.

Television and media personality Jamie Durie was in Hervey Bay on Thursday to unveil the project, which will be designed as an interpretation of the tropical Queensland coastline.

“Imagine stepping out of your five-star resort suite and entering a preview of the natural wonders of the region that surround us before an adventure in the exclusive Ocean Odyssey Deep Dive Australasia facility,” Mr Durie said.

The 21-storey resort will go before the council for approval in May 2024.

“Imagine swimming into the gaping jaw of a humpback whale or navigating around a rusted shipwreck, creating lifelong memories in this magical place, all in the safety of your own hotel,” Mr Durie said.

“These opportunities could be a reality if our project is approved.

Graphic designs of the Sheraton oasis at Hervey Bay, which will offer snorkelling and diving.

Graphic designs of the oasis, which will offer snorkelling and diving.

“Last week we were in Hervey Bay to show some select community members our plans and the support we received was simply overwhelming.

“Working together, we can turn this amazing vision into an amazing reality.”

Ocean Odyssey Deep Dive Australasia would feature a spectacular aquatic environment populated with marine life replicas amid a seascape of coral bustling with local fish species.

Graphic designs of the Hervey Bay oasis, which will offer snorkelling and diving.

The proposed development would feature a mix of residential, resort, retail and luxury entertainment options, including 424 private apartments in addition to hotel rooms, business lounge, fitness centre, international standard 400-seat function and conference space and a destination roof top bar overlooking the bay.

It would generate an estimated 1350 new jobs across the life of the project and attract new tourists to the Fraser Coast.

Jamie Durie with the designs of the proposed Hervey Bay Sheraton oasis.

Designs of the snorkelling and diving oasis planned for Hervey Bay's Sheraton resort.

Mr Durie will be at Hervey Bay’s Stockland Shopping Centre in coming days to talk to local residents about the planned hotel.

Sunny Beach Land director Dan Cuda said the hotel would be the largest, most luxurious hotel between Brisbane and Cairns if it was approved and would put the Fraser Coast region on the map as a “must-visit global tourism destination”.

Graphic designs of the oasis, which will offer snorkelling and diving at the Hervey Bay Sheraton.

“Now we are also excited to reveal we’re in the early planning stages for a resort oasis and themed deep dive and snorkelling facility unlike anything seen in Australia before,” he said.

“Our project will shortly go before the Fraser Coast Regional Council for approval and it’s clear that a majority of the community want it to go ahead.

“The contribution this development would make to the region in terms of the economy, business, tourism, employment and reputation is unprecedented and we look forward to making further announcements about our plans soon.”

Originally published as Hervey Bay Sheraton to include stunning dive and snorkelling centre