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Courier-Mail
26-06-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Australia's ghosted islands, resorts abandoned and under siege
A shocking tale of neglect and abandoned opportunities is unfolding in one of Australia's most cherished regions as a dozen once-thriving island resorts lie in ruins. Critics warn the derelict properties are a blight on the pristine beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, left to decay by absentee owners who have turned their backs on resorts that were once jewels of the tourism industry. MORE: Foreign investor's abandoned island for sale 'Not safe': Abandoned Aus skate rink exposed MORE: All the tax write offs Aussies can claim ATO's dragnet: Millions of side hustles face shock tax bill From cyclone-ravaged Double Island, once held by billionaire Benny Wu and now under state control, to the ghostly remains of Hinchinbrook Island Resort, these islands are a haunting reminder of what could have been. The Queensland government, under Premier David Crisafulli, is cracking down – issuing ultimatums to negligent owners to either revive their properties or face losing their leases. The economic impact is undeniable, with a government inquiry into island resorts warning such long-abandoned sites represent a colossal missed opportunity for the economy and the tourism industry. Pressure is building with the world spotlight set to focus on the region in a little over a handful of years when the Olympics are hosted in the state. SCROLL DOWN FOR LIST OF RESORTS MORE: Cash-strap student turns $40k to 38 homes Govt pays $3.3m for unliveable derelict house Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler expressed her dismay: 'It's disappointing to see so many of Queensland's island resorts closed. Island tourism put Queensland on the map decades ago, and whether or not visitors choose to stay on an island, these destinations remain critical to positioning Queensland as a leading holiday destination.' She said the need for investment was dire. 'Reinvigorating island resorts will require significant investment, particularly in infrastructure including transport to ensure accessibility, along with a reduction in red tape.' 'The industry that we represent tells us that streamlining operational and approval processes is essential to the long-term success of the state's island resorts.' MORE: Rate cut windfall: Aus big bank's shock new forecast Shock as city's distressed home listings surge 36pc in one month But there's a glimmer of hope. New investors, like Annie Cannon-Brookes – wife of billionaire co-founder of Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes – who bought the beleaguered Dunk Island – are being heralded as offering a chance to breathe new life back into forgotten paradises. Ms Wheeler said there are strong examples of success to draw from. 'Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island, and Daydream Island in the Whitsundays continue to perform well thanks to major investment, strong brand presence, and reliable access.' 'In Central Queensland, Heron, Wilson, and Lady Elliot Islands are thriving with eco-focused models that offer unique Great Barrier Reef experiences. Further north, Orpheus Island near Townsville stands out as a high-end, sustainably operated resort attracting premium travellers.' ABANDONED PARADISE: AUS RESORTS LEFT BEHIND 1. Double Island (Cairns Region) Status: Abandoned; resort in ruins. Ownership: Previously owned by Benny Wu; now state-owned. Current Status: Queensland government issued an ultimatum to redevelop or forfeit lease. 2. South Molle Island (Whitsundays) Status: Resort devastated by Cyclone Debbie in 2017; remains abandoned. Ownership: Previously purchased by a Chinese company; now under state control. Current Status: Up for sale; expressions of interest sought for redevelopment. 3. Lindeman Island (Whitsundays) Status: Club Med resort abandoned; uninhabited for nearly a decade. Ownership: Recently bought after 10 years of vacancy. Current Status: Restoration efforts began in early 2024. 4. Hook Island (Whitsundays) Status: Abandoned after Cyclone Anthony in 2011. Ownership: New owner plans eco-lodge development. Current Status: Development application for $40 million eco-lodge lodged. 5. Brampton Island (Mackay Region) Status: Resort closed; infrastructure deteriorating. Ownership: Owned by United Petroleum since 2010. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned; future uncertain. 6. Great Keppel Island (Yeppoon) Status: Resort deteriorating since 2008 financial crisis. Ownership: Ownership changes; current status unclear. Current Status: Efforts to revive resort ongoing. 7. Laguna Quays (Near Airlie Beach) Status: Resort closed shortly after opening due to bankruptcy. Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned. 8. Capricorn Resort (Yeppoon) Status: Closed in 2016 due to neglected facilities. Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned. 9. Keswick Island (Mackay Region) Status: Resort inactive; Chinese leaseholder controversies. Ownership: Owned by Chinese company; leaseholder issues. Current Status: Queensland government threatening to seize control. 10. Dunk Island – QLD Status: Iconic resort wiped out by Cyclone Yasi (2011). Current: Remains in ruins; several failed redevelopment attempts. Ownership: Privately owned (recently sold in 2022); no confirmed rebuild. 11. Hinchinbrook Island Resort – QLD Status: Luxury wilderness lodge closed after Cyclone Yasi. Current: Site vandalised and collapsing. Ownership: Privately owned; no development activity. 12. St Bees Island – QLD Status: Not necessarily rundown as under-utilised. Resort facilities are unused, the island is leased long-term. Current: Known for rock wallabies; tourism infrastructure inactive. Ownership: Private leaseholder. MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Australia's ghosted islands, resorts abandoned and under siege
A shocking tale of neglect and abandoned opportunities is unfolding in one of Australia's most cherished regions as a dozen once-thriving island resorts lie in ruins. Critics warn the derelict properties are a blight on the pristine beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, left to decay by absentee owners who have turned their backs on resorts that were once jewels of the tourism industry. From cyclone-ravaged Double Island, once held by billionaire Benny Wu and now under state control, to the ghostly remains of Hinchinbrook Island Resort, these islands are a haunting reminder of what could have been. The Queensland government, under Premier David Crisafulli, is cracking down – issuing ultimatums to negligent owners to either revive their properties or face losing their leases. The economic impact is undeniable, with a government inquiry into island resorts warning such long-abandoned sites represent a colossal missed opportunity for the economy and the tourism industry. Pressure is building with the world spotlight set to focus on the region in a little over a handful of years when the Olympics are hosted in the state. MORE: Cash-strap student turns $40k to 38 homes Govt pays $3.3m for unliveable derelict house Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler expressed her dismay: 'It's disappointing to see so many of Queensland's island resorts closed. Island tourism put Queensland on the map decades ago, and whether or not visitors choose to stay on an island, these destinations remain critical to positioning Queensland as a leading holiday destination.' She said the need for investment was dire. 'Reinvigorating island resorts will require significant investment, particularly in infrastructure including transport to ensure accessibility, along with a reduction in red tape.' 'The industry that we represent tells us that streamlining operational and approval processes is essential to the long-term success of the state's island resorts.' But there's a glimmer of hope. New investors, like Annie Cannon-Brookes - wife of billionaire co-founder of Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes - who bought the beleaguered Dunk Island – are being heralded as offering a chance to breathe new life back into forgotten paradises. Ms Wheeler said there are strong examples of success to draw from. 'Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island, and Daydream Island in the Whitsundays continue to perform well thanks to major investment, strong brand presence, and reliable access.' 'In Central Queensland, Heron, Wilson, and Lady Elliot Islands are thriving with eco-focused models that offer unique Great Barrier Reef experiences. Further north, Orpheus Island near Townsville stands out as a high-end, sustainably operated resort attracting premium travellers.' 1. Double Island (Cairns Region) Status: Abandoned; resort in ruins. Ownership: Previously owned by Benny Wu; now state-owned. Current Status: Queensland government issued an ultimatum to redevelop or forfeit lease. 2. South Molle Island (Whitsundays) Status: Resort devastated by Cyclone Debbie in 2017; remains abandoned. Ownership: Previously purchased by a Chinese company; now under state control. Current Status: Up for sale; expressions of interest sought for redevelopment. 3. Lindeman Island (Whitsundays) Status: Club Med resort abandoned; uninhabited for nearly a decade. Ownership: Recently bought after 10 years of vacancy. Current Status: Restoration efforts began in early 2024. 4. Hook Island (Whitsundays) Status: Abandoned after Cyclone Anthony in 2011. Ownership: New owner plans eco-lodge development. Current Status: Development application for $40 million eco-lodge lodged. 5. Brampton Island (Mackay Region) Status: Resort closed; infrastructure deteriorating. Ownership: Owned by United Petroleum since 2010. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned; future uncertain. 6. Great Keppel Island (Yeppoon) Status: Resort deteriorating since 2008 financial crisis. Ownership: Ownership changes; current status unclear. Current Status: Efforts to revive resort ongoing. 7. Laguna Quays (Near Airlie Beach) Status: Resort closed shortly after opening due to bankruptcy. Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned. 8. Capricorn Resort (Yeppoon) Status: Closed in 2016 due to neglected facilities. Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear. Current Status: Resort remains abandoned. 9. Keswick Island (Mackay Region) Status: Resort inactive; Chinese leaseholder controversies. Ownership: Owned by Chinese company; leaseholder issues. Current Status: Queensland government threatening to seize control. 10. Dunk Island – QLD Status: Iconic resort wiped out by Cyclone Yasi (2011). Current: Remains in ruins; several failed redevelopment attempts. Ownership: Privately owned (recently sold in 2022); no confirmed rebuild. 11. Hinchinbrook Island Resort – QLD Status: Luxury wilderness lodge closed after Cyclone Yasi. Current: Site vandalised and collapsing. Ownership: Privately owned; no development activity. 12. St Bees Island – QLD Status: Not necessarily rundown as under-utilised. Resort facilities are unused, the island is leased long-term. Current: Known for rock wallabies; tourism infrastructure inactive.
News.com.au
20-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Deserted private island with abandoned resort up for sale
A deserted Queensland island with a derelict resort abandoned by its Chinese investor owner is officially up for grabs after years of mystery over its future. The 28-hectare South Molle Island is the second derelict resort island in the Whitsundays to hit the market in the past few months, after the Queensland government seized Double Island for re-sale off Hong Kong billionaire Benny Wu in June last year. The Queensland Government has threatened to strip more owners of abandoned island tourism properties of their leases though it is not known if South Molle Island was subject to that. All the tax write offs Aussies can claim The abandoned resort was bought by China Capital Investment Group in 2016, which also owned Daydream Island and Spa, but the following year sustained heavy damage during Cyclone Debbie. It has been in a derelict state but because part of the island is national park, a new jetty was built to allow visitors to access the walking trails. China Capital has previously listed South Molle Island for sale in 2023, but the property is time listed with HTL Property's Andrew Jackson, Andrew Jolliffe and Paul Nyholt who officially launched the expressions of interest campaign Friday. Agents expect strong interest given the Whitsundays popularity with both Australian and offshore richlist families, with the ideal candidate being a new investor, hotelier or developer willing to take on the rebuild. 'The island has previously been home to the Adventure Island Whitsundays resort, which comprised 188 rooms and premium facilities ranging from multiple resort pools to a golf course,' said HTL Property's managing director, Andrew Jolliffe. Govt pays $3.3m for unliveable derelict house The island is ripe for rejuvenation for a bold buyer, with Mr Jolliffe expecting to see strong interest given several islands in the Whitsundays have successfully been scooped up for redevelopment since the pandemic including Long Island, Lizard Island, Dunk Island and Hook Island. Mr Jackson, who is HTL Property's national accommodation director, said 'new resort developments in the Whitsundays, such as Hook Island's upcoming eco-resort and the ultra exclusive Elysian Retreat on Long Island, highlight the surging market interest in new accommodation in the region'. 'Recently opened and upcoming accommodation in the area ranges in scale between higher density resort complexes with 150-plus rooms to private, boutique experiences with as little as 10 rooms, illustrating the fact that there's no limit to what you can do with the advantageous positioning and peerless appeal of the Whitsundays.' Shock as city's distressed home listings surge 36pc in one month The island is being marketed as a 'one-of-a-kind development opportunity' given its stunning Whitsundays location which sees millions of visitors a year given its proximity to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Among those are yachties including New Zealanders Anna and Angus Willison who in January last year flagged major concern over looting and destruction of abandoned sites in a column for Yachting Monthly. 'Every island that we visited in the Whitsundays had the skeletons and rubble of once very busy and well-loved resorts. I was saddened to see decaying buildings left to be looted and destroyed by visitors – a pile of garbage and a blot on an otherwise pristine beach,' the couple said, flagging South Molle as one they dropped anchor at. HTL Property director Paul Nyholt believes that strong tourism trend is set to continue. 'South Molle Island offers tremendous growth and unlimited upside potential for a buyer with the vision to further develop the property's natural beauty,' he said. The firm said the property's prime location and unparalleled natural beauty 'make it an attractive prospect for those looking to enter the Australian resort market or expand an existing portfolio with complete control over the scope of the site'. No date has been set for the closure of the international expression of interest campaign.
