Peloris Private Island: Chris Morris confirms resort lease covers secluded slice of island

High-profile developer Chris Morris has apologised for using the term “private island” to describe an exclusive new retreat for the ultra-wealthy.

Pelorus Private Island in North Queensland offers wealthy travellers a secluded and indulgent hideaway among the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

High-profile developer Chris Morris has apologised for using the term “private island” to describe an exclusive new retreat for the ultra-wealthy.

The executive chairman of Morris Group confirmed on Tuesday that the $20,000 a night Pelorus Private Island resort legally encompassed just 4000 square metres of the 990-acre island.

“I apologise, all we have is a small lease.”

In addition to the potentially problematic name, the resort website also states that the island was “recently acquired by the Morris family in 2017”.

Mr Morris clarified that the majority of the island – which falls under the trusteeship of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council – remained accessible to locals and visitors.

He said the name was a marketing tool to appeal to the rich and famous from around Australia and the world and like his neighbouring Orpheus Island Lodge did not encompass the entire island.

He said that along with The Ville Resort-Casino, Orpheus, the Ardo luxury hotel, Pelorus Private Island was designed to bolster tourism in the Townsville region.

New photos reveal ultra-luxe NQ island resort

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Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo confirmed that the island had not been sold, as some people in the community were led to believe following news the swanky resort had opened.

He said the island remained an essential reserve for recreational purposes for not only North Queenslanders but also tourists.

“The island remains open to the public,” he said.

Cr Jayo said that even claims the resort was situated on a “private beach” were misleading in that the lease only extended to the high-water mark.

“(The beach) is available to the public and always has been available to the public.”

He reiterated that the island remained under the trusteeship of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and that resort area was “under a special lease to Morris Group.”

He said the “historical special lease” with the state government had been in existence for about 50 to 60 years and had been tendered for sale by the former lessee.

Cr Jayo said that traditionally, special leases of that nature were for periods of about 30 years.

According to Morris Group, the price tag for the “ultra-luxe accommodation offering” includes five luxurious suites, a private chef, gourmet meals, a full bar, guided jet-ski tours, Great Barrier Reef excursions and “unlimited” boat charters.

The resort, which can only be accessed by helicopter or superyacht from either Townsville or Cairns, is a happy addition to Morris Group’s $418m North Queensland tourism portfolio.

Originally published as Peloris Private Island: Chris Morris confirms resort lease covers secluded slice of island