‘Unrivalled’ tourism, agribusiness property opportunity as travel tycoon leaves FNQ

Travel tycoon Sir Mike Gooley is leaving behind his Aussie legacy of a luxury lodge and successful cattle business, offering a rare chance to secure a slice of paradise in the Far North.

Nestled between the lush Daintree Rainforest and the shores of the Coral Sea sits this rare opportunity to acquire a slice of paradise - and it could go for a “bargain” price.

The Cape Tribulation luxury eco lodge and successful agribusiness of global travel industry tycoon Sir Mike Gooley is on the market, one of the last steps in the divesting of his Australian assets.

Listing agent Stacey Quaid, of Colliers Cairns, said the property was unparalleled in terms of beauty and productivity.

“This isn’t just any vacation spot, it’s an escape,” Mr Quaid said.

“The opportunity to acquire such an unrivalled property together with Sir Mike’s larger cattle agribusiness portfolio is few and far between.”

Bloomfield Lodge at Cape Tribulation’s Weary Bay has been awarded World’s Best Remote Hotel. Picture: Imagination Photography

The portfolio offers a substantial combined area of 4378ha, made up of the Bloomfield Wilderness Lodge, Port Bloomfield, Mount Louis Cattle Station and Laura Valley Cattle Station.

The defunct remote eco-certified wilderness lodge attracted global attention when it was purchased by Sir Gooley in 1990, including being named Forbes Magazine’s “World’s Best Remote Hotel” in 2010.

Surrounded by two UNESCO World Heritage destinations, the lodge is based at Weary Bay and only accessible by charter plane, helicopter or boat.

Along with luxury suites, guest amenities include a fitness centre, library and swimming pool, restaurant, workers facilities and a private jetty.

This is not the first time Sir Gooley has tried to sell the lodge - it originally hit the market in 2015 and again in 2021, the asking price dropping from $18m to $10m in March this year.

Though no price guide is currently set, Mr Quaid hinted that figure could go lower still.

“Sir Mike’s not coming back to Australia ... he’s been very clear about his commitment to sell, and will respond to the market,” he said.

The lodge was placed in “hibernation” six years ago, though caretakers have kept the property well-maintained and recent upgrades include a full jetty re-build.

“It’s not been left to rot and ruin, it could be operational in a matter of weeks,” Mr Quaid said.

The luxury suites of the Bloomfield Wilderness Lodge are nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Imagination Photography

Along with the lodge are two highly profitable cattle farming enterprises in the surrounding regions – arguably some of the most picturesque and fertile lands in Far North Queensland.

“The biggest testament to the quality of the land is just looking at the cattle, they’re gorgeous,” Mr Quaid said.

“The Mount Louis station is one of the prettiest you’ll find.”

Mount Louis Cattle Station was originally settled in 1882, where the farm became one of the first places in Queensland to grow sugar cane commercially.

“Incorporating an expanse of improvements, the station has been developed into not only a fully equipped cattle station but also a private retreat for visitors to the region,” Mr Quaid said.

To the southwest of the station sits an architecturally designed guesthouse and to the northwest is a staff homestead, which incorporates original 19th century elements from the first settlement.

A 1100m bitumen runway makes the station accessible by air.

Mount Louis Station offers tourism options alongside the successful cattle breeding station at the base of Mount Louis and Mount Annie. Picture: Tony Gorrell/Imagination Photography

Less than 100km away sits more recent addition Laura Valley Station, dissected by the waters of the Laura River with newly-built shed, cattle yards and workers accommodation.

“Strategically positioned along the river, the property operates as a cattle breeding station to supplement Mount Louis,” Mr Quaid said.

“Equipped with all the essentials for a successful cattle station, the property has recently undergone nearly half a million dollars in improvements.”

Mr Quaid said the portfolio was made particularly desirable by being sold as freehold land, allowing its new owners to truly realise their vision for property.

Sir Gooley founded Trailfinders in 1970, the UK’s largest independent travel company which operated in Australia until 2011.

He was knighted last year for his service to tourism business and charity.

This substantial tourism and agricultural opportunity is for sale by expressions of interest closing Thursday, December 1, at 4pm, through Colliers Cairns.

Originally published as ‘Unrivalled’ tourism, agribusiness property opportunity as travel tycoon leaves FNQ