The Devils Marbles Hotel sold, with plans to transform it into a premier “Insta” destination
THE beloved Devils Marbles Hotel has been sold, and there are big plans for it in the future
Northern Territory
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THE Devils Marbles Hotel has sold for a cool $1.95 million, and the new owner plans to turn it into one of the nation’s premier “Insta” destinations.
The popular roadhouse, 116km outside of Tennant Creek, was put up for sale last year.
It was previously owned by Greg Targett, who invested more than $700,000 upgrading the infrastructure and rebranding the hotel into an award-winning destination.
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Mr Targett told the NT News in 2019 he worked tirelessly to grow the business and increase its turnover to $2.5 million from $1.3 million in 2012.
“We’re very proud … I think it’s time for someone else to make their contribution,” he said.
The hotel was bought by Zed Motels Group / Zed Hospitality Australia, a recently established accommodation and tourism group which also owns similar properties in Rockhampton, Queensland and Mungo National Park in New South Wales.
General manager Hector Xu said the company was thrilled to add the “oasis in the desert” to its portfolio.
“We fell in love with the hotel after we visited it for the first time last year, it is such a unique property,” he said.
“This is the perfect place to experience the great Australian outback.”
On Monday night the hotel won its fourth Hospitality NT Best Wayside Inn Dining Gold Plate Award, which Mr said confirmed he’d acquired a quality asset.
He said there were plans to expand the hotel, which currently boasts 16 powered sites, 10 unpowered sites, 16 cabins and camping options.
“At the moment the business is being run really well, but we would like to add our own unique touch,” he said.
“We would like to expand the accommodation capacity at the hotel as we struggle to house everyone that wants to stay and we would like to add more accommodation types.
“We will reassess renovation plans towards the end of the year as with the COVID-19 situation makes the future a bit uncertain.”
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He added there were plans to capitalise on the beauty of the area and transform it a premier Instagram destination.
“We are brainstorming and developing new experiences for people to enjoy,” he said.
“The Devils Marbles is spectacular and there is so much potential. Romantic dinners with the Marbles as the backdrop, stargazing, storytelling by an Indigenous guide that takes one back into the Dreamtime, the possibilities are endless.
“We think there is great potential here. We will continue to seek new opportunities, and we are looking forward to work with the communities to play our part in promoting the Territory.”
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