Computershare’s Chris Morris bulks up his tourism portfolio with a Gold Coast purchase

The Computershare co-founder and tourism entrepreneur has added to his growing portfolio of luxury tourism assets.

Hazlewood estate

Computershare co-founder and tourism entrepreneur Chris Morris has added to his growing portfolio of luxury tourism assets with the off-market purchase of the Hazelwood Estate, a luxury retreat in the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland.

Speaking from the UK overnight, Mr Morris said the Scenic Rim estate, replete with polo fields and 20 luxury accommodation suites, would appeal to the conference market more than his existing luxury country cattle station property and island retreat in Far North Queensland, which are more attuned to the leisure traveller.

It is understood he purchased the Gold Coast hinterland retreat — which covers around 75 acres and sports a spa and restaurant as well as a polo field — for around $16m in an off-market transaction, according to sources. The selling agents declined to comment on the price citing confidentiality clauses.

“I plan to just keep it running and I plan to change a few things, it’s only been there since September, it’s a luxe resort,” Mr Morris told The Australian.

“There’s obvious synergies in marketing with my other resorts — Orpheus Island and Mt Mulligan Lodge,” he said.

“It is more of a conference venue than the other resorts.”

Mr Morris, a significant pub owner as well as the owner of a casino in Townsville, The Ville Resort-Casino, said he would continue to search for more tourism assets.

“We are always looking.”

Computershare co-founder Chris Morris has relinquished executive duties to become Computershare’s non-executive chairman.

Developed by Queensland businesswoman, Claire Northcott, Hazelwood Estate, is pitched at the wedding and event sector. It fronts Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont, around one hour from Coolangatta Airport and is opposite the Lamington National Park, which is known for its lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls.

In a statement Claire Northcote said: “We are proud to have developed a world class tourism asset, opening the door for luxury travellers to experience a truly spectacular part of the Scenic Rim. We are delighted that Chris and the Morris family have seen the potential in Hazelwood and the region.”

Hazelwood’s selling agent Wayne Bunz, a director of CBRE, said he deliberately targeted Mr Morris as a purchaser of the property given the hinterland estate would complement the Computershare co-founder’s existing rural and island properties.

“We targeted Chris because this is a unique, experiential property,” Mr Bunz said.