Tim Gurner lodges $60m ultra-luxury plan for Port Douglas site

Celebrity property developer Tim Gurner is venturing out of Melbourne with plans for a mixed-use $60m development in Port Douglas.

Tim Gurner has submitted plans for a $60m boutique ultra-luxury wellness, hotel and private residences retreat in Port Douglas, on beachfront land at Four Mile Beach.

Celebrity property developer Tim Gurner is venturing out of Melbourne with plans for a mixed-use $60m development in Far North Queensland’s tourism town of Port Douglas.

Gurner, the multibillion-dollar development company, recently lodged plans for 16 ultra-luxury boutique homes, which will be priced from $900,000 to $6m, plus a further 18 boutique hotel rooms with absolute water views and direct beach access to Four Mile Beach.

Mr Gurner aims to recreate some of Australia’s most iconic eastern seaboard tourism resorts with his Port Douglas development.

“When you look at what Antony Catalano has been able to do with Rae’s in Byron Bay offering something truly special and unique, and what the Oatleys have done with Qualia on Hamilton Island, they are without question a big inspiration for what we are doing,” Mr Gurner said.

“We want to ensure that Far North Queensland has a similar offering at that level for Australians and internationals visiting the reef and the wider region.”

Subject to Douglas Shire Council approval, construction on the 69-73 Murphy Street site will commence the middle of next year.

Architects Powell and Glenn are designing the project in collaboration with Wolveridge Architects.

Landscape architect Myles Baldwin, meanwhile, plans to create a lavish tropical oasis filled with greenery, pools and a variety of private landscaped retreats and palms. Design elements include dual-sided terraces, pitched roofs and plantation shutters along with reflection pools and private relaxation retreats dotted around the property.

An artist’s impression of the development.

“We will not be doing any of this by halves; people can expect it to be something truly special when it is complete — private, luxurious, homely and welcoming at every point.”

Mr Gurner said the project marked a new chapter for the Gurner brand with plans for a significant expansion across complementary sectors, including tourism, accommodation, food and beverages.

“These next few years will be all about pushing the boundaries of our portfolio and recreating the luxury experience we provide to our apartment residents, at a much larger scale.”

In Melbourne, Mr Gurner recently sold out of his St Moritz development in the trendy suburb of St Kilda where he had introduced a spa, sauna, ice baths, cryotherapy, pool and treatment rooms. He has similar plans for Port Douglas.