Morris family puts Daintree Ecolodge on the market as part of a shift to luxury tourism asset

A renowned tourism family has put its three Daintree Rainforest assets on the market as part of a strategic shift towards offering more ‘superelevated, luxury experiences’.

The Morris family’s Northern Escape Collection is offloading a trio of assets including the award-winning Daintree Ecolodge in a strategy that will refocus the group on its luxury tourism portfolio.

They have put the Daintree Ecolodge, Red Mill House Bed & Breakfast and Daintree Village in the world-heritage listed rainforest with forecasts that they will sell for more than $8m.

Northern Escape Collection founder Chris Morris the sale was part of a strategic shift for the Queensland-based tourism group.

“Daintree Ecolodge has delivered countless memorable experiences to guests of the Collection, the strategy for the group has shifted towards superelevated, luxury experiences such as those delivered at Orpheus Island Lodge, Mount Mulligan Lodge and an ultra-luxury experience that the group is set to launch toward the end of 2023 on Pelorus Island,” he said.

Mr Morris said the Northern Escape Collection and its parent company, Morris Group, would continue to reinvest in its luxury tourism portfolio, which includes superyacht business Morris Nautical, which features M.Y. Beluga and M.Y. Flying Fish operating out of Port Douglas, and M.Y. Northern Escape operating out of the Mediterranean.

Other strategically aligned acquisitions will also be considered to complement the group’s luxury tourism portfolio.

Inside a villa at the Daintree Ecolodge.

The assets are being offered individually or in one line through CBRE Hotels’ Wayne Bunz and Hayley Manvell.

Ms Manvell said the portfolio gives potential investors the opportunity to acquire three assets within the Daintree’s highly constrained and tightly held accommodation and hospitality market.

“The incoming owners will be acquiring high quality, established and well-renowned assets that have significant long-term development, repositioning and branding upside with strong economy of scale benefits,” she said.

The Daintree Ecolodge is one of Australia’s most highly decorated, eco-friendly accommodation offerings. It is on an expansive 6.57ha freehold site, the property features 15 luxurious freestanding villas.

Part of the Northern Escape Collection since 2013, the asset offers a range of facilities, including the Julaymba Restaurant & Bar, a wellness spa, pool and sun deck.

At the pool at the Daintree Ecolodge.

Also included in the sale, is a 5.39ha vacant parcel of land adjoining the Ecolodge with approvals in place for the development of an additional 10 units.

The Red Mill House B&B is on a 6070sq m freehold land parcel and is currently closed to provide staff accommodation for the Daintree Ecolodge. The 3.5-star asset comprises two double storey, 20th-century timber Queenslander buildings, providing eight accommodation rooms, outdoor and indoor living areas, a kitchen and swimming pool.

The Daintree Village Hotel and General Store is currently only operating for alcohol sales and post office services. It comprises a full commercial licence, bar, restaurant and bottle shop, with the general store providing basic grocery sales and the store acting as the village’s Australia Post out let and courier collection point.

Over the property’s large 2023sq m freehold landholding, there is an additional three-bedroom owner’s residence, three walk-in cold rooms, a walk-in freezer and further vacant land.

Originally published as Morris family puts Daintree Ecolodge on the market as part of a shift to luxury tourism asset