The $40m redevelopment of Hook Island resort in the Whitsundays to begin this year
Developers of a $40m eco-resort on cyclone-ravaged Hook Island in the Whitsundays say construction will start this year.
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After being closed for more than a decade, construction work on a $40m redevelopment of the cyclone-ravaged Hook Island resort in the Whitsundays is expected to start by the end of the year.
Epochal Hotels chief executive Glenn Piper said he and a small group of investors planned for their world-class luxury eco-lodge to be open in 2027.
“Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world – its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that
both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm,” he said.
“Our vision is bold, to create an experience that redefines luxury travel through a deep, authentic and wild-spirited connection to nature.
“This project has been a labour of love. We’ve poured our hearts into blending thoughtful
design with a profound respect for the island’s heritage and delicate ecosystem.”
Sydney-based Mr Piper and his partners paid about $10m for the rolling, 25-year leasehold of the 9.3ha site which is on the southeastern side of Hook Island.
It has two private beaches, more than 1km of water frontage and sweeping views of Hook Passage and the Great Barrier Reef.
Since 2022 they work has been conducted on plans for the eco-lodge by renowned design firm Luxury Frontiers with the aim to create a sustainable resort that embodies “barefoot luxury”.
“We want to bring vibrancy to Hook Island. Because it’s in a high-traffic zone through Hook Passage it’s a place that people can moor and stop, and enjoy lunch or beverages, or replenish their stocks,” Mr Piper said.
“We want to keep that transient nature for day-trippers and we have 12 mooring sites placed around leasehold.
“For the overnight stay we’re targeting anyone who appreciates nature – being immersed in the natural environment. They will also have world-class food and beverage on offer which we aim to anchor the whole precinct.”
Spanning 58 square kilometres, Hook Island lies within the iconic Great Barrier Reef and is home to lush forest, secluded beaches and diverse ecosystems.
In keeping with their commitment to conservation, Mr Piper and his team worked closely with consultants to “ensure the development aligns with the island’s ecological needs”.
Once complete, the eco-lodge will be have 39 biophilic cabins, an arrival pavilion, two dining experiences – including a clifftop restaurant – a forest spa and eco pool, wellness spaces and a range of adventure activities.
The developers said the cyclone-resistant, modular architecture would blend with the island’s natural contours, while extensive tree surveys have guided building placements to preserve native plants and habitats, further reinforcing its wild character.
Six accommodation types will be nestled across forest and beachfront settings, each with its own interior design.
Development will take a phased approach to minimise its footprint, and comprehensive measures will be in place to prevent erosion, manage waste and reduce noise pollution.
Mr Piper said the previous leaseholder, who closed the wilderness resort in 2013 and demolished and removed much of the former resort, resulted in them now having a blank canvas to work on a flexible, low-impact design.
“That was a real benefit. We are the only island that has that opportunity to start from scratch and use all of those technologies so we create resilient structures which are also very eco-friendly,” he said.
During the consultation process Hook Island was awarded a grant from The Department of Tourism and Sport’s Growing Future Tourism Fund – a program generating new tourism opportunities in Queensland.
“I was really impressed with the Queensland government's initiative to bring islands to the tourism market,” Mr Piper said.
“Hook Island has been sitting redundant for more than a decade and without the government’s support I don’t think we would have gotten to this point.
“They were also involved prior to our involvement and its great to see that continue and bring a world-class facility to the Whitsundays.”
Originally published as The $40m redevelopment of Hook Island resort in the Whitsundays to begin this year
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