Qld islands for sale now: Billionaires with big plans take the dive into private tropical paradises
Fancy a lush tropical island off the Queensland coast? Here are six of the best up for sale right now, and how much you’ll need to make it yours.
Billionaires and big plans usually go hand-in-hand with the sale of Queensland tropical islandswhich are labelled the jewels in the Sunshine State’s tourism crown.
There are hundreds of islands off the Queensland coast and over the past few years Australians have snapped up more than a few from Chinese and Japanese owners who bought up years ago.
Tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes’s wife Annie, Fortescue boss Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, Computershare co-founder Chris Morris, The Oatley family, hospitality entrepreneur Glenn Piper and cashed-up hotel operators Bill and Mario Gravanis have all made the deep dive into Queensland’s islands.
But with many of the state’s islands still in recovery mode from cyclones as long back as a decade,’ it usually takes someone with particularly deep pockets to buy one of the prized ones.
But still owning at least a part of a tropical island is on a lot of people’s wishlist and it’s always good to have a look.
Double Island
The Queensland government has made its first move to start rehabilitating some of the state’s crestfallen tropical island resorts calling for operators to revive Double Island off Palm Cove after nearly ten years of decline.
Double Island has been long abandoned under the stewardship of Chinese billionaire Benny Wu who purchased the leasehold for $5.68m in 2013 leaving it vacant and dilapidated.
In the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the 16.2ha offers long-term leasehold tenure backed by the Queensland Government.
It has versatile beachfront zoning for tourism, hospitality, and short-term accommodation development and access to native rainforest, and vibrant marine life.
Marketing agent Wayne Bunz of CBRE said the firm was working for the Queensland government, and it would find the right custodian and stakeholder for this island.
“We will enhance the facilities on the island and make a substantial contribution to the Queensland tourism industry and the local community,” he said.
While the specifics of the leasehold are not determined the successful proponent will initially lease the island to remediate it, and then get approvals for the capital works. It is envisaged the government will over a leasehold of around 100 years.
CBRE said the successful proponent for the island could convert it into a glamping retreat, a centre for day tripping, an eco resort, or a high-end resort.
Clairview Island
A rare freehold island, the 267ha Clairview Island has 7km of absolute beachfront and is between Mackay and Rockhampton.
Being sold by Private Islands Online Clairview Island currently serves as a cattle property and a family fishing retreat, and comes with its own Cessna 206 aircraft.
Currently owned by Garry Poole, the island is divided into five separate titles, allowing for the potential sale to different buyers or development as a private retreat.
Permits would be required for any development, but the property allows for the immediate construction of up to five new homes, each with a caretaker’s residence, potentially totalling ten beachfront homes.
Clairview Island boasts a large estuary system separating it from the mainland, teeming with mud crabs and barramundi, making it an excellent fishing destination.
Access to the island is available by boat, light aircraft, or helicopter, with two directional private airstrips approved by the Department of Natural Resources, and a large two-aircraft hangar. A cosy beach cottage on Lot 5 offers short-term accommodation for fishing trips.
The unique freehold island, complete with a Cessna 206 and all farming equipment, has a price tag of $6.9m.
Pumpkin Island Eco Resort
One of Australia’s best-kept secrets, Pumpkin Island is nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Group of islands 14km off the coast of Yeppoon.
Currently owned by the Rumble family Pumpkin Island eco resort is on the market with a price tag of around $14m.
The 6ha eco-friendly island retreat is the ultimate ‘get away retreat experience’ for couples, family groups or larger parties wanting somewhere special to gather.
It has accommodation for up to 34 guests in five self-contained oceanfront guest cottages with outdoor decks, two bungalows with an open air kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The island is completely off grid and powered by solar, wind and with plenty of rain water storage.
You will see dolphins, turtles and whales in season, there are fish to catch and snokeling opportunities.
Its offering is leasehold until 2046 at which time it becomes a rolling lease.
Pumpkin Island was named Australia’s most sustainable hotel in Australasia in 2018 at the World Boutique Hotel Awards.
Timana Island
A private family of Melbourne financiers have listed a rare freehold Queensland island, Timana last year with an asking price of around $15m.
The rainforested Timana Island, which sports a private beach and a 1990s built beach shack with need for some TLC, lies off Mission Beach, about two hours south of Cairns in Far North Queensland and 4km from the shore.
Also known as Thorpe Island, Timana lies in the Coral Sea adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, and is part oif the Family group of islands and is owned by a Melbourne-based company St Columb controlled by Martin and Duncan Veall.
Marketing agent Steve Wiltshire of Mission Beach Real Estate said at just over 15ha, Timana Island is covered with coconut palms, native hibiscus and coral flame trees, however the beach shack is uninhabitable.
He said there has been some interest in the island and a couple of offers which failed to get near the asking price.
‘It’s been a bit slow but a luxury super yacht is visiting the island and we've had inquiries from some very prominent Australians,” he said.
Quoin Island
While not a whole island, a 4.85ha section, just 5km off the coast of Gladstone is for sale for $1.95m.
Quoin Island has its own marina and can be accessed via a passenger and vehicle ferry twice a day. The north-facing portion of land, which represents about one-third of the 12ha freehold island, is being sold via Private Islands Online.
The absolute beachfront property houses two stone buildings that are in need of repair. It is ripe for redevelopment or even subdivision, subject to council approval.
The island also houses a disused resort and a turtle rehabilitation centre, as well as several other homes.
It has been in a family for many years and has played host to some memorable tropical balmy evening parties. Freehold islands do not come on the market to often.
Compigne Island
The 16ha freehold island is located just off the coast of Gladstone’s Harbour and faces Turtle Island.
On the island there is plenty of forest and woodlands, beaches, a home and swimming pool, two glamping outdoor tents and a helicopter landing pad.
Private Islands Online Australia Island and Resort Specialist Richard Vanhoff said the owner of this island also owned Turtle Island and had chosen to sell after four years.
“The owner has said ‘I don’t need two islands’,” Mr Vanhoff said.
Compigne Island comes has an asking price of $3.75m.
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