Island & Resort Commercial Property

Some of Australia’s wealthiest resort island and boutique hotel owners are anticipating a rush of new business as cashed-up Australians eschew traditional European holiday boltholes in Sardinia and Provence.

South Stradbroke Island’s popular eco-tourism resort McLaren’s Landing has sold, price undisclosed.

Major resorts and hotels including the multi-billionaire Oatley family’s flagship Hamilton Island in Queensland’s Whitsundays have closed, while Malaysian gaming giant Mulpha has shut its newly refurbished ultra-luxe InterContinental Hayman Island as the spread of COVID-19 continues apace.

Wouldn’t we all love to own our own private island?

The head of Malaysian conglomerate Mulpha Australia, which owns Queensland’s luxury Hayman Island resort, has defended the “crazy” levels of insurance premiums charged across the Sunshine State.

Royal Caribbean has stolen a march on its rivals, including Carnival, taking a 75-year lease on an island in Vanuatu to offer passengers a private destination on its South Pacific cruises.

There are few status symbols that hold up to owning an island and, for those looking to take the plunge, the stunning coastline of Australia has a range of sublime islands for sale.

Queensland’s island resorts are making a comeback, with Dunk Island set to lead the way under the stewardship of its new owners. the London-based investment group Mayfair 101, which has splashed out more than $30 million on the property.

Accessible only by air or water, Western Australia’s Wilderness Island and its eco resort are now on the market.