General News
25 July, 2022
HOPES FOR DUNK ISLAND World class eco-resort
DUNK Island is in new hands and the far north tourism industry is abuzz with positive talk about its future.
The island resort, four kilometres off Mission Beach, has been sold to Annie CannonBrookes, wife of tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes for a reported sum of between $20-25 million.
Destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and lying practically idle since, Dunk Island has gone through several failed purchase attempts.
But now, there are hopes that the new owners might turn the famous tourism landmark into a world class eco-resort or similar.
The 135-hectare property is among a handful of freehold islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It also contains some national park and public access area.
Patrick Bluett of Cassowary Coast Tourism said there is a lot of work to be done, especially if the island’s existing accommodation and other infrastructure is to be restored. Much of it will have to be demolished. The result of a complete refurbishment and rebuild however, could be an ideal ‘new’ attraction for the eco-tourism market.
“In my own opinion, I don’t think we will see a traditional resort being developed over at Dunk,” Mr Bluett said.
“We know the new owners are very mindful of the environment, conservation of the environment, so if I was to take a guess, I think we may see a boutique eco-style resort. It would blend into the destination which would be very well received and welcome I believe.”
The new owners are assessing plans for Dunk Island and while there are no certainties about what they will and will not do with their new island ‘paradise’, part of the sale includes the lease for the island’s ‘Spit’ area, famous among locals and international visitors for its natural values and easy access to open water and a variety of water sports activities.
Visitors used the Spit on a day recreational basis travelling from the mainland or on overnight stays, even for several nights camping.
“That alone will encourage visitation and day visitation because it will include food and beverage outlets and potentially water sports,” Mr Bluett said.
“The location of Dunk is just ideal to take advantage of that day visitation, similar to Fitzroy, similar to Green Island off Cairns.”
Dunk Island remains an iconic name within Australia and internationally and is “fairly dear to the local community,” Mr Bluett said.
“We get inquiries weekly from international visitors and operators just asking what is happening with Dunk.
“The opportunity for the new owners and the opportunity for the destination is exciting and encouraging, even based on the unknown plans of the owners at the moment.”
Dunk Island’s accommodation infrastructure – consisting of 160 rooms, restaurants, bar and swimming pool areas, tennis courts, day spa and a nine hole golf course as well as the Spit recreational area, were devastated by Cyclone Yasi in February 2011. The Spit was the gateway to the resort and housed a café, arrival and orientation point.
The island was once co-owned by Qantas and features a commercial sealed airstrip. It has mainland power connection and perpetual water.
