General News
20 January, 2026
Out of this world
A PROPOSED resort at Wonga Beach, hailed as an eco-revolutionary complex that would bring economic benefits to both the local and broader region, has been revealed.
According to a detailed planning submission submitted to the Douglas Shire Council, the six-star resort promises a new take on environmentally-smart design and futuristic aesthetics, with 66 foliage-covered villas raised on stilts, connected by hanging gardens and bridges, on the site at 18 Oasis Drive.
The report said as well as the green factor, the tourism need for the development was “well established”.
“The Port Douglas Daintree Destination Tourism Plan 2025 identifies a critical shortage of premium accommodation within the Shire and highlights increasing demand for wellness-based, nature-immersive and culturally enriched visitor experiences,” it said.
Kelly Reaston Development and Property Services lodged a development application on behalf 18 Oasis Street Pty Ltd, seeking a preliminary approval and a development permit for a material change of use for the resort at 18 Oasis Drive, Wonga Beach last week.
In a detailed 400-page submission, the proponents outlined the world-first eco-friendly design elements of the resort, including the scale, form and architectural treatment of the buildings which has been ‘deliberately designed to avoid visual dominance or intrusion’ and were ‘broken into dispersed, low-profile components that sit below the surrounding tree canopy and are softened through extensive landscaping’.”
As well as the villas, the resort would also include a central building at the the heart of the development which incorporates conference facilities, a lagoon-style pool, spa and wellness facilities, bar and restaurant offerings and a dedicated interpretive centre.
“Green roofs, solar integration, natural ventilation and low-impact construction techniques, a site-responsive masterplanning approach that accommodates storm tide resilience and long-term coastal processes and the delivery of a new First Nations cultural and interpretive experience, including guided activities, story-sharing and on-Country education programs ... collectively, these measures ensure that the resort not only responds to, but is fundamentally shaped by, the site’s environmental and coastal context.”
The 8.5 hectare site – which was once the Oz Oasis Resort (then locally known as Redbacks), then Daintree Palms Resort, before it was demolished – would only need two trees removed and vegetation would actually be improved.
“Overall, the proposal maintains and enhances landscape values, protects coastal scenery and ensures that views toward the coast and broader landscape are not diminished.”
