Australia's ghosted islands, resorts abandoned and under siege
A shocking tale of neglect and abandoned opportunities is unfolding in one of Australia's most cherished regions as a dozen once-thriving island resorts lie in ruins.
Critics warn the derelict properties are a blight on the pristine beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, left to decay by absentee owners who have turned their backs on resorts that were once jewels of the tourism industry.
From cyclone-ravaged Double Island, once held by billionaire Benny Wu and now under state control, to the ghostly remains of Hinchinbrook Island Resort, these islands are a haunting reminder of what could have been.
The Queensland government, under Premier David Crisafulli, is cracking down – issuing ultimatums to negligent owners to either revive their properties or face losing their leases.
The economic impact is undeniable, with a government inquiry into island resorts warning such long-abandoned sites represent a colossal missed opportunity for the economy and the tourism industry. Pressure is building with the world spotlight set to focus on the region in a little over a handful of years when the Olympics are hosted in the state.
MORE: Cash-strap student turns $40k to 38 homes
Govt pays $3.3m for unliveable derelict house
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler expressed her dismay: 'It's disappointing to see so many of Queensland's island resorts closed. Island tourism put Queensland on the map decades ago, and whether or not visitors choose to stay on an island, these destinations remain critical to positioning Queensland as a leading holiday destination.'
She said the need for investment was dire.
'Reinvigorating island resorts will require significant investment, particularly in infrastructure including transport to ensure accessibility, along with a reduction in red tape.'
'The industry that we represent tells us that streamlining operational and approval processes is essential to the long-term success of the state's island resorts.'
But there's a glimmer of hope. New investors, like Annie Cannon-Brookes - wife of billionaire co-founder of Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes - who bought the beleaguered Dunk Island – are being heralded as offering a chance to breathe new life back into forgotten paradises.
Ms Wheeler said there are strong examples of success to draw from.
'Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island, and Daydream Island in the Whitsundays continue to perform well thanks to major investment, strong brand presence, and reliable access.'
'In Central Queensland, Heron, Wilson, and Lady Elliot Islands are thriving with eco-focused models that offer unique Great Barrier Reef experiences. Further north, Orpheus Island near Townsville stands out as a high-end, sustainably operated resort attracting premium travellers.'
1. Double Island (Cairns Region)
Status: Abandoned; resort in ruins.
Ownership: Previously owned by Benny Wu; now state-owned.
Current Status: Queensland government issued an ultimatum to redevelop or forfeit lease.
2. South Molle Island (Whitsundays)
Status: Resort devastated by Cyclone Debbie in 2017; remains abandoned.
Ownership: Previously purchased by a Chinese company; now under state control.
Current Status: Up for sale; expressions of interest sought for redevelopment.
3. Lindeman Island (Whitsundays)
Status: Club Med resort abandoned; uninhabited for nearly a decade.
Ownership: Recently bought after 10 years of vacancy.
Current Status: Restoration efforts began in early 2024.
4. Hook Island (Whitsundays)
Status: Abandoned after Cyclone Anthony in 2011.
Ownership: New owner plans eco-lodge development.
Current Status: Development application for $40 million eco-lodge lodged.
5. Brampton Island (Mackay Region)
Status: Resort closed; infrastructure deteriorating.
Ownership: Owned by United Petroleum since 2010.
Current Status: Resort remains abandoned; future uncertain.
6. Great Keppel Island (Yeppoon)
Status: Resort deteriorating since 2008 financial crisis.
Ownership: Ownership changes; current status unclear.
Current Status: Efforts to revive resort ongoing.
7. Laguna Quays (Near Airlie Beach)
Status: Resort closed shortly after opening due to bankruptcy.
Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear.
Current Status: Resort remains abandoned.
8. Capricorn Resort (Yeppoon)
Status: Closed in 2016 due to neglected facilities.
Ownership: Ownership and future plans unclear.
Current Status: Resort remains abandoned.
9. Keswick Island (Mackay Region)
Status: Resort inactive; Chinese leaseholder controversies.
Ownership: Owned by Chinese company; leaseholder issues.
Current Status: Queensland government threatening to seize control.
10. Dunk Island – QLD
Status: Iconic resort wiped out by Cyclone Yasi (2011).
Current: Remains in ruins; several failed redevelopment attempts.
Ownership: Privately owned (recently sold in 2022); no confirmed rebuild.
11. Hinchinbrook Island Resort – QLD
Status: Luxury wilderness lodge closed after Cyclone Yasi.
Current: Site vandalised and collapsing.
Ownership: Privately owned; no development activity.
12. St Bees Island – QLD
Status: Not necessarily rundown as under-utilised. Resort facilities are unused, the island is leased long-term.
Current: Known for rock wallabies; tourism infrastructure inactive.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
31 minutes ago
- ABC News
Peter Ryan retires from the ABC
In the 45th year of a distinguished career in journalism Peter Ryan has decided to retire from the ABC due to ill health. Peter began his career as a copyboy and cadet on Sydney's Daily Mirror, and has held a variety of jobs over the years, but describes the ABC as his 'spiritual home'. His outstanding work in TV and radio news and current affairs, including his reporting for flagships AM , The World Today and PM , has made him a familiar face and voice to many Australians and earned him the enduring respect and appreciation of audiences and his peers. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers: 'Peter Ryan is an absolute legend. Every day as you wake up and you think about what's happening in the economy, if you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got its essential elements, it would be Peter's.' ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: 'In my conversations with Peter over the past year I've been inspired by his resilience, courage and humility. It's devastating news that he is having to retire. We will miss him greatly, and also his strong journalism and authoritative analysis.' Listen to The World Today's tribute to Peter Ryan Watch here: After 45 years, business reporter Peter Ryan has called time on his career Peter's many career highlights include being the ABC's Washington Bureau Chief, head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Executive Producer of Business Breakfast , founding editor of Lateline Business , which later became The Business, and Business Editor. Since 2016 he has held the role of Senior Business Correspondent. In 2017 Peter won a Walkley Award for his expose on the Commonwealth Bank scandal. His coverage contributed to the calling of the banking Royal Commission and in 2018 he was the National Press Club finance journalist of the year for his coverage of the commission. In 2022 he was recognised with the Order of Australia medal for his significant service to journalism. Peter has been a mentor to many younger journalists, generous with his time and experience. He was founding chairman of the Kennedy Foundation, a trustee on the board of the NSW Journalists Benevolent Fund and has had a long-term involvement with journalists' union the MEAA. Peter's parting words of advice: So what have I learned from 45 years in journalism? This is for younger and older colleagues alike. When I look back at my start on Sydney's Daily Mirror in 1980, as an 18-year-old straight out of school, we were still printing newspapers off hot metal. People were smoking in newsrooms and there was a lot of yelling as deadlines ran down to the wire. My parents were absolutely delighted when I was finally hired by the ABC in 1984. Our TV always seemed to be stuck on Channel 2, we were forced to watch the 7pm news every night and I had to listen to AM and PM in the kitchen. I'd love to be with you all there, but one strong message I have is, never let anyone tell you the good old days were really that good – that's a bit of a myth. I'd like to thank the ABC for taking so many risks with me over the years, giving me my dream of a foreign posting in Washington and then into big editorial roles. But for me in the end it's all about being a reporter out in the real world telling it as it is. I'm always chuffed when I hear people tell me you're able to take complex issues and break them down into three good parts. When someone tells me that, that's more important than a whole lot of awards. A few words of editorial advice. Avoid cynicism – be passionate. A good team can often be a very small team – I've worked in some of the best. Be proactive – come to the table with a great story so no one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time. Work closely with top people – shut up and absorb like a sponge. Maintain a fastidious contact book – some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher powered roles or more importantly work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made. Show up to work early and prove that you're ready to take on the big story of the day. Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn't go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way. Finally: Be kind and caring to people who need it. Media contact: Sally Jackson | ABC Communications
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
EOFY Sale 2025: Best Harvey Norman Deals in Australia
The end of the financial year has finally arrived, and it's not all about doing your tax return. June 30 also marks the arrival of one of the biggest sale events of the year when prices are drastically slashed and you can score amazing bargains. And no one does EOFY sales quite like Harvey Norman. This year, the mega store has gone all out with heavily reduced prices across a wide range of home appliances, furnishings, tech, televisions and more. Basically, whatever you need, you'll find it at Harvey Norman, and for an incredibly low price. And this time around, we've made your sale shopping a breeze by bringing you The Ultimate Guide to Harvey Norman's deals, with all the top specials right here at your fingertips. If you've been looking to buy a laptop, upgrade an appliance or furnish your living room, now is the time to do it. So keep reading, as whatever you're after will no doubt be listed below. OUR TOP PICKS Harvey Norman has slashed $150 off the popular Bose QuietComfort Headphones, now just $328 (down from $478). Not only that, you also get a $50 Harvey Norman Gift Card to put towards another purchase. 'I bought these a few weeks ago and have immediately fallen in love,' wrote a five-star reviewer. 'I had no idea noise cancelling could be this good.' 'Amazing Headphones!' said another. 'Beyond Expectations.' If you're looking for a good deal on an air fryer this EOFY sale, then you can't go past the Russell Hobbs 5.7L Brooklyn Air Fryer, which has been reduced by 50 per cent, now a low $67 (down from $134). With a 5.7l capacity, this is perfect for family weekday cooking, yet compact to fit in any kitchen, 'We absolutely love our air fryer! It's so sleek and stylish,' raved a five-star reviewer. 'Absolutely love my Russell Hobbs Brooklyn air fryer!' said another. 'Makes cooking a breeze.' And finally you can get a great deal on the Dyson Cyclone V10 Stick Vacuum, now slashed by $200 to an amazing $595 (down from $795). This powerful yet lightweight vacuum cleaner picks up dust and debris from carpets and floors in no time at all and perfect for picking up all that pesky pet fur. 'Absolutely amazing,' wrote a happy shopper. 'Great suction, the amount of dirt that comes out of my carpet every time I use it is mind blowing.' BEST EOFY KITCHEN DEALS BEST EOFY HOME APPLIANCE DEALS BEST EOFY TV DEALS BEST EOFY AUDIO DEALS BEST EOFY TECH DEALS BEST EOFY DEALS ON HOME FURNISHINGS WHAT IS THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR? In Australia, the financial year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 the following year. Before June 30, retailers offer massive discounts in order to clear out their old stock before the new financial year begins. Now known as the end of financial year sales, this is the time when we can take advantage of epic discounts on must-have items in home, audio, beauty, tech and more. WHEN ARE THE END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALES IN 2025? Unlike other sale events, there's no official start date of the end of financial year sales. Typically most major retailers will kick off the savings around June 1, but this doesn't stop some from starting early or starting closer to June 30. HOW LONG DO THE END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALES LAST? There's no set run time, and you'll find each retailer does things a little differently. Some will run the sale for the entire month of June, whereas others will pick just a few key days or a week to promote their EOFY sales. Generally speaking, all the sales will be over once June 30 rolls around. If you want to see more discounts and red-hot savings, sign up to our free Shopping newsletter and receive shopping tips and sales guides delivered to your inbox every week.
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Uncertain future for historic Eyre Peninsula jetties due to coastal erosion costs
A year after Tumby Bay residents celebrated the town's reopened jetty with a freezing early morning winter solstice swim, the jetty's future is as uncertain as ever. Today marks the day the District Council of Tumby Bay officially hand back responsibility of Tumby Bay and Port Neill's jetties to the state government. The council made the decision to terminate the lease of their town's jetty a year earlier than anticipated. "The spending and works required to maintain the jetty is not in the sustainable financial capacity of our ratepayers — you the community," Mayor Geoff Churchett wrote in a letter to residents on June 5. It marks a tough week for jetties in South Australia, with king tides, rain and strong winds destroying the Robe, Kingston and Normanville jetties in the state's south-east on Tuesday. In Tumby Bay, an estimated $4.7 million of funding is required to repair the jetty, which was built in 1874 and rebuilt in 1999. In February, the state government offered $2.4 million to fix the jetty in a 50-50 funding deal with the council, under the SA Jetties Renewal Program, which the council rejected due to financial constraints. The decision drew the ire of state Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis. "The state government has advised the Tumby Bay Council that this jetty remains the responsibility of council unless or until it returns it in an appropriate condition," he said. The state government has contacted council requesting a report on previous works on the jetty, due by Monday. The Tumby Bay community has seen this episode before. The Port Neill jetty was built in 1912, while Tumby Bay's jetty was built in 1874, and re-built in 1999. The community banded together in 1972 to save a section of the jetty. About 400 people gathered at the jetty to protest against its closure in February 2024, before the Tumby Bay Progress Association raised $75,000, which went towards repairs. "There's a lot of apprehension and a lot of unknown and I supposed that's what scares everybody — the unknown," says local Dion LeBrun, who is a part of the Progress Association that raised funds to help the re-opening last winter. "We're all concerned about what the next steps are going to be." Tumby Bay is not the only council struggling in this space. Local governments from around the country converged on Canberra this week for the National General Assembly of Local Government. The impact of coastal erosion means much-loved and historic jetties around SA are becoming more expensive than ever to fix — a topic expected to feature in many of conversations in Canberra this week. "Jetties are a hot topic for us as a state and we'll continue to keep that advocacy piece going," said Jo-Anne Quigley, Mayor of the District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula, which leases several jetties, including one still in commercial operation at Coffin Bay. "We all know the social impacts of jetties for our communities and for visitors and tourism, so we feel it's a really important conversation. "We understand and accept the leases are from a state perspective, but the federal government needs to step up and give some more money to the states so we can keep our jetties renewed and in the condition that they need to be in." Local resident Robert Randall moved to Tumby Bay in 2017 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He is a spokesperson for the For the People group, and is critical of the council's decision to reject the funding offer. "My position all along is that the community would have been better off matching the $2.4 million that the government put up, and then we would have had a new jetty for 15 years, which is what the minister advised it would cost," he said. "My latest concern now is that this week we've lost three or four jetties in SA, so have we lost any opportunity of getting that $2.4 million from the government? I don't know." Mayor Churchett echoed the sentiments of constituents and state government in saying the future was uncertain. "We don't know at this stage what's going to happen," he said. "We just want to sit down and talk see if there's a way we can resolve this that's going to suit us all — the state government, local government and the people."
