- China Capital Investment Group has listed South Molle Island for sale.
- South Molle Island is the largest island in the Molle Group archipelago.
- Site offers combined development parcels, across approximately 28 hectares.
Queensland’s world renowned tourist destination, South Molle Island, has been listed for sale by China Capital Investment Group (CCIG) amid a recent flurry of Whitsunday island transactions.
An international expression of interest campaign for the leasehold interest is being handled by CBRE Hotels’ Raymond Tran, Wayne Bunz and Tom Gibson.
The listing has come to market during a time of heightened investor interest for Whitsunday Islands, with CBRE Hotels recording several sales of nearby islands, Lindeman, Dunk, Lizard, Long and Hook Islands, over the past two years.
“The Whitsunday region proved to be one of the most resilient markets through the pandemic, being recognised as the world’s second most loved tourist destination in 2022 by the Tourism Sentiment Index,” said Bunz.
A spiritual oasis on Queensland’s doorstep
Once home to a 188-room resort known as Adventure Island Resort, South Molle presents prospective buyers with 28 hectares of sun-kissed beachfront.
The island’s proximity to Queensland’s coastline has seen the island become a popular transient stop for multiple yacht charters, which is accessed via the north-facing sheltered alcove of Bauer Bay.
“The current owners [have capitalised on the island’s popularity with] a $10 million redevelopment of the jetty, to allow for marine vessels to drop off and pick up island visitors,” said Tran.
Furthermore, the site is expected to pique investors’ interest due to the significant combined development parcels, which offer perpetual and long-term leasehold lots.
“The opportunity to acquire South Molle Island provides investors with the ability to redevelop the asset in line with other nearby successful luxury resorts, such as Qualia Hamilton Island, or to provide a more experiential offering including boutique villas or glamping sites,” said Tran.
South Molle Island set to entice investors
Despite immense pressure over the past 12 to 18 months, the Australian tourism industry showcased its resilience and has enticed investors to invest in the industry.
The tourism industry in Queensland contributes $22 billion to the state’s economy and attracts both domestic and international visitors, who during the year ending March 2023 spent approximately $90.1 million per day, according to data from Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).
“While the sale of South Molle Island will allow the group to recycle its capital into other business opportunities, it will importantly assist with funding capital works at Daydream Island Resort and improving its facilities,” said Tran.
The island is expected to receive strong interest due to the site’s scale of potential developments and its location in the Great Barrier Reef, added Tran.
The international expression of interest campaign will close on 28 September 2023.
