If you've ever wished you could live in a tropical summer holiday destination - and you happen to have a lazy billion dollars in your bank account - now might be your chance to own a slice of paradise.
Hamilton Island off the Queensland coastline is rumoured to be up for sale with the current owners entertaining investor offers at the moment.
That means all 740 hectares of pure beachside paradise might be up for the taking!
The island was purchased two decades ago by Robert and Sandy Oatley, for around $200 million.
A winemaking family, the Oatleys are probably better known to regular Aussies for having won the Sydney to Hobart yacht race nine times!
Since purchasing the island, the Oatleys have invested around $450 million to upgrade the island's tourism offerings. The total price tag includes the $100 million qualia, the $85 million yacht club and $45 million golf course.
Related:
Resorts around the Whitsundays have recently attracted investments from some of Australia's richest families.
Annie Cannon-Brookes, former wife of Mike Cannon-Brookes, bought Dunk Island for $24 million last year.
Meanwhile, the Forrest family bought Lizard Island for $42 million in 2021 and Gina Rinehart was rumoured to be eyeing the purchase of Great Keppel Island.
In other news:
A spokesperson for the Oatley family told media any decision on the island's ownership would come down to its futureproofing viability.
"As it looks to the future, the family has put in place a new leadership and approach and is conducting a review with the assistance of advisors to explore opportunities for growth and future prosperity," the spokesperson said.
"At this stage, this review is ongoing and no decisions have been made."
Emma Horn
National videographer, filmmaker, and editor. Former features and weekender writer for The Daily Advertiser. Small, quiet, and a student of the Julie Bishop School Of Staring. Usually dressed in something colourful, always snacking on something homemade. Friend to most mothers and all dogs. Got stories? Get in touch. emma.horn@austcommunitymedia.com.au
National videographer, filmmaker, and editor. Former features and weekender writer for The Daily Advertiser. Small, quiet, and a student of the Julie Bishop School Of Staring. Usually dressed in something colourful, always snacking on something homemade. Friend to most mothers and all dogs. Got stories? Get in touch. emma.horn@austcommunitymedia.com.au
