Charlton Group to re-open Bedarra Island resort from July 1
The Bedarra Island Resort in Far North Queensland is expected to re-open on July 1 more than two years after being closed when Cyclone Yasi struck in February 2011.
The resort was acquired by the family-owned Charlton Hotel Group in November 2011, which has since undertaken repairs and a refurbishments to the luxury tourism destination.
The Queensland-based group is headed by general manager Sam Charlton, the grandson of Olympic swimming legend Andrew "Boy" Charlton.
The price paid for the resort was not disclosed.
As reported by Property Observer in November 2011, the number of villas on the island has been reduced as part of its redevelopment with just seven compared with 16 prior to the cyclone devastation.
Room rates start from $990 per night per couple in the Oceanview Villas rising to $1,490 per night per couple in the Point or Pavilions villas.
Bedarra Island Resort occupies 44.96 hectares of land on the island and prior to the cyclone enjoyed a strong trading history.
The resort was named as Australasia’s Leading Boutique Resort at the World Travel Awards in 2007.
It is accessible via Mission Beach or direct helicopter flight from Cairns.
Charlton’s hotels include the Metropolitan Motor Inn, Toowong Villas and Mt Ommaney Hotel Apartments and the Kingsford Smith Motel, all in Brisbane.
Bedarra Island is renowned for its unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringe beaches. It is the second largest in the “Family Group of Islands” that form part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Prior to Cyclone Yasi Dunk was an established and profitable family friendly resort offering accommodation across 160 rooms.
The resort includes a nine-hole golf course (which could be extended to 18 holes), mains power, a freshwater dam and a sewerage treatment plant.
The Courier Mail reported in November 2011 that the Charlton Group was thought to have paid $6 million for the resort.
RP Data records show a $3.355 million sale in November 2011, which may only reflect the land component of the resort.
GPT Funds Management acquired the land for $21.5 million in June 2009.