Keswick Island listed for sale by Dawson Damer family

Keswick Island, a Great Barrier Reef island, is on the market with $30 million hopes.

Keswick Developments, owned by the Dawson-Damer, is hopeful of attracting Chinese tourism interests. 

Captain Cook charted Keswick on his maiden voyage, but since the hilly island -- home to an extinct volcano -- has been sparsely occupier with only about 20 houses and permanent residents.

Cars are banned, with residents travelling by golf buggy on the island.

Keswick Developments obtained the head lease eight years ago after the previous owner, Peter Marshall, spent 20 years attempting to develop the island.

The new owner will have a 117-hectare development lease with the Queensland government until 2096.

The rest of the 517 hectare island is national park. 

The purchase will also give the buyer a 25-hectare seabed lease for a 180-berth marina and deep water jetty.

The mixed-use zoning on the sub-tropical island can accommodate 1000 dwellings and 3000 people. 

The island, 32 kilometres off the coast of Mackay, already has a sealed airstrip, 150 subdivided lots, and preliminary key infrastructure for ongoing development.