Popular Queensland resort relisted for sale as tourism picks up

Queensland’s Castaways Resort and Spa has been relisted for sale.

When it first entered the market in September 2021, the owners expected to sell for over $20 million, but now the 46 room Mission Beach resort owned by the Melbourne based Neville-Smith family is understood to be fetching approximately $12 million. 

The listing with JLL – Hotels and Hospitality Group states “for sale by expressions of interest.” 

With the new sale comes an approved application for a $70 million plan to upgrade the property meaning the original building could be demolished and replaced with a new 226-room beachfront resort. 

According to executive officer of Cassowary Coast Tourism, Patrick Bluett, the uncertainty related to the sale of the resort was not a problem for the area. 

“Quite the contrary actually, it’s been a very strong start to the tourism season and we’re anticipating good numbers. 

“Castaways itself has looked very busy both the restaurant and with the rooms. 

“And we’re seeing some really positive investment in our town. We’ve got new owners at the Eco Village, new investors from Byron Bay have taken on the Sanctuary Retreat and the owners of Bedarra Island Resort (Sam Charlton and his wife Kerri-Ann) have started work on their recent acquisition of Elandra Resort.” 

The inactivity on Dunk Island had affected tourism in the region as did Covid-induced border closures, which halted the marketing for the sale of Castaways.

However, things looked to have turned around, with Bluett saying results of tenders for Dunk Island’s spit were expected to be announced by the end of June.