FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND’S ISLAND RESORTS

HINCHINBROOK ISLAND

Left to rot with taxpayers forking out for a $1.3 million clean-up while the State woos investors to build another eco-resort on the other side of the island.

HAGGERSTONE ISLAND

Just one high-end eco-resort lies on this beautiful Cape York island, with a handful of rustic cottages and absolute seclusion.

BEDARRA ISLAND

Sam and Kerri-Ann Charlton bought the resort for $5 million in 2011 after Cyclone Yasi ripped through. They renovated the facility and it is once again a luxury retreat for celebrities.

ORPHEUS ISLAND

Computershare founder Chris Morris bought the resort for $6.25 million in 2011. He has plans to build a new $4m luxury lodge on nearby Pelorus Island.

DOUBLE ISLAND

Chinese developer Benny Wu has made all sorts of noise about cleaning up the formerly beautiful resort but there are plenty of sceptics after years of inaction.

DUNK ISLAND

The resort is still in ruins seven years after Cyclone Yasi. A $500 million plan is on the cards but there’s a lot at play – not least getting approvals and investors.

FITZROY ISLAND

The resort was put on the market for $30 million in late-2016 but failed to sell. Since then, managing director Doug Gamble has been looking for investors to help finance a major redevelopment of the 12ha resort.

LIZARD ISLAND

The luxury resort favoured by celebrities and tycoons was devastated by Cyclone Ita in 2014. It has since undergone a $45 million refurbishment.

GREEN ISLAND

Multi-million-dollar jetty upgrades and a $685,000 telecom deal are locked in. Money from a $25 million Great Barrier Reef island resort revamp program has also been set aside for further upgrades.