Queensland’s Double Island is ready to rework right into a world-class tourism and hospitality vacation spot, following a takeover by the Morris Group.
Double Island in Tropical North Queensland might be reopened to the general public following a aggressive Queensland Authorities expressions of curiosity course of, with the Australian family-run Morris Group awarded the tender for the island’s lease.
The group behind Orpheus Island Lodge, Morris Group, is planning to inject $40 million right into a four-stage revitalisation plan to breathe new life into the Cairns landmark, which is able to embody the development of a model new public seashore bar, restaurant and in a single day lodging, adopted by the creation of a luxurious lodging providing, Double Island Lodge.
Modelled after the group’s unique lodges, Double Island Lodge will function 24 luxurious visitor villas housed throughout six beachfront dwellings. Full with a non-public swimming pool, health club and day spa, in addition to an unique sundown bar, the Lodge may also function a 100-seat boutique restaurant catering to in-house friends, weddings, and conferences.
“We see a number of potential to create one thing actually particular on Double Island by borrowing inspiration from what we’ve already finished efficiently elsewhere within the area,” Founder Chris Morris mentioned.
“The addition of Double Island Lodge will elevate the entire expertise and supply a stage of luxurious lodging that doesn’t presently exist within the space, whereas our boutique restaurant and occasion areas would be the remaining piece within the puzzle to create one other iconic Queensland tourism expertise.”
Morris Group has invested greater than $500 million in North Queensland since 2011, impacting the regional economic system and producing important native employment.
This native footprint consists of driving the redevelopment of The Ville Resort-On line casino in Townsville and constructing the neighbouring luxurious resort, Ardo, and most just lately the renovation of Orpheus Island Lodge’s northern rooms, suites and villas, scheduled for reopening July 2026.
The group’s portfolio additionally options Pelorus Personal Island, Mt Mulligan Lodge, Morris Nautical’s fleet of superyachts, and Nautilus Aviation.
“It was actually necessary to us in developing with the plan for the island that it was one thing locals may as soon as once more entry and revel in,” Morris mentioned.
“Double Island is an iconic landmark of the Cairns northern seashores, and we wished to guarantee that no matter we got here up with was one thing that the group could possibly be actually pleased with, just like what we’ve achieved at The Ville and Ardo in Townsville.
“That’s why our precedence is to ship the important thing facilities that facilitate public entry first. We would like the general public seashore bar and restaurant to be a relaxed and welcoming house the place day guests and locals can meet with pals, step proper onto the sand and recognize the attractive surrounds.”
Morris Group may also spend money on a brand new non-public jetty on the island, and work with native marine operators, alongside utilising its personal fleet of vessels to move friends. As well as, the group plans to assemble an island helipad for direct transfers and brief scenic flights by way of its Nautilus Aviation fleet. Further high-end entry might be offered by Morris Nautical’s fleet of three luxurious superyachts based mostly in Cairns.
Web site clearing and development for the mission is because of begin in 2026, pending remaining growth approvals.
