New investments in luxury tourism to boost the Port Douglas property market

A firm favourite with celebrity visitors and domestic tourists alike, Port Douglas is blessed in the natural-assets department – it’s the gateway to the world’s largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef and to the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.

Thanks to a newly completed $43 million refurbishment, the Sheraton Mirage, which was bankrolled by the late businessman Christopher Skase in the 1980s, is back on the hit-list of holiday-makers looking for luxury accommodation and may soon be complemented by a new world-class hotel if Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud has his way.

Last year Aboud’s GA Group bought the local marina and has since lodged a development application with council to create a five-star superyacht facility, comprising restaurants, villas and 130 luxury hotel rooms.

Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent Barbara Wolveridge says the revamped Mirage and planned marina redevelopment should provide even more heightened support for the prestige property market.

Bright future  

“Port Douglas is understandably very excited, as you can imagine, by this new development,” Wolveridge says.

“We have some magnificent properties coming onto the market this year, having sold most of our stock last year. If the upward trend continues from 2017, we are in for a great year.”

“The hotel is being designed by SJB Architects and they have been appointed to lead the design of the $205 million redevelopment.”

Wolveridge says the December opening of the spectacular Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail is another feather in the town’s cap.

The newly constructed 1.5-kilometre trail provides a link between Four Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park and includes a viewing platform suspended over the Coral Sea.

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A gourmet’s paradise

The town also boasts some serious foodie credentials, covering al fresco breakfasts through to long lunches and gourmet dinners.

Wolveridge recommends Salsa, “a hip place to go, the barman makes a great martini”, Sassi, a seafood-focused restaurant “with excellent food and gorgeous Italian boys in charge”, Choo Choos at the marina for panoramic water views and neighbouring newcomer Hemingway’s, a gastropub and mircrobrewery.

“Lure is still a great place for breakfast on the marina and of course the bar Barbados is a very cool place to be,” Wolveridge says.

“And Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge is the new bar in town – it’s a New York-style cocktail bar and the cocktails are sensational.”

Buying in

This picturesque property at 1 Wharf Street is for sale. Photo: Supplied

Touted as one of Port Douglas’ finest, this north-facing oceanfront estate at 1 Wharf Street commands jaw-dropping views across the Coral Sea.

Entertain in the expansive living spaces and dual kitchens, or retreat to the main wing with an en suite, study and living room.

The tropical gardens include a stream, terraced lawns and a pool.

Queensland Sotheby’s has set the price guide at $13 million to $16 million.