‘Next Hamilton Island’ set to make waves in Whitsundays
A private island with “many of the natural advantages that helped transform Hamilton Island” is up for sale – complete with plans for an overwater aerial tramway.
The sale of a private Whitsundays island could create an “iconic destination unlike anything currently available in Australia”, according to its listing agent.
Private Island Online Australia’s Richard Vanhoff says Stone Island, which sits less than 2km off the coast of Bowen, is one of Australia’s most “remarkable and largely untapped tourism opportunities”.
And with plans already approved and shovel ready for a new resort for the 92ha site, expressions of interest are being sought for a buyer ready to bring a 10-year vision to life.
“The vision for Stone Island has been more than a decade in the making,” Vanhoff says.
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“Over those years, millions of dollars have been invested into planning, studies, approvals and feasibility assessments.”
The master plan for a new resort on the island includes a restaurant, bar and tavern that will offer panoramic views across the Whitsunday coastline and Coral Sea.
But its landmark feature is set to be an overwater aerial tramway connecting tourists from a lookout on Flagstaff Hill in Bowen to the island, which is in the final stages of the approval process with the local council.
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“Inspired by internationally renowned attractions such as the overwater aerial tramways of Nha Trang in Vietnam and Sentosa in Singapore, the journey itself would become a major tourism drawcard,” Vanhoff says.
An overwater aerial tramway is in the final stages of the approval process with the local council. Picture: Supplied
“Transporting visitors to an island destination featuring world-class architecture, luxury accommodation, spectacular natural landscapes and one of Australia’s most breathtaking hospitality venues.”
Vanhoff says the island’s accessibility is another drawcard for developers and tourists alike with “connections for both domestic and international visitors”.
“Positioned closer to the Great Barrier Reef than both Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach, Stone Island combines natural beauty with an exceptionally rare development opportunity,” he says.
“Extensive investigations have indicated the project has the capacity to generate substantial economic benefits while creating a significant new tourism asset for Queensland and Australia.”
Supporters of the project believe Stone Island has the potential to evolve into a billion-dollar tourism destination over time, creating employment, attracting international investment and delivering long-term economic benefits to the region.
Previous reports estimate the island could sell for upwards of $23 million.
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