Lizard Island and Heron Island Resorts Up For Grabs

Hotel manager Delaware North has placed its interests in the Lizard Island and Heron Island resorts on the Barrier Reef on the market.

The decision follows a number of prominent tourism sector sales in Queensland this year including Daydream Island, Pacific Hotel Cairns, Pullman International Cairns and Sheraton Noosa.

The company has appointed JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group's Mark Durran, Managing Director – Investment Sales and Andrew Langsford, Vice President - Investment Sales to manage the sale.

“The low Australian dollar and continuing revival in both inbound and domestic leisure demand has proved a positive trend for the Great Barrier Reef’s unique leisure destinations, and this is anticipated to continue," Mr Langsford said.

The mid-scale Heron Island Resort, accessed via Gladstone, is aimed at tourists seeking a unique natural experience. Famous for its wildlife, the island boasts some of the world’s most spectacular natural habitats. The property, which offers 109 guest rooms and suites, has recently undergone significant infrastructure upgrades.

Heron Island[/caption]Lizard Island Resort (pictured top) has recently undergone a comprehensive redevelopment program, including the upgrade of all 40 rooms and suites, making it one of Australia’s newest premium luxury resorts.

The Resort is accessed via a scenic flight from Cairns connecting 30 domestic and 18 international destinations.

"The Great Barrier Reef has been the subject of renewed international investor interest due to strong trading results over the past 12 months and an excellent outlook as a result of numerous positive market influences," said Mr Langsford.

The latest STR Global trading figures show that the Great Barrier Reef’s market-wide hotel occupancy rate increased by 10% and ADR by 27%, resulting in a solid RevPAR increase of 39% when compared to July 2014.