Far North Queensland’s long-abandoned Double Island is set for a comeback. The State Government has just selected The Morris Group as the new long-term lessee for the Queensland island it describes as “one of the state’s most iconic tourism destinations”, with plans for a $40 million revitalisation.
The proposed four-stage project includes a new public waterfront precinct with a beach bar and 100-seat restaurant, as well as luxury accommodation through Double Island Lodge.
The lodge will include 24 luxury guest villas across six beachfront dwellings, and will also boast a private swimming pool, gym and day spa.
“We see a lot of potential to create something really special on Double Island,” said Chris Morris, co-founder of The Morris Group.
“The addition of Double Island Lodge will elevate the whole experience and provide a level of luxury accommodation that doesn’t currently exist in the area, while our boutique restaurant and event spaces will be the final piece in the puzzle to create another iconic Queensland tourism experience.
According to Morris, construction is due to commence later this year, pending final development approvals.
The Queensland Government says the project will help restore one of Queensland’s best-known island destinations while creating jobs and boosting the regional visitor economy.
“We made a commitment to Queenslanders we’d breathe new life into this once iconic tourism destination, and that’s exactly what we are delivering,” Premier David Crisafulli said.
“We have a plan to deliver world-class tourism offerings for our state, and part of that means restoring Double Island to its rightful place as a jewel in the crown of the Far North’s tourism industry for locals and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.
“This ultimately means more jobs, new opportunities and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy for Far North Queenslanders.”
Community focus
Mr Morris said the resort would be revitalised with local communities in mind.
“It was really important to us in coming up with the plan for the island that it was something locals could once again access and enjoy,” he remarked.
“Double Island is an iconic landmark of the Cairns northern beaches, and we wanted to make sure that whatever we came up with was something that the community could be really proud of, similar to what we’ve achieved at The Ville and Ardo in Townsville.”
Key to that will be the construction of a new private jetty.
“Our priority is to deliver the key amenities that facilitate public access first,” Morris said.
“We want the public beach bar and restaurant to be a relaxed and welcoming space where day visitors and locals can meet with friends, step right onto the sand and appreciate the beautiful surrounds.”
There are also plans for an island helipad for direct transfers and short scenic flights.
Leaning into luxury
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said that while the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s leading destinations, less than 3% of its islands offer luxury stays.
“So to have this island resort, Double Island, just minutes away from an international airport and the beautiful coastline, the World Heritage rainforest, and the reef on either side, is iconic for Australia, and particularly for Cairns as a destination,” he said in a video message.
Mr Olsen is also confident that the new lessee’s history of investment in tourism will put this project in good standing.
“The Morris Group have invested nearly half a billion dollars over the last 13 years in the Queensland tourism industry, and everything they do is quality, from the helicopters to Mount Mulligan Lodge to the island resorts they already operate,” he added.
“If we’re competing globally for markets including Southeast Asia, North Asia, the US, the UK, and Europe, we need assets like this.
“We’ve got beautiful natural environments, but it’s only when you make an investment like a $40 million refurb of an island like this that you really can compete globally.
“It creates a whole new platform to grow luxury tourism.”
According to the ABC, Olsen recently stated that former guests of Double Island included Hollywood stars such as Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
“Brad, Jen, Keanu … they’re all welcome back for the opening party,” he said. “We can’t wait to show it off.”
The Queensland island’s previous tourism lease was revoked in 2024 for non-compliance with the lease conditions, and the site was converted to state-owned freehold land in 2025.
The Double Island announcement comes after it was revealed another once-famous Queensland island would be making a comeback, with Sydney-based La Vie Hotels & Resorts securing management rights for the long-awaited Lindeman Island redevelopment. Read more about that here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Double Island’s revival feels bigger than one resort. For the travel trade, it’s another sign investors still see enormous value in premium Queensland experiences, despite years of uncertainty and setbacks.
