New hope for former celebrity island getaway off Far North Queensland

Double Island, a former playground for celebrities like Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, and Jennifer Aniston, is set to regain its former glory under a new operator. The Queensland government has finalized a deal to lease the island, located off the Far North Queensland coast, to the Morris Group, led by Melbourne billionaire Chris Morris. The island, known to the Yirrganydji traditional owners as Wangal Djungay, had been left to decay for over a decade. The Morris Group plans a significant $40 million redevelopment, which will include 24 luxury villas, a restaurant, a public-access pontoon, a helipad, and a sunset bar. Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen confirmed that work is scheduled to commence this year. Access to the island, which has been difficult since 2018 due to the deterioration of its ferry service and pontoon, could soon be restored. Olsen indicated that a ferry service from Yorkeys Knob might operate in the near future. He expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We can't wait to show it off," and anticipates welcoming back former celebrity guests for an opening party. Olsen highlighted the strong demand from high-end tourists for unique destinations like Double Island, citing the growth of the superyacht industry as evidence. "We know that there is a high-end luxury market who want exactly what this destination has to offer," he said, calling the island "another jewel in the crown of tropical North Queensland." The island's previous leaseholder, Hong Kong billionaire Benny Wu, had his long-term lease canceled by the Queensland Planning and Environment Court in June 2024. Wu acquired the resort in 2012 but failed to meet the lease's requirements to maintain the property and keep it open for visitation, leading to its increasing disrepair.

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Brad, Jen, Keanu … they're all welcome back for the opening party.