Islands
Keswick Island hits market as Whitsundays tourism booms
Set just 34 kilometres off the coast of Mackay, Keswick Island — a spectacular 517-hectare property nestled in Queensland's southern Whitsundays — is officially on offer through Colliers International. The listing includes 117 hectares of land lease and 25 hectares of marine lease, with development approvals already secured for a mixed-use precinct encompassing high-end residences, a marina, and ecotourism stays. With roughly $30 million already poured into foundational infrastructure — from sealed roads and solar systems to a functional airstrip — the groundwork for a transformational project has been laid. Queensland’s tourism engine is running hot in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games. The Whitsundays welcomed nearly 900,000 visitors in 2024, generating $1.7 billion in tourism spend — more than double its 2019 haul. Keswick Island’s rare zoning mix — covering tourism, residential, aviation and marine — is drawing serious attention from developers keen to anchor themselves to the region’s growth. The site’s timing aligns with Australia’s THRIVE 2030 strategy, which targets $230 billion in visitor expenditure by decades' end. From its rugged peaks to white-sand coves and the vibrant coral reefs that surrou
Barry Walker's $24m Fijian private island up for sale
Barry and Shauna Walker have listed their A$24 million private Fijian Island after falling in love with it many years ago. After their first visit to Fiji, Shauna and Barry purchased Vawa Island as their new passion project. “We saw the island and even though there was nothing there, we just knew there was something really magical about the place and we just had to go back,” Shauna said. Barry is the co-founder of California cannabis company Dub Bros and said it was serendipity that brought the island to them. The couple purchased the island for US$2 million from a New Zealand-based billionaire and began renovations that took around five years, which took up most of the island's cost. “Our budget was always going to be wrong because we didn’t realise we were going to build a city,” Barry said. “We weren’t just building a bathroom, we were building all the plumbing, all the sanitation, and you can’t just pump it out into the water.” On the island, they built a house that featured six-metre ceilings at the highest point designed to withstand a category 5 cyclone, constructed by Australian bilder Kyronn. It also has a 300 square metre hardwood deck that wraps around a 150,000-litre pool with four bathrooms tha
Ultimate Escape: Buying a luxury home on a private isle
Owning a luxury home on a private island is the epitome of exclusivity and tranquility. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping against the shore, surrounded by pristine waters and lush, tropical landscapes. This dream can become a reality with the right property and careful planning. Here are some current available properties and options to consider:Why Buy a Luxury Home on a Private Island?Privacy and Seclusion: One of the most compelling reasons to buy a luxury home on a private island is the unparalleled privacy and seclusion it offers. You can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a peaceful retreat with your loved ones. Natural Beauty: Private islands are often located in stunning, untouched natural environments. Whether it's a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches or a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters, the natural beauty of these locations is breathtaking. Your Habitat: Owning a private island home allows you to customise and personalise your living space to your exact preferences. From designing the layout to choosing the finest materials and finishes, you have complete control over every aspect of your home. Exclusive Amenities: Many private island properties come with lux