Forget house-and-land packages — how about an entire island?
In what can only be described as the most Queensland real estate listing of the year, a 500-hectare slice of paradise off the coast of Mackay is now up for grabs. Yes, you read that right — an island. Not a block. Not a cul-de-sac. A whole island.
After years of stalled plans, PR disasters, and what we’ll politely call “development limbo”, the Chinese-owned Keswick Island lease is officially back on the market. Turns out the vision of eco-lodges and high-end resorts never made it past the brochure stage.
Now, the current leaseholders, trading as Oasis Forest Ltd (which sounds like a juice cleanse, not a developer), are giving it the old “expressions of interest” spin. Tourism mecca! Marina potential! Ferry included! Act now before the next cyclone!
Your Chance to Build Big (Literally)
Let’s break it down. This isn’t a knockdown rebuild in Narangba. You’re talking:
- 117 hectares of land lease
- 25 hectares of marine lease
- Ownership of the island’s ferry and barge
- Enough development potential to make Hamilton Island sweat
Just imagine the builder signage. Now Taking Tenders: 1x Jetty, 14x Villas, 300x Instagrammable Sunset Shots.
A Short History of… Not Much Happening
Keswick’s previous owners snapped it up in 2019, just in time to do absolutely nothing with it. Locals moved in with dreams of barefoot island living. Instead, they got locked out of national parks, restricted access, and (allegedly) a developer more ghost than guest.
Federal MPs kicked up a stink. The media dipped in for a look. Then… silence. Until now.
So Who’s It For?
Honestly? Anyone with a vision (and deep pockets). Got a builder client tired of DA delays in Brisbane? Show them this. Want to turn “low-rise luxury” into “off-grid empire”? Here’s your chance.
Hell, maybe your client’s just sick of neighbours.
The catch? You’ll need a chopper, a barge, and possibly a good lawyer. But hey, at least you won’t have to compete with 16 other tradies for the same patch of dirt at a land release in Ripley.
Our Take
Look, this isn’t for everyone. But in an industry where land is tighter than a bricky’s hamstring, it’s good to know there’s still some wide open space — even if it’s surrounded by reef sharks and has questionable wifi.
So, if you’re looking for land… we found some. Just bring a boat.
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