16 Sep 2022
Words Staff Writers The Courier-Mail

Big plans for Castaways on Moreton after local couple swoop on island gem

Bulwer couple Craig and Belinda Wilson, who own Moreton Island Wilderness Camp, paid about $3m for the freehold and leasehold interest to Castaways on Moreton Island.

The property has eight self-contained units, 11 eco-cabins, and a large self-contained lodge and a fully licensed store and 75-seat cafe.

The majority of these assets sit on freehold land, with the exception of the eco-cabins which sit on government land on a leasehold basis.

The vendors, Moreton Island Adventures, which own and operate the Moreton Island Ferry, purchased the property in 2008.

ResortBrokers' Alex Cook, who struck the deal with Steve Campbell, said Castaways' self-contained lodge, popular with international backpacking groups, had been largely non-operational since the pandemic.

"Moreton Island Wilderness Camp specialises in school trips, so are poised to ramp up this part of the business very quickly," he said.

Mr Campbell said Castaways had benefitted from the resurgence in domestic tourism since pandemic restrictions oifted and there were myriad revenue strems ripe for growth and improvement.

"New owners Craig and Belinda wil lbe expanding the operational hours of the shop and cafe from the outset," he said.