Utingu is an 88-hectare oceanfront property in Cape York, Australia with Development Application approvals for an eco-resort. It is considered a natural treasure and is the largest freehold land holding in the northern region. The property has no native title or liquor licence restrictions. Hosting diverse ecosystems, including white-sand beaches, untouched rainforests, rugged bushland, tropical lagoons, and inland waterways, Utingu is one of a kind.
Located 18 kilometres southwest of The Tip of Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, Utingu is 20 kilometres southeast of Thursday Island and the Horn Island Airport. It is likened to a private island with a prized western seaboard location and two kilometres of beachfront, yet easily accessible to services, transportation (land, air, and sea), and staff.
Utingu has been held by one family for over two decades and has only had five ownerships in its 125 years as a titled freehold property. The Utingu Lodge has accommodation for eight guests, along with a machinery building with three bedrooms, operational infrastructure in place, heavy construction equipment on site, and DA approvals. The property has a bright future as an in-demand world-class eco-resort with no competition for upmarket tourism in proximity.
Utingu represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind asset. To request the Utingu Information Memorandum, please call Lynn Malone at +61 408 772 880 or Barbara Wolveridge at +61 418 760 004.
Select highlights
· 88 hectares/219.4-acre freehold land
· The only freehold title in the northern region that is unaffected by native title or liquor restrictions and the only coastal freehold property within 600 kilometres
· On the doorstep of a pristine archipelago of 274 islands
· Similar climate to Bali and the Maldives
· Located outside of the Cyclone Belt and above storm tidal surges
· Torres Strait Island zoning: 'Other Lands' and DA-approved for multi-structure resort construction
· Approved DA with infrastructure in place for an eco-resort covering about 8,000 square metres - less than 1 % of the total property
· Architect design concept and site plans for 67 buildings, including a main building and reception, 20 bures, and resort facilities
· Potential to vary the approved design aesthetics and usage, subject to the Torres Shire Council approval
· Eco-tourism activities: exploration of the local culture and history; fossils, topography, and WWII history; birdwatching and wildlife; fishing, and visits to pearling islands
· The only significant freehold land available in the upper Cape York region, with no competition for high-end tourism
· With DA approvals secured, building works can be rapid and cost-effective with Bure-style resort guest accommodation assembled on-site
Other Commercial Opportunities
· A land-based pump relay from the Torres Strait gas fields to feed North Queensland, a booster station for hydroelectricity, and an aerospace facility attracting a global clientele
· Given the significant landholding, other commercial pursuits in conjunction with an eco-resort will not impact the resort's privacy
Existing buildings and infrastructure
· The Utingu Lodge 440 sqm double-storey air-conditioned lodge over two levels
· Machinery Building includes three air-conditioned bedrooms, one bathroom, and an air-conditioned lounge area
· Helipad
· Internal 4WD tracks offer access to most areas of the property
· Solar power, diesel generators and LP gas for hot water and cooking
· Town water and electricity services availability
Access
· Daily flights by Qantas and regional airlines to Horn Island
· 1.5hr flight from Cairns Airport to Horn Island Airport then a 15-minute helicopter flight to the Utingu helipad serviced by Nautilus Aviation
· 1.5hr Commerical flight from Cairns Airport to Bamaga Airport, then a 40 min drive to Utingu
· Frequent cargo services via Seaswift to Port Seisia
· Freight transfers are by road or by barge to Utingu's beach
