Glenn Piper has acquired the leasehold Whitsundays’ spectacular Hook Island. The landmark sale will see Piper give the holiday destination, devastated by cyclones in 2011 and 2017, a new lease of life, as he transforms the property into a new world-class eco-lodge, with food and beverage at the heart of the experience.  

Hook Island, nestled between Hayman Island and Whitsunday Island, is a stunning idyll of lush national park, picturesque bays, secluded beaches, abundant wildlife and pristine fringe reefs. Since the closure of the popular holiday resort Hook Island Lodge in 2013, visitors have been restricted to the reefs around the island enjoying the beauty of the waters.

Now a blank canvas, the expansive 9.3-hectare area with an enviable water frontage and two private beaches property, will be given a new lease of life as a world class eco resort, with a food & beverage experience to rival the best in the world. This will be the only private operation on the island and will welcome the first visitors to the island in a decade. 

Glenn Piper said: “There’s nothing quite like it. Very few locations in the world can offer this level of natural wonder. I want to create an experience that befits the beauty of the Island, and the Whitsundays - respectfully and sustainably. I’m energised at the thought of creating a world class hospitality experience for this slice of paradise and cannot wait for the first guest to step onto the sand”. 

Having recently taken on the leasehold of Q Station, which sits on 30 hectares on the headland on Sydney’s Northern beaches, Piper is committed to delivering and respecting iconic venues that hero Australian beach culture.  

“It is a great privilege to act as the custodian of these sites and to preserve the rich history that each embodies. With it comes a huge responsibility and there are important environmental, historic and local factors to consider. We are currently in the process of extensive research and consultation as part of the work on Q Station, and will soon begin a similar process for Hook Island; it is incredibly rewarding and inspiring to uncover the stories and facets that will shape its future”.

The Hook Island acquisition closely follows Piper’s recent purchase of the Merewether Beach Hotel, an iconic beachside institution in Newcastle, as well as the transformation of the Harbord Hotel in Sydney’s Freshwater. All four properties have a close affinity to Australia’s coastline which Glenn holds close to his heart. 

“Whilst each property has its own unique soul and character, they all have a deep connection to water, rich history and community significance. I’m guided by an unwavering commitment to create experiences that live up to and celebrate their spectacular settings and have a meaningful place within their respective communities”.

Whitsunday Regional Council’s Acting Major, Mike Brunker, said of the acquisition “Council always welcomes investment in new tourism products and experiences to enhance the already unique portfolio of what the Whitsundays has to offer”. Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton also welcomed the development of a new eco resort on the island commenting that “The new eco resort will further enhance the reputation of The Whitsundays and Queensland both domestically and internationally as the must do destination in Australia”.

Piper has partnered with a small syndicate of investors on the purchase. He will receive the keys in August and will immediately commence his research and consultancy process to inform the future vision and concept for Hook Island. Further details will be announced in due course. 

Hook Island Lodge, was recently offered for sale by Tom Gibson of CBRE Hotels.

It marks the third hospitality asset to be acquired by Mr Piper in recent months, following his purchase of Newcastle’s Beach Hotel in Merewether and the leasehold of the iconic Q Station Hotel on Sydney’s North Head.

The sales of the Q Station and Hook Island Lodge, which entails the leasehold in perpetuity, were both brokered by CBRE Hotels.

“The Whitsundays is one of the most naturally stunning and diverse tourism destinations in the world and we are thrilled to secure a landmark position in the heart of it on Hook Island,” Mr Piper said.

Hook Island is one of Whitsunday Island’s crown jewels, with 58 square kilometres of unhindered landscapes in the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Located on the south-eastern side of the uninhabited and stunning Hook Island, the exclusive 9.3ha site offers two private beaches, more than 1km of water frontage and sweeping views of Hook Passage and the Great Barrier Reef.

“There’s nothing quite like it. Very few locations in the world can offer this level of natural wonder. I want to create an experience that befits the beauty of the island and the Whitsundays - respectfully and sustainably. I’m energised at the thought of creating a world class hospitality experience for this slice of paradise,” Mr Piper said

Hook Island Lodge was offered for sale by Expressions of Interest, managed by CBRE Hotels Director Tom Gibson.

“The fact that Hook Island Lodge went under offer in the very first week of a public Expressions of Interest process, highlights the confidence experienced operators have in our tourism market,” said Mr Gibson.

“We received in excess of 150 enquiries through the process from a range of well-known investors, including major international F&B players, as well as ultra-high net worth individuals.

“Queensland, and more specifically the Whitsunday Islands, has witnessed record hospitality and tourism investment in recent years, marking it as one of the most resilient markets through the pandemic and positioning it perfectly to capture to resurgent international inbound market.”

The sale of Hook Island Lodge follows a series of transactions by CBRE Hotels, including the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Campbell5 Hotel in Canberra, Q Station and The Tasman Hotel in Hobart.