This hidden Whitsundays island is getting a luxury lodge

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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A world-class eco-lodge is set to redefine sustainable luxury in the Whitsundays.

Hook Island, one of the Whitsunday Islands’ most ruggedly beautiful gems, is poised for a transformative revival. After over a decade of closure from being severely impacted by cyclones, the 58-square-kilometre island will soon welcome visitors back with the unveiling of plans for a world-class eco-lodge that promises to set a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in Australia.

Expected to open in 2027, the eco-lodge will cover 9.3 hectares and feature 39 biophilic cabins, world-class dining, forest eco pools, wellness spaces and adventure activities – all designed to immerse guests in the island’s natural splendour.

A vision rooted in nature

Hook Island snorkellers, The Whitsundays
The project aims to restore Hook Island’s wild charm. (Image: Tourism Whitsundays)

Led by Epochal Hotels’ chief executive officer Glenn Piper and a group of investors, the project aims to restore Hook Island’s wild charm while honouring its delicate ecosystem.

“Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world – its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm," Piper says.

Partnering with globally acclaimed design firm Luxury Frontiers, known for eco-luxury projects like Madwaleni River Lodge in South Africa and Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Mexico, the resort embraces barefoot luxury design principles. Expect interiors inspired by the island’s vibrant marine life, earthy landscapes and tropical forests.

Luxury Frontiers managing partner and chief design officer Graeme Labe said they are privileged to bring this responsible eco-tourism destination to life.

“We’re revitalising a beautiful location with a design ethos that aligns with an inspired vision for purposeful, adventurous travel," Labe says.

“The design is grounded in the island’s natural, social and historical elements to create an authentic sense of place."

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What to expect

Hook Island eco lodge render
The beach club will be the place to be all year round.

The Hook Island eco-lodge will offer six distinct accommodation types ranging from beachfront to forest rooms, and each will have its own unique design.

Key amenities will include a beach club with all-day dining, a bar, outdoor fire pit, pool and lounging deck, a tranquil Nordic Cycle forest spa and eco pool, a clifftop fine-dining restaurant with sweeping views of Stingray Bay, an explorer’s lounge celebrating the island’s history and family-friendly spaces such as a lounge, yoga pavilion and kids adventure club that encourages nature play and exploration.

Sustainability at the core

Hook Island aerial shot, The Whitsundays
Hook Island’s eco-lodge will be a commitment to conservation. (Image: Tourism Whitsundays)

Hook Island’s eco-lodge will be more than just a luxury retreat; it’s a commitment to conservation. The development will utilise cyclone-resistant, modular architecture, guided by extensive tree surveys to protect native flora and fauna. Water-efficient systems, recycled wastewater irrigation and eco-friendly appliances will be integral to daily operations.

Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism welcomed the project.

“This development will allow visitors from around Queensland, Australia and the globe to experience this natural beauty up close," Powell says.

After being closed for over a decade, Hook Island is set to reemerge as a beacon of sustainable tourism. With its blend of wild beauty, innovative design and eco-conscious ethos, this is one Whitsunday escape that will be worth the wait.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.