After more than a decade of closure, Lindeman Island is ready to reclaim its title as Queensland’s go-to holiday hot spot.
The tides are turning in the Whitsundays. After more than 10 years of tropical time-out, Lindeman Island is gearing up for a dazzling comeback.
A thriving tropical playground for Aussie families and international holidaymakers in the 1980s and ‘90s, the former Club Med paradise has remained dormant since closing its doors in 2012 following the devastation of Cyclone Yasi. Now, Lindeman Island is being revitalised as a redefined five-star resort that celebrates the Whitsundays’ natural beauty. We’re betting it may even give the nearby and ever-popular Hamilton Island a run for its money.
The vision
Asia-Pacific hotel management company La Vie Hotels & Resorts – the team behind Hobart’s The Islington and 202 Elizabeth in Surry Hills, Sydney – has recently secured the management rights to the highly anticipated Queensland resort. The company will secure an international luxury brand for the island, which is expected to be announced in 2026. Also spearheading the multi-million-dollar redevelopment is Well Smart Group, a Singapore-based investment company that acquired Lindeman Island in 2023.
Early plans tease a 200-room resort with nine additional suites, multiple dining concepts, a 50-metre jetty, a luxury spa and gym, alongside conference and wedding facilities. The island destination will also feature eco-friendly infrastructure and a solar farm.
La Vie Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Xu, recognises the responsibility that comes with restoring a destination that holds such a special place in Australian tourism history.
“Lindeman Island is more than a tropical paradise – it is a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism heritage. First developed for visitors in the 1920s, Lindeman became one of the earliest Whitsunday islands to offer accommodation, paving the way for Queensland’s rise as a global holiday destination," he comments.
What to expect
The hotel project aims to restore Lindeman Island to its former glory while embracing sustainability principles and an elevated, contemporary take on luxury. Phase one of the redevelopment is estimated to cost $40–50 million, part of a broader $583 million master plan.
Key features of the Lindeman Island revival include:
- A five-star hotel with 200 accommodation rooms and nine suites
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- A swimming pool
- A luxury spa and gym
- Conference and wedding/event spaces
- Staff accommodation and eco-friendly infrastructure, including a solar farm
- A new 50-metre jetty
The initial phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2026, with the resort planned to open shortly after. Plans for the master plan feature ecotourism facilities, including native vegetation restoration and renewable energy initiatives.
A boost for Queensland tourism
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Craig Davidson, says the Lindeman Island transformation marks a significant step in reviving one of Australia’s most iconic island destinations.
“Our distinctive, pristine islands have helped shape Queensland’s standing as a global tourism leader and we are excited to see the revitalisation of Lindeman Island which has always been an iconic part of Queensland’s tourism story," he says.
“This important investment, breathing new life into Lindeman Island, will bolster Queensland’s international reputation as a world-class holiday destination providing an exceptional visitor experience."
