Epochal Hotels has acquired the Port of Airlie, Cruise Whitsundays Terminal and Marina for $20.75 million, embracing its role as custodian of a vital gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The acquisition reflects the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable tourism and economic growth in the region.
The sale was managed by JLL’s Jacob Swan, Liam Cox and Christian Tsalikis, alongside CBRE’s Craig Chapman and Burgess Rawson’s Neville Smith. The terminal and marina were previously owned by Sentinel Property Group under the Sentinel Infrastructure (Airlie Beach) Trust, which acquired the asset in 2015 for $15.3 million.
The Port of Airlie comprises a 1,400 sqm terminal building on a 1,893 sqm freehold site, approximately 310 lineal meters of pontoon infrastructure, and an 8,119 sqm seabed lease marina. The terminal is leased to Cruise Whitsundays, part of Journey Beyond Group, until 2035 with a further 10-year option – ensuring continuity of essential marine transport services for the region.
An Integrated Vision for the Whitsundays
This marks Epochal Hotelsʼ third investment in the Whitsundays, following the Hook Island acquisition in
2022 and Colonial Palms Motel, underscoring the groupʼs long-term commitment to the region. Led by CEO Glenn Piper alongside the same investor group behind the Hook Island leasehold, the Port of Airlie acquisition creates a seamless link between the mainland gateway and the island destination. With construction on Hook Islandʼs world-class eco-lodge commencing in May and an opening slated for 2027, the move strengthens Epochalʼs integrated vision for sustainable, high-quality tourism across the Whitsundays.
Glenn Piper, Epochal Hotels CEO, says: “Port of Airlie plays a critical role in the Whitsundaysʼ transport and tourism network. This acquisition secures long-term logistics and connectivity for the region, while providing a platform to enhance infrastructure and passenger facilities over time.”
Cruise Whitsundays, the largest marine tourism operator in the region, has long been the lifeblood of
Whitsundays tourism, providing essential transport services and unforgettable experiences across the islands and Great Barrier Reef. The company connects visitors to Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and soon Hook Island, while offering reef excursions to the Reefworld pontoon and immersive overnight experiences including the flagship Reefsuites and Reefsleep.
Piper continues: “Cruise Whitsundays are experienced operators with a strong track record in the region, and their long-term lease was an important consideration in our decision. Our focus is on responsible ownership and investing in sustainable infrastructure, supporting regional tourism growth, and ensuring the terminal continues to serve visitors, operators and the local community. As the primary gateway to the islands and the Great Barrier Reef, itʼs important that the arrival experience reflects the quality of the destination itself.”
Shaun Cawood, General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays,says:“Cruise Whitsundays has established a strong collaboration with Epochal Hotels, whose vision for the Port of Airlie aligns with our commitment to sustainable tourism in the Whitsundays. The planned addition of Hook Island resort transfers further strengthens Port of Airlie as a central hub for exploring key island and reef experiences in this world-class destination”
Over time, Epochal Hotels will make thoughtful improvements that will enhance the visitor journey for all operators and guests using the terminal. Planned upgrades include welcoming modern waiting lounge facilities, enhanced food and beverage offerings celebrating local flavours, green infrastructure initiatives championing sustainability for island transport, and seamless integration with future Hook Island transfers.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Port of Airlie is a key gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and this investment reflects strong confidence in the regionʼs future. Mayor Ry Collins said: “Council welcomes continued private investment that supports tourism, strengthens connectivity and creates local jobs, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits this brings to our community.”
Further updates will be shared as development progresses.
