NORTHERN CALLING (Fran Metcalf, The Courier Mail; June 2005)
Heading South along the Bruce highway from Cairns passing little along the way other than sugarcane fields, banana plantations and a few small towns, then suddenly we’re there: a big sign on the side of the highway heralds the entrance to Port Hinchinbrook (PH) and a palm-lined drive leads to a massive marina where hundreds of spectacular vessels are moored.

More than 100 homes, apartments and duplexes surround the marina, many of which are million-dollar plus mansions with swimming pools tennis courts, private jetties, and views out to sea of the great barrier reef or inland to the ranges. They’ve (residents) come in the form of investors, retirees, developers, and interestingly many of them have come from Noosa.

It (PH) is situated on the doorstep of some of the world’s most pristine natural beauties – the Great Barrier Reef and many world heritage and national parks. When it comes to boating and fishing few destinations can compete.

There are stacks of national parks in the region including Hinchinbrook Island which has several walking tracks, Murray Falls which has a cascading waterfall and Edmund Hillary National Park and Tully Gorge which offers some of Australia’s best white water rafting. Port Hinchinbrook is set to be Queensland’s next tourism hotspot according to Peter Brynes who is building three apartment complexes there to cater for the influx.

If you’re looking for a bit more action, there are reports that an international style hotel, 18 hole golf course, large restaurant and even more being planned.

23 January 2006
Port Hinchinbrook, originally owned by developer Keith Williams, has now been wholly acquired by Meridian group, perhaps Australia's most successful waterfront developer. The deal is valued in excess of $50 million and the acquisition will boost the company's future waterfront development holdings in North Queensland to over $1.5 billion. It will also inevitably see a substantial rise in Port Hinchinbrook's values.

Meredian's Mr McCart said " We have indicated to the local Council and the Queensland Government that we will work closely with them to shape a plan which recognises the environmental values and natural beauty of the region." Meridian will be Australia's largest privately owned resort and holiday management group, which will be a very powerful tool in marketing the Port Hinchinbrook region. "We're buying Port Hinchinbrook with a view to a long term association and a commitment to the environmental values of the region.

Meridien has made a long-term commitment to the region. In mid 2006 it will add Port Hinchinbrook properties to its hotel management business, Windward Resorts. Windward Resorts will be Australia's largest privately owned resort and holiday management group, which Meridien hopes will be a very powerful tool in marketing the Port Hinchinbrook region. "We're buying Port Hinchinbrook with a view to a long term association and a commitment to the environmental values of the region. Through Windward Resorts we are committing to making certain the vision and standards for Port Hinchinbrook are upheld and we hope that as a tourism operator in the area we will continue to make a valuable contribution to the entire region long after the last brick is laid."

Among the plans for the second stage of Port Hinchinbrook are a 30ha residential lake with subdivision and an extensive vegetation reserve near two-mile creek. A small 60-room golf motel and golf house with pitching and putting area and a small bridge will lead to a practice range and further down to an 18-hole golf course. Meridian has involvement in key projects along Queensland’s coast. There’s value in top locations near water,” Mr McCart said.

SEA CHANGE SURGE – Cardwell land values double.
(Herbert River Press, 31 March 2005)
Cardwell is riding the crest of a sea change wave, with land values surging upward more than 200% in two years according to figures released by the Dept. of Natural Resources and Mines. Values at Port Hinchinbrook rocketed by more than 240% since 2002.

FAR NORTH COASTS CAUGHT IN LAND-BUYING FEEDING FRENZY
(Scott Emerson, Courier Mail)
Cashed-up southern developers are targeting north Queensland as foreign and domestic buyer demand fuels a price boom from Port Douglas down to Townsville. Andrew King, a director of marketing agent PRDnationwide says, “property that has lain dormant for years has taken off along the far north coast. There are extremely cashed developers from the successful run in Sydney and the south-east corner that are now coming here”. In many cases properties with uninterrupted views of the water are easily attracting premium prices. The underlying factors for this considerable acceleration are good access and an ageing population looking for a lifestyle change”.