Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service partnership to boost Curtis Island ecotourism

The Queensland Government has purchased Curtis Island’s Spadely Station from Bakara Investments Pty Ltd to add the land to Queensland’s protected areas estate, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to partner with the company to boost eco-tourism and visitor numbers on the island.

The acquisition will also enable the gradual de-stocking of Spadely Station which will make the northern part of Curtis Island free of domestic stock, helping to ensure the protection of the highly significant wetlands and habitats.

Bakara Investments runs an existing eco-tourism operation on land adjacent to Spadely Station. Cape Keppel Beach retreat in Keppel Bay is the ecotourism venture of Bakara Investments. It currently offers four accommodation cottages and a 5-star villa on 467 ha of freehold beachfront at the north-eastern tip of Curtis Island.

The Department of Environment and Science will undertake a master planning exercise to identify potential new visitor experiences and eco-tourism opportunities that will encourage even more people to experience the island’s rich history and natural wonders.

The purchase of Spadely Station is the first ‘eco-tourism adjacency’ acquisition since the release of Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030 and Eco-tourism Plan for Queensland’s Protected Areas 2023-2028, and was funded under the Queensland Government’s historic investment of $262.5 million to expand and manage Queensland’s protected areas.

The land on Spadely Station includes estuarine wetlands and habitat for migratory birds and threatened fauna species, such as the false water-rat and the Capricorn yellow chat.

The property is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and its shoreline supports nesting habitat for the vulnerable flatback turtle.

Pat O’Driscoll, Bakara Investments noted “The Queensland Government’s purchase of Spadely Station is exciting news for environmental protection and for eco-tourism in our region.

“At Cape Keppel Beach, John and I are looking forward to working together with the government on the Curtis Island Master Plan. There is lots to be done to highlight the many eco-tourism opportunities on Curtis Island.

“Cape Keppel is a jewel waiting to be enjoyed by many and easily is accessible by boat or plane.”

John Morris, Bakara Investments added “After years of dreaming our two families have finally begun a ‘legacy project’ at Cape Keppel Beach.

“We now offer a boutique eco-tourism retreat on 467 ha adjacent to the former cattle station.

“Pat and I are thrilled to be working with the Minister and her team to realise our dream and advance the exciting projects before us within the Conservation Park”.

More information on Curtis Island National Park and Conservation Park is available here.