Having won the lease, Morris Group will deliver a $40 million rejuvenation of the island, which lies just off Palm Cove.
The island’s revamp will take place in four stages, with a public beach bar to be built, alongside a restaurant and accommodation. Luxury accommodation within the Double Island Lodge will follow.
The Morris Group has plenty of experience in putting high-end accommodation on Australian islands: its existing properties Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island, on two neighbouring islands also on the Great Barrier Reef, joined the exclusive Luxury Lodges of Australia collective in early 2025.
Taking its cue from Orpheus Island Lodge and another Morris Group property, Mt Mulligan Lodge, the Double Island Lodge will offer 24 villas across six buildings on the beachfront. The luxury lodge will also have a private swimming pool, day spa and gym. A 100-seat restaurant that’s set to be a central part of the lodge’s footprint will host in-house guests as well as conference groups.
“We see a lot of potential to create something really special on Double Island by borrowing inspiration from what we’ve already done successfully elsewhere in the region,” said Morris Group founder, Chris Morris.
“The addition of Double Island Lodge will elevate the whole experience and provide a level of luxury accommodation that doesn’t currently exist in the area, while our boutique restaurant and event spaces will be the final piece in the puzzle to create another iconic Queensland tourism experience.”
Morris Group will provide luxury access to the island from within its own suite of businesses, offering transfer by its trio of superyachts in Cairns and via air with Nautilus Aviation.
With a jetty to be built on the island, Morris Group will also provide island access to other marine operators.
Before the luxury lodge takes shape, there is deliberate intention to build non-exclusive elements of the new island offering first.
“It was really important to us in coming up with the plan for the island that it was something locals could once again access and enjoy,” said Morris.
“Double Island is an iconic landmark of the Cairns northern beaches, and we wanted to make sure that whatever we came up with was something that the community could be really proud of, similar to what we’ve achieved at The Ville and Ardo in Townsville.
“That’s why our priority is to deliver the key amenities that facilitate public access first. We want the public beach bar and restaurant to be a relaxed and welcoming space where day visitors and locals can meet with friends, step right onto the sand and appreciate the beautiful surrounds.”
Double Island was previously home to luxury accommodation, however it fell into disrepair following its closure more than seven years ago.
Construction of the Morris Group vision for Double Island is expected to begin this year.
