Epochal Hotels has acquired 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 Port of Airlie comprises a 1,400sqm terminal building on a 1,893sqm freehold site, approximately 310 lineal metres of pontoon infrastructure, and an 8,119sqm 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.
This is Epochal Hotels’ third investment in the Whitsundays, following the Hook Island acquisition in 2022 and Colonial Palms Motel. Led by CEO Glenn Piper alongside the same investor group behind the Hook Island leasehold, the Port of Airlie acquisition creates a link between the mainland gateway and the island destination.
With construction on Hook Island’s eco-lodge starting in May and an opening set for 2027, Epochal Hotels said the move strengthens its integrated vision for sustainable, high-quality tourism across the Whitsundays.
“Port of Airlie plays a critical role in the Whitsundays’ transport and tourism network,” Epochal Hotels CEO Glenn Piper said. “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.
“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,” Piper added. “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, it’s important that the arrival experience reflects the quality of the destination itself.”
“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,” Cruise Whitsundays general manager Shaun Cawood said. “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.
“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,” Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said.
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.
