New luxury lodge part of a $40 million revitalisation for Double Island
Double Island in Tropical North Queensland will be reopened to the public following a competitive Queensland Government expressions of interest process, with the Australian family-run Morris Group awarded the tender to take over the island’s lease.
The group behind Orpheus Island Lodge, Morris Group, is planning to inject $40 million into a four-stage revitalisation plan to breathe new life into the Cairns landmark, which will include the construction of a brand new public beach bar, restaurant and overnight accommodation, followed by the creation of a luxury accommodation offering, Double Island Lodge.
Modelled after the group’s exclusive lodges, Double Island Lodge will feature 24 luxury guest villas housed across six beachfront dwellings. Complete with a private swimming pool, gym and day spa, as well as an exclusive sunset bar, the Lodge will also feature a 100-seat boutique restaurant catering to in-house guests, weddings, and conferences.
“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,” Founder Chris Morris said.
“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 has invested more than $500 million in North Queensland since 2011, impacting the regional economy and generating significant local employment.
This local footprint includes driving the redevelopment of The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and building the neighbouring luxury hotel, Ardo, and most recently the renovation of Orpheus Island Lodge’s northern rooms, suites and villas, scheduled for reopening July 2026.
The group’s portfolio also features Pelorus Private Island, Mt Mulligan Lodge, Morris Nautical’s fleet of superyachts, and Nautilus Aviation.
“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,” Morris said.
“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.”
Morris Group will also invest in a new private jetty on the island, and work with local marine operators, alongside utilising its own fleet of vessels to transport guests. In addition, the group plans to construct an island helipad for direct transfers and short scenic flights via its Nautilus Aviation fleet. Additional high-end access will be provided by Morris Nautical’s fleet of three luxury superyachts based in Cairns.
Site clearing and construction for the project is due to commence in 2026, pending final development approvals.