Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

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Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

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Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

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The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

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The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

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North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

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McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

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A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

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Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

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Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

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More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Hotel

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The Tenterfield Tavern and Motor Inn, renovated in 2008 and built in 1872, has been listed for sale through Ray White Hotels Australia with spectacularly colourful photos.
The 378 Rouse Street, Tenterfield opportunity was originally built as the Aireys Grant Hotel, explained Leon Alaban, who is selling the property, along with Blake Edwards. Tenterfield is a farming town in New South Wales, 699 kilometres north of Sydney and 275 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.
An expressions of interest campaign is underway for those looking to purchase the right-bedroom AAA-tourism accredited four-star motel. It has five double rooms and three family rooms, all with adjoining ensuites, kitchenettes, TVs, internet and undercover carports.
The two-storey hotel, occupying a 3,105 square metre site, is being sold as a freehold going concern.
“It has been modernised and is now very well equipped with a public bar, gaming room with 12 PMEs and Keno monitor, TAB, dining area, children’s play area, rear deck/beer garden, kitchen, bottleshop, storage, motel accommodation and manager’s residence,” said Alaban.
It has rear lane access, and is on a prime main street site.
“The main street position provides the venue with excellent traffic exposure as well as providing easy access to the walk-in bottleshop,” he said. Despite being on a main street, the design has apparently minimised the road noise by putting the sleeping quarters to the back of the property.
Despite the 2008 renovation, there are likely still opportunities to add value, said Edwards, as well as to attract visitors on route between Sydney and Brisbane.
“Tenterfield is the main service centre for the surrounding regions where agriculture, viticulture and wine production industries are located, so trade is consistent and on-going,” he said.
An additional three gaming machines could be installed, trade operation systems could be improved or adjacent land could be purchased and developed.
Expressions of interest are closing on 10 June, 2014 and can be made via the Ray White listing here.
At present, the Motor Inn is pet-friendly for some rooms, offers seven days a week cooked breakfast and offers dinner to the rooms from Monday to Thursday. Visit New South Wales suggests that a room can be snapped up for $79 to $109 per night.
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Investment opportunity: New South Wales’ Tenterfield Tavern and Motor Inn

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The former contestant on The Voice Emma Birdsall performed at the launch of the newly refurbished Rendezvous Grand Scarborough last week.
The beachfront hotel, which sees around 20,000 guests each year has undergone a multi-million refurbishment. It was relaunched in a ribbon cutting ceremony by Premier Colin Barnett, with Far East Orchard chief executive Lucas Chow, group managing director of Toga Group Allan Vidor, Far East Hospitality chief executive Arthur Kiong and Toga Far East Hotels chief executive Rachel Argaman.
The hotel has hosted a variety of celebrities over its life, including Bono, Kylie Minogue, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and Pearl Jam.
At the relaunch, The Voice’s Emma Birdsall was accompanied by a piano once played by Michael Jackson. The celebrations also featured a 1.5 metre high chocolate sculpture by Sisko Chocolate’s Christina Tantsis and celebrity chef Ian Burch of Melbourne’s Burch &amp; Purchese. French and Spanish couvuture chocolate was moulded to make a coastal inspired sculpture.
It was a fitting tribute to the Rendezvous Grand Scarborough, which has oceanfront event spaces. The 24th floor observation deck and suites have views over 32 kilometres of Perth’s coastline. The 300 capacity Mentelle room offers a view across the Indian Ocean thanks to floor to ceiling windows and an adjoining deck.
<img src="/images/2014/05/26/Rend%20Grand%20Hotel%20Perth%20Scarborough%20-Balcony%20view%205.jpg" alt="">
Toga Far East's Rachel Argaman said the group was "delighted to have been able to showcase our newly renovated hotel alongside WA’s food and wine, recognised as some of the best in the world".
"The relaunch of the hotel alongside the redevelopment of the Esplanade’s frontage will help to re-establish Scarborough as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.”
Architects Tema International designed all 336 rooms and suites of the hotel, as well as a new club lounge on the 25th floor. The hotel has also added two new dining venues, the Straits Café and the Lobby Bar.
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Rendezvous Grand Scarborough launches with help from The Voice's Emma Birdsall

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The Tea Gardens Hotel in Bondi Junction has been sold, reportedly for around $37 million to a private investor.
The pub was sold by Melbourne-based publicans Aussie Leisure Group, brokered by<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/bondi-junction/1129055/" target="_blank"> Ray White Hotels agent Andrew Jolliffe</a>.
It is set over two levels on its 800 square metre 2-4 Bronte Road with outdoor areas, a highly sought after balcony, large kitchen and 30 gaming machines.
‘‘The annual profit delivered regularly by the Tea Gardens puts it firmly in the A-Grade asset class, irrespective of category, and means that it enjoys similar status to the Coogee Bay Hotel, the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay, the Newport Arms and the recently traded Steyne in Manly and Watsons Bay hotels,’’ Jolliffe advised potential buyers.
Adjacent to Westfields and Myers in Bondi Junction, the heritage listed Tea Gardens hotel is considered a prime asset.
‘‘The latest quarterly Top 200 gaming rankings highlight the hotel’s sizeable jump from 121 in September 2013 to 88 in the state of NSW for the December 2013 quarter,’’ Mr Jolliffe added.
In colonial times, Bondi Junction was known just for its The Waverley Tea Gardens Inn. The hotel was laid out with gardens, summer houses, quoit pitches and other games and was known as "a favourite resort for afternoon teas and fun".
It was served by horse-drawn omnibuses from the city and was "a rendezvous for young people to spend their Saturdays and Sundays".
Its art deco features in the replacement pub were restored in the late 1990s by publican Peter Padsworth. After spending more than $1.5 million, business increased five-fold following the renovations.
Aussie Leisure bought the hotel in mid-2006 for $44.75 million. It had previously sold at $7.5 million in 1998. In 1990 Tooth &amp; Co Ltd sold it to Yau Sun Nominees Pty Ltd for $5 million.
 
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Tea Gardens Hotel, Bondi Junction sold

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Two freehold hotels in the Bowen region in central coastal Queensland have been listed for sale.
The two hotels - The Denison Hotel, at 55 Powell Street, Bowen, and the Merinda Village Hotel, at 13 Linley Street, Merinda (pictured above) are being offered for sale individually or in one line. 
The hotels are being offered through Leon Alaban and Sean Dollar of Ray White Hotels Australia.
“The owners of the respective hotels believe in the region and its growth potential and would also consider joint venture partners”, said Mr Alaban.
Rebuilt in 1984 after being destroyed by fire, The Denison Hotel sits on a site area of about 3,052 square metres and features a lounge bar, nightclub and a gaming room with 40 EGMs. It also has a drive through bottle shop, a commercial kitchen, storage and office areas.
"The hotel, one of the best performing in the region, also operates a detached bottle shop in the Woolworths and Target Country anchored shopping centre”, he added.
Located some 8km north of Bowen, the Merinda Village Hotel, has asite area of about 12,628 square metres, had a QHA award-winning $6 million refurbishment completed in 2010. It consists of a public bar, bistro and TAB and features a high quality purpose built function and conference centre.
“The site has 48 accommodation rooms and there is a current development approval in place for an additional 96 units plus a 12 room motel", add Mr Dollar.
“The vendor will also consider all genuine offers on a joint venture scenario.”
Expressions of interest must close 28 May. 
Photo courtesy of Facebook.
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Two Bowen, Queensland freehold hotels listed for sale

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Druids House, the office block at 302 Pitt Street, is set to become a hotel.
It follows its late 2013 purchase by Melbourne property developer brothers, Dean and Jonty Rzechta for around $10 million.
It had previously traded in 2004 for $5 million to G Capital Holdings, associated with Bill Gertos, when offloaded by the Grand Lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druids.
<a href="https://development.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Datasource/DANotifications/1145200_022.pdf" target="_blank">The application before Sydney City Council is for the adaptive re-use as 136 room hotel</a>.
The application seeks a 10 storey addition to the six storey 1909 building set on 520 square metres between Bathurst and Liverpool Streets.
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A 500mm setback is proposed to levels six, seven and eight then levels 9-15 will be setback six metres from the street frontage. 
There had previously been off the plan marketing of residential units with prices from $425,000 for studio apartments, for a 10 months period beginning late 2010 that accompanied plans for a 17 storey apartment block.
It was marketed as an "extremely rare developer release, pre-DA opportunity."
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There is no heritage listing with the Lodge Room on level four the only strong reminder of the Druids’ occupation of the building. It is proposed to be removed, but there will be retention of the façade and windows, most of which date from 1927. 
Druids House was built as a five-storey 1909 factory for the Welsbach Light Company, known then as Welsbach House. 
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The Welsbach Lighting Company which was founded by Carl Auer von Welsbach, a chemist who is famous for inventing the gas mantle and the metal filament for light bulbs. 
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It was a fully-equipped factory in Sydney owned by the company, which had until then been operating in Australia by carrying out various stages of its manufacturing in England. But having German origins, the company was declared an enemy in 1914 and its occupation of the building ended.
In 1927, 302 Pitt Street was altered for use by its new owners, the United Ancient Order of Druids, a fraternal society founded in London in 1781.The Australian contingent of Druids had been active since the 1850s and another Druids House was established in Melbourne in 1927 at 407 Swanston Street. 
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At the time of the 1928 opening ceremony, the United Ancient Order of Druids had approximately 240,500 members and was playing an active role as a Friendly Society in Sydney.
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Druids House in Sydney was opened in 1928, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the opening ceremony was attended by the assistant treasurer, Mr S. Stevens.
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The plans have been prepared by Scott Carver with an estimated $22 million cost for the company, Ninety Four Street.
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The last plans date back to 2011 when <a href="https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1336071" target="_blank">a 17 storey residential building was approved</a>, then in 1997 when Peter Skerrett held an option to buy 302 Pitt Street with residential prospects.
The current plans are likely to attract opposition from residents of the neighbouring Princeton complex.
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Druids House on Pitt Street set to become 15 storey Sydney hotel

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Longitude 131°, overlooking Uluru, is at Australia’s spiritual heart.
The Philip Cox -designed <a href="https://longitude131.com.au" target="_blank">Longitude 131° luxury wilderness camp at Uluru</a> has won acclaim for its eco-friendly intention, with tent-like suites dotted across the red dirt in the Northern Territory.
Its ownership sits within the indigenous-owned Ayers Rock Resort, that comprises five hotels bought by the Indigenous Land Corp from the listed GPT Group in late 2010 for $300 million.
It wasn't a straight sale but rather by instalments:
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<li>$81 million payment on settlement; 
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<li>$81 million 12 months after settlement; and 
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<li>$138 million five years after settlement.</li>
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The additional terms of the sale included GPT contributing $25 million towards capital expenditure to assist in the achievement of a higher value in which GPT may share. GPT will share in 46% of the increase in capital value of Ayers Rock Resort over $300 million.
GPT had opened it in 2002, with 12 of the 15 tents at the $9.4 million safari-style camp, then lost in a bushfire just 15 months after its launch.
Longitude 131°, on the edge of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (UKTNP), 10 kilometres from Uluru, had just been named by US magazine The Robb Report as among the world's top 10 new hotels.
It is now on a long-term management lease deal with Baillie Lodges, owned by entrepreneur Dick Smith’s daughter Hayley and her husband, James Baillie.
Prices have been at $2,200 per couple for a two-night food, drinks and accommodation package
Last year the Indigenous Land Corp’s tourism management arm managing director, Voyages' Koos Klein, the former Hilton executive, told the AFR that the Baillies "can do it better than we can do it. This gives us the opportunity to concentrate on our main resort where we employ 700 to 800 people, and where our focus is on indigenous employment and training."
After a downturn in tourism into the Northern Territory, the value of the resort was cut by $62 million last year, prompting the head of the Indigenous Land Corporation Dawn Casey to question the purchase of the Ayers Rock Resort telling Fairfax Media it was ''perhaps the largest single evaporation of public money in the indigenous policy domain, ever''.
Statistics from Parks Australia show visitors to Uluru declined by about nine per cent in 2011 to about 273,000 people. 
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The majority of visitors to UKTNP surveyed were domestic visitors, while 31% of visitors were from overseas. 
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International visitors were predominately from Germany; USA; other European markets including the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland; and New Zealand. 
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Before the Windsors visit, Longitude has hosted celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey. 
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<div>Tourism to Ayers Rock began as an informal activity around the mid 1950s , when a series of unofficial camps evolved at the base, followed by a rough airstrip and eventually some low quality hotels and hostels. By the early 1970's visitor numbers were estimated to be close to 50,000 a year.</div>
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<div>Visitor numbers hits over 75,000 per annum around the early 1980s when construction of Ayers Rock Resort commenced under the direction of the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory.</div>
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The existing hotels were compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth Government, replaced on the new site by the new hotel.
The estimated costs of development were $600 million.
By 1984, visitor numbers had reached in excess of 130,000 a year.
Despite being operated by Sheraton and Four Seasons, the properties traded poorly.
In late 1997, General Property Trust purchased Ayers Rock Resort for $220 million. 
</div>
</div>
The Baillie Lodges collection of luxury lodges in wilderness destinations includes Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island which launched the portfolio.
SA's Southern Ocean Lodge is also in the Baillie stable.
Last month James and Hayley Baillie abandoned plans to <a href="/expert-insights/investing/baillie-lodges-reveal-ribbed-modernist-addition-to-proposed-boutique-hotel-in-victorian-era-the-rocks-in-sydney">develop a $1400-a-night hotel in The Rocks in Sydney</a>, citing a threefold increase in construction costs.
Construction costs had an initial quote of $8 million but we tipped to blow out to up $23 million, making it impossible to make the nine-suite hotel stack up financially.
“The hard, sad reality is we have become such an expensive country, where the cost of construction has gone through the roof, especially at the quality end of the market,” he told The Australian.
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Longitude 131° at Uluru - glamping boost to follow Prince William and Kate visit

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Causing waves in Sydney's gay community, LGBTIQ icon Midnight Shift in Darlinghurst, at 85 to 91 Oxford Street, is up for sale, with two retail shops - up to 95 Oxford Street. The longest running Oxford Street hotel, with 31 years under its belt, has been a loved part of the street's culture for many years, but it appears its days may be numbered.
Samesame.com.au suggest that the closure may be due to a lack of business, with opening nights reduced from seven to four nights this month, but reassured that the venue is open for business as usual until the sale date. Midnight Shift began charging for shows in 2011, but has still been referred to as a "must attend" venue. The downstairs bar has remained free, but charges were increased to head to Upstairs Shift.
<img src="/images/bar.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/bar2.png" alt="">
The reduction of nights open was said to be due to changes in liquor legislation and the impact of a five-year freeze on the CBD entertainment precinct, the promotions manage for the venue, Leigh Harder, said in March.
While some have taken to Facebook lamenting the loss of an icon, it does provide a good chance for an opportunistic business and party-minded new owner to grab one of Oxford Street's renowned venues with 28 metre frontage.
<img src="/images/decor.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/pokey.png" alt="">
On approximately 849 square metres and being offered with vacant possession tenure, the colourful <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-darlinghurst-501111067" target="_blank">Real Commercial listing was put up today</a>.
The listing notes that it is within "one of Australia's premier entertainment and retail precincts on the edge of Sydney," and that "Valuable hotel license and entitlements that can be purchased with the sale".
It has dual street access.
93 Oxford Street, which appears to be included in the listing, is Liquor on Oxford, which was sold in 2008 with a first level office lease to Midnight Shift on a 5+5 year lease commencing in September 2008 and a 5+5 year retail lease to House of Fetish from August 2008. The other shop appears to be a Pad Thai (pictured below) at present. According to RP Data, the November 2008 sale for 85-91 Oxford Street was for $8,250,000, settling in December. Before that it had been sold in 1994 for $3,300,000, with one other previously recorded sale - in 1992 for $2,900,000.
<img src="/images/pad%20thai.png" alt="">
Expressions of interest are closing 21st May 2014 after its listing today. Disco dancing, a stage and everything theatrical, Midnight Shift has been home to many a memorable night, including colourful Strip Karaoke, that will see some mourning its sale.
<img src="/images/theatre.png" alt="">
It is being advertised through Oxford Commercial, and sits between the Lick-Her Shop and House of Fetish.
It is currently owned by Arunta Investments after the 2008 sale, previously with the Midnight Shift title being in the hands of long-time owner Tim Berry, in a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/local-news/new-south-wales-news/berry-sells-midnight-shift/30033" target="_blank">somewhat bitter situation reported on by the</a> Star Observer back in 2010.
“Weighing the pros and cons of that, Tim decided that it was probably time that [Arunta executive director] Mark Madar gets the place and experiences for himself what it takes to run a pub," they reported Berry's partner Clarence Cruz as saying.
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Oxford Street, Sydney's oldest gay hotel venue up for sale

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A keenly contested bidding process saw two hotel investments owned by Coles in Queensland and Western Australia sell for a total of $13.22 million.
The Old Bundy Tavern in Bundaberg, Queensland, sold for $7.7 million to a  Brisbane-based family. The sale reflected a yield of 8.18 %. 
A Sydney-based doctor was the end buyer of the Victoria Park Hotel in Perth (pictured above) for $5.525 million - equalling a yield of 5.79%. 
CBRE’s Joel Fisher, Glenn Price and Ryan McGinnity, in conjunction with Billy Holderhead of Burgess Rawson handled the sale. 
The Old Bundy Tavern and First Choice Liquor outlet is leased to Liquorland for a 15-year term with five 10-year options. 
The refurbished hotel is on a 3,380 square metre site and includes an 886 square metre freestanding First Choice Liquor store. The hotel includes four bars, a large bistro, gaming lounge with 30 machines, function room and on-site parking for 28 cars. 
The Victoria Park Hotel also has a 15-year lease to Liquorland and features four bars, a function centre, underground cellar, drive-through bottle shop and alfresco area. 
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Coles sells off two hotels for total of $13.22 million

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The Sheraton hotel brand, absent from the city for nine years, has returned with the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel on Little Collins Street.
Located at the ‘Paris end’ of Little Collins on the former Navy and Military Club site, the Sheraton Melbourne was officially opened for business yesterday, although the hotel has been taking room reservations since January.
According to general manager Hal Philps, the project began four years ago, when Golden Age Development purchased the site. The development company, owned by 37 year old Jeff Xu, is also responsible for the Rainbow World entertainment plaza on Bourke Street and a proposal for the largest apartment building in Melbourne’s CBD, a $250 million 75 storey development on Elizabeth Street.
<img src="/images/2014/04/01/sheraton-april-1-two.jpg">
Philps says the return of the Sheraton brand, the largest in Starwood Hotels’ portfolio, is the result of a combination of factors.
“We have an amazing owner at the right time, in the right location, and it’s a really perfect partnership for us at this time,” said Philps.
Starwood, Philps says, “has a lot of aggressive growth planned for this year globally for the brand.”
“Starwood are always looking for development opportunities. And it’s about those opportunities all stacking up, and they certainly did for the Sheraton Melbourne.”
Sheraton’s Melbourne offering will be aimed the city’s prestige tourism market.
“As a five star luxury operator we’ll very much be targeting that sort of clientele, that look for the brand, Sheraton, and look for the experience we deliver around the world,” Philps said.
“We have 174 bedrooms, and that includes luxury terrace suites. In addition to that we have our signature restaurant, which is called Little Collins Street Kitchen, a new concept we developed just for Sheraton Melbourne here, and one which we believe will very much fit in with our location here in Melbourne, and be a great asset to the Melbourne dining scene.
“In addition to that we have a little under 700 square metres of meeting space, all with the latest technology and natural light. We have a spa with five treatment rooms, Sheraton Fitness with an indoor heated lap pool, and also a rooftop bar concept that we will open this week.” 
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