News
12 August, 2025
Moreton makes room for luxury
MORETON Bay could be welcoming its first ever 5-star hotels ahead of the 2032 Olympics: a $250 million expansion of the Sandstone Point Hotel, and a $4m Peppers retreat in Clear Mountain.
The Comiskey Group’s lodged a development application for a multimillion dollar expansion of the iconic Sandstone Point Hotel with Moreton Bay City Council last week.
The group said the project would transform the region into Queensland’s next premier tourism hub and redefine luxury in Moreton Bay.
The development would include the region’s first greenfield 5-star hotel, featuring 202 rooms across ten storeys and two buildings.
Comiskey Group said guests would be able to choose from one, two or three-bedroom suites, with views of the Pumicestone Passage.
The expansion also planned to develop a retail and entertainment precinct to further attract tourists to the area.
The precinct would offer additional dining options, indoor entertainment facilities — including bowling — and a dedicated Tourism Information Centre.
Beyond lifestyle and leisure, the project was expected to generate 995 jobs and attract upwards of 117,000 visitor stays annually.
With projected visitor spending estimated at $143.3m each year, the development hopes to provide a significant boost for small businesses across Moreton Bay.
CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council, Natassia Wheeler, said the development was a “gamechanging investment” that would elevate Greater Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region by delivering long-term benefits for the visitor economy.
“With Brisbane 2032 just seven years away, infrastructure development has never been more critical,” she said.
“South East Queensland currently has only 46,000 hotel rooms — well behind Los Angeles with 120,000 and Paris with 133,000.
“Even with committed projects, we’re facing a significant shortfall.
“This development brings much-needed capacity, creates jobs, and enhances the tourism experience — which we know has a powerful ripple effect across the broader economy.
“The tourism sector in Moreton Bay is at a pivotal point, and this project is exactly the kind of bold, forward-looking investment we need.”
CEO of Tourism and Events Moreton Bay, Luke Edwards, said the expansion would “strengthen” the region’s appeal, support jobs, and contribute to a more vibrant, experience-rich destination for both locals and visitors.
“We’re seeing consistent growth in visitor numbers and a clear evolution in the depth and quality of our tourism experiences — and developments like this play a key role in that trajectory.”
Key features of the project included an expansive infinity pool overlooking the water, a stylish adults-only pool with a swim-up bar and live DJ sets, a rejuvenating wellness centre, a Mediterranean restaurant, a fully equipped gym, family-friendly pools, and state-of-the-art function spaces designed for unforgettable weddings, corporate retreats, and social events.
To better support the large crowds drawn by concerts, functions, and major events, the development also planned enhanced event infrastructure.
This included upgraded concert facilities, expanded basement car parking, and a dedicated bus terminal — all designed to improve access and elevate the overall experience for eventgoers, the Comiskey Group said.
As the project scaled up, the Comiskey Group said it would be exploring several global brands to explore strategic partnerships that will strengthen its international appeal and long-term success.
Director Rob Comiskey said the expansion was a natural evolution for what has already become one of Queensland’s most sought after destinations:
“My family and I have owned the land since 2011, and from day one, we saw it as a truly special part of Moreton Bay — perfectly positioned opposite Bribie Island,” he said.
“Over time, demand has only grown. To meet that and take the experience to the next level, we’re expanding and elevating our offering by delivering the first 5-star accommodation in Moreton Bay.
“It’s about building on what’s already here and making it even more compelling for both locals and tourists.”
The Comiskey Group was calling for expressions of interest from ecotourism experiences that could leverage off this transformative development.
“We believe this project is so substantial, it presents a real opportunity to strengthen Moreton Bay’s eco-tourism offering,” Mr Comiskey said.
“We’re seeking like-minded partners to help us elevate the experience further.”
Clear Mountain retreat
The Sandstone expansion is being joined by another 5-star, multimillion-dollar development by Mandala Hotels & Resorts, who acquired Mercure Clear Mountain and detailed plans for a $4 million upgrade and expansion to the Peppers hotel brand.
Mayor Peter Flannery said it was an exciting hotel investment and testament to Moreton Bay’s growing appeal as a leisure and business destination.
“This type of investment will allow our tourism and major events industry, which contributed more than $60 million in economic impact last financial year, to flourish and help capture new business and corporate events given its proximity to the Brisbane CBD and airport,” he said.
“Our City needs 1500 new hotel rooms by 2032, and we are confident this is the start of many more investments to come.”
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the upgrade and expansion of the Clear Mountain retreat would help meet growing demand for accommodation in the City of Moreton Bay.
“With the green and gold runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, more visitors are being drawn to Queensland,” he said.
“This includes City of Moreton Bay, so this 5-star hotel will be a welcome boost for both corporate and leisure travellers wishing to stay in this stunning hinterland destination.”
Featuring 51 hotel rooms, the retreat is perched high above the Glasshouse Mountains and surrounded by native bushland, offering sweeping lookouts, vineyard strolls, spa indulgence and regional cuisine.
Principal of Mandala Hotels & Resorts, Ryan Shaw, said the transformation would blend nature’s serenity with signature luxury.
“Our vision is to elevate this much-loved property into a premier wedding and tourism destination under the Peppers name, offering exceptional experiences that honour its natural setting and long-standing charm,” he said.
Mr Shaw said the property would undergo a carefully staged 12-month transformation, re-emerging as a premium Peppers retreat, thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the guest experience while preserving its tranquil character.
The rebrand will bring elevated luxury across guest rooms, dining, wellness, and event spaces – each thoughtfully redesigned to take full advantage of the location’s natural beauty.
“Council has been incredibly proactive, capable, and genuinely understands the needs of investors and the hotel sector,” Mr Shaw said.
“Their support and work with SEQ Water to unlock the necessary water allocation played a huge part in our decision to acquire this site and commit to a significant reinvestment that will lift its amenity, grow capacity, and increase room numbers.”
Division 9 Councillor Cath Tonks said the transformation would inject new energy into the local visitor economy.
“The upgrade and expansion of this popular retreat will create more opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality venues, and small businesses across the hinterland, from Samford Valley to Dayboro and surrounding areas,” she said.
“It will support our beautiful hinterland and serve as a gateway to allow more visitors to explore our rainforest trails, scenic lookouts, and unique natural attractions.”
Mr Shaw said renovations would be staged to ensure the property remains operational, with careful planning to minimise disruption to guests.
