Colonial Leisure Group Builds its Far North Queensland Portfolio with Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

National hospitality and brewing company Colonial Leisure Group (CLG), owner of Orpheus Island, located off the coast of Townsville, and Nautilus Aviation, based in Cairns and Townsville, continues its investment in Far North Queensland with the acquisition of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, in the pristine Daintree National Park, north of Cairns.

The Group has also invested more than $10 million in new aircraft, including a B407 and two EC120s, growing its fleet to ten since attaining Heli Charters in May 2013 (now re-branded as Nautilus Aviation).

The opportunity to offer two UNESCO World Heritage-listed destinations, Orpheus, a secluded island hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, nestled in the oldest living tropical rainforest on earth, is a global marketing coup.

Additionally, the ability to connect these two properties with a premier helicopter service will greatly enhance tourism in the region and provide a unique guest experience.

The Group will continue to protect and build on Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa's excellent reputation with both the local and international markets, focusing on wellness, food, cultural experiences and ecotourism.

Initially, the Lodge will receive much-needed repairs, along with soft updates to the guest accommodation. Subject to strategic and financial assistance from the Queensland Government, plans will be formulated for significant investment in property upgrades.

"We plan to continue the success established over the 23 years of operation, in which the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa has achieved a number of Australian and international tourism accolades," says Chris Morris, owner of CLG and founder of Computershare.

The announcement continues Morris' investment in the Queensland tourism industry. "We are looking forward to working alongside the national, state and regional tourism organisations to further build Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa into world-class tourism destination," says Morris.

Scott Campbell from CLG will be overseeing the transition, he has worked with the Group's Victorian operation for more than nine years.

"Our focus will be on food, culture, the environment and overall relaxation. We aim to enhance the experience for local, domestic and international travellers," says Campbell.