Confucius said “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
If the Chinese philosopher was right, a colourful mix of tourist attractions currently for sale could be your perfect career move. That’s if you’re a bird lover, a miniature model hobbyist or a budding winemaker or distiller.
We scoured through the premier tourist hotspots to find business opportunities that stray outside the mainstream commercial markets.
Old Hobart Town, TAS
In the heart of the Tasmanian tourism hub of Richmond, an award-winning homemade model village for sale could be the cheapest way to become a local property tycoon.
The village, roughly the size of two tennis courts, is a miniature replica of Hobart as it was in the 1820s. It has over 60 replica buildings, more than 500 figurines and 100 native myrtle bonsai trees.
The owners, Andrew and John Quick, spent thousands of hours over three years carefully handcrafting the village – based on historical plans – and figurines before opening to the public in 1991.
After operating for 30 years, Old Hobart Town is ready for new owners.
The property includes a visitor centre, a shop, a workshop, and a four-bedroom residence. The listing describes it as a profitable and pleasant operation.
Old Hobart Town is for sale through Knight Frank for offers over $1.8 million.
Flying High Bird Sanctuary, QLD
For avid twitchers and bird lovers, Australia’s largest walk-through aviary is on the market.
Visitors stroll through several displays and garden areas, hoping to get up close and personal with a diverse array of birds native to Australia, Asia and South America.
The sanctuary is a busy family tourist attraction in Apple Tree Creek, south-west of Bundaberg, with 4.5 stars from more than 480 Google reviews.
And it’s more than just birds; the next owner will take on a wildlife park that includes emus, ostriches, kangaroos, reptiles and farm animals. The property also includes a cafe, gift shop and a three-bedroom residence.
It’s being sold on a walk-in, walk-out basis, with zoo licensing and qualified staff on hand.
The expressions-of-interest campaign ends on March 15.
Castle Glen, Queensland
The fortress of Castle Glen has a vineyard, winery, brewery, distillery and cellar door, but the entire operation also includes three additional cellar doors in nearby tourist towns.
Located in the Granite Belt, Castle Glen is a popular tourist attraction within a few hours’ drive of Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Its medieval-inspired castle is a unique backdrop for trying and testing its preservative-free liqueurs, wines, rum and beer. There is also the scope to expand into guest accommodation or on-site functions.
Castle Glen is for sale as a freehold going concern through CRE Brokers.
Boranup Gallery, WA
The Boranup Gallery is the only privately owned commercial block along a 20-kilometre stretch of road in the tourist mecca that is the Margaret River region.
Built by James & Anne Howieson from rammed earth and local timber, the building includes an art gallery and cafe set against the backdrop of Boranup Forest, just 15 minutes from the Margaret River township.
The Boranup Gallery first opened in 1989 and, over decades, has cemented itself as a well-entrenched business in the local tourism scene.
Now for sale through Belle Property, prospective buyers have two options: buy as a freehold going concern for $1.4 million and continue to operate the business or purchase the property with vacant possession for $1.3 million.