Rainforest Ranch luxury cabins in central Queensland tipped to appeal to tree-changers who also want an income
A property which has been operating as a rainforest retreat with a musical twist in the Queensland town of Byfield is on the market for the first time, offering tree-changers the opportunity to secure an idyllic lifestyle with an income.
Rainforest Ranch, on the edge of the Byfield National Park, started life as a standalone home before owners Warren and Jean O’Leary decided to construct six luxury cabins on the nine-hectare site, which opened in 2008.
They then added The Ranch Bar & Grill in 2010, initially to serve guests, but which later opened to the public in 2015.
The property, which is on the market with a price tag of $1.15 million, also has a live music bent, with the ranch hosting a regular Sunday afternoon live music session.
Mr O’Leary often invites musicians discovered from as far as the Tamworth Country Musical Festival to make the trip north to play on the outdoor stage, which is surrounded by lush lawns and gardens and close to the nearby spring-fed creek.
Now looking to retire, the O’Learys are looking for the next generation of hospitality providers to tap into the property’s potential and take it to the next level.
“There’s plenty of scope … it’s an ideal place to have small festivals, there’s heaps of opportunities to do other things around the national park,” Mr O’Leary said.
Agent Lucas Wilson, of RMW Property Agents, said there was a huge opportunity to have weddings there.
“The growth potential is there. It could be either as an exclusive getaway with fine dining, or as a wedding destination.”
Byfield is about 40 kilometres north of Yeppoon, which is becoming an increasingly popular wedding destination for Brisbane-based couples, according to Mr Wilson.
Another opportunity could involve conducting tours to nearby Five Rocks Beach and 9 Mile Beach, which are only accessible by 4WD. The area surrounding both beaches is home to parabolic sand dunes that are the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Other options to upgrade the property include expanding the camping area or opening the bar for longer.
Mr O’Leary said he and his wife were looking to retire after close to 16 years’ living on the property.
“It needs somebody who wants to fire all of those things up. It would be great for someone with a young family,” he said.
Along with the cabins and the bar and grill, which seats 50 people, the sale includes a main residence with pool and spa, and a workshop.
Business tools such as a Facebook page and online booking system are also included in the sale.
Like the idea of a tree change with an income? Here are some other options.
This combined general store and cafe in the Victorian town of Guildford comes with a one-bedroom flat attached. It’s currently on the market for $695,000.
Built in 1846 and originally a hotel, Stoke House is now operating as a B&B with four bedrooms with en suites, which were renovated in 2015. The property, located in the NSW town of Carcoar, is also home to the Teapots Cafe and is currently listed for sale with a price tag of $1.75 million.
The Avoca Hotel, near the Pyrenees wine region in Victoria, is on the market as a freehold proposition. Operating as a hotel and restaurant and with a manager’s residence included, it could be the perfect ticket to a tree change. It’s currently priced at $850,000.
