12 Apostles hot springs project offered for sale

THE proponents of a hot springs and resort project near the 12 Apostles are offering it for sale.

Stonebridge Property Group and HTL Property are selling the 79-hectare freehold site, listed as “Australia’s best ecotourism development opportunity”, at Booringa Road, Princetown.

Designed by Neil Architecture, the 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort is described as shovel-ready, with permits in place to deliver a natural bathing experience plus multiple food and beverage outlets and a luxury wellness resort.

Proponents say the project has been “significantly de-risked” with planning approval, a thermal bore license, EPA approval and a conditional state government grant of more than $7 million.

It is projected to be busy all year long, as hot spring bathing can take place 365 days of the year.

“The 12 Apostles is one of the most visited regional tourism attractions in Australia, but there is limited accommodation, or other complimentary experiences in the precinct, making this an incredibly rare development and business opportunity,” Stonebridge national partner Julian White said.

HTL Property managing director Andrew Jolliffe said domestic and inbound tourism levels were rebounding sharply, so “experiential assets with unrepeatable magnets such as the inimitable 12 Apostles” were rare and sought-after investment opportunities.

” And in respect of both the scale and dress circle positioning of this development, I can’t recall a more compelling long-term tourism investment so meticulously curated for a successful purchaser.”

 

The project itself has 4,092sqm of gross gloor area, made up of:

• 3,363sqm of state-of-the-art bathing facilities
• Up to 150 luxury eco-pods for accommodation
• A 12-room spa catering to public and resort guests
• Conference facilities for corporate and private events
• Multiple food and beverage operations
• An amphitheatre and visitor centre, and
• On-grade car parking.

The project has been designed to be environmentally sustainable and to respect the nature of the site and its surrounds.

The natural hot spring allows for no significant heating of pool water and the water used for bathing is then re-injected back into the aquifer.

Water from the bore can also have minerals removed and used for irrigation throughout the site.

A significant kitchen garden and nursery also forms part of the project.

Naomi Gregory of Spa Sessions created an operational blueprint for the project.

“I have been fortunate enough to work with some of Asia Pacific’s most coveted spa and wellness projects,” she said.

“This project has some unique aspects that bring great opportunity. Having a geothermal water source in such a remarkable location is rare. The irreplaceable natural wonder of the 12 Apostles and the wild and rugged beauty of the landscape draws millions of visitors a year.

“Never has there been a catchment of people this large in any project I have worked on.

“People are seeking wellness experiences more than ever before. The global wellness economy was recently valued at USD 4.4 trillion and is estimated to reach USD 7 trillion by 2025.”

12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort will be offered for sale by expressions of interest, which close on September 8.