US Firm Buys Hamilton Island on Great Barrier Reef in $1.2B Deal, Sparks Concerns
Hamilton Island, a major Great Barrier Reef holiday destination, has been acquired by US private equity firm Blackstone for an estimated $1.2 billion. The island resort was purchased from the Oatley family, who transformed it into a renowned Australian tropical destination. The resort, spanning over 1,130 hectares, features various hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, a golf course, marina, and airport, supporting a significant on-island community. Blackstone aims to invest in the long-term success of Hamilton Island and build upon the Oatley family’s vision.