Pumpkin Island
From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
Native name: Koey Ngurtai[2] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Geography | |
| Area | 0.06 km2 (0.023 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
Australia | |
| State | Queensland |
| Region | Central Queensland |
Pumpkin Island is a privately owned island in Keppel Bay on the southern Great Barrier Reef in Australia.[3][4] It is 13.8 kilometres (8.6 mi) off the coast from Yeppoon[5] and has an area of 6.1 Hectares.[3] In 2012 it was listed as the world's sixth most expensive private island.[3]
The island is owned and operated by Sojourn Properties Pty Ltd, a Queensland-based company and run by Sojourn Retreats. The resort operated using wind and solar power systems and filtered rain water for use as drinking water for its "7 self-catering units" which could accommodate up to 34 guests.[6][7][8]
The island is one of four properties owned by the company as of 2020 the others are Eden, Yeppoon; Sandcastles, Zilzie; and Elysian Retreat on Long Island.[9][1]
Before 1961, the island was an oyster farm owned by Snigger Findlay who lost it in a poker game to Roger Mason. By 1964, it was operating as a tourist destination. Sojourn Properties purchased the island in 2003 when it was a " low-key private resort" defined by the Rumbles as more of a "fisherman’s hideaway". In addition to renovations and new buildings, they added a helicopter pad, two registered moorings and a 36-passenger boat for ferrying clients.[10][11][8]
Between 2012 and 2015 the island was leased by Queensland brewer Castlemaine Perkins and, for the duration, renamed XXXX Island as a promotional campaign for their beer, Castlemaine XXXX.[12] The company held contests and island escapes were offered as prizes. By 2016, the island was being renovated to become an advanced eco retreat. [13] During the XXXX era, 3,000 people visited.[12]
Pumpkin was recognised in 2019 as Australasia's most sustainable hotel[10] at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, adding to its accomplishments that include Climate Action Leader and the first beyond carbon neutral island in Australia.[14]
The address for Pumpkin Island is Keppel Islands, Yeppoon, Queensland, Australia.[11]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Jason Tin (15 March 2012). "XXXX Gold to lease out island for men only". Herald Sun. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
- ^ "The Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements database (ATNS)". Indigenous Studies Program, The University of Melbourne. 27 July 2004. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
- ^ a b c "The world's most expensive private islands", The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Private Island
- ^ "Pumpkin Island". Queensland Holidays. Tourism Queensland. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
- ^ "Escape to an island paradise". Sojourn Retreats. 10 June 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "A private island off the coast of Australia was once won in a poker game and sold for $78. Now it's back on the market asking $17 million — take a look inside". Business Insider. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Stunning Great Barrier Reef island, once won in a poker game, is up for sale". CNN Travel. 18 July 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Sojourn Retreats Properties". Sojourn Retreats. 10 June 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Amazing Eco-Friendly Private Island on Australia's Great Barrier Reef Is for Sale". Our Community Now. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ a b ""Visit the Great Barrier Reef without leaving a footprint."". Boutique Hotel Awards. 11 January 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ a b Anjelica Rush (11 October 2015). "Last bids for XXXX Island being lodged on ebay". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ^ "The curious tale of XXXX Island – from beer-soaked man cave to tropical idyll". The Telegraph. 11 December 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Best Boutique Hotels | Awards Process". www.boutiquehotelawards.com. Retrieved 24 March 2019.