Queensland resort stops taking guests a year on from Cyclone Yasi

The Far North Queensland boutique resort Elandra Mission Beach has closed its doors to guests and is believed to be shifting its focus from tourism to conferences and functions, one year after being slammed by Cyclone Yasi.

The resort, located between Cairns and Townsville with ocean and rainforest views, opened less than half of its 50-plus guest rooms since last year’s disaster.

The resort was bought four years ago by Katrina Knowles and Adam Karras. Its visitors have included pop stars Pink and Grace Jones.

Queensland Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt says Karras plans to shift the resort’s focus from tourism to a conference and function centre catering for large groups.

According to reports, the resort is no longer taking bookings and is refunding gift vouchers. Problems with its insurer are believed to be behind the indefinite closure.

The resort was taking phone calls this morning, but did not comment before deadline.

The closure follows the sale of the Bedarra Island Resort in Far North Queensland late last year to the Charlton Hotel Group, which plans to refurbish the battered resort.

Shortly afterwards, Dunk Island Resort was sold to Peter Bond, the chief executive of gas company Linc Energy. He does not intend to operate the island as a tourist destination.