“In 1770, Captain James Cook sailed his ship, HMS Endeavour, amidst the small group of islands he would go on to chart as the ‘Family Isles’. He named the largest (or father isle) Dunk Island. The second largest (mother isle) Bedarra Island, and the remaining islands were noted as ‘The Children.”
Once known as Richards Island then Allason Island after early European settlers, it wasn’t until the early 20th century author, Edmund James Banfield, began using the name Bedarra, a misspelling of the Aboriginal term Biagurra which roughly translates to “the place of endless water”, that the island received its current name.
The island has been an exclusive destination because of her impressive beauty and secluded barefoot island living making for an idyllic getaway for many owners throughout her history.
Artists have always been drawn to Bedarra’s beauty, with John Busst and Helen Wiltshire and their families both residing there at a time.
The most well known artist was Bedarra Island’s longest resident, Noel Wood, a colourful modernist, landscape artist, painting at East Bedarra for close to 60-years up until his death in 1993. Noel captured the true beauty of the island and also named many of its picturesque locations including Melaleuca Beach, The Mangroves, Calophyllum Beach, Casurina Beach, Valley Beach, Orchid Beach, Tiki Beach, Hernandia Bay and Coral Gardens. Echoes of his art and flair are scattered all over the island.
Deck 1996 overlooking Dunk Island
“A truly paradisical Setting, nestled
amidst the great barrier reef... Like living art”
New deck view on Sunsent
The dramatic beauty of this property is a natural masterpiece, centred in Australia’s premier location, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world and offering residency within Australia. For the discerning investor and traveller, East Bedarra is truly your passport to paradise. This magnificent freehold estate radiates an understated elegance that epitomises barefoot island life without compromising on luxury.
The open-plan villa has been carefully designed to make the most of the expansive ocean and island views resulting in a seamless flow throughout the interior and exterior. Relax on the expansive 150 square metre covered deck which floats amongst the natural granite, tidal pool with knotted, hand carved timber and glass sculptures plus alfresco bar. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned including a gourmet chef’s kitchen, both a King Suite with rain shower and private saltwater plunge pool and Queen Suite with stellar reef views across the family group of islands. The home also includes a large attic, itself holding 180 degree sweeping views of the coral reef.
A unique feature of this remarkable property is the separate caretakers residence. The ‘Treehouse’, a fully contained residence includes its own Queen ensemble, office and kitchen plus a commanding granite boulder centrepiece and natural clam basin which have to be seen to be believed. Perched high in the granite rockscape boasting magnificent views across to Australia.
Located only four kilometres off the coast of Mission Beach, Bedarra Island is conveniently centred halfway between the cities of Townsville and Cairns, both of which are serviced by their own airports. More secluded than the Whitsunday islands, this is a private gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. This aquatic wonderland is blessed with year-round swimming conditions in crystal-clear waters. Unique destinations such as Paronella Park and other hidden gems are an easy-to-get-to day trip away and are truly enriching experiences. For gastronomical sensations, Mission Beach hosts many sophisticated eateries and fine-dining restaurants and is just a stone’s throw away.
The natural seawater, tidal pool is nestled amongst the granite boulders with ocean views, adding to the natural flow of the grounds. The home is completely sustainable with 100% solar power plus spring and captured rainwater.
The genuine beauty of the property is a chance to own your very own slice of paradise. A chance to escape when you wish and have the added benefit of income at other times. Not many beachfront properties can boast the unique combination of the lapping Coral Sea onto secluded beach frontage with a tranquil rainforest ecosystem in the backyard. This is truly, tropical escapism at its finest.
This would have to be one of Australia’s finest examples of barefoot luxury living, in one of the most prized locations of the world.
“Your very own romantic getaway – a private island retreat right on the beach set in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef”
Perched quietly on approximately 4000 square metres of absolute beach and coral reef frontage in tropical, far north Queensland the possibilities for this property are endless. The idea of maintaining the original home for your own private enjoyment may appeal, or maybe unlocking the potential of what East Bedarra can offer is more alluring.
This unique property hosts countless options, from purchasers looking for either a family playground retreat, to those wishing to use the foundations to realise a dream in one of the most sought after locations in the world. East Bedarra comes with a coveted DA approval to pursue those visions.
Used as both a private residence and a getaway to some of the world’s most notable, the attraction of East Bedarra lies in the natural tranquility and seclusion of this idyllic paradise.
Whatever the future holds for this amazing Jewel of the Reef, one feeling remains certain of this location and the timeless, breath-taking beauty of this oasis in the Coral Sea, will always remain.
Rarity is a prerequisite of value, so a property with its boundary stretching across the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest deserves to be called the jewel of the reef.
“A private Eden that’s in perfect harmony between lush rainforest and barefoot, luxurious beach life that’s unique to Australia”
“There is no other natural offering like this with its boundary stretching across the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest, anywhere in Australia, in one word… Spectacular.”
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, stretches 350,000 square kilometres along the entire north Queensland coast and is rated amongst the world’s top ten scuba and snorkelling destinations.
The Reef has forever been an aquatic playground for those who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and the amazing splendour this natural wonder has to offer. Less than thirty minutes away from Bedarra lies Otter Reef and Taylor Cay, two of the biggest formations in the world and Green Island coral cay is just northeast of Cairns.
Swim, snorkel or scuba off the beach into a coral wonderland where the pristine waters are teeming with marine life. Explore as you ocean kayak to secluded beaches for a picnic or bushwalk.
Or sail amongst the tropical islands of this magnificent region and discover your own sleepy, coastal hamlets and other secrets these remarkable destinations have to offer.
The Great Barrier Reef
“There a few locations more famous than Bedarra Island, a world stage for the most famous”
Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Natural Wonders of the World Few locations are as sought after than the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Australia is often regarded as the ‘Lucky Country’, and one look at the pristine waters and tropical island beauty, one quickly understands why.
East Bedarra is the quintessential barefoot island playground. The warm tropical climate allows for an endless array of outdoor activities all year round. Being the standout amongst the Family Islands, Bedarra has only a handful of private residences existing on the island. All proprietors dearly love this Jewel of the Reef and are committed to the conservation and preservation of this sacred piece of land.
These islands with their beauty and enviable climate, are among the most coveted locations in Australia. With a strong record of long-term growth, a sound economy and secure investment environment, the Australian property market is one of the world’s strongest, drawing a diverse range of distinguished local and international investors.
Situated halfway between the cities of Cairns and Townsville, the island’s close proximity to important facilities such as hospitals, universities and airports give peace of mind. East Bedarra has the convenience of city life on its doorstep, however the feeling of being a world away never leaves. This magical combination adds yet another unique dimension to what is already a desireable property.
The rich diversity of flora and fauna is unique where Tropical rainforest meets the reef. The “Captain Cook’ orchid, which is native to Bedarra, is but one example of these natural wonders
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