A STUNNING property once owned by Australia’s richest woman and now in the hands of a former NRL great has hit the market, and it has been described as “the gateway to the Whitsundays”.
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73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
Located at Murray Bay, the tropical 3.52ha property is currently owned by former Australian rugby league player, Mike McLean, according to publicly-available property records.
McLean, who bought the property in 2020, played for Queensland and NSW, and was the fourth generation publican of the Grand View Hotel in Bowen before it was sold.
The Origin great purchased the property from Hancock Prospecting, which is owned by resources billionaire Gina Rinehart.
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73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
Described as a “world of exclusivity where opportunity is as limitless as imagination”, the property has 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
It is understood that it was intended to be used to accommodate workers when in the hands of Hancock Prospecting.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
“It is the only private haven to grace Murray Bay, hidden behind security gates that declare exclusivity from the road and ensure that every guest is welcomed by appointment only,” the listing by Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agents Lynn Milson and Wayne Singleton says.
“Steeped in heritage, this estate boasts strong ties to the Whitsunday region, and it hosts a prestigious lineage of previous ownership, including Australia’s richest citizen, Gina Rinehart, as part of Hancock Prospecting.”
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
The waterfront estate boasts over 250m of beachfront, extensive landscaping and a natural spring.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
A bridge crafted from locally sourced reclaimed wood adds to the charm, while also providing a passage to the waters beyond, which are home to an array of vibrant fish, colourful coral, and an established reef.
With three distinct houses and three self-contained units, there are no neighbours in sight, according to the listing.
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Mike McLean in action for Qld during the 1991 State of Origin series.
“The property is flanked by crown land and offers only walking access to the bay, ensuring the utmost seclusion,” it says.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
The main house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, while the additional two offer three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
Additionally, three refurbished units provide further accommodation options, including two studio units and a larger family unit, each equipped with modern amenities.
There is also a trendy beach shack, carport, shed/workshop, and a shaded beachfront seating pavilion.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
Plans are also available for a luxury home development and subdivision, designed by Chris Beckingham of award-winning Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island fame.
The property is also listed under tourism/residential zoning.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
“Whether you envision a premium resort, caravan park, lifestyle hotel/licensed venue, or you wish to retain this slice of paradise as your own private retreat, this estate offers a curated canvas for your grandest aspirations,” the listing says.
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays
Agent Lynn Milson said the current owners were heavily involved in the procuring of the Hollywood blockbuster Australia, starring Hugh Jackman, to Bowen, which was affectionally rebranded Bowenwood.
“They are now keen to slow down, and move closer to family down south,” she said.
“It was a dump when they got it and they have done so much work on the property.
“My client was very familiar with the property and took their chance, and they got it.
“The natural spring fed dam did not exist before them, they did extensive landscaping, they gutted the units into stunning boutique apartments.
“They have done a survey for a subdivision which they are happy to handover to a buyer, and that includes a home designed by Chris Beckingham.
“They have done a lot on three years. I wish I had half of their energy.”
73 Murray Bay Road, Whitsundays