South Molle Island tourism is stalled as a damaged jetty and an abandoned resort — left in ruins since Cyclone Debbie in 2017 — prevent visitors and investors from returning.
Summary: South Molle Island tourism remains stalled in 2026 after the island's jetty sustained severe damage and an on‑site resort has sat abandoned since Cyclone Debbie in 2017, limiting visitor access and investor interest.
South Molle Island tourism has hit a prolonged pause: the island’s sole jetty is damaged and the resort complex remains derelict after Cyclone Debbie in 2017, leaving the Whitsunday destination largely inaccessible and its future uncertain.
Damaged jetty and abandoned resort slow recovery
The jetty that provides the only regular point of arrival for visitors to South Molle Island has deteriorated to the point that tourist operators and local residents find it difficult to bring people and supplies ashore. Restricted access has choked visitor flows to the island’s beaches, walking tracks and wildlife areas.
Compounding the access problem, the island’s resort — once a draw for nature lovers and holidaymakers — remains vacant and increasingly overgrown. Structures that once anchored the local tourism economy are now in disrepair and the site gives few clues of the island’s former appeal.
Mike Smith, a local tourism operator, shared,
The jetty is the lifeblood of the island. Without it, we can’t even show people what makes this place special. The resort could be a great asset again, but it needs a serious investment and a solid plan for the future.
Local businesses and community concerns
Residents and tourism operators in the Whitsunday region say the slow pace of repair work and the uncertain status of the resort risk eroding investor confidence and undermining small businesses that depend on visitor numbers from Airlie Beach and nearby hubs.
- Restricted access reduces day-trip operators and overnight stays
- Local businesses lose revenue from fewer visitors
- Derelict resort site deters potential developers and guests
- Environmental values risk being overlooked if redevelopment stalls
Why South Molle still matters for Queensland tourism
Despite current difficulties, South Molle Island retains strong natural assets: scenic beaches, hiking trails and abundant wildlife. Lying within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the island is well placed to attract eco-tourists and scuba divers when access is restored.
Its proximity to Airlie Beach and other Whitsunday hubs like Hamilton Island gives South Molle potential as a quieter, sustainability-focused alternative to busier resort islands — if infrastructure and investor confidence can be rebuilt.
Government response and redevelopment talks
Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy is working with the Whitsunday Regional Council to explore repair options for the jetty, and state officials have signalled interest in facilitating sustainable tourism development that addresses broader infrastructure needs.
Meanwhile, discussions continue with potential private investors who have expressed interest in redeveloping the resort site. Local stakeholders say any private partnership will need to align with environmental safeguards and a clear plan to reopen the island responsibly.
The road ahead: balancing tourism growth and conservation
As 2026 unfolds the outlook for South Molle Island remains mixed. Repairing the jetty and resolving the resort’s future are prerequisites for any meaningful recovery. Achieving a balance between revitalising visitor access and protecting local ecosystems will be central to any long-term plan.
Why this matters: For travellers and the tourism industry, South Molle’s situation signals both short-term limitations and longer-term opportunity. In the near term, visitors should expect restricted access and limited services. Over the longer term, successful repairs and sustainable redevelopment could create a quieter, eco-focused alternative to busier Whitsunday destinations — but that outcome depends on political will, funding and careful planning.
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