A private tropical island that inspired a famous movie series has been bought by an Aussie family.
Little Green Island, located off the coast of Mackay in North Queensland, was sold at auction on Monday to a local family for $5.6 million.
The former owner British-American movie producer and actor Douglas Gresham purchased the island 15 years ago for $2.45 million.
Mr Gresham is the stepson of author C.S. Lewis, who wrote the beloved series of fantasy novels The Chronicles of Narnia.
Mr Gresham was an executive producer of the film adaptations of the novels.
Harcourts MackTown director Tina Sander said the island was the creative inspiration for the movies.
I’ve been privileged enough to stay there a couple of times overnight and it’s not until you actually visit the island that you really grasp its true magic and beauty and aura, she said.
The new owners of Little Green Island are a Mackay family who have asked not to be named.
Little Green Island off the coast of Mackay in north Queensland was sold at auction on Monday to a local family for $5.6 million
The 24.4-hectare island is a short boat ride from Mackay and features pristine beaches, a fresh water lagoon, main house and caretakers cottage set in a rainforest
They purchased the island after out-bidding another Mackay local.
The auction drew bidders from Australia and overseas, with almost 300 initial inquiries.
Its an incredible result, an amazing result – I personally believe its worth every single penny, Ms Sander said.
Everyones super happy that a local buyer ended up snapping it up.
The 24.4 hectare island is a short boat ride from Mackay and features pristine beaches, a fresh water lagoon, two-bedroom main house and caretakers cottage set in a rainforest.
The main house is a modern interpretation of a Queenslander-style home, with a pool and deck overlooking the Coral Sea, Ms Sander said.
The house was originally designed for Edward de Bono, the Maltese physician and author who coined the term lateral thinking.
Ms Sander said Mr Gresham now lives in Malta and the island was always for the personal use of the family.
The main house on Little Green Island features a pool with sweeping views over the Coral Sea
He bought the island so he and his family could come on holiday whenever they wanted and holiday in confidentiality.
Ms Sander said Mr Gresham was now in the later stages of life and his family are winding down all of his assets.
The family just feel its time to pass on the island to a new family or to a new owner, she said.
Ms Sander said she was contacted by the owners six months ago.
I havent sold an island before, she said.