G’day Group has announced a nearly $20 million redevelopment of its Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain property, signaling a significant investment in Tasmania’s outdoor hospitality sector.
The staged project aims to enhance the region’s appeal by offering premium nature-based accommodations while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability.
The development will feature luxury forest studio cabins on stilts, interconnected by elevated boardwalks, alongside eco-friendly design elements such as hydronic heating, double-glazed windows, skylights, and gas fireplaces.
According to a press release, the company intends to draw from its prior experience in eco-friendly developments, including a high-profile glamping resort at Rottnest Island.
G’day Group CEO Grant Wilckens emphasized the project’s alignment with market trends and evolving traveler preferences.
“Cradle Mountain and nearby Dove Lake are bucket list destinations and this investment is about helping Australians experience the pristine natural environment in their backyard – with those touches of luxury they are looking for after nearly two years of pandemic challenges,” he said.
Wilckens also noted the region’s potential to attract new visitor segments. “Already, our Cradle Mountain cabins are highly sought-after, and this development will help to attract a new brand of traveler.”
“Our research shows there’s a strong intention in the market for people to travel to Tasmania – they’re looking for eco-experiences, activities such as hiking, canoeing, native animal experiences as well as the fabulous food, wine, and history Tassie is famous for,” he said.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the expansion underscores the growing demand for upscale, sustainable accommodations in natural settings.
The integration of eco-conscious design with high-end amenities reflects an industry-wide push toward responsible tourism, catering to a market that increasingly values both environmental stewardship and premium experiences.
The first stage of the project, set for completion by March 2022, includes a $5.3 million investment in 10 new cabins and 40 motorhome and caravan sites, bringing the total number of cabins to 55 and tourist sites to 108.
Future stages will introduce additional cabins and premium studios, further enhancing the park’s capacity.
Beyond its direct impact on tourism, the redevelopment is expected to benefit local businesses. A Tasmanian company has been contracted for cabin construction, while other local firms will handle civil works.
Additionally, the project aligns with the Tasmanian government’s broader investment in the Cradle Mountain region, including infrastructure upgrades such as the new visitor center and Overland Track huts.
With an estimated 102,000 additional visitor nights projected in the coming years, the development presents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to capitalize on Tasmania’s appeal as a premier eco-tourism destination.
As international travel resumes, the enhanced offerings at Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain may serve as a model for balancing luxury accommodations with sustainability in Australia’s outdoor hospitality landscape.
