ART-owned G'day Group invests $200m in regional holiday parks

Australian Retirement Trust (ART) owned G'day Group plans to invest more than $200 million in regional holiday parks in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games.

G'day Group will expand 12 of its regional Queensland discovery parks and resorts, including a $20 million upgrade of discovery parks in Townsville.

This comes as ART's board and senior leaders meet in Townsville this week.

G'day Group chief executive Grant Wilckens said there is a growing demand for high-quality holiday parks and resorts before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We have invested more than $110 million across regional Queensland over the last three years including the acquisition of eco-tourism destination, Habitat Noosa, earlier this year," Wilckens said.

The $20 million upgrade of discovery parks in Townsville will include 30 new cabins and 30 sites, plus new visitor facilities, building on a $5 million investment G'day Group recently completed which delivered 18 new cabins.

"Together, these upgrades will expand the park's accommodation offering and increase capacity to support growing visitation to the region for major events and local attractions," he added.

"We are excited to develop new and expanded offerings in regional Queensland to welcome both local and international tourists ahead of the 2032 games."

The regional accommodation provider is also planning further developments at discovery parks in Bargara, Mackay, Coolwaters - Yeppoon, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Tannum Sands, Lake Tinaroo, and across the Queensland discovery workstay portfolio.

ART chief investment officer Ian Patrick said the investment in G'day Group demonstrated how the super fund could help deliver strong returns, while also contributing to communities and economic growth.

"Our investment in G'day Group shows how our long-term investments can support experienced operators to expand and improve their regional assets, particularly in sectors like tourism where we see strong long-term demand," Patrick said.

"The expansions aim to drive jobs and opportunities in these North Queensland regional areas, bringing benefits for communities and our members.

"We will continue to seek ways to invest at scale for our members' best financial interests and the broader economy."