Gerry Ryan, founder of Jayco and former Financial Review Rich Lister, listed a nearly completed hotel and luxury camping resort within Monarto Safari Park in South Australia for sale. The resort, asking for over AU$50 million, is located 70 kilometers from Adelaide in the Murraylands region.
Ryan, who was ranked No. 199 on the 2023 Financial Review Rich List with a fortune of$693 million, is selling the resort to concentrate on Jayco and his ventures in Victoria, including Hubert Estate in the Yarra Valley and Mitchelton Winery in Nagambie.
Ryan, who purchased the 65.66-hectare site from Zoos South Australia in 2019, aimed to boost tourism and support the park’s rhino conservation program.
The resort features 78 guestrooms, 20 luxury camping tents, conference facilities, a restaurant, a bar, swimming pools, a spa, and a café. Additionally, guests can enjoy views of the park’s landscape and animals.
“Our aim [at Monarto] has always been to offer guests an unparalleled experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural wonder of the land while raising awareness about the crucial conservation initiatives taking place,” Ryan said, as reported by Financial Review.
Initially scheduled for completion in late 2021, the resort’s construction faced delays due to the pandemic and the temporary closure of Monarto Safari Park. The project is now scheduled to open in the third quarter of this year.
The Monarto resort occupies just under 18 hectares of the 66-hectare freehold site, allowing for potential expansion and additional uses. Incoming investors can also choose their operator and brand.
JLL’s Nick MacFie and Peter Harper are handling the expressions of interest sale process, with Advise Transact advising Ryan.
The Monarto Safari Lodge project underscores the importance of diversifying accommodation options to attract more outdoor enthusiasts and incorporating conservation initiatives to add value to developments. This approach can benefit future developments and caravan park owners by creating unique attractions that draw diverse audiences while promoting conservation awareness.