17 Feb 2022
Media Release
The "Jewel of the Kimberley", Lake Argyle Resort, has been purchased by the G’day Group – owners of another Kimberly icon, El Questro.
The G’day Group purchased the property from the Sharpe family who, over nearly 46 years, have built the property up as a centerpiece of tourism in the Kimberley.
The expansive Lake Argyle is set within a breathtaking ancient landscape, rich in color and abundant in wildlife. The lake is 20 times the size of Sydney Harbor and attracts tourists from around the globe.
G’day Group have plans to continue investing in the property through increasing the amount of accommodation available, sealing roads and creating a new reception area, building upon the vision of the current owner, Charlie Sharpe.
The resort offers a range of activities including boat cruises, bush dinners, fishing and aquatic hire.
The Group are Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider, and in 2021 brought El Questro back into Australian hands. The Group also owns Discovery Rottnest Island, Kings Canyon Resort and a number of other resorts and golf courses along with their holiday and caravan park portfolio.
CEO Grant Wilckens says he is honored to be taking over custodianship of Lake Argyle from the Sharpe family, which will complement the company’s other WA properties.
“The Sharpe family have done an incredible job in creating what is a very special experience at Lake Argyle. From luxury villas and a stunning infinity pool and helipad to affordable campsites, it’s a holiday experience that will leave an impression on even the most travelled of visitors,” said Grant.
“Along with El Questro, we have fantastic properties in Broome and Kununurra. Our Broome property is currently undergoing a $10 million upgrade.”
“We’re passionate about promoting the Gibb River Rd and Savannah Way touring route and opening up this special part of Australia to more people, for longer,” said Grant.
Charlie Sharpe, current owner of Lake Argyle said, “it’s been an incredible journey with Lake Argyle home to three generations of our family. It’s a truly amazing place where as humans, we are almost insignificant in this ancient, rugged and almighty Kimberley landscape. Ten years living overseas in some of the world’s most popular tourist locations made me realise how special Lake Argle is. If this lake was anywhere else in the world, it would be home to at least a million people.”
“With incredible growth of the business over the last 15 years, we came to a point where the resort was quickly out growing our capacity as a small family operator, so we took our plans to Nash Advisory to help with a suitable transition that would not only work for us, but also the future of Kimberley Tourism. The fact that G’day Group are 100% Australian owned and operated was important to us.”
“With such confidence in tourism investment across the Kimberley in recent years, this sparsely populated patch of stunning and unique wilderness is without doubt soon to become a hotspot in domestic and international tourism,” said Charlie.
Lake Argyle is expected to settle in mid-March 2022.
For more information visit: www.gdaygroup.com.au
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About G'day Group
Founded by Grant Wilckens in 2004 with three properties in WA, the G’Day Group is now Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider with around 300 properties across Australia.
G’day reached $1bn company status in 2020, and is home to three brands; Discovery Parks (owned and managed parks), G’day Parks (independently owned licensed parks) and G’day Rewards (membership program).
G’day is majority owned by Sunsuper. Founder and CEO Grant Wilckens is also the Chair of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Board Director of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
