Annie Cannon-Brookes opens beachside restaurant on Dunk Island
Billionaire Annie Cannon-Brookes has unveiled a new restaurant with relaxed, jetty-side dining in an attempt to help revive Far North Queensland’s Dunk Island.
The casual eatery overlooks the beachfront and is the first major development on the island since Cannon-Brookes purchased it for A$23.65 million in 2022. The island, once a bustling holiday hotspot, was heavily damaged by Cyclones Larry in 2006 and Yasi in 2011.
“We are working hard to create a family-friendly destination that underpins the local tourism sector, preserves the natural environment and celebrates the island’s cultural significance,” Cannon-Brookes said. “It’s a big task and wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support we’ve received from the local community.”
The restaurant is located at Dunk Island Spit, land owned by Cassowary Coast Regional Council and leased to Cannon-Brookes’ Dunk Island Group for 30 years in 2023. The group also owns 147 hectares of freehold land across the island.
Camping remains the only accommodation option following the destruction of Dunk Island Resort. Meanwhile, restoration works are underway to improve the foreshore, upgrade utilities, and revamp public amenities.
Rehabilitation has not been without hiccups — workers recently cut through a high-voltage submarine cable, briefly knocking out power to the island.
Dunk Island Spit general manager Jason Blackburn acknowledged the scale of the task. “This is just the beginning of broader revitalisation plans,” he said.
Cannon-Brookes joins a growing list of Australian billionaires investing in Queensland’s islands, including Shayne Smith on Long Island and Andrew Forrest’s Tattarang on Lizard Island.
Jonathan Jackson, 21st July 2025
