Ten minutes by private boat up the Noosa River and suddenly before you—a heart-shaped island that has just become your own private enclave. Makepeace Island isn’t a hotel where you share the pool with strangers. It’s an entire seven-hectare resort island in Queensland, available exclusively for up to 22 guests.
Makepeace Island – Your private island on the Noosa River
It belongs to Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition, blending Australian privacy with Balinese aesthetics—wooden villas, tropical gardens, and not a crowd in sight. After the pandemic, such places have soared in popularity: safe, intimate, and where no one’s looking over your shoulder. “Your Island, Your Way”—a slogan that’s quite literal here, as booking Makepeace means booking the entire island. With full service, a private chef, and a team that tailors each day to your needs.
The island underwent a luxurious refresh between 2020 and 2025 —not a revolution, but rather a subtle upgrade in standards. The same tranquil atmosphere remains, only now everything runs even more smoothly. And before you know it, you’re already in a hammock, drink in hand, listening to the gentle sound of the river.
Architecture, villas, and amenities after renovation
Makepeace Island isn’t a hotel—it’s a complete, private resort spread across just over 7 acres. Wooden walkways connect several standalone
Villas, Island House and Boathouse: what it’s like to sleep on the island
Makepeace features five distinct properties. There are three spacious villas (each with a master bedroom and a twin/king room), a four-bedroom Island House, and a Boathouse perched over the water. In total, there are 11 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and accommodation for up to 22 guests. The interiors are inspired by Balinese style—carved beams, bathtubs hewn from volcanic boulders, and plenty of natural wood. Since 2020, the island has undergone a “sensitive renovation,” which in practice means refreshed furniture, fabrics, and lighting without compromising the unique atmosphere.
Pools, spa, and cinema: luxurious entertainment facilities
The list of amenities is impressive: an infinity pool overlooking the river, a Balinese spa pavilion, a fully equipped gym, a tennis court, and a private cinema. There are also waterfalls, ponds with colorful fish, tropical gardens, kayaks, and fishing rods for guests. Everything is managed by a dedicated staff—chef, service team, concierge—so guests don’t have to worry about any logistics. You simply arrive and enjoy life.
Who is Makepeace Island for, how much does it cost, and how to book
You rent Makepeace Island as a whole—it’s all or nothing. This isn’t a hotel where you pass strangers at breakfast. Here, everything is yours: 11 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, up to 22 guests, full staff service, and complete privacy. The “all-island, all-inclusive*” model—*asterisk applies to alcohol and premium services, which are charged separately.
Budget and guest profiles
Prices start at around 5,500 AUD per night for up to 4 guests, with an additional charge of about 600 AUD for each extra person. The minimum stay is 3–7 nights (depending on the season), and for a full occupancy of 22 guests, a week-long stay can cost over 100,000 AUD. The price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, boat transfers, and selected activities—but wine, champagne, or a private chef will be added to your bill.
Who comes here?
- Multigenerational families (grandparents, parents, children – all under one roof)
- Honeymoon couples
- Weddings and elopements (the island can accommodate 50-100 guests for the ceremony, overnight stay for 22)
- Corporate team-building and management retreats
You make a reservation through the makepeaceisland.com website or partners: Luxico, Vladi Private Islands, The Tailor, Southern Crossings. The inquiry-based model means you send a request with your dates and they provide an offer. For December–January (high season), book well in advance. On TripAdvisor, the island has a 4/5 rating (51 reviews) – guests praise its intimacy and privacy, but criticize the price.
How to plan your stay on Makepeace Island
Is Makepeace Island right for you?
If you’re looking for a place where you can truly say “the whole island is yours,” Makepeace is the perfect setting for affluent families with teenagers, couples celebrating major anniversaries, or boards of companies seeking a meeting without journalists at the door. Your island, your rules—it sounds like a slogan, but that’s exactly how it works.
Compared to other islands, Necker Island (Branson’s flagship gem in the Caribbean) costs several times more and requires a flight halfway around the world. Pumpkin Island and the Great Barrier Reef islands each have their charm, but Makepeace wins when it comes to accessibility: just 20 minutes by car from Sunshine Coast Airport, then 10 minutes by boat along the tranquil Noosa River. No waves, no logistical drama.
After COVID, the trend of renting entire islands has exploded—people no longer want to share a pool with strangers. Virgin Limited Edition is striving for climate neutrality, Makepeace is increasing its share of solar energy, and reportedly, in 2027 they will introduce electric boats and VR virtual tours before booking.
Before you call, ask yourself: how many people (10? 20?), what’s your budget, is privacy your top priority, is it high or low season, will you combine your stay with exploring the Noosa Everglades and Sunshine Coast beaches? Your answers will reveal whether Makepeace is your next step—or if a weekend at a coastal resort will do.
Tix Toony
travel editor
Luxury Reporter
