Tourism transformation slated for SA holiday hotspot
Exclusive: A 600-acre resort is slated for a popular island to capitalise on an expected Fleurieu Peninsula tourism boom after the state government bought nearby land. See the renders.
A Hindmarsh Island property owner has plans to convert family farming land to a “world-class eco-village”, InDaily can reveal.
The Island Heights project – from Noble Investments – would transform cattle grazing land into 200 tourist chalets spread throughout lagoons with panoramic views of the River Murray.
“Our family has owned most of this property for more than twenty years and aspire to develop and rejuvenate the land, to leave a lasting legacy for the community to enjoy,” project director Tim Lebbon said.
“The beautiful surrounding country is part of the 142,500-hectare Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Wetland, an internationally recognised site, and home to 65 threatened species.”
The project comes after the state and federal governments bought three islands near the Murray Mouth in January in a $7.5 million deal.
The trio of Mundoo Island, Ewe and Long islands off the eastern tip of Hindmarsh Island would be turned into a wetlands habitat and added to the neighbouring Coorong National Park.
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Lebbon said the Island Heights project focused on low-impact, eco-sensitive tourism that would support the policy direction of the National Park.
“This accommodation facility supports the region’s conservation, tourism, and cultural goals, without compromising the environmental values being restored,” Lebbon said.
The site would feature solar panels, freshwater harvesting solutions and a “cutting-edge” wastewater treatment plant to improve the environment and be self-sustainable.
Developers say this would reduce nutrient runoff from the eco-village and nearby grazing properties, boosting the recovery and resilience of the wetland’s irrigation system.
Design features of the tourist spot include walking trails, boardwalks for water sports, fishing and bird watching and Ngarrindjeri cultural education.
The project comes decades after Hindmarsh Island was the subject of a Royal Commission after a controversial bridge development sparked concerns over the site’s significance to Ngarrindjeri women.
The existing property slated for Island Heights has been used for the Ngarrindjeri Rangers Working on Country program, and independent consultants were brought on to canvas the cultural heritage of the site.
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A cultural heritage survey was done in December 2025 by Stenhouse Heritage and approved by the Native Title group Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation.
It found no archaeological heritage sites or objects on the land slated for development, though nearby properties feature four sites that are registered with the state’s Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation department.
The developers have committed to a partnership with Ngarrindjeri representatives to integrate heritage and cultural landscapes on-site in the eco-sensitive project.
Island Heights was expected to generate local jobs in construction, eco-tourism and small-scale agribusiness, with the site also focused on climate resilience through protecting the wetlands and planning for sea level rise, flood risk and fire safety.
“The unique charm of the Hindmarsh Island inspires us, its climate, convenience to nearby townships and Adelaide, and the diversity of environmentally focused activities,” Lebbon said.
“Imagine just one hour south of Adelaide, stepping out from the comfortable surroundings of your cabin, to immediately immerse yourself in a world-class wilderness area.”
The landowners have approached the Alexandrina Council and the state government’s Housing and Urban Development Department for the appropriate planning approvals to progress the project.
Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes said he has been briefed on the Island Heights eco-village concept and developers would present the project at a public council information session on August 10.
“Providing a balance of appropriate economic and tourism opportunities, environmental stewardship and cultural education is a vision that we share,” Parkes said.
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