First 5-Star for Moreton Bay: Peppers Upgrade Confirmed, Sandstone Point Proposal Lodged
Moreton Bay is on track for its first five-star hotel, as Mandala Hotels & Resorts rebrands Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge under Peppers in Clear Mountain and Comiskey Group lodges a $250 million plan for a new resort next to Sandstone Point Hotel on Bribie Island Road.
Clear Mountain Upgrade to Peppers
Mandala Hotels & Resorts has acquired the 51-room Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, spanning approximately 20 hectares, and plans to rebrand and upgrade it into a Peppers retreat, while maintaining the venue’s operational status.
The staged works will refresh existing rooms, introduce elevated suites to capture views of the Glass House Mountains, and add a new restaurant and bar with a central fireplace. Plans also include garden upgrades and a new events precinct designed for weddings and conferences.
The City of Moreton Bay stated the Clear Mountain redevelopment would provide the region’s first operating five-star property and contribute toward meeting demand for an extra 1,500 hotel rooms before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The venue will remain open to guests during the renovations.
Sandstone Point Resort Proposal
Just across the water from Bribie Island, Comiskey Group has proposed a large-scale luxury resort adjacent to the existing Sandstone Point Hotel.
The Comiskey Group has lodged a development application (DA 2025/3710) to expand the Sandstone Point Hotel precinct. Plans detail two 10-storey hotel towers with about 202 rooms, a retail and dining precinct, wellness facilities, and upgraded concert infrastructure. Features include a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar and zones catering to both families and adults.
The company frames the proposal as the region’s first greenfield five-star hotel, designed to complement major concerts and family travel already anchored at the hotel precinct.
“The announcement of Comiskey Group’s $250 million luxury development at Sandstone Point is a game-changer for the Bribie Island region. A five-star hotel, premium dining, retail and upgraded entertainment facilities will not only draw visitors from across Queensland but also directly benefit locals by bringing a welcome mix of higher-end services that complement what is already a renowned lifestyle destination,” Bryce Hawkins, Principal of Ray White Bribie Island said.
“We are already hearing strong enthusiasm from both local and interstate buyers who see this project as a major confidence boost for the area. Large-scale investment of this calibre strengthens buyer demand and underpins long-term property values across the Bribie region,” he added.
Why This Matters for Locals
A five-star flag in Moreton Bay gives residents more choice for celebrations, dining and short breaks without driving to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
Clear Mountain’s staged upgrade keeps jobs on site and adds an events precinct that can host local weddings and community functions. Clear Mountain’s upgrade runs within an existing hotel footprint and has backing from the owner and operator.
Sandstone Point’s proposal—if approved—would bring new construction and hospitality roles and support the existing concert calendar that draws visitors across the bay to Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage.
“Bribie Island has always offered a unique balance of relaxed coastal living with strong community spirit, and this development positions us firmly on the map as both a lifestyle and tourism destination. From a property perspective, we expect to see continued demand from buyers who recognise the growth potential, making this an incredibly exciting time for local homeowners and investors alike,” Mr Hawkins pointed out.
For residents, the upgrades mean more venues for celebrations, conferences and dining close to home. For visitors, they mark the start of a stronger luxury presence in Moreton Bay, positioning the area as an alternative to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
