Lead partners are Tony Damian, Anton Harris, David Wilkie, Rory Moriarty
Blackstone, advised by Clayton Utz, has acquired Hamilton Island from the Oatley Family, advised by Ashurst, as an investment in Australia’s tourism and leisure.
Hamilton Island, described as a luxury holiday destination, is in the Whitsunday Islands at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
According to the firms, the island features five resort hotels, residential accommodation, over 20 bars and restaurants, retail outlets, a marina, an 18-hole golf course on a neighbouring island, and its own commercial airport with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns.
Since buying Hamilton Island in 2003, the Oatley Family has made efforts to invest in improving its infrastructure, accommodation, and services, while maintaining the undeveloped natural state of most of the island.
“The transaction demonstrates what we think will be a strong level of private equity activity in Australia in 2026,” said Anton Harris, Ashurst partner, in the firm’s news release.
“Australia is an important market for global private equity investment,” added Tony Damian, Ashurst partner. “Hamilton Island is a major tourism asset with an international reputation.”
“This transaction reinforces Clayton Utz’s position as a leading adviser on private M&A, and we are proud to support Blackstone in expanding its presence in Australia,” said Rory Moriarty, corporate M&A partner at Clayton Utz, in the firm’s news release.
“This acquisition not only reinforces Blackstone’s confidence in Australia as an investment destination, but also highlights Clayton Utz’s capability to advise on complex, high-profile transactions,” added David Wilkie, corporate M&A partner at Clayton Utz.
Damian and Harris led the deal team representing the Oatley Family.
“The Ashurst team is delighted to be advising on this significant deal,” Damian said in Ashurst’s news release.
Assistance came from:
Wilkie and Moriarty, alongside senior associate Dane McKeen, led the deal team representing Blackstone.
“We are proud to be partnering with Blackstone once again on a transaction of real significance for the Australian market,” Wilkie said in Clayton Utz’s news release.
Support came from, among others:
