Kalbarri Opening

Welcome to Newsletter no. 2 Edge Resorts WA.

On the 7^th November 2008 and after 2 years of planning, building and marketing the new 76 Room (38 Apartment) Kalbarri Edge Resort finally opened.

On Porter Street Kalbarri and adjacent to the town centre is the brand new deluxe resort, the first new resort of that size in Kalbarri for the last 25 years.

The resort features modern state of the art facilities such as:

• Key card electronic door locks
• Dishwashers in every apartment.
• Private spa bathrooms for every apartment
• Full size balconies with dining table & BBQ
• King size beds (with option to split into King singles)
• Large Flat screen TV’s
• Own laundries
• Wireless internet
• Direct in dial telephone to every apartment
• Foxtel

Around the resort grounds we boast:
Pool, Hot tub, Giant Chess, Gym, Conference facilities & Restaurant etc.

The opening function was attended by key industry people, Tourism WA board and staff, locals, Local Government, Development Commission, Tourism Council of WA, builders, new strata owners, developers and resort staff. We conducted official VIP tours around the grounds, restaurant area, pool area and through a number of rooms. Speeches followed this with Kate Lamont (M.C.), Paul King and Jon Jessop. As per a normal tourism function gossip and networking was flowing freely in all directions. This was partly due to great beer and wines, thanks to our sponsors Little Creatures, Watershed & Chapman Valley wines. We all sat down for dinner to be presented with some clips from the now released movie “AUSTRALIA” presented to us on our big conference screen by Richard Muirhead CEO of Tourism Western Australia.
A great night was had by all!!!

As from the 8^th November we started to accept our first paying customers and on the 4^th December we welcome our first coach booking. School holidays start soon and turnover is now well and truly heading in the right direction (UPWARDS). Our new 88 seat restaurant has been named “Emanon” and is open for Breakfast and Dinner 7 days a week.

After years of developers promising a new deluxe resort to Kalbarri, the town now finally has a true luxury resort where you can select from 2 bedrooms – 2 bathroom apartments, deluxe King bed spa suites or studio rooms with queen and single beds. Rooms are serviced daily and you can even relax completely and order room service.

 Jon Jessop who is concentrating on the marketing of the resort from the Edge’s Perth office is keen to attract new business into Kalbarri in the way of high yield internationals, conferences, packages, week-end getaways with Skywest, honeymoons and coach business. There is so much to see and do in Kalbarri with a year round mild climate and all within a 6 hour drive from Perth. Marketing wise Kalbarri has a lot to offer and a very diverse market base.

With the decreasing value of $A Australia will become a more affordable destination for international visitors. Also with the low $A travelling overseas (outbound) becomes more expensive and our local domestic market is likely to grow as places like Kalbarri become a safe and affordable alternative to Bali, Fiji and alike. The new movie “Australia” is also hopefully going to stimulate inbound travel and improve numbers for Kalbarri. Other reasons for positive growth for Kalbarri include: lower fuel prices, new Indian Ocean Drive, large infrastructure projects happening nearby, Kalbarri’s perceived ideal climate, closeness to Perth, safety and affordability will all assist the town achieve tourism growth.

 WA’s tourism industry shines at WA Tourism Awards 2008

Tourism industry representatives and guests from around the State gathered at the Burswood Entertainment Complex on Saturday 29^th of November for the prestigious Western Australian Tourism Awards – the State’s highest honours in tourism excellence. The awards were presented in 26 categories, with the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association taking out the prestigious Sir David Brand Award for Tourism. Other winners included Ian Laurance AM, who won the Sir David Brand Medal for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, and Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, who took out the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism. 

Next year in 2009 keep your eye on Category 23 DELUXE ACCOMMODATION and Category 25 NEW TOURISM DEVELOPMENT for KALBARRI EDGE RESORT !

Sales Report

 Kalbarri – Sales have been slow during 2008 however we have just sold another apartment recently and our valuation report on completion explains that we may start to sell a few now that people can see and feel the apartments in a finished state. There are some upstairs ones along the creek frontage with magnificent views through the white trunked gums over town and down to the river and ocean. With the great view from the upstairs verandas it sets a pleasant venue for making full use of our outdoor dining area and private BBQs. The last one of this quality recently sold for $449,000 and with dropping interest rates they look like a good cash flow positive investment. Allow for depreciation benefits on top of the 7% guarantee and you should be cash flow positive while enjoying your 4 weeks per year free!

 Cervantes- Completion due September 2009 – We only have about 18 apartments left now in this development in the main street of Cervantes. Only just over 2 hours drive north of Perth and will be even closer once the new road joins Lancelin and Cervantes. Prices are from $399,000 and these apartments are luxury ones almost identical to Kalbarri design and fit-out.

 Geraldton – Presales are now happening for our Cathedral Ave Geraldton Edge Resort Construction to begin early 2009.

 For sales enquiries ring Jon Jessop 0427 371 001 or email jtj@westnet.com.au.

Merry Christmas

from all of us at

Edge Resorts WA