Iconic Tropical Lair For Sale in Australia

This Iconic Tropical Lair For Sale in Australia is Available Through Barbara Wolveridge of Sotheby's International Realty.

Deep in the Daintree Rainforest, where ancient jungle meets the Great Barrier Reef, a spaceship-like structure hovers above a mirrored pond. Brutalist in form yet sculptural in presence, Alkira House is one of the most iconic lairs in the Southern Hemisphere — a futuristic concrete stronghold hidden within one of Earth’s most extraordinary landscapes.

A Spaceship in the Rainforest

From above, Alkira resembles a starship that has landed among the trees. Six angular concrete wings radiate from a central hub, suspended above water and accessed only by a narrow footbridge. The effect is both theatrical and imposing: part eco-retreat, part cinematic lair. Built with more than 6,000 tonnes of cyclone-proof concrete, this is architecture designed to endure.

Lair Credentials

• Futuristic Brutalism: A sculptural design unlike anything else in Australia, winner of multiple national and international architecture awards.
• Complete Seclusion: Set on oceanfront land between two UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
• Arrival by Air or Sea: A private helipad connects Alkira to Port Douglas (15 minutes) or Cairns (30 minutes). Vehicles and boats are also part of the package.
• Footbridge Approach: Guests arrive via a dramatic walkway across the pond, as if crossing into another world.

Inside the Lair

Alkira accommodates 12 guests across six suites, each with its own ensuite and balcony. Shared spaces include three living zones, game room, expansive terraces, and a commercial-grade kitchen with a 2,400-bottle wine cellar. A separate three-bedroom manager’s house (Mango House) supports resort operations, while the main residence doubles as either a private home or a boutique eco-resort.

Off-Grid Powerhouse

Despite its scale, Alkira operates with minimal environmental impact. Off-grid systems provide water, electricity, gas, and waste management, ensuring self-sufficiency. The infrastructure investment made by the current owner translates into exponential savings for the next custodian.

A Proven Stage

Alkira has already attracted Hollywood: film companies and reality TV producers have used the property as a set, drawn to its dramatic architecture and rainforest isolation. It has also functioned as a high-end retreat, commanding $3,000 per night and ranking among Queensland’s most celebrated houses.

Between Reef and Rainforest

Cape Tribulation is a place of raw natural drama — crocodiles in the estuaries, cassowaries in the jungle, and butterflies drifting through sunlight. From Alkira, a short boat ride takes you to one of the Great Barrier Reef’s best snorkelling and diving sites. Yet for all its wilderness seclusion, Port Douglas and Cairns are within reach by car or helicopter.

The Ultimate Tropical Lair

For buyers seeking something beyond luxury — a property that is equal parts residence, fortress, and icon — Alkira is unique. With its starship-like form, rainforest seclusion, and cinematic aura, it is one of the rarest lairs on the market, not just in Australia, but anywhere in the world.