Page 21 - Port Douglas Magazine 39

IN GOOD

HANDS

Chris Morris has built a tourism empire on intuition,
and with this instinct has shaped the face of North
Queensland tourism writes JAMIE JANSEN

PICTURE A PERFECT DAY IN PORT DOUGLAS, where the Coral Sea is
calm as a mirror and a gentle breeze whispers through the air. It was
on one of those idyllic days that Magazine Editor Sarah Cullen and I
had the opportunity to step aboard the M.Y. Beluga - undeniably one
of the most prestigious yachts docked at the Port Douglas Superyacht
Marina.
Our purpose for boarding this vessel wasn’t a reef excursion - in
fact, the M.Y. Beluga didn’t leave the marina - but rather to meet its
illustrious owner, Chris Morris.
Chris’ name is synonymous with transformative ventures in Australia
and a name that continues to hold significant influence in shaping
North Queensland’s tourism sector.
Operating within Morris Group, an independent family-run Australian
business spanning tourism, hospitality, technology, and aviation, he
captains various businesses across Australia.
In Queensland, Chris Morris is most notably recognised for the $70
million facelift of the Townsville Casino, once among Australia’s lowest
performing venues. Rebranded as The Ville, the casino has transformed
into a luxurious resort and premier entertainment hub.
He introduced new dining establishments and bars that amplify the
breathtaking views towards Magnetic Island, along with the planned
upscale hotel adjacent to the casino. It is an effort that has and will
effectively revitalise Townsville’s tourism industry.
This significant undertaking followed Chris’ first investment in
Queensland; the acquisition of Orpheus Island. An acquisition that
served as the catalyst for his foray into Far North Queensland’s tourism
sector, where Morris Group now operates Nautilus Aviation, Morris
Nautical, the Northern Escape Collection and the Julatten Hotel.
“DRIVEN BY A SIMPLE It is an impressive portfolio and quite some investment in Far North
ASPIRATION – STEADY Queensland from a boy who heralds from Victoria.
EMPLOYMENT – HIS However, before delving into that chapter, his journey unfolds as a
captivating tale and serves as a testament to the unexpected turns
MOTHER MADE life can take.
A DECISION THAT THANKS MUM
UNKNOWINGLY LAID THE The roots of Chris’ story reach back to Melbourne.
FOUNDATION FOR THE During his high school years, he found most subjects a challenge,
except for one: maths. While his siblings pursued university educations,
COURSE OF HIS LIFE.” Chris didn’t feel drawn to that route.
Driven by a simple aspiration – steady employment – his mother made
a decision that unknowingly laid the foundation for the course of his
life. In 1966, she enrolled him in Australia’s first computer course at