A new $428 million over-50s lifestyle resort has been approved in Elimbah, with GemLife set to develop 404 homes on a 26-hectare site in Moreton Bay.
Major Lifestyle Development Planned for Elimbah
A large-scale over-50s community is set to take shape in Elimbah, following development approval for GemLife Elimbah, a $428 million lifestyle resort backed by Thakral Corporation Ltd’s Australian associate, GemLife.
Context: Third GemLife Project in Moreton Bay
The Elimbah development marks the third GemLife resort within the Moreton Bay region, joining previous projects at Bribie Island and Moreton Bay. The 26-hectare site at 38 Atherton Road will deliver 404 homes, each featuring two bedrooms and a multipurpose room. The site sits nine kilometres north of Caboolture, near the Glass House Mountains and D’Aguilar Ranges.
Previous developments by the company include the $349 million GemLife Bribie Island, released in 2016, and the $340 million GemLife Moreton Bay, launched in 2023. Together, the three sites will bring GemLife’s total footprint in the region to more than 1,350 homes.
Development Details and Facilities
The Elimbah resort will include 8.2 hectares of green space. It is the part of the area designated as a conservation zone. This area borders an existing natural reserve. The homes will be built to a 7-star energy-efficient design and include features such as indoor-outdoor living, landscaped front gardens, European kitchen appliances, ducted air-conditioning, and integrated solar systems linked to a virtual power plant.
The resort will also include $20 million worth of resident facilities. These include a two-level Country Club with a ballroom, virtual golf, wellness room, and a Summer House with a resort-style pool. Additional amenities will feature a bar, crafts studio, commercial kitchen, library, cinema, and multiple sports and recreation areas.
Location and Market Appeal
GemLife anticipates demand from downsizers across Moreton Bay, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast. The site’s proximity to retail, healthcare, and transport services, along with access to the Bruce Highway, positions it as a connected yet semi-rural living option.
Data shows nearly 40 per cent of Elimbah’s population is aged over 50. The development is targeting this demographic with a land lease model, where residents own their homes and lease the land. There are no entry or exit fees. Residents retain any capital gains on resale.
Project Timeline and Completion
The project received formal approval from Moreton Bay Regional Council. Construction and the release of stage one homes are expected to begin mid-2025, with the project to be delivered in seven stages.
Published 15-Apr-2025
Photo Credit: GemLife
