Hand-built Inverloch resort with golf course for sale

3 weeks ago 15

A hand-built Inverloch tourism destination with multiple income streams is hitting the market after nearly 30 years in the same family.

A hand-built Inverloch destination featuring its own golf course, cafe and garden maze is being sold after nearly 30 years in the same family.

Melaleuca Links, at 5765-5775 Bass Highway, about 5km from Inverloch and a short drive to Wonthaggi, spans 8.09ha across two titles and is being offered for sale as its owners step back after what they describe as “30 summers” building the destination from scratch.

Ray White Inverloch’s Fiona McMahon-Hughes said operational tourism properties of this scale and diversity almost never came to market in regional Victoria.

“A boutique golf course paired with accommodation and a fully licensed cafe is as rare as hen’s teeth,” Ms McMahon-Hughes said.
“You simply don’t see established destinations like this offered for sale.”

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The property includes a par-three nine-hole golf course, a licensed cafe with a seven-day liquor licence and industrial-grade kitchen, two self-contained accommodation cottages overlooking a large dam, and a garden maze that has become an unexpected drawcard for visitors.

Additional income is generated from a phone tower under contract, while solar infrastructure and extensive shedding support the operation.

The fully operational par-three nine-hole golf course is the backbone of the business and a major drawcard for visitors.

Self-contained accommodation on site provides immediate income and adds to the property’s appeal as a tourism destination.

Ms McMahon-Hughes said the business had proven profitable, but the major appeal for buyers was the upside still available.

“They’ve never operated it at full capacity,” she said.
“It’s only ever been run around four days a week, which leaves enormous scope for a new owner to expand.”

She said opportunities could include extending trading hours, expanding the cafe offering, leveraging the liquor licence, activating the maze as a destination experience, or hosting events, retreats and golf days, subject to approvals.

The spacious main residence allows owner-occupiers to live on site while running the established business.

The property also includes a substantial main residence with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas, allowing owners to live on-site while maintaining separation from guest accommodation.

Owner Lisa Sorrell said the family purchased the former market garden land in 1996, transforming it into a working golf and tourism destination through years of hands-on effort.

The garden maze has become one of the property’s most distinctive features and a unique visitor attraction.

“We got all four of our kids planting grass sprigs in muddy water, walking down the fairways in those early days,” Mrs Sorrell said.

“When we first moved into the little house, the six of us lived in one room with two dogs and a cat, it was the best six months we ever had.”

One of the property’s most distinctive features, the garden maze, was created later using Euonymus Japonicus hedging trimmed on-site.

“My husband used the bushes that we trimmed off to create the maze,” Mrs Sorrell said.

People come far and wide to eat at the on-site Beach Box Café, which has built a loyal following.

The cafe is equipped with an industrial-grade kitchen and a seven-day liquor licence, supporting high-volume service.

She said the cafe had developed a loyal following, drawing visitors from well beyond the local area.

“People come far and wide to eat at the cafe,” she said.
“Everything is made from scratch except the bread, which comes from the local bakery. Nothing is processed.”

Indoor and outdoor dining areas cater for golfers, tourists and locals visiting the destination cafe.

Two self-contained accommodation cottages overlook the dam, offering guests a peaceful stay on site.

Now with four adult children and four grandchildren, the Sorrells have decided to retire.

“We’re sad to sell, we have lots of fond memories here,” Mrs Sorrell said.
“But someone with knowledge of turf and hospitality could continue what we’ve built.”

Expressions of interest for the property close on February 9.