The next chapter beckons for heritage guesthouse in Queensland’s misty tropics

Babinda Quarters, Media Release, 18 August 2025

Babinda’s beloved heritage guesthouse, Babinda Quarters, is officially on the market, offering a rare opportunity for a creative visionary or entrepreneurial spirit to take command of one of Far North Queensland’s most unique and historic properties.

With its misty rainforest mountain backdrop and rich architectural charm, Babinda Quarters is more than a guesthouse—it’s a living legacy, shaped by two generations of passionate restorers.

Built in 1953 as accommodation for nurses at Babinda Hospital, this Art Deco landmark was saved from dereliction in 2014 by Margaret Perpetua Nelson, fondly known as Maggie. A lifelong enthusiast of heritage buildings, she lovingly transformed the almost derelict property into a vibrant guesthouse. 

After succumbing to a long battle with cancer in 2020, Maggie’s daughter, Kim Marsden, embarked on a five-year commitment to rejuvenating the ‘grand old dame’ with care, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose in tribute to her late mum. 

Kim reflects on the past five years spent keeping Maggie’s dream alive and returning Babinda Quarters to a modern version of its former post-war glory.

“I challenged myself to make Babinda Quarters realise its tourism potential and, in so doing, help fund repairs.  

“Our overnight guests were key players in helping save the building, and I am so grateful for bringing life into the building, adding to its warmth and ostensibly providing support,” said Kim.

Now, with the first restoration phase largely complete and a new chapter calling, Babinda Quarters is offered for sale as a freehold property and licensed guesthouse.

Just 50 minutes south of Cairns and moments from the Wooroonooran National Park, the triple-brick Art Deco building sits on an elevated 2,924m² block. It features 20 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a manager’s quarters, and a newly built rear deck—all framed by heritage terrazzo, timber and glass detailing.

Guests describe Babinda Quarters as “magical”, “soothing for the soul”, and “like staying in a friend’s house”. Over the years, it has welcomed scientists, creatives, healthcare workers, musicians, hikers, and even the occasional NRL legend or Hollywood visitor.

According to Kim, Babinda Quarters would best suit a motivated buyer with innovative energy, a love for community connection, and a passion for heritage character.

“Guests are increasingly seeking authentic places with colour and history.

“This is not a cookie-cutter motel—it’s part boutique guesthouse, part artist retreat, part old-school adventure,” she said.

Inside, Babinda Quarters is a sensory feast—full of special ‘moments’ bursting with colour, creativity, and its own special blend of charming quirk and character. A music lounge, crowned by a vintage Bernstein Baby Grand piano, sits at the heart of the building, surrounded by an eclectic mix of instruments, from guitars to ukuleles, inviting spontaneous jam sessions and soulful reflection.

Each guest room and shared space is adorned with handpicked works by local artists, including Ed Koumans, Julie Poulson, Ricky Beresford and Karen Charlebois, adding layers of story and regional pride. Outside, expansive tropical gardens encircle the guesthouse like a lush green hug—carefully maintained yet joyfully unruly, with misty rainforest mornings lending the whole property a dreamlike quality.

The building’s flexible layout offers ample opportunity for new owners to expand or reimagine its potential—as a wellness retreat, creative hub, eco-lodge, or continued guesthouse. One possibility, Kim suggests, is reconfiguring the upper front floor into a private residence while continuing to operate the eight guest rooms.

Kim added that while many shared spaces have been lovingly restored, the large communal kitchen downstairs—still reminiscent of 1980s laminate—remains a blank canvas, offering future owners the chance to reimagine it into a beautiful shared or commercial kitchen.

“Babinda Quarters is more than a property—it’s a wonderful, living slice of the far north’s  history just waiting for its next chapter.”

For price and inspection details, contact: Diane Bray, Professionals Edge Hill Mob: 0404 654 345.