Today's Bargain: Australia's Islands

By Erika Solomon, Newser User

Posted Apr 28, 2009 9:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – No man is an island—but now is the time for him to own one. Australia’s ritzy Queensland island resorts are going for bargain prices, but between the recession, a slew of natural disasters, and a nasty oil spill, no one’s biting, reports the Telegraph. Dunk Island is on the market for half of its last sale price of $36.4 million, while Turtle Island, which Julia Roberts once considered buying, seeks “any reasonable offer."

More than 30 islands are up for grabs; some have been on the market longer than 6 months. Buyers are scarce because the island resorts are expensive to run, and the tourism industry in Australia has hit a dry spell: one group predicts up to 29,000 such jobs could be lost due to the recession.

Even with big discount packages, the old crowds won't be coming back this year. (Getty Images)

Queensland's island resorts are going for cheap. (Wikimedia Commons)

Dunk Island's price tag definitely took a dunk--from $36.4 million, down to $17.6 million. (Wikimedia Commons)

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Australia Man Greets Queen by Mooning Her

...and there was a flag involved

Croc Grabs Aussie Angler

Queensland man survives creek attack

Australian Floods Reach Catastrophic Levels

Brisbane river breaks its banks

Epic Floods Close Australia's Coal Mines

Waters causing 'catastrophic damage' to transportation system

Australian City Cut Off by Flood

'No airport, rail, or road' amid downpour

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