One of the most iconic pieces of Douglas Shire real estate has officially changed hands – and locals can rest easy, the new owners of the much-loved Karnak residence have plans to fully restore it back to its former glory.
Long admired Karnak Playhouse in Whyanbeel is widely known for entertaining the masses and the Shire’s elite for many years – its 400 seat amphitheatre the location for theatre shows, concerts, balls and must attend social events throughout the 90s and 2000s.
Diane Cilento turned the property into one of the most envied in the Shire and now – a much well welcomed development.
New owner Matti Tamm and Christine Gradinger are excited about the venue’s future.
Fun facts – A closer look at Karnak Playhouse
- Karnak Playhouse or the theatre in the rainforest concept was the thespian dream and brainchild of Diane Cilento.
- Diane Cilento passed away from cancer in 2011. The respected actress was born in Queensland. Ms Cilento was known for her starring roles in movies such as Ecstasy and Hombre, Tom Jones and many others.
- Ms Cilento was once married to one time Mr James Bond himself, Sean Connery.
- Karnak Playhouse has a timber bar, aged, stained-glass windows, a majestic grand staircase, an amphitheatre, cool room and commercial kitchen. There are also lower-level dressing rooms and toilets.
- The Karnak property itself includes the playhouse, cottage, ranch, upstairs BnB, downstairs BnB and the castle. It is situated on 79 acres.
- Karnak Playhouse once had connections to JCU and enjoyed the support of QLD events.
- At its pomp Karnak Playhouse hosted global leaders like former US president Bill Clinton and a range of celebrities.
- Guests were iconically transported to Karnak on the well-known local Bally Hooley steam train through the corridors of green cane to attend the performances. Afterwards they could drink at the bar and eat in the sumptuous restaurant.
- The negotiations with the new owners of Karnak were expertly handled by Nicole Dwyer from the Property Shop, Port Douglas.