Building Paradise: A True Adventure

The remarkable history behind Elysian, the Great Barrier Reef's most environmentally friendly and exclusive secluded island retreat. This is an entertaining and inspiring story of conviction, commitment, and serendipity, in which - after decades of shattered dreams, broken hearts, millions of dollars, and hard work by hundreds of people - an unlikely dream finally becomes reality. It's an emotional, roller-coaster adventure full of seemingly impossible barriers and a host of interesting characters, none more so than Myrtle, an orphaned kangaroo who ruled the roost on the island for almost ten years.

'An extraordinary tale, so very beautifully told. A worthy modern successor to Bamfield's Confessions of a Beachcomber.' Tim Flannery (Australian of the year 2007)