One of Port Douglas’s most recognisable tourism icons is up for sale.

The Shaolin Chinese junk boat and charter business has hit the market for an asking price of about $740,000.

Owner Kate Agrums says the business is strong, profitable and has solid forward bookings.

“After many wonderful years operating Shaolin, we’ve made the decision to pass the helm to a new owner,” she says.

“Shaolin has been part of Port Douglas sunsets for decades, and we look forward to seeing her next chapter continue that legacy.”

The vessel has been a Port Douglas institution for the past about 40 years, with I Still Call Australia Home singer Peter Allen even famously entertaining guests at parties onboard in the 1980s.

In 1911, the junk sank during Cyclone Yasi, with a former owner reportedly making a fatal error of leaving two portholes open when the cyclone hit. 

But, since then, she has been fully restored to her former glory, and can often be seen from the balcony of The Tin Shed setting out for a sunset tour packed with enthusiastic tourists.

“Shaolin is a genuine, original Chinese junk boat built in Hong Kong in 1969, operating as a highly successful, family-run charter business out of Port Douglas - Australia’s capital of Tropical North tourism,” the for-sale ad reads.

“Located at the doorstep of two world-renowned World Heritage sites, this iconic business enjoys strong, year-round demand in one of Australia’s most desirable tourism destinations.”

The Shaolin operates daily lunch and sunset sails, as well as private snorkelling charters to Low Island.