At the Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane last Friday, it was a golden night for Daintree businesses north of the river winning gold for their region.

The Daintree Discovery Centre won gold in two categories - Tourist Attractions and The Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism.  Ocean Safari claimed gold in the Tour and Transport Operators category and Cape Tribulation Beach House Resort also won gold for the Standard Accommodation category.

Daintree Discovery Centre’s Marketing Manager, Adam Smith, attended the 900 strong Gala Event with wife Jodie, and was delighted to collect the awards on behalf of the Centre.

“Founding Directors Pam and Ron Birkett began this world-class facility 26 years ago and the continued industry recognition is a true testament to the vision they have for sustainable ecotourism.

“We are particularly proud to be part of an amazing destination, north of the Daintree River, that was awarded such a high concentration of Gold Awards,”said Mr Smith.

Ocean Safari Manager Oliver (Olly) O’Reilly said they are all overwhelmed by the win.

“It’s just so great to get recognition, especially as a small operator, it’s really nice to see.  It means so much to the Cape Tribulation.

“There is a shift in the day trip market and with this recognition it’s nice,” said Mr O’Reilly.

Owners Peter and Jan Claxton also took out silver for their other business Ocean Rafting in the Whitsundays.

When we asked Manager Matt Isabella from the Cape Tribulation Beach House what does it mean winning gold he was more proud for the region.

“What it means is that it showcases the Daintree and Cape Tribulation as the best tourism destination in Australia.   Having the highest concentration of winners as well as nominated in one of the most competitive categories, we couldn’t be happier. We are now finalists for the Australian Tourism awards to be held on February 5th, 2016.

“I wish to stress how great this is for the community and how this is not a reflection on just the Beach House but also the Daintree Discovery Centre and Ocean Safari and all operators who make this the best destination in Australia,” said Mr Isabella.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Tara Bennett said to receive four gold awards from the one region highlighted the level of dedication and professionalism of these industry leaders.

She also congratulated Mossman Gorge Centre on its silver win in the Cultural Tourism category.

Mossman Gorge Assistant General Manager Rachael Hodges said this was the first time the Centre had been nominated for the Cultural Tourism category.

“Our business was competing with similar non-Indigenous businesses throughout Queensland in the mainstream arena.

“We will be competing in serval categories next year as we believe Mossman Gorge is at a level where it stands toe-to-toe and shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest and best tourism businesses right across Queensland and Australia,” said Ms Hodges.

The Daintree’s dominance on the night catapulted Tropical North Queensland’s award tally to 19, making it the most awarded region on the night, re-affirming its position as the premier tourism destination in the state.

Ms Bennett said the Douglas region continues to set the benchmark with world-class tourism attractions.

“It’s so wonderful to see these operators’ hard work recognised at these prestigious awards.

“Many have reported their best year since 2007 as we continue to see strong visitor dispersal across the region with the Daintree Rainforest one of the must do destinations," said Ms Bennett.

Ms Bennett said it capped off a winning month for the region with Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree also the recipient of the Queensland Multi Media Awards’ Best Tourism Online Marketing Campaign for Show Me Your Paradise.

And to top off the shower of accolades upon the Douglas region, Port Douglas is also a finalist in the Australian Traveller People’s Choice Awards 2015 in the Best Beachside Town category, which is one of the top seven People’s Choice categories.

There are 20 categories to be decided on November 30, 2015 to be awarded at a gala awards night at Pier One Sydney Harbour.

Newsport would like to congratulate all nominees and winners in all these prestigious awards. Our fingers are now crossed for Port Douglas to win the Australian Traveller People’s Choice Award for Best Beachside Town.