General Manager Natalie Johnson said the Flames of the Forest team spent 10 days immersed in the rainforest to transform the venue with new fixtures and smart technology.

“It’s always a daunting task refurbishing in the rainforest, particularly given we had to completely gut the venue of the existing chandeliers, lighting rigs, crystal curtains and silk lining before we could even proceed with building all the new fixtures,” Johnson said.

“The entire process was an exceptional team effort, with the construction of six new, custom-designed chandeliers whose crystals appear to float in mid-air, the design and creation of new crystal curtaining with bud light feature globes and a full installation of new, state-of-the-art lighting.

“Each chandelier has its own, colour-changing LED fixture and the space now features several intelligent fixtures creating a fantastic dance floor which also has the capability to project company logos for that extra bit of branding.”

The installation of new, flowing black silk into the ceiling completed the refurbishment process, with the challenge of undertaking such a massive makeover in an outdoor rainforest setting presenting plenty of challenges.

“Unlike refurbishing a normal venue, we had to deal with the tropical heat, rain, mozzies, bugs, spiders and even a curious monitor lizard keen to see what all the fuss was about, in a remote location with no mobile phone reception to get the job done,” Johnson said.

“But the results were well worth it, with the new look providing a mesmerising element to the stunning rainforest backdrop.”

Johnson said the evolution of Flames of the Forest in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest over the past 13 years has been 'incredibly exciting'.

“We feel as if we have raised a child to adulthood – it was a proud and exhilarating moment to flick the switch and see the marquee come to life and look so breathtaking,” she said.

“It made all that time sweating it out up a scissor lift worth it!”

Flames of the Forest was inspired to invest in its first major refurbishment in five years by the significant interest in the destination, largely generated by recent substantial investments by major operators in Port Douglas.

“Major tourism operators including Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Quicksilver and Hartley’s Creek Crocodile Adventures have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in refurbishing their products recently which has created significant interest in the business events sector both domestically and internationally,” Johnson said.

“Our bookings for this season and beyond show significant growth in our traditional domestic, North America and Western Europe business and incentive markets compared to previous years which gives us the confidence to reinvigorate our remarkable rainforest venue.

“Port Douglas has become the flavour of the month once again for the lucrative MICE market and we want to do all we can to showcase our amazing destination to the world.”

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[COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED] WIN A DINING EXPERIENCE FOR 2 AT FLAMES OF THE FOREST!

To celebrate the renovations we are giving away 2 Dinner Vouchers for 2 at Flames of the Forest. Follow the steps below to enter the draw.

1. Comment below with the code word FLAMES
2. Go to the article post on the Newsport Facebook Page and tag the person you would take for dinner

Competition closes Thursday 22 February 2018 at 9am

THE WINNER ARE....

• Zara Budgen
• Janette Walker

Congratulations!
You will receive the dining voucher for 2 via the email address used to enter the competition on Newsport.

Terms & Conditions. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Only 1 entry per person is entered in the draw. The Sweepstakes ends on Thursday 22 February 2018 at 9am Brisbane Time GMT+10. All entries must be received on or before the time stated during that submission period. All eligible entries received during the Submission Period will be gathered into a database at the end of the Submission Period. Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on Newsport on Thursday 22 February 2018. Prize is non-transferable. No substitution or cash equivalent of prizes is permitted.

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