Dougies gets reprieve
Backpackers second chance
Rumours have been swirling for weeks about the future of Dougies Backpackers Resort in Davidson Street. The biggest ‘scuttlebutt’ was that the place was going to be bulldozed within the next year with the new owners looking to rebuild it into a high-end boutique resort or hotel.
The resort has provided budget accommodation for numerous permanent or short- and long-term workers in restaurants and hotels for more than two decades and is essential to the health of our local economy.
Now Steve and Heather Yarr who run Dougies have put many minds to rest, well for at least the time being.
Steve and Heathers words on their Dougies Facebook page are as follows:
After 24 fun filled, memorable years spent with wonderful people, both crew and guests, we have entered a contract of sale to transition to life after Dougies.
The good news is nothing is going to change as we have reached an agreement to lease Dougies back.
We have always had the aim that when the time comes Dougies could be sold and would continue to operate and play its current role in the community.
The international backpackers who come to town on working holiday visas are essential to our restaurants, resorts, bars and cafes, as they are reliable, good workers. These guys are an important part of our local tourism and Port Douglas communities.
Our guests are happy people having the adventure of their lives and we provide a safe, comfortable place for travellers to live and visit colleagues and friends.
We appreciate the role that Dougies contributes to town and the wonderful mutual support that people and businesses have always shown to us and Dougies. For this reason, we have agreed to stay on so Dougies can continue to operate as we have done so since 1998.
We and our dedicated, friendly team will continue to care for our guests and look forward to meeting more good people who will kick back ‘n relax at Dougies and support Port Douglas and our local community.
Cheers and thanks to everyone, Steve and Heather
Good news you’d have to agree.