Jamie Jansen

Journalist

Port Douglas locals and the proud owners of Cafe Fresq, Joanie and Aoife Conway, had an extra reason to smile this week as their hard work and dedication spanning nine years paid off.

Cafe Fresq was honoured with TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Award, a recognition that places them among the top 10 percent of all listings on the platform. 

Ms Conway expressed her excitement when they received the news.

“It feels great to be recognised, especially in the hospitality industry, given the challenges of the past couple of years. It’s a testament to the hard work put in by our staff,” she said.

“Our objectives are quite simple, really.

"We aim to provide exceptional, locally sourced ingredients and a dedicated team that cares deeply about every detail, thanks to our dedicated head chef, Joseph Fagan, and our managers Natalie o Mahoney and Jessica Howell.”

Community ties

Their deep appreciation for the local community is at the core of Cafe Fresq’s identity. 

Originally hailing from Ireland, the couple embarked on a new chapter in their lives in Port Douglas twenty years ago, and they are profoundly grateful for the warm embrace of the local community.

"When we first visited Port Douglas on vacation, we instantly fell in love with the place. It was as though fate had brought us here, and we knew it was where we belonged," she said.

“We seamlessly integrated into the cafe and the vibrant Port Douglas community. We're passionate about living here, and one of our greatest joys is showcasing the beauty of Port Douglas through the food we serve. It's been an incredible journey.

“Our local community means everything to us. They're not just customers, they’re our friends who brighten our days and keep us going, even when things get tough. 

“We want to keep our community involvement strong and continue to strive for excellence in everything we do.”