Bamaga Enterprises Limited director Jean Williams with Cape York Peninsula Lodge manager Harrison Mylrea.
TROPICAL retreat Cape York Peninsula Lodge has won gold at the annual 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards.
The Bamaga-based business also earned silver for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism category.
Owned and operated by Bamaga Enterprise Limited, a community-owned organisation, the Lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021-22 with a 92 per cent increase in visitors and a 54 per cent rise in group bookings.
Cape York Peninsula Lodge is the only four-star accommodation of its type in the region and was voted as the winner of the 4-4.5 star deluxe accommodation award at Friday night’s gala ceremony on the Gold Coast.
Lodge manager Harrison Mylrea and BEL director Jean Williams accepted the award.
The 4-4.5 star deluxe accommodation category was highly competitive, with Empire Apartment Hotel awarded silver and Rydges Gold Coast Airport taking bronze.
BEL chairperson Robert Poipoi said the organisation offered an array of cultural experiences in a remote part of the world where Indigenous culture is infused throughout the tourism experience.
“At Cape York Peninsula Lodge, guests can learn the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islander communities in a moving sunset performance by award-winning dance troupes such as Naygayiw Gigi,” he said.
“This is a unique part of Australia – and the world – where both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures live side by side.
“The Naygayiw Gigi performance tells the story of how we came to the NPA and explains some of our history, languages, musical instruments and dances.
“It’s interactive so our visitors really get involved in the performance which makes it more memorable.”
The Lodge features 44 serviced suites, conference facilities, restaurant, hire car, pool, garden walks, reception, and guest services.
The suites are appointed with quality fittings and furnishings that perfectly suit the hot and tropical climate of Cape York.
Guests can also enjoy traditional Torres Strait Islander dishes alongside modern Pacific-rim cuisine at the lodge’s Paperbark Restaurant.
“We’re so proud to receive both a gold and silver award and it’s well deserved for the hard work and effort of our employees to make sure guests have an enjoyable stay,” Mr Poipoi said.
“Operating in such a remote location can be challenging, so to receive an award like this will not only benefit the Lodge, but also play a key role in continuing to attract visitors outside of the peak tourism season to the wider region.”
