Cape York Peninsula Lodge wins Gold at Queensland Tourism Awards

Far north Queensland tropical retreat Cape York Peninsula Lodge won Gold for 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation at the annual 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony held in the Gold Coast on 4 November.

It also earned Silver for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism category in conjunction with its operator, Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL). BEL is a First Nations, community-owned organisation that invests its profits into scholarships, sponsorships and community infrastructure. The Lodge is located in the small township of Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) close to Pajinka, Cape York, the northern-most point of mainland Australia.

Amid COVID-related disruptions and restrictions, the Lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021/22 with a 92% increase in visitors and a 54% rise in group bookings.

BEL and the Lodge experienced 20% growth in employment with 63% Indigenous employment in FY22. Cape York Peninsula Lodge is the only four-star accommodation of its type in the region.

In 2022, BEL invested in and opened two significant tourism developments. These included a new 18-seater bus with 4X4 conversion – enabling Indigenous-owned and operated cultural tours in the NPA – and 15 new motel-style units, providing much-needed mid-range accommodation for the region.

Among more than 1,000 tourism operators and individuals from around the state, Lodge Manager Harrison Mylrea and BEL Director Jean Williams accepted the Gold 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. 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.”

Operating for 37 years, the Queensland Tourism Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry, including those of individuals, businesses and events.