General News
3 December, 2025
Gold for tourism mecca
PARONELLA Park, along with 22 other Tropical North Queensland’s top tourism operators, have taken centre stage at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards.
The region’s world-class operators secured nine golds – the most of any other regions – plus multiple awards across key categories, underscoring its reputation as one of Queensland’s most diverse and dynamic visitor destinations.
Paronella Park scored gold in the RACQ people’s choice award for experiences and services, plus two others – a bronze in the Steve Irwin Award for ecotourism and a bronze in the cultural tourism award.
Park owners Mark and Judy Evans thanked the community for voting for their business.
“This is the only category voted on by the public and we won it because of you,” the couple posted on Facebook.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. This award means so much because it reflects the love, support and connection our guests feel when they wander through the park’s stories, memories and magic,” they said.
“We’re so incredibly grateful for your unwavering support and love and your votes.
“We’re also proud to share that we received two bronze awards – one for cultural tourism and another for eco-tourism.
“These recognitions reflect our team’s dedication to preserving the park’s heritage and environment and to creating experiences that celebrate nature, history and community.
“To everyone who has visited, voted, shared a story or supported us along the way; this is your win as much as ours.”
Paronella Park received dozens of messages of congratulations on their Facebook page.
“Amazing what they’ve done to this place. When I arrived, I stood and watched for ages as Mark greeted everyone personally and thanked them for coming. He converted those who hesitated into paying customers. Well worth a visit,” said Lynda Greening.
Julie Skelton thanked the Evans family and their staff for “continuing to maintain Paronella Park”.
“I love visiting when I come to FNQ. It’s such a beautiful landmark and so relaxing with the amazing waterfall, the turtles and eels who come in for a feed and the shady walkways through the rainforest. Just perfect,” she said.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) chief executive officer Natassia Wheeler said the region’s strong performance reflected its enduring leadership within the state’s visitor economy.
“Tropical North Queensland continues to set the benchmark for innovation and quality in tourism,” she said. “From world-heritage natural wonders to authentic cultural experiences, these award-winning businesses demonstrate the strength and spirit of the north – and their success helps drive Queensland’s reputation globally.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry “strives for excellence in everything we do from our marketing to our accommodation, experiences, business events, tour attractions and events”.
“Our industry continues to innovate their offering to drive Queensland’s market share and that is reflected in these great results for the destination,” he said.
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