The North West’s tourist attraction’s candidacy in the national awards was determined after being announced as the state’s Premier Hosted Accommodation Provider at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Awards last Friday. 

Adels Grove site manager Michelle Low Mow said the win might boost the presence of visitors to the region. 

About 1000 people watched Adels Grove come ahead of finalists including the Gold Coast Hinterlands Pethers Rainforest Retreat and the Nightfall Wilderness Camp at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mrs Low Mow described Adels Grove as Outback Queensland’s “best hidden secret.” 

“Our location is the best ever,” Mrs Low Mow said. 

“All of our staff, they love Adels Grove as much as we do, and that shows to all the tourists that come through too.

The park offered “glamping” style tents, camp facilities and en-suite cabins. 

There was also guided tours, an airstrip and a bar and restaurant available. 

More infrastructure at Adels Grove will need to be built to adjust to increased numbers of tourists, Mrs Low Mow said. 

Tourist numbers increased over several years, and management were building presence by appearances at caravan shows. 

“We are slowly and surely getting it out.” 

She said Adels Grove’s increased number of tourists also benefited Mount Isa as many of the visiting tourists passed through the city, about five hours away from the attraction. 

She attended the awards with other Adels Grove directors Gary Murray, Alan Mathieson, and her husband Rod Low Mow. 

“It was pretty amazing...a total honour to be able to take out the whole state in the hosted accommodation,” she said.  

Adels Grove had not won gold at the awards previously, although last year came second in two categories. 

At the 2014 awards Adels Grove earned silver in unique accommodation, and as tour and transport operators. 

Mr Low Mow said there was a lot of hard work in managing a facility that was worth of a state award, considering it was a remote camping site that operated 365 days a year. 

“When pitted against so many other businesses that also put in similar time and effort you do question if your efforts and the unique facilities, tours and attractions you offer will stand out and be award worthy.

“Apparently they do.”