Woodlands is just the place

By Kath Gannaway
WOODLANDS Rainforest Bungalows at Narbethong was recognised as the best hosted accommodation in the state at last week’s Victorian Tourism Awards.
Owners Vicky and Gary King were thrilled to win the award for the second year running.
John Pandazopoulos, Tourism Minister, congratulated the winners saying the awards recognised tourism businesses striving for excellence in an increasingly competitive environment.
The couple built two secluded cottages on 40 acres of rainforest at Narbethong in 2000. In 2003 they added two more cottages.
The vision was to create a private experience in the bush – but with all the luxury extras.
“We’re right in the rainforest. It’s very much about experiencing nature from a luxurious hide,” said Ms King.
“It was extremely exciting to win for the second year, particularly as the hosted accommodation is a very competitive category,” she added.
Woodlands is the couple’s first tourist venture and they are passionate about it.
Ms King was involved in the Victorian B&B Council for a number of years and plays an active role in the Marysville Tourism Association.
The Kings first entered the awards last year and encourage other tourism operators to take the plunge.
“It’s a tremendous amount of work but when you concentrate so much on your business and take the time to analyse what you are doing it is very valuable,” Ms King said.
“Whether or not you win, if you put that sort of time into analysing your business there’s enormous benefit to it.”
In a departure from previous years, Woodlands was the only Yarra Valley entry this year.
“We’re very happy to fly the flag for the Yarra Valley,” Ms King said.
“It’s a pretty special place with lots of lovely experiences to offer. We’re very proud to be a part of that and to have won these awards which recognise us as having something very special here.”
Having won two out of two entries, the Kings say they will be going for a third gong in 2007. A win would see them inducted into the Victorian Tourism Award Hall of Fame.