Forsayth pub, Cobbold Gorge score big at outback tourism awards

At the awards ceremony in Cloncurry on Saturday night the Terrys, from Forsayth, south west of Cairns, won the Hosted Accommodation Award for Cobbold Village, part of the Cobbold Gorge tourism operation. They also won Best Outback Queensland Pub for their redeveloped Goldfields Hotel in Forsayth.

The Terry’s operate Cobbold Gorge Tours which is located on the family’s Robin Hood cattle station 400km south west of Cairns. Cobbold Gorge Tours provides daily interpretive guided tours to showcase the spectacular gorge and surrounding 10,000 year old Hampstead sandstone. The 6km long gorge is characterised by a series of water holes, rock falls and 30m high cliffs that narrow to just 2m wide in places.

Guests can experience the gorge via guided walk, boat cruise, stand up paddleboard and helicopter. Camping facilities, caravan sites and air-conditioned cabins as well as recreational, dining and licenced bar facilities are also available.

The Terry’s bought Forsayth’s Goldfields Hotel in 2014 and over a period of five months completely gutted, renovated and rebuilt it. The re-furbished pub was re-opened as a one stop shop, housing multiple service areas including the bar and beer garden, dining area, coffee shop, accommodation and tourist information, secure Postal Agency, convenience store and fuel outlet.

“The award evening was another great success and a credit to the Cloncurry Shire Council and staff,” Mr Terry said. “We are honoured to accept our awards on behalf of our staff and guests who have supported us throughout the years.”