Friday 20 May

Flames, 'red hot' tourist favourite

: The magical setting of Flames of the Forest

By Roy Weavers

One of the Port Douglas regions best tourist attractions is Flames of the Forest. It was launched to the leisure market in March 2003 and with the expert care of owner Amelia Hannaford and her team this unique rainforest dining experience has established itself as a must see must do when in the far north.

We asked Amelia what spurred her on to start the business? She said quite simply, "The idea of it".

You may be wondering how and why Flames of the Forest is considered by those who have experienced it to be so unique. Amelia Hannaford answers that question with a smile and a confidence built over 8 years of successful operating.

"It's because we care so much about it and our guests’ experience and also because we’re probably the only people who would do it, because operating a rainforest dining experience is not the easiest way to try to make a living!".

Flames of the Forest offers two experiences. The Aboriginal Cultural Experience on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights features two local Aboriginal brothers sharing their remarkable culture with guests during the evening which includes a cultural background, story telling, didgeridoo playing and song. The menu showcases a wide variety of Australian produce across seven dishes served in a banquet style to communal tables of ten, encouraging guests to meet and enjoy the company of other intrepid travellers.

The second experience is the Rainforest Dining Experience on Saturday nights. This spectacular features a six course tropical tasting menu and quality Australian wines. This evening is completely natural, intimate and romantic, and is very popular with honeymooners, those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and couples seeking a unique dining experience.

The venue is also available on an exclusive use basis and has proved very popular with both corporate groups and weddings as a venue with a magical difference.

The Aboriginal Cultural Experience combines the natural beauty of the Australian rainforest with ancient Indigenous culture, and sensational, local cuisine whilst enjoying a traditional communal dining setting. The opportunity to immerse yourself in these four elements ignites the senses unlike any other experience we are aware of.

Once you have enjoyed a visit to Flames of the Forest you too will agree that it is very special. Sales Manager, Natalie Johnson says "We don’t believe there is anything else in the world quite like a Flames of the Forest experience!"

Their aims and ambitions for Flames is to keep going, to keep growing, to keep coming up with new ideas and ways to improve our product and our guests’ experience.

There are discounted rates for return guests and many return to Flames to bring friends and family to share the experience.

The evening starts and ends by guests being collected from and returned to their resort or hotel so there are no problems with drinking and driving.

This also ensures the location is kept top secret! As Amelia and Natalie say "It’s part of the magic of the evening".

For bookings or more information Ph: 07 4099 5983 or visit www.flamesoftheforest.com.au

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