Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island has confirmed its position as Australia’s leading eco resort by winning the prestigious 2004/2005 Australian Tourism Award for Ecotourism at tonight's awards ceremony in Alice Springs.

It is the fifth Australian Tourism Award for the resort which opened its doors in 1992.

"These awards recognise the resort’s commitment to providing an enjoyable nature-based tourism experience while minimising tourism impact on the environment, " said managing director Gary Smith.

"It is also exciting to win this award in a year when the Fraser Coast is opening up to more people than ever before with the easy access being provided by the opening of a jet airport in Hervey Bay in July.

"The Kingfisher Bay Resort team is committed to responsible tourism on Fraser Island and each year encourages more than 150,000 guests to care for the environment and be responsible tourists," said Gary Smith.

Kingfisher Bay Resort is the gateway to the World Heritage wilderness of Fraser Island, its ancient rainforests, spectacular fresh-water lakes and famous 75-Mile Beach.

Kingfisher rangers guide a variety of ecotours to explore the world’s largest sand island. Rangers also have a free, daily program of nature walks and activities such as bird watching, canoe paddles, whale watching and dolphin search cruises.

Kingfisher Bay Resort also holds six Queensland Tourism Awards for Ecotourism and two gold PATA awards.

Website: http://www.kingfisherbay.com/