Escape from big city pays off for B&B champs

David and Pam Hughes moved to the Hinterland from Sydney, 3 years ago, having travelled the country looking for the best spot for a B&B.

Avocado Grove B&B in Flaxton has claimed fifth place on Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” Traveller’s Choice list for Australia’s Top B&Bs and Inns.

While owners David and Pam Hughes are honoured by the recognition, it certainly validates their belief that if they treated their guests like friends or family, they would have “half a chance of doing well”.

David and Pam moved to the Hinterland from Sydney, 3 years ago. They both came from corporate backgrounds, so the decision represented a complete change of scenery for them, in every way.

“We just wanted to try something completely different, and spent a lot of time travelling  the country looking for the best place to buy a B&B,” David said. “We looked around NSW, WA and South Australia, but nothing really grabbed us. Then we happened to be on the Sunshine Coast, and took a drive up the Range. Within 10 minutes, we knew it was the spot for us,” he said. “The place just hugs you.”

David and Pam bought Avocado Grove and set about renovating and putting their own stamp on it. The purpose built B&B has been painted, lavishly refurbished and landscaped. It is nestled in a peaceful avocado grove, and there is an abundance of wildlife and stunning rural views at every turn.

“David has put his love of cooking to the test, and has become very well practiced at catering to all kinds of dietary needs,” Pam said. “Our guests absolutely love his food, but I think that is a reflection of the enjoyment it gives him to prepare it.”

“We really just love what we do,” David said. “It is a joy to welcome our guests here and we find that 80% of our bookings are return guests. I guess that is a good sign that we are doing something right.”

Visit Sunshine Coast Interim CEO Craig Davidson congratulated providers that had been recognised in this year’s Awards.

“This year has been incredibly tough for our region’s tourism industry, so to receive accolades like these is a real morale boost for not just the operators involved, but the entire Sunshine Coast region,” he said. “These awards are based on feedback from travellers, and with word-of-mouth referrals still one of the most valuable forms of advertising there is, it’s incredibly humbling to know that visitors consider Sunshine Coast tourism operators as some of Australia’s best.

“These awards recognise the diversity of offerings we have here on the Sunshine Coast, and provide a great endorsement to inspire future travellers to start planning their ultimate Sunshine Coast escape.”

For more information visit: www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice.