AusLeisure

North Queensland owned and operated coach company, Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters, is this year marking a significant milestone with reaching its 40th anniversary.

The Cairns-based, eco-friendly operator has been providing exceptional touring experiences to visitors from all over the world since 1983, showcasing the incredible natural beauty and cultural diversity of the area.

Over the past four decades, Tropic Wings has grown from two small coach companies to a thriving business with a fleet of modern coaches and a team of expert tour guides.

Throughout this journey, Tropic Wings has remained committed to supporting the local community and promoting sustainable tourism.

The company has a rich history dating back to 1981, when Charles and Pip Woodward, the founders of The CaPTA Group, acquired their first vehicle to transport visitors from Cairns to Mountain Groves in Kuranda, now known as Rainforestation Nature Park.

 With a clear vision in mind, Charles Woodward declared “we'll get tourists to Kuranda on a Sunday even if we have to buy a coach company to do it" - and that's exactly what he did.

The family legacy of Tropic Wings and the CaPTA Group has since been carried forward by Charles and Pip's three sons, Michael, Ben, and Peter, who are actively involved in the businesses.

The Woodward family had initially acquired a local coach company, Blue Wings Coach Tours, in 1981, and the first ever day tour from Cairns to Kuranda began operating soon after.

They expanded their fleet further in 1982 by purchasing Cairns Tropic Tours, another prominent coach company in the Cairns area.

Finally, on 30th March 1983, Tropic Wings Coach Tours was officially launched with a fleet of 8 coaches and nearly 300 seats, offering day tours to popular destinations such as Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation.

CaPTA Director of Operations and Projects Michael Woodward said his father Charles was a driving force behind the growth of tourism in the region, commenting "Dad was quite instrumental in lobbying for the Cairns International Airport, which has played a vital role in making the region an accessible and attractive holiday destination for international travellers.

CaPTA Managing Director Peter Woodward said Charles’s passion for promoting Australia and the local region was evident in his travels over the years, noting “he was very passionate about promoting Australia and the local region first, then his own business.

“This dedication to the region has helped establish Cairns as a premier holiday destination, drawing in visitors from around the world.”

Tropic Wings General Manager Colin Anderson said that the important milestone was testament to the dedication and hard work of our team and the support of our community, adding "we are proud to have played a part in the growth of tourism in Tropical North Queensland, and we remain committed to the local community and responsible tourism.

“Tropic Wings aims to achieve carbon neutrality, having also set an example in sustainable transportation by being the first Queensland business to introduce a 100% electric bus for commercial use back in October 2019.

"As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of Tropical North Queensland."

CaPTA Director of Sales and Marketing, Ben Woodward said the company has a longstanding commitment to the local community, supporting a range of initiatives and events that celebrate the region's culture, history and natural beauty.

He advised “over the years, we’ve partnered with local schools and universities to provide educational opportunities, and supported a range of conservation projects to protect the environment and wildlife.

"We believe that tourism can be a force for good, and we are committed to doing our part to support the local community and protect the natural environment."

The CaPTA Group continues its commitment to the local community through training programs and supporting non-profit organisations, such as COUCH (Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health) and TARC (Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre).

Locally owned and operated Tropic Wings is the longest established coach tour operator in Tropical North Queensland, providing quality Kuranda and Cape Tribulation tours.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Tropic Wings is offering a range of special tours and packages, allowing visitors to experience the best of the region's natural beauty, culture and history.

Image shows (from left): CaPTA Director of Operations & Projects Michael Woodward, Tropic Wings Charters Co-Ordinator Rhonda Harwood, Tropic Wings General Manager Colin Anderson, CaPTA Director of Sales & Marketing Ben Woodward. 

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