03/11/2026
Vale Gordon Dixon
Sunday 1st November 2026
Today we remember Gordon Dixon and the remarkable contribution he made to our business, our industry and the Far North Queensland tourism community.
Many of our team had the privilege of working alongside Gordon over the years and knew him as far more than a Co-Managing Director. He was a mentor, a leader, a teacher, and someone whose generosity, humour and genuine care for people left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.
Gordon possessed an extraordinary depth of industry knowledge and a practical vision that was often well ahead of its time. While his brother, James Dixon, was often the highly visible public face of the business, Gordon worked tirelessly behind the scenes, helping shape DUT through his expertise in finance, operations and coach fleet development. His technical knowledge of coach design and operational efficiency was exceptional, and much of what he envisioned years ago remains relevant today.
Together with James, and their incredible wives, Helen and Jann, they built something truly special. From humble beginnings in Cairns, DUT expanded into Central Australia, creating innovative touring products across Uluṟu, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. Through products such as Desert Venturer, they introduced countless backpackers and international visitors to the remarkable landscapes of Cairns, Alice Springs and Darwin aboard the distinctive custom-built coaches.
After selling the Central Australian operation to focus on Far North Queensland, the Dixons continued to grow and strengthen the business through the acquisition of respected local tourism brands including Reef & Rainforest Connections, Tropical Horizons Tours and Adventure North Australia. Despite navigating industry downturns, economic challenges and global events that could easily have overwhelmed others, Gordon & James demonstrated resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to DUT, their people and their region.
The Dixons created so much more than a successful business; they created a family culture. Many family members worked alongside them through the years, including their children, Jesse, Charlie and Mollie; Brianna and Sam; sister Bev; Rob (dec.) and Rowan, and many employees felt part of that extended family.
Gordon was fiercely proud & devoted to his family and passionate about Far North Queensland. He was a strong advocate for the region at both state and federal level, dedicating much of his work to promoting its natural beauty and creating opportunities for the future of sustainable business and tourism.
Following the sale of DUT to AAT Kings, Gordon continued contributing through coach operations management at AAT Kings before retiring in 2020. His legacy lives on through the business he helped build, the tourism industry he helped shape, and the many people he mentored and supported throughout his career.
On behalf of all of us, we extend our sincere condolences to Helen, Jesse, Charlie, Mollie and the entire Dixon family. Our thoughts are with you…
Rest peacefully, GD. Thank you for everything you gave to our industry, our region and the people fortunate enough to know and work with you.
- Erin Simpson, General Manager of Down Under Tours
