40 years of excellence celebrated at 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

The 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards have celebrated 40 years of excellence and recognised the nation’s best tourism businesses, showcasing the dedication to quality and innovation that defines Australian tourism.

Held yesterday evening at the Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia, this year’s awards not only honoured achievements across 26 categories but also served as a moment of reflection on the vibrant four decades-long history of the Australian Tourism Awards.

Speaking about the program, Australian Tourism Awards Chairperson, Shaun de Bruyn stated “over the past 40 years, the Australian Tourism Awards have been a testament to the vision, perseverance and passion of our industry.

“Each winner represents the evolving spirit of Australian tourism - businesses that embrace innovation, adapt to change, and continually raise the bar for visitor experiences.

“This milestone is not just about celebrating history but also looking ahead to who will shape Australian tourism into the future.”

Among the night’s Gold winners, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort and Urban Camp Melbourne were inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame after securing Gold for three consecutive years in the Caravan & Holiday Parks and 3–3.5 Star Accommodation categories, respectively.

Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra was recognised as the winner of Major Tourist Attractions, while Darwin Festival claimed Gold in the Major Festivals & Events category.

For their first ever win, Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach in Western Australia took Gold in the New Tourism Business category while NSW’s Balloon Aloft Australia securing Gold in Excellence in Accessible Tourism.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Don Farrell, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, said the Australian Tourism Awards are an important way to recognise the outstanding operators across Australia.

Senator Farrell noted “my sincere congratulations to all nominees and winners, it is an absolute honour to work alongside you to ensure the industry continues to go from strength to strength.

“Your outstanding contributions to our tourism industry reflects the passion, creativity and authenticity that make visitors eager to explore all the incredible destinations across our country.”

“Your efforts have not only enhanced the global appeal of Australia but have also supported thousands of jobs, strengthened local communities, and contributed to the continued growth of our economy.”

The success of this year’s awards was made possible by the invaluable support of event sponsors and partners, whose commitment continues elevates excellence in tourism. These include Naming Rights Sponsor, Qantas; Platinum Sponsor Tourism Australia; Host Partner the South Australian Tourism Commission; Gold Sponsors Big Red Group and Adelaide Airport; Venue Partner Adelaide Convention Centre, and Accessible Consultant GetAboutAble.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
Gold - Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Queensland
Silver - Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia - Wintjiri Wiṟu, Northern Territory
Bronze - Kool Tours, South Australia

Cultural Tourism
Gold - Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria
Silver - SEIT Tours, Northern Territory
Bronze - Port Macquarie Museum, NSW

Unique Accommodation
Gold - Sierra Escape, NSW
Silver - The Cove Tasmania, Tasmania
Bronze - Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Western Australia

Self Contained Accommodation
Gold - Old Coach Road Estate, South Australia
Silver - Pinnacles, Airlie Beach, Queensland
Bronze - Alice’s Cottages, Tasmania

Hosted Accommodation
Gold - The Dragonfly Inn, Tasmania
Silver - Boat Harbour Jetty B&B, Victoria
Bronze - Wooleen Station, Western Australia

Caravan & Holiday Parks
*Hall of Fame Inductee* Gold - BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Queensland
Silver - Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, ACT
Bronze - BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, Tasmania

New Tourism Business
Gold - Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach, Western Australia
Silver - Red Rock Hut, King Island, Tasmania
Bronze - NT Driver Guide - Escorted Touring, Northern Territory

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Gold - The Tweed Tourism Company, NSW
Silver - Rottnest Island Authority - Wrap Yourself In Wonder, Western Australia
Bronze - Barossa Australia - Barossa. Be Curious, South Australia

Ecotourism
Gold - National Arboretum Canberra, ACT
Silver - The Big Duck Boat Tours, South Australia
Bronze - Busselton Jetty, Western Australia

Business Event Venues
Gold - Peppers Silo Hotel, Tasmania
Silver - Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory
Bronze - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria

Tour & Transport Operators
Gold - Fun Over 50 Holidays - Immersive Tours and Adventures, Queensland
Silver - Spirit of the Coorong, South Australia
Bronze - Air Adventure Golf, Tasmania

Major Tour & Transport Operators
Gold - HeliSpirit, Western Australia
Silver - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Tasmania
Bronze - Ocean Rafting, Queensland

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
Gold - Younique Stays, Tasmania
Silver - Go Adventure Nagambie, Victoria
Bronze - Uluru Audio Guide, Northern Territory

Adventure Tourism
Gold - Balloon Aloft Australia, NSW
Silver - Bendleby Ranges, South Australia
Bronze - Aquascene Magnetic Island, Queensland

Excellence in Food Tourism
Gold - Harvest Tours, Western Australia
Silver - Love Lord Howe, NSW
Bronze - The Truffle Farm, Tasmania

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services 
Gold - Sea World Cruises Dining Experiences, Queensland
Silver - Grain of the Silos, Tasmania
Bronze - Potager, NSW

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Gold - Seppeltsfield Barossa, South Australia
Silver - Bangor Vineyard Shed, Tasmania
Bronze - Singlefile Wines, Western Australia

Visitor Information Services
Gold - Swan Valley Visitor Centre, Western Australia
Silver - Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery, Queensland
Bronze - Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, ACT

3-3.5 Star Accommodation
*Hall of Fame Inductee* Gold - Urban Camp Melbourne, Victoria
Silver - Safari Lodge Motel, Northern Territory
Bronze - Broadwater Resort, Busselton, Western Australia

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Gold - Peppers Silo Hotel, Tasmania
Silver - Oval Hotel, South Australia
Bronze - Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Queensland

5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Gold - The Reef House Adults Retreat, Queensland
Silver - Mt Hay Retreat, NSW
Bronze - Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia

Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Gold - Balloon Aloft Australia, NSW
Silver - National Arboretum Canberra, ACT
Bronze - Adelaide Fringe, South Australia

Tourist Attractions
Gold - Katherine Outback Experience, Northern Territory
Silver - Northern Rivers Rail Trail, NSW
Bronze - National Dinosaur Museum, ACT

Major Tourist Attractions
Gold - Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, ACT
Silver - Zoos Victoria - Melbourne Zoo, Victoria
Bronze - WA Museum Boola Bardip, Western Australia

Festivals & Events
Gold - Birdsville Big Red Bash, Queensland
Silver - Margaret River Region Open Studios, Western Australia
Bronze - Junction Arts Festival, Tasmania

Major Festivals and Events
Gold - Darwin Festival, Northern Territory
Silver - Beef Australia 2024, Queensland
Bronze - Lightscape Melbourne - Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Victoria

Click here for more information on the awards.

Images: NSW’s Balloon Aloft Australia celebrate winning Gold in Excellence in the Accessible Tourism category (top) and Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra was recognised as the winner of Major Tourist Attractions (below).