Qantas Australian Tourism Awards presented in Darwin

The nation’s tourism industry have gathered for the announcement of the winners and medallists of the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Over 180 leading tourism operators vied for top honours across the 26 categories announced at the industry’s premier event, held at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Introducing the program, Australian Tourism Awards Chairperson, Shaun de Bruyn stated “the Australian Tourism Awards are the tourism industry’s most prestigious awards which showcases innovation and business excellence.

“There was an exceptional level of competition across all categories which demonstrates the dedication tourism operators have to developing extraordinary visitor experiences,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the tourism businesses for their submissions and a special mention goes to those awarded and recognised this evening for exceptional achievement in their categories,” he said.

This year’s event saw the introduction of the Excellence in Accessible Tourism award, encouraging more tourism businesses to implement inclusive business practices and offer accessible-friendly tourism products, services and experiences.”

“With the introduction of the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category, we hope to see more businesses adapting their products to be inclusive, and to see more visitors enjoy and experience our incredible Australian destinations.”

The awards were supported by returning naming rights sponsor, Qantas, as well as Platinum Sponsor, Tourism Australia, and Host Partners, the Northern Territory Government and Tourism NT. The awards were also supported by numerous Partners and Sponsors including GetAboutAble, the Big Red Group, Darwin Convention Centre, the Airport Development Group and Signature Media.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
Gold - wukalina, Western Australialk, Tasmania
Silver - Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Queensland
Bronze - Ngurrangga Tours, Western Australia

Ecotourism
Gold - Fun Over 50 Holidays - Immersive Tours and Adventures, Queensland
Silver - Sydney by Kayak, NSW
Bronze - National Arboretum Canberra, ACT

Self Contained Accommodation
Gold - The Woods Ocean Grove, Victoria
Silver - Tree Chalets, Western Australia
Bronze - The Granary | Richmond Hill, Tasmania

Unique Accommodation
Gold - Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Western Australia
Silver - Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT
Bronze - Woodhouse Adventure Park, South Australia

Hosted Accommodation
Gold - The Dragonfly Inn, Tasmania
Silver - Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Queensland
Bronze - Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Victoria

Caravan & Holiday Parks
Gold - BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Queensland
Silver - Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, ACT
Bronze - NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park, Victoria

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Gold - The Tweed Tourism Company, NSW
Silver - Rockhampton Regional Council - Explore Rockhampton, Queensland
Bronze - BIG Reasons to visit Mandurah - Visit Mandurah, Western Australia

New Tourism Business
Gold - On Board, Tasmania
Silver - Nexus Airlines, Western Australia
Bronze - Port River Cruises, South Australia

Visitor Information Services
Gold - Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, ACT
Silver - Mandurah Visitor Centre, Western Australia
Bronze - Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre, South Australia

3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation
Gold - Urban Camp Melbourne, Victoria
Silver - ibis Adelaide, South Australia
Bronze - Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach, Queensland

4 - 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Gold - Beach Huts Middleton, South Australia
Silver - Ship Inn Stanley, Tasmania
Bronze - Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Queensland

5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Gold - The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa | Adults Tropical Escapes, Queensland
Silver - Chocolate Gannets, Victoria
Bronze - Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia

Business Event Venues
Gold - Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory
Silver - Peppers Silo Hotel, Tasmania
Bronze - Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia

Tour & Transport Operators
Gold - Air Adventure Golf, Tasmania
Silver - Swan River Seaplanes, Western Australia
Bronze -, Northern Territory Bird Specialists Birding & Photographic, South Australiafaris, Northern Territory

Major Tour & Transport Operators
Gold - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Tasmania
Silver - Ocean Rafting, Queensland
Bronze - Searoad Ferries, Victoria

Adventure Tourism
Gold - Ocean Rafting, Queensland
Silver - Bendleby Ranges, South Australia
Bronze - Balloon Aloft Australia, NSW

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Gold - Grain of the Silos, Tasmania
Silver - Potager, NSW
Bronze - CORE Cider House, Western Australia

Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
Gold - Origins Market, Western Australia
Silver - The Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia, ACT
Bronze - Go Adventure Nagambie, Victoria

Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Gold - Adelaide Fringe, South Australia
Silver - Accessible Accommodation, Victoria
Bronze - Katherine Outback Experience, Northern Territory

Excellence in Food Tourism
Gold - Love Lord Howe, NSW
Silver - The Truffle Farm - Home of Australia's first black Truffle, Tasmania
Bronze - Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market, South Australia

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Gold - Bangor Vineyard Shed, Tasmania
Silver - Seppeltsfield Wines, South Australia
Bronze - Billson's Brewery, Victoria

Cultural Tourism
Gold - Royal Australian Mint, ACT
Silver - Fun Over 50 Holidays - Immersive Tours and Adventures, Queensland
Bronze - Geelong Gallery, Victoria

Tourist Attractions
Gold - Katherine Outback Experience, Northern Territory
Silver - Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience, Queensland
Bronze - d'Arenberg, South Australia

Major Tourist Attractions
Gold - Australian Reptile Park, NSW
Silver - Currumbin Wildlife, South Australianctuary, Queensland
Bronze - Zoos Victoria/Melbourne Zoo, Victoria

Festivals and Events
Gold - National Capital Authority - Lights on the Lake, ACT
Silver - 2023 Ord Valley Muster, Western Australia
Bronze - Tumbafest Inc, NSW

Major Festivals and Events
Gold - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland
Silver - Tesselaar KaBloom, Victoria
Bronze - Darwin Festival, Northern Territory

For more information on the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, visit http://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/australian-tourism-awards/

Image: The Northern Territory's Katherine Outback Experience won gold in the Tourist Attractions category.