Australian Tourism Awards 2018 has kicked off to a flying start! Nominations are open around the country, and if you are a tourism business or professional, this is a great time to start thinking about putting your hat in the ring for anyone of your states categories.
Over the years I have had some significant tourism awards moments, and I managed to capture one of them on a YouTube clip below I posted the morning after the 2013 Victorian Tourism Awards. Although we didn’t win that night, thankfully Global Ballooning stayed strong and stuck with the awards winning consecutively three years in a row and inducted into the Hall of Fame for best Tour Operator in 2016.
Inspired by the Australian Tourism Awards!
Earlier this year I attended the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards as the social media presenter for the event. After successfully presenting to the Victorian tourism awards social media audience in 2016, I was beyond chuffed and grateful to be involved in the national event.
The journey to social media presenting started when live broadcasting app Periscope and Meerkat hit the scene. It wasn’t until Facebook joined the live broadcasting party that I took to developing a strategy for using live video in my social media efforts and gave life to my new role in social media marketing, Tri-Casting. ‘Going live’ on three platforms, at the same time.
My choice of three live broadcasting platforms is Facebook Live, Instagram Live and Periscope, which streams live to Twitter.
The Best of the Best in Australia
With 2018 tourism award nominations opening around the country I wanted to share with you the winners from the list of twenty-six category finalists, so you too can either be ignited with inspiration to submit your own business while gaining some Australian holiday inspiration.
The awards process starts at the state level and then every state category winner is invited to the national awards and has the opportunity to be recognised as the best in the country.
Listed below you will find the national finalists given the highest recognition for promoting excellence in tourism, showcasing the best in outstanding customer service, innovation, sustainability and consecutive business excellence.
On the night of nights, the new Optus Stadium in Perth was full of the best experience makers this country has to offer. It was also a bucket list paradise of inspiration for things to see, do, eat, stay and experience around the country.
Australian Tourism Legend Award – Paul Hogan
Image: Australian Times, Australian Tourism Legend Award – Paul Hogan
The first winner announced on the grounds of the brand new Optus Stadium was Paul Hogan. Mr Hogan was acknowledged for his role in attracting North American visitors to Australia, with his Come and Say G’day campaign featuring the iconic line; “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you”. See the 1984 advertisement here.
As featured in Travel Weekly Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Stephen Ciobo said the Aussie icon has done so much for the industry and “richly deserves the tourism legend award bestowed upon him”
“The timing couldn’t be more perfect either, with the recent launch of Tourism Australia’s ‘Dundee’ campaign drawing so much inspiration from the iconic film in which he starred.”
View the Crocodile Dundee Super Bowl A
1.Australian Major Tourism Attractions Gold Winner: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Image: Tourism NT – Parks Australia
Kakadu is a living cultural landscape. It has been home to Aboriginal people for more than 65,000 years. It is the largest national park in Australia, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres. That’s nearly half the size of Switzerland! The park is dual World Heritage-listed for its outstanding natural and cultural values.
Visit Kakadu National Park Website
Follow Kakadu National Park on Facebook
Follow Kakadu National Park on Twitter
Follow Kakadu National Park on Instagram
Silver Winner: Sovereign Hill, VIC
Bronze Winner: Royal Botanic Gardens, NSW
2. Tourism Attractions Gold Winner: Questacon, ACT
Image: Questacon
LIVE Interview on the night with Professor Graham Durant AM:
https://www.facebook.com/QantasAustralianTourismAwards/videos/1917710768558862/
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre and its programmes are administered within the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science .
The team at Questacon, strive to promote greater understanding and awareness of science and technology within the community. We’re committed to making that experience fun, interactive, and relevant.
Silver Winner: Calypso Charters, SA
Bronze Winner: Sealy Lookout, NSW
3. Major Festivals and Events Gold Winner: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland
Image: TCOF Facebook
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is Australia’s longest-running annual horticultural event. From gerberas to geraniums and daffodils to daisies, the Carnival is a ten day celebration of all things spring.
Visit Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Website
Follow Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers on Facebook
Silver Winner: Annual Byron Bay Bluesfest 2017, NSW
Bronze Winner: Santos Tour Down Under, SA
4. Festivals and Events Gold Winner: Riverboat Music Festival, Victoria
Image: Riverboat Music Festival Facebook
The Riverboats Music Festival is Victoria’s Murray River’s premiere contemporary music event. Staged in the twin-towns of Echuca-Moama, the festival takes place under towering river red gums in a natural amphitheatre next to the mighty Murray.
Visit Riverboat Festival Website
Follow Riverboat Music Festival on Facebook
Follow Riverboat Music Festival on Twitter
Follow Riverboat Festival on Instagram
Silver Winner: Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo, QLD
Bronze Winner: The Unconformity, TAS
5. Ecotourism Gold Winner: Tasmanian Walking Company – HALL OF FAME, Tasmania
LIVE Interview on the night with Ros Young and Heath Garrratt:
https://www.facebook.com/QantasAustralianTourismAwards/videos/1917718375224768/
Tasmanian Walking Company has been operating for 30 years and have won numerous national and state tourism awards. They operate four of the ten Great Walks of Australia. Tasmanian Walking Company has the privilege of operating the only private hut accommodation along the Overland Track and own the Bay of Fires Lodge bordering Mount William National Park. They also own Lady Eugenie which is the accommodation on their Wineglass Bay Sail Walk.
Visit Tasmanian Walking Company Website
Follow Tasmanian Walking Company on Facebook
Follow Tasmanian Walking Company on YouTube
Follow Tasmanian Walking Company on Instagram
Silver Winner: Murray River Walk, SA
Bronze Winner: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, QLD
6. Cultural Tourism Gold Winner: Fremantle Prison, Western Australia
Image: Fremantle Prison Facebook
Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and significant cultural attractions. The history of Fremantle Prison dates back to the early beginnings of Western Australia and its role in the development of this State is unparalleled. It is the largest convict built structure in Western Australia and the most intact convict establishment in the nation.
Visit Freemantle Prison Website
Follow Freemantle Prison on Facebook
Follow Freemantle Prison on Instagram
Silver Winner: Port Arthur Historic Site – TAS
Bronze Winner: Venture North Australia – NT
7. Qantas Award for Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Gold Winner: Sand Dune Adventure, New South Wales
Image: Sand Dune Adventures Facebook
LIVE Interview on the night with Andrew Smith:
https://www.facebook.com/QantasAustralianTourismAwards/videos/1917583925238213/
Sand Dune Adventures (SDA) offers clients an exclusive ‘Cultural Quad Bike Riding’ experience like no other; traversing the majestic and traditional landscape of the Worimi Sand Dunes / Port Stephens in NSW, recorded as the largest coastal moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. Customers ride safely from bush to beach on a 400cc quad bike and take in the glorious views of the sweeping coastline (no experience necessary) with experienced Aboriginal guides.
Visit Sand Dune Adventures Website
Follow Sand Dune Adventures on Facebook
Follow Sand Dune Adventures Twitter
Silver Winner: Kooljaman at Cape Leveque – WA
Bronze Winner: Nitmiluk Tours – NT
8. Specialised Tourism Services Gold Winner: Parks Victoria, Victoria
Image: Parks Victoria Facebook
Parks Victoria is a statutory authority, created by the Parks Victoria Act 1998 and responsibile under the Parks Victoria Act 1998 to manage the State’s parks, reserves, waterways and other public land including a representative system of terrestrial and marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. It is also the Local Port Manager for Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and Port Campbell and the Waterway Manager for the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.
Follow Parks Victoria on Facebook
Follow Parks Victoria on Instagram
Silver Winner: RiverFly 1864 – TAS
Bronze Winner: Sightseeing Pass Australia – WA
9. Visitor Information Services Gold Winner: Swan Valley Visitor Centre, Western Australia
World-class wineries, breweries, distilleries, countless gourmet artisan goods, handcrafted wares, bustling markets, vibrant studios, top-notch eateries and endless experiences, just 25 minutes from Perth.
Visit Swan Valley Visitor Centre Website
Follow Swan Valley Visitor Centre on Facebook
Follow Swan Valley Visitor Centre Twitter
Follow Swan Valley Visitor Centre Instagram
Silver Winner: Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre – NT
Bronze Winner: Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – NSW
10. Business Event Venues Gold Winner: Adelaide Hill Convention Centre, South Australia
Image: Adelaide Hills Convention Centre Facebook
Located a convenient 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre sits atop 32 acres of manicured grounds as part of the beautiful Hahndorf Resort, the centre boasts uninterrupted 360° views of the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Specifically built for hosting Corporate Conferences, Weddings and Gala Events, the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre offers 7 different event spaces catering for smaller groups in our Lakeview Function Room or Resort Business Centre, and larger groups in our 2 level Adelaide Hills Convention Centre and spacious aesthetic outdoor event space which includes a wedding arbour.
Visit Adelaide Hill Convention Centre Website
Follow Adelaide Hill Convention Centre on Facebook
Follow Adelaide Hill Convention Centre LinkedIn
Follow Adelaide Hill Convention Centre Instagram
Silver Winner: Holmesglen at Eildon – VIC
Bronze Winner: Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough – WA
11. Major Tour and Transport Operators Gold Winner: Ocean Rafting, Queensland
Image: Ocean Rafting Facebook
Ocean Rafting’s Whitsunday tours visit the “wild side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. Ocean Rafting operates two exciting Whitsunday tours daily from Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, carrying guests on an adventure to experience some of the Whitsundays’ most desirable destinations.
Follow Ocean Rafting on Facebook
Follow Ocean Rafting Instagram
Silver Winner: Aviair – WA
Bronze Winner: SkyBus – VIC
12. Tour and Transport Operators Gold Winner: The Maria Island Walk, Tasmania
Set on Maria Island, a world heritage listed national park just off the east coast of Tasmania, this gentle four day guided walk combines rare Tasmanian wildlife, spectacular scenery, and fascinating history.
Visit The Maria Island Walk Website
Follow The Maria Island Walk on Facebook
Follow The Maria Island Walk Instagram
Silver Winner: Fun Over Fifty – QLD
Bronze Winner: Autopia Tours – Small Group Experiences – VIC
13. Adventure Tourism Gold Winner: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Western Australia
Image: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Facebook
The Horizontal Falls are located deep within the pristine environment of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, this isolated phenomenon can only be observed by air or by the sea in the remote and untouched Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Visit Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Website
Follow Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures on Facebook
Silver Winner: Roaring 40s Kayaking – TAS
Bronze Winner: Calypso Star Charters – SA
14. Destination Marketing Gold Winner: The Epic Pilbara – Australia’s North West, Western Australia
Australia’s North West region covers over a million square kilometres, encompassing the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, from Onslow in the south to Kununurra in the northeastern corner of Western Australia.
Australia’s North West Tourism is the peak tourism marketing body for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. It is responsible for the promotion of the North West as a premier tourism destination in both domestic and international markets on behalf of its members.
Visit The Epic Pilbara – Australia’s North West Website
Follow The Epic Pilbara – Australia’s North West on Facebook
Follow The Epic Pilbara – Australia’s North West Twitter
Follow The Epic Pilbara – Australia’s North West Instagram
Silver Winner: Pie Time’ – Southern Highlands – ACT
Bronze Winner: Mudgee Region Tourism – Let’s Skip Town Together Campaign – NSW
15. Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Gold Winner: Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, Victoria
Image: Royal Mail Hotel Facebook
Located in Dunkeld, western Victoria at the foot of the Grampians, the Royal Mail Hotel is one of regional Australia’s most awarded restaurants and hotels.
Visit Royal Mail Hotel Website
Follow Royal Mail Hotel on Facebook
Follow Royal Mail Hotel Instagram
Silver Winner: Margan Winery & Restaurant – NSW
Bronze Winner: Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar – TAS
16. Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries Gold Winner: Sandalford Wine, Western Australia
Image: Sandalford Wine Facebook
Australia’s North West region covers over a million square kilometres, encompassing the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, from Onslow in the south to Kununurra in the northeastern corner of Western Australia.
Australia’s North West Tourism is the peak tourism marketing body for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. It is responsible for the promotion of the North West as a premier tourism destination in both domestic and international markets on behalf of its members.
Follow Sandalford Wine on Facebook
Follow Sandalford Wine on Twitter
Follow Sandalford Wine on Instagram
Silver Winner: Bright Brewery – VIC
Bronze Winner: Cupitt – NSW
17. Caravan and Holiday Parks Gold Winner: BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park -HALL OF FAME, New South Wales
Image: Big 4 Deniliquin Facebook
LIVE Interview on the night with Frank and Linda White:
https://www.facebook.com/QantasAustralianTourismAwards/videos/1917663531896919/
Ideally located on the banks of the Edward River with self-contained accommodation, caravan and camping sites. Big 4 Deniliquin is the place to change your pace and just 3.5 hours from Melbourne, 2 hours from Bendigo and 50 minutes from Echuca.
Follow BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park on Facebook
Follow BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park on Twitter
Follow BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park on Instagram
Silver Winner: RAC Cervantes Holiday Park – WA
Bronze Winner: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – QLD
18. Hosted Accommodation Gold Winner: The Beach House at Bayside, Western Australia
Image: The Beach House at Bayside Facebook
Imagine a touch of European elegance by an Australian Beach – a place where formal gardens, a hint of rosemary and the soft sea air greet you on arrival.
A bountiful country house by the sea, where (a recent guest Charles from UK says…) you are “made feel very welcome, much like a treasured house guest and not just a hotel visitor”.
Visit The Beach House at Bayside Website
Follow The Beach House at Bayside Facebook
Silver Winner: Cobbold Village – QLD
Bronze Winner: Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat – SA
19. Unique Accommodation Gold Winner: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Western Australia
Image: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Facebook
The Horizontal Falls are located deep within the pristine environment of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, this isolated phenomenon can only be observed by air or by sea in the remote and untouched Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Visit Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Website
Follow Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures on Facebook
Silver Winner: Cumberland Charter Yachts – QLD
Bronze Winner: Pumphouse Point – TAS
20. Self Contained Accommodation Gold Winner: The Frames, South Australia
Image: The Frames Facebook
Luxury Accommodation Renmark, South Australia. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway at a luxury retreat, The Frames is the ideal place. Situated in Paringa, near Renmark in South Australia’s Riverland, it’s a comfortable 3 hour drive from Adelaide or a 90 minute drive from Mildura. The Frames is also a destination charging point for the luxury electric Tesla vehicles.
Silver Winner: Avalon Coastal Retreat – TAS
Bronze Winner: RACV Noosa Resort – QLD
21. Standard Accommodation Gold Winner: Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville, Queensland
Ideally located on the banks of the Edward River with self-contained accommodation, caravan and camping sites. We’re the place to change your pace and just 3.5 hours from Melbourne, 2 hours from Bendigo and 50 minutes from Echuca.
Visit Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville Website
Follow Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville on Facebook
Follow Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville Twitter
Silver Winner: Moama on Murray Resort – NSW
Bronze Winner: Marree Hotel – SA
22. Deluxe accommodation Gold Winner: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Northern Territory
Image: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters Facebook
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs is a global upscale hotel dedicated to ensuring that you and every guest has a successful stay.
Visit Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters Website
Follow Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters on Facebook
Follow Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters on Twitter
Silver Winner: Yondah Beach House – SA
Bronze Winner: The Henry Jones Art Hotel – TAS
23. Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner: Saffire – Freycinet, Tasmania
Luxury Accommodation Gold Winner: Saffire – Freycinet, Tasmania
Image: Saffire – Freycinet Facebook
Saffire Freycinet luxury lodge, with five-star plus hotel-style accommodation adjacent to Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park. Saffire Freycinet luxury lodge is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Hobart (195km), although it is recommended allowing 3h for a comfortable drive. All 20 suites are beautifully appointed featuring rich design and furnishings that capture the nature of the surrounding flora and fauna.
Visit Saffire – Freycinet Website
Follow Saffire – Freycinet on Facebook
Follow Saffire – Freycinet on Twitter
Silver Winner: Cicada Lodge – NT
Bronze Winner: Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel – ACT
24. New Tourism Business Gold Winner: Swan River Seaplanes, Western Australia
LIVE Interview on the night with Kristy Bailey and team:
https://www.facebook.com/QantasAustralianTourismAwards/videos/1917592791903993/
Bespoke tours directly from the Swan River to iconic destinations surrounding Perth. All inclusive day tours to Margaret River, Rottnest Island and the Peel Harvey Estuary.
Visit Swan River Seaplanes Website
Follow Swan River Seaplanes on Facebook
Follow Swan River Seaplanes on Instagram
Silver Winner: MACq 01 Hotel – TAS
Bronze Winner: Arthurs Swat Eagle – VIC
25. Excellence in Food Tourism Gold Winner: Margan Winery & Restaurant, New South Wales
Image: Margan Winery & Restaurant Facebook
Since 1996 Margan Winery & Restaurant have grown their vineyard area to over 320 acres of vines. The majority of these vineyards were planted by Lindemans and Saxonvale in the late 60’s on the volcanic deposit known as the “Fordwich Sill”, here in Broke Fordwich. It is these unique old vines growing on this rare soil that provide Margan with its own distinctive style.
Margan Winery & Restaurant Website
Follow Margan Winery & Restaurant on Facebook
Follow Margan Winery & Restaurant Twitter
Follow Margan Winery & Restaurant on Instagram
Silver Winner: Two Feet & a Heartbeat – WA
Bronze Winner: Barossa Valley Cheese Company – SA
Benefits to Your Business by Entering the Awards:
To provide you with an insight into the benefits, award criteria and to hear what judges and other participants have to say, Victorian Tourism Industry Council Awards Program Manager, Michael Hamilton, is currently travelling around the state delivering information sessions. Find a session near you here.
If you can not get to any of the workshops, you can view a recorded Victorian information session below that was recently delivered at award-winning State Library of Victoria.
https://www.facebook.com/VTICnews/videos/1755748164468913/
To make your way to national awards the journey starts in your state and I have listed below all state tourism award authorities for more information and entry requirements as they all vary slightly.
Northern Territory Tourism Awards
Western Australian Tourism Awards
Canberra Region Tourism Awards
So many experience makers around the country are worthy of this recognition and I hope my summary of the most recent winners inspires you to showcase your passionate work and enter your business (or colleague for an individual award) at this year’s tourism awards.
About Despina:
Thank you so much for reading this post.
Igniting excellence in people is the reason I get out of bed every morning. It is also the reason why I started InstituteOfExcellence.com in 2014.
Developing industry training and development programs to help the tourism business community thrive is how I serve and support experience and place makers. Training and development programs delivered specialise in the power of digital, social media and tourism-specific marketing strategies. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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