All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
More than 180 tourism operators gathered over the weekend for the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, held at the Darwin Convention Centre.
“The Australian Tourism Awards are the tourism industry’s most prestigious awards which showcases innovation and business excellence,” chairperson, Australian Tourism Awards, Shaun De Bruyn, said.
“There was an exceptional level of competition across all categories which demonstrates the dedication tourism operators have to developing extraordinary visitor experiences.
“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.”
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,” said De Bruyn.
Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism said: “Tourism businesses and their staff are the backbone of our vibrant tourism industry, delivering world class experiences to visitors from across Australia and around the world. The bright future of the sector couldn’t be in better hands.”
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.
National winners at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
- Gold – wukalina Walk TAS
- Silver – Cape York Peninsula Lodge QLD
- Bronze – Ngurrangga Tours WA
Ecotourism
- Gold – Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD
- Silver – Sydney by Kayak NSW
- Bronze – National Arboretum Canberra CBR
Self Contained Accommodation
- Gold – The Woods Ocean Grove VIC
- Silver – Tree Chalets WA
- Bronze – The Granary | Richmond Hill TAS
Unique Accommodation
- Gold – Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm WA
- Silver – Jamala Wildlife Lodge CBR
- Bronze – Woodhouse Adventure Park SA
Hosted Accommodation
- Gold – The Dragonfly Inn TAS
- Silver – Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat QLD
- Bronze – Kangaroo Ridge Retreat VIC
Caravan & Holiday Parks
- Gold – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort QLD
- Silver – Alivio Tourist Park Canberra CBR
- Bronze – NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park VIC
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
- Gold – The Tweed Tourism Company NSW
- Silver – Rockhampton Regional Council – Explore Rockhampton QLD
- Bronze – BIG Reasons to visit Mandurah – Visit Mandurah WA
New Tourism Business
- Gold – On Board TAS
- Silver – Nexus Airlines WA
- Bronze – Port River Cruises SA
Visitor Information Services
- Gold – Canberra and Region Visitors Centre CBR
- Silver – Mandurah Visitor Centre WA
- Bronze – Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre SA
3 – 3.5 Star Accommodation
- Gold – Urban Camp Melbourne VIC
- Silver – ibis Adelaide SA
- Bronze – Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach QLD
4 – 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
- Gold – Beach Huts Middleton SA
- Silver – Ship Inn Stanley TAS
- Bronze – Cape York Peninsula Lodge QLD
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
- Gold – The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa | Adults Tropical Escapes QLD
- Silver – Chocolate Gannets VIC
- Bronze – Pullman Bunker Bay Resort WA
Business Event Venues
- Gold – Darwin Convention Centre NT
- Silver – Peppers Silo Hotel TAS
- Bronze – Pullman Bunker Bay Resort WA
Tour & Transport Operators
- Gold – Air Adventure Golf TAS
- Silver – Swan River Seaplanes WA
- Bronze – NT Bird Specialists Birding & Photographic Safaris NT
Major Tour & Transport Operators
- Gold – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys TAS
- Silver – Ocean Rafting QLD
- Bronze – Searoad Ferries VIC
Adventure Tourism
- Gold – Ocean Rafting QLD
- Silver – Bendleby Ranges SA
- Bronze – Balloon Aloft Australia NSW
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
- Gold – Grain of the Silos TAS
- Silver – Potager NSW
- Bronze – CORE Cider House WA
Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
- Gold – Origins Market WA
- Silver – The Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia CBR
- Bronze – Go Adventure Nagambie VIC
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
- Gold – Adelaide Fringe SA
- Silver – Accessible Accommodation VIC
- Bronze – Katherine Outback Experience NT
Excellence in Food Tourism
- Gold – Love Lord Howe NSW
- Silver – The Truffle Farm – Home of Australia’s first black Truffle TAS
- Bronze – Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market SA
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
- Gold – Bangor Vineyard Shed TAS
- Silver – Seppeltsfield Wines SA
- Bronze – Billson’s Brewery VIC
Cultural Tourism
- Gold – Royal Australian Mint CBR
- Silver – Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD
- Bronze – Geelong Gallery VIC
Tourist Attractions
- Gold – Katherine Outback Experience NT
- Silver – Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience QLD
- Bronze – d’Arenberg SA
Major Tourist Attractions
- Gold – Australian Reptile Park NSW
- Silver – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary QLD
- Bronze – Zoos Victoria – Melbourne Zoo VIC
Festivals and Events
- Gold – National Capital Authority – Lights on the Lake CBR
- Silver – 2023 Ord Valley Muster WA
- Bronze – Tumbafest Inc NSW
Major Festivals and Events
- Gold – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers QLD
- Silver – Tesselaar KaBloom VIC
- Bronze – Darwin Festival NT
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Australian Tourism Awards Darwin Convention Centre Shaun de BruynLatest News
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data
Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]
Corporate Travel Management rebrands events division
If you've been deciding whether to rebrand your LinkedIn profile or not, this is your sign.
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau appoints Australian PR Gate 7
We've been to Philly. We like it. Apart from a massive cracked bell, there's a lot of other old stuff to see.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]
The new, ultra-modern Qsuite Next Gen revealed by Qatar Airways at Farnborough
Sweet. It's the suite we have all been waiting for. And with the added bonus of an AI human? Judgement reserved.
Malaysia Airlines elevates travel with exclusive Business Class offers and privileges
The actors/models always look so unrealistically happy in the stock images. Where are the method actors at?
nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation
Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]
Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering
Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]
Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration
Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]
Kris Abbey’s wellness summit returns to Byron Bay for second year
This summit sounds fabulous, although we think there should be a non-wellness summit too, just to even things up.
W Melbourne appoints luxe hotel sector expert Andrea Brown as director of marketing
Expect more TikTok dance moves from W Hotel staff after this appointment.
Qantas ambassador Neil Perry and sommeliers sip and swirl 1500 wines for annual blind tasting
Swirl, sip and spit. It's a long arduous process with 1500 wines lined up. But someone's got to do it. Hic!
Uber adds to suite of options, adding Uber Rent, upscaling Uber Intercity and push into airports
We still miss the fresh mints and the free bottles of water that used to come with Uber rides. Those were the days.
Indian tourism to Australia is booming, so how can we boost outbound tourism?
With its world-famous food, bustling streets and vibrant colours, India won't be in short supply of visitors.
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour appoints new director of sales
We look forward to Rachela Virgara learning everyone's name off by heart. No name badges please.
SKYE Suites Parramatta gets early visit from Santa
When the hotel general manager gets dressed as Santa, it's either he has a complex or it's a budget saving.
World-leading EduTECH Congress and Expo returns to Sydney
There will be many big brains in this room. We are not one of them.
Melbourne and Geelong convention centres pave the way for accessibility and inclusion
Convention centres plan of action for accessibility, including one that isn't even built yet! That's planning.
The ultimate poolside indulgence? A ‘push for champagne’ button at Raes on Wategos
The one question we want to ask is 'why didn't Anthony Catalano think of this earlier?'.
Newly refurbished Pan Pacific Perth offers new era of refinement
Remember the conference here in 2012? Or was it 2013? That was one to remember. Although I forget what happened.
Qantas launches Club Flexible membership to access 30 lounges for 28 days
If you have ever dreamed of entering a Qantas lounge then now is your chance to do so on the cheap.
Applejack Hospitality set to open RAFI URBNSURF diner at Olympic Park
Remember to wait half an hour before you head back into the surf. Well that's what my mum says anyway.
Cruise360 Australasia at ICC Sydney sold out
Cruise industry folk like to gather in packs, whether onboard or not. We will linger on the periphery.
YHA Australia spotlights First Nations culture with tours and cultural experiences
YHA leads the charge for NAIDOC week celebrations. Check out this jam-packed agenda.
Melbourne Airport to support above-ground station for proposed airport rail line
Av-geeks and trainspotters are preparing for a major gathering when the new airport line opens in Melbourne.
What recruitment shortage? More than 800 applicants apply for role at Adelaide Marriott
If you live in Adelaide, work in hospitality and noticed your colleague was missing on Thursday then now you know why.
Hyatt Regency Perth to cease operation as a hotel but future is unknown
Shutting down at a peak time in Perth hotel occupancy rates? Go figure. But we don't own the keys.
REVIEW: Hotel Ottilia Copenhagen: A seamless blend of industrial charm and contemporary Nordic design
Staying in a converted brewery you'd think we'd be sampling the local beers. At Ottilia, it's more the wines!
G Adventures offers Aussie agents final chance for Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets in London
It's like in Willy Wonka when it turned out the final ticket was fake. You haven't missed your chance to see Tay Tay!
Australia named top luxury destination in APAC with Indian travellers leading the charge
Fashion, food and a sense of place is what Japanese and Indians seek out of a trip to AU. Not mullets and XXXX.
Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden claims the title of Australia’s top attraction
Perth visitors pick Kings Park as Australia's top attraction? Surely quokkas must count in there somewhere.
Saudi Arabia hosts film night at the Sydney Opera House
It is very unfortunate Saudi Arabia had their cinemas shut for 30 years, however they did at least miss Vanilla Sky.
Oslo – is it even a city? Norway’s hilarious new tourism campaign tells travellers not to come
This is one of the best in recent years and there's been some crackers. We want a trip to Norway now!
Cairns Harbourside Hotel launches new tropically themed event packages
We were in Cairns for TravelDAZE recently, and we will definitely be back, for the accomm if not the weather.
Foreigners to pay the price of being a tourist in Japan
It comes as no surprise to hear that cities bump up prices for tourists, but Japan is being very open about it.