The 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards marked a major milestone on Friday, celebrating four decades of recognising the nation’s top tourism businesses. Hosted at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the event honoured outstanding operators across 26 categories, reflecting the industry’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation.
Among the Gold winners, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort (QLD) and Urban Camp Melbourne (VIC) were inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, having secured Gold for three consecutive years.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre (CBR) took out Major Tourist Attractions, while Darwin Festival (NT) won Gold in Major Festivals & Events.
First-time winner Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach (WA) claimed Gold in the New Tourism Business category, while Seppeltsfield Barossa (SA) triumphed in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category.
Other Gold recipients included Peppers Silo Hotel (TAS) for 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation and Balloon Aloft Australia (NSW) for Excellence in Accessible Tourism.
“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,” Australian Tourism Awards Chairperson Shaun de Bruyn said.
“This milestone is not just about celebrating history but also looking ahead to who will shape Australian tourism into the future.”
Tourism Minister Senator Don Farrell highlighted the awards’ role in celebrating Australia’s top operators.
“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,” stated Minister Farrell.
“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 event’s success was made possible through naming rights Sponsor, Qantas along with key partners including Tourism Australia, the South Australian Tourism Commission, Big Red Group, Adelaide Airport and GetAboutAble.
“Qantas is incredibly proud to help celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s winners. These remarkable organisations and individuals exemplify the innovation and commitment to excellence that help make Australia a world-class destination,” Qantas Group Chief Customer & Digital Officer Catriona Larritt said.
“Congratulations to all of the 2024 winners and nominees for their amazing work showcasing our country’s natural beauty and unique experiences to millions of domestic and international visitors each year.”
All the award winners
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
GOLD – Cape York Peninsula Lodge (QLD)
SILVER – Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Wintjiri Wiṟu (NT)
BRONZE – Kool Tours (SA)
Cultural Tourism
GOLD – Shrine of Remembrance (VIC)
SILVER – SEIT Tours (NT)
BRONZE – Port Macquarie Museum (NSW)
Unique Accommodation
GOLD – Sierra Escape (NSW)
SILVER – The Cove Tasmania (TAS)
BRONZE – Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm (WA)
Self Contained Accommodation
GOLD – Old Coach Road Estate (SA)
SILVER – Pinnacles, Airlie Beach (QLD)
BRONZE – Alice’s Cottages (TAS)
Hosted Accommodation
GOLD – The Dragonfly Inn (TAS)
SILVER – Boat Harbour Jetty B&B (VIC)
BRONZE – Wooleen Station (WA)
Caravan & Holiday Parks
GOLD – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort (QLD) – Hall of Fame Inductee
SILVER – Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (CBR)
BRONZE – BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park (TAS)
New Tourism Business
GOLD – Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach (WA)
SILVER – Red Rock Hut, King Island (TAS)
BRONZE – NT Driver Guide – Escorted Touring (NT)
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
GOLD – The Tweed Tourism Company (NSW)
SILVER – Rottnest Island Authority – Wrap Yourself In Wonder (WA)
BRONZE – Barossa Australia – Barossa. Be Curious (SA)
Ecotourism
GOLD – National Arboretum Canberra (CBR)
SILVER – The Big Duck Boat Tours (SA)
BRONZE – Busselton Jetty (WA)
Business Event Venues
GOLD – Peppers Silo Hotel (TAS)
SILVER – Darwin Convention Centre (NT)
BRONZE – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (VIC)
Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD – Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures (QLD)
SILVER – Spirit of the Coorong (SA)
BRONZE – Air Adventure Golf (TAS)
Major Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD – HeliSpirit (WA)
SILVER – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys (TAS)
BRONZE – Ocean Rafting (QLD)
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
GOLD – Younique Stays (TAS)
SILVER – Go Adventure Nagambie (VIC)
BRONZE – Uluru Audio Guide (NT)
Adventure Tourism
GOLD – Balloon Aloft Australia (NSW)
SILVER – Bendleby Ranges (SA)
BRONZE – Aquascene Magnetic Island (QLD)
Excellence in Food Tourism
GOLD – Harvest Tours (WA)
SILVER – Love Lord Howe (NSW)
BRONZE – The Truffle Farm (TAS)
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
GOLD – Sea World Cruises Dining Experiences (QLD)
SILVER – Grain of the Silos (TAS)
BRONZE – Potager (NSW)
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
GOLD – Seppeltsfield Barossa (SA)
SILVER – Bangor Vineyard Shed (TAS)
BRONZE – Singlefile Wines (WA)
Visitor Information Services
GOLD – Swan Valley Visitor Centre (WA)
SILVER – Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery (QLD)
BRONZE – Canberra and Region Visitors Centre (CBR)
3-3.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD – Urban Camp Melbourne (VIC) – Hall of Fame Inductee
SILVER – Safari Lodge Motel (NT)
BRONZE – Broadwater Resort, Busselton (WA)
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
GOLD – Peppers Silo Hotel (TAS)
SILVER – Oval Hotel (SA)
BRONZE – Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort (QLD)
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
GOLD – The Reef House Adults Retreat (QLD)
SILVER – Mt Hay Retreat (NSW)
BRONZE – Pullman Bunker Bay Resort (WA)
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
GOLD – Balloon Aloft Australia (NSW)
SILVER – National Arboretum Canberra (CBR)
BRONZE – Adelaide Fringe (SA)
Tourist Attractions
GOLD – Katherine Outback Experience (NT)
SILVER – Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NSW)
BRONZE – National Dinosaur Museum (CBR)
Major Tourist Attractions
GOLD – Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre (CBR)
SILVER – Zoos Victoria – Melbourne Zoo (VIC)
BRONZE – WA Museum Boola Bardip (WA)
Festivals & Events
GOLD – Birdsville Big Red Bash (QLD)
SILVER – Margaret River Region Open Studios (WA)
BRONZE – Junction Arts Festival (TAS)
Major Festivals and Events
GOLD – Darwin Festival (NT)
SILVER – Beef Australia 2024 (QLD)
BRONZE – Lightscape Melbourne – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (VIC)
For more information, visit www.australiantourismawards.com.au. Last year’s winners can be viewed here.
