The WA Tourism Awards went down in Perth last month and let’s just say, there were a lot of Gold trophies for our nature-loving friends over in the sunny State.
Western Australia is a state boasting enchanting beauty. It also has a large number of fantastic tourism operators and experiences that have recently been recognised in their respective categories by the industry for excellence.
The gold medallists in categories 1 to 25 will go on to represent Western Australia at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, being held in Canberra on March 6, 2020.
There were quite a few categories, so let’s focus on nine of the key winners in no particular order!
#9. Major Tourist Attractions – Sponsored by Tourism WA
Busselton Jetty
Busselton Jetty took home gold and it’s not too hard to see why. At 1.8 km long, it the longest tourist jetty in the southern hemisphere and second longest in the world. It even has a solar-powered Jetty Train and Underwater Observatory, one of only six in the world.
The Busselton Jetty also won the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, Gold in the Ecotourism category and Silver in the Festivals and Events category for its Jetty Swim.
Fremantle Prison and Rottnest Island took home Silver and Bronze.
#8. Tourist Attractions – Sponsored by Hello Perth
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures won Gold with its amazing attraction, which allows you to experience first-hand the incredible tidal power of the natural phenomenon in Talbot Bay in WA’s Kimberley region.
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures also won Gold in the unique accommodation category with The Horizontal Hotel.
The Bell Tower and the Perth Mint took home Silver and Bronze.
#7. Qantas Award for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism – Sponsored by Qantas and WAITOC
Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences
Owned and operated by Walter McGuire, a Nyungar man from the Perth region and Meg McGuire, a Kungarakan woman whose traditional lands lie in the Northern Territory, Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences won Gold for their variety of products and services that educate and share Aboriginal culture including Welcomes to Country; Smoking Ceremonies; cultural consultancy, public speaking, cultural awareness programs and Aboriginal cultural tours.
Ngurrangga Tours and Kooljaman at Cape Leveque were recognised with Silver and Bronze.
#6. Major Tour & Transport Operators – Sponsored by Budget Car and Truck Rental
Sunset Swim at Lake Argyle
Kimberley Wild Expeditions won Gold with it’s with small, diverse group tours, exploring the Kimberley in custom-built, comfortable four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Travellers and industry peers recognised the company’s local expertise and true passion for the beautiful corner of Australia.
The Silver and Bronze winners in this category were HeliSpirit and ATG Downunder.
#5. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Sponsored by Tourism WA
Lake House Denmark Cellar Door
The Lake House Denmark took home Gold with its stunning winery, cellar door, restaurant, cafe, and gourmet store. It’s a popular destination, with natural beauty and rustic charm. The perfect place to stop and treat your tastebuds.
Sandalford Wines and Odyssea City Beach are two other catering options and walked away from the awards with Silver and Bronze.
#4. Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Sponsored by Vanguard Press
Sandalford Wines
Sandalford has been creating superb Western Australian wines for over 175 years and won Gold in the Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category. (A popular favourite and crowd pleaser!)
Silver was awarded to Restaurants & Catering Gold winner, The Lake House Denmark and Bronze went to Little Creatures Brewing.
#3. New Tourism Business – Sponsored by Gallagher
Discovery Rottnest Island Eco-Resort, nestled behind the dunes of the iconic Pinky Beach.
Celebrating Rottnest’s simple pleasures, Discovery Rottnest Island took home Gold, with its glamping eco-accommodation, located in the dunes at Pinky Beach.
The Silver and Bronze winners in this category were The Hike Collective and QT Perth.
#2. Excellence in Food Tourism – Sponsored by Tourism Australia
Walk off those calories with Two Feet & a Heartbeat
Two Feet & a Heartbeat won Gold, not only because of the company’s amazing name but because it’s the best guided walking tour in Perth.
The team of passionate locals take guests on urban adventures across the city, uncovering the best stories, food, art, bars, history, and culture.
Silver and Bronze awards went to The Lake House Denmark and Eat the Street Walking Tours.
#1. Luxury Accommodation – Sponsored by Tourism Council WA
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Pullman Bunker Bay Margaret River Region won Gold for its Luxury Accommodation.
It’s the perfect place to unwind, boasting 150 luxuriously appointed villas with lake or garden views and tranquil boardwalks leading you to straight to the beach.
Pullman Bunker Bay’s Moon Restaurant and Bar features style and ambiance, alfresco dining overlooking Bunker Bay and a cosy bar with rustic stone fireplaces. The resort also offers a spa, gym, swimming pool, picnic area, and tennis courts.
The Westin Perth was awarded Silver.
Western Australia has an abundance of precious moments ready for you to experience…
So, what are you waiting for?
Click here to read the full list of all the winners.