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10 local gems named finalists in the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards

The buzz is palpable across South Australia as the finalists for this year’s prestigious tourism awards have just been unveiled, spotlighting the state’s standout attractions and events.

The buzz is palpable across South Australia as the finalists for this year’s prestigious tourism awards have just been unveiled, spotlighting the state’s standout attractions and events. It’s a moment of pride and excitement, signaling a vibrant chapter for South Australian tourism as it continues to enchant and engage visitors with its diverse offerings.

Monarto Safari Park steps into the limelight as a finalist in the Major Tourist Attractions category. This conservation haven invites visitors on an authentic safari adventure, offering close encounters with some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife. It’s a recognition that highlights the park’s dedication to wildlife conservation and its role in offering transformative experiences that connect people with the natural world.

Illuminate Adelaide shines among the Major Festivals & Events finalists, a nod to Adelaide’s innovative spirit. This festival transforms the city into a nocturnal playground where art, light, and technology converge, proving that Adelaide is a city that both inspires and innovates, even in the winter darkness.

The eco-conscious Big Duck Boat Tours sails into the finals for the Ecotourism category, offering exhilarating marine adventures that also educate and inspire sustainable tourism practices. It’s a testament to South Australia’s commitment to preserving its stunning marine environments while sharing them with the world.

Highlighting the rich cultural fabric of South Australia, Kool Tours is a finalist in the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience category. Their immersive tours offer deep insights into the First Nations peoples’ heritage, celebrating the profound connection between culture, community, and country.

For those seeking information and local insights, the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre has been recognized in the Visitor Information Services category. Their dedication to guiding visitors through the Eyre Peninsula’s wonders underscores the invaluable role of visitor centers in enhancing tourism experiences.

Bendleby Ranges emerges as a finalist in the Adventure Tourism category, offering a gateway to the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges. It’s an adventurer’s paradise, where the thrill of exploration meets the tranquility of nature.

In the realm of dining, The Currant Shed – Hamish Maguire is celebrated in the Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services category. This culinary gem in McLaren Vale marries local flavors with innovative cuisine, embodying South Australia’s rich gastronomic landscape.

For accommodation excellence, BIG4 West Beach Parks is a finalist in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category, providing a perfect blend of leisure and adventure right by the beach. Meanwhile, Woodhouse Adventure Park offers a unique stay in the Unique Accommodation category, promoting active engagement with the great outdoors.

Sequoia Lodge sets the standard for 5 Star Luxury Accommodation, offering secluded luxury amidst the Adelaide Hills, showcasing the state’s ability to deliver world-class hospitality.

As these finalists bask in the glow of their nominations, the announcement heralds a timely reminder of South Australia’s vibrant and diverse tourism sector, ready to welcome the world with open arms.

South Australian Finalists:

  • Major Tourist Attractions: Monarto Safari Park
  • Major Festivals & Events: Illuminate Adelaide
  • Ecotourism: The Big Duck Boat Tours
  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience: Kool Tours
  • Visitor Information Services: Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre
  • Adventure Tourism: Bendleby Ranges
  • Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services: The Currant Shed – Hamish Maguire
  • Caravan & Holiday Parks: BIG4 West Beach Parks
  • Unique Accommodation: Woodhouse Adventure Park
  • 5 Star Luxury Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
  • Excellence in Food Tourism: Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market

For more info, and to see the full list of finalists, click here.

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