Seven South Australian tourism experiences were named as the best in Australia for visitors over aged 50 as a part of the annual Grey Nomad Awards.
The 2023 award saw 14 categories, including two new ones that recognise government, private and non-for-profit organisations that welcome mature age travellers within Australia, making their lives healthier, happier and safer.
The awards also encourage positive ageing through supporting and promoting soft adventure and social inclusion.
According to Kim Morgan, Director of the Awards, Bullara Station from West Australia clinched the prestigious Best of the Best Award, while Queensland dominated the awards with 19 out of 35 national titles. However, South Australia should also take pride in its numerous successes.
“As a nation, our love of the open road has never dimmed, and with Australia being a big
country it’s important to know where to visit to have extraordinary experiences. That’s where
the Grey Nomad Awards come into play,” Kim said.
She also emphasised the significance of these awards in providing reliable information for explorers, particularly those planning extended road trips across Australia in 2024. She highlighted the substantial opportunity presented by Australians aged over 55 in domestic tourism, citing data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing their significant disposable income and enthusiasm for travel.
The Awards underwent thorough evaluation by mature-age tourism professionals, some of whom have firsthand experience with the grey nomad lifestyle. With meticulous judging, second-tier auditing, social analysis, and due diligence, all eight wins from South Australia are recognised and respected within the tourism sector.
2023 Grey Nomad Award Gold Winners:
- Best of the Best: Bullara Station Stay, Australia’s Coral Coast WA
- Best Foodie Experience: Bullara Station Stay, Australia’s Coral Coast WA
- Best Attraction: Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre, Outback Queensland QLD
- Best Community Stay: Berri Riverside Holiday Park, Riverland SA
- Best Dog Friendly Stay: Sunset Tourist Park, Mount Isa, Outback Queensland QLD
- Best Farm or Station Stay: Bullara Station Stay (WA)
- Best Festival or Event: Outback Queensland Masters, Outback Queensland QLD
- Best Freedom Stay: Tobermorey Station Roadhouse & Caravan Park, Central Australia NT
- Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town: Thallon, St George Region, Outback Queensland QLD
- Best Historic Attraction: Paronella Park, Tropical Region QLD
- Best Large Caravan Park: Queens Beach Tourist Village, Bowen, The Whitsundays QLD
- Best Small Caravan Park: Mt Larcom Tourist Park, Gladstone Region QLD
- Best Tour: Sarina Sugar Shed Tour, Mackay Isaac Region QLD
- Best Trail: Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah, Peel Region WA
- Best Pub Stay: Great Lake Hotel, Miena, Central Highlands TAS
2023 Silver Award Winners:
- Best Foodie Experience: Sarina Sugar Shed Tasting Tour, Mackay Isaac Region QLD
- Best Attraction: Paronella Park, Tropical North Queensland QLD
- Best Community Stay: Cleve Showgrounds RV Park, Eyre Peninsula SA
- Best Farm or Station Stay: Tobermorey Station Roadhouse & Caravan Park, Central Aust NT
- Best Festival or Event: Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival – Burdekin, Townsville Region QLD
- Best Freedom Stay: Gum Tree Lodge and Bush Camp Howard, Fraser Coast QLD
- Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town: Quilpie, Outback Queensland QLD
- Best Historic Attraction: Charlotte Plains Outback Magic, Outback Queensland QLD
- Best Large Caravan Park: Berri Riverside Holiday Park, Riverland SA
- Best Small Caravan Park: Valley View Caravan Park, Victorian High Country VIC
- Best Tour: Sunset Experience on Towers Hill, Townsville Region QLD
- Best Trail: Flinders Ranges Self Drive Loop, Flinders Ranges and Outback SA
- Best Pub Stay: Overland Corner Hotel, Riverland SA.
2023 Bronze Winners:
- Best Foodie Experience: ‘Deep to Dish’ Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures, Hobart &
Beyond TAS - Best Attraction: Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum and Gallery, Outback
Queensland QLD - Best Festival or Event: Big Skies Festival, Western Downs QLD
- Best Freedom Stay: Mikkira Station Koala Sanctuary, Eyre Peninsula SA
- Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town: Port Pirie, Flinders Ranges and Outback SA
- Best Historic Attraction: Charters Towers Ambulance Museum, Townsville Region QLD
- Best Small Caravan Park: Charters Towers Tourist Park, Townsville Region QLD
- Best Pub Stay: The Cradock Hotel, Cradock, Flinders Ranges and Outback SA
2023 also saw the introduction of new Best Grey Nomad Experience in State Winners:
- NT: Tobermorey Station Roadhouse & Caravan Park, Central Australia
- QLD: Thallon, St George Region, Outback Queensland
- SA: Port Pirie, Flinders Ranges and Outback
- TAS: Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures, Hobart & Beyond
- VIC: Valley View Caravan Park, Victorian High Country
- WA: Bullara Station Stay, Australia’s Coral Coast
For more information about the awards, click here.
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