South Australia has claimed one of the biggest honours in the country’s hospitality calendar, with The Arkaba Hotel named Australia’s Best Hotel at the 2025 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) held at Sydney’s Fullerton Hotel this week.
For Hotel Manager Brad Harper, it’s a win that reflects the people behind the bar, in the kitchen, and on the floor.
“It’s an incredible feeling and you never really expect it,” Harper says. “To be recognised as the best in Australia is a huge achievement and a real testament to the team. Everyone here puts so much heart into what they do – whether it’s hospitality, entertainment, catering or customer service – so this award really belongs to them.”
The annual ALIA bring together nearly 600 of the country’s leading operators, producers and industry figures to celebrate the best venues, people and brands across Australia. Accepting the award on behalf of the Hurley Hotel Group, general manager Scott Oakley also credited the win to the people who make the Arkaba tick.
“It’s a big privilege for us to win Best Hotel and a great accolade for all the hard work our staff put in,” Oakley said. “To be a South Australian pub and win this national award is a real honour.”
The award caps off a huge year for the Hurley Hotel Group, whose flagship Fullarton venue has now gone back-to-back on state stages. Just weeks ago, the Arkaba was named Best Overall Hotel – Metropolitan at the 2025 AHA|SA Awards for Excellence, adding another golden feather to its cap. The group also received a Highly Commended mention for Best Hotel Group Operator at this year’s ALIAs.
“We’re really proud to represent South Australia on the national stage,” Harper says. “There’s such a strong hospitality culture here, and to have that recognised alongside some of the biggest names in the country means a lot.”
The Arkaba’s consistency is no accident. Following a $12 million renovation in 2023, the landmark venue was modernised from top to bottom while retaining the warmth that has long defined it. Inside, every space has been reimagined – from the lively lounge and event rooms to the high-energy Sportys Bar, which boasts a 360-degree funnel screen, immersive sound, and the kind of atmosphere that has become its calling card.
“We’ve worked hard to make sure the Arkaba evolves with our community while keeping its soul,” Harper explains. “It’s the little details – the one-percenters – that make the experience memorable, and our team delivers that every day.”
But there’s little time to rest. Harper and the team are already preparing for the AHA National Awards, taking place on Monday, where the top state winners will go head-to-head for national honours – a title the Arkaba already claimed in 2024.
“We’re still buzzing from Sydney, but there’s no time to slow down,” Harper laughs. “We’re heading straight into Nationals next week, and we’re excited to see how South Australia fares again on that stage.”
With multiple state and national titles now under its belt – and the Hurley Hotel Group preparing for its next ambitious project, the $60 million Hotel Panorama slated to open in 2026 – the Arkaba’s success is a lot more than a string of good luck from a group that continues to trailblaze South Australia’s hotel scene. If you’re yet to see why it’s earned the title of Australia’s Best Hotel, now’s the perfect time to find out.
The AHA National Awards will be held in Queensland on Monday November 17
Arkaba Hotel wins Best Hotel in Australia – 2025 ALIA (Australian Liquor Industry Awards)
Where: 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton
Open: Mon-Thurs 7am-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12am, & Sun 7am-11pm
For the Arkaba website, click here.
Find the full list of winners at the 2025 ALIA here.
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