Last night at the Adelaide Oval, the winners and medallists of the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards were announced at a Gala Dinner. Held by the Tourism Council Industry of SA, the night had a theme of DISCOver SA, and was a chance for attendees to celebrate and acknowledge business excellence, innovation and reward exceptional customer service in the industry.
MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Winner: Adelaide Zoo
Supported by Adelaide Economic Development Agency
Adelaide Zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited over eight hectares of magnificent botanic surroundings.
Adelaide Zoo offers a range of animal experiences, behind the scenes tours and events that have been enjoyed by over 400,000 visitors over the last year.
Silver
Cleland Wildlife Park
Bronze
Naracoorte Caves National Park
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Winner: Pichi Richi Railway
Supported by Toyota Australia
The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. has operated a fully volunteer-run tourist railway from Quorn in the majestic Flinders Ranges since 1974. Heritage steam and diesel trains operate between Quorn and Port Augusta over a distance of 42km on the original narrow-gauge Ghan Railway Line.
Silver
Monarto Zoo
Bronze
Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
MAJOR FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Winner: Adelaide Festival 2021
Supported by Adelaide Economic Development Agency
Adelaide Festival’s celebration of creative excellence makes for an event of truly epic proportions. Enjoyed amid warm March days and starry nights, Adelaide Festival’s celebration of creative excellence makes for an event of truly epic proportions.
Silver
Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2021
Bronze
Barossa Vintage Festival 2021
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Winner: Hahndorf. Handmade. Handcrafted. Handpicked. 2020
Supported by Adelaide Airport Limited
Celebrating Hahnforfs rich lineage of artisan culture, over a month-long festival in September. With 250 intimate events and experiences in and around the main street of Hahndorf, filled with bespoke experiences for all ages and tastes.
Silver
Bay to Birdwood 2020
Silver
Run Kangaroo Island Marathon 2021
ECOTOURISM
Winner: Murray River Trails
Supported by Ecotourism Australia
Murray River Trails enables you to fall in love with the 2,500km flowing Murray River, immersing you in the ancient landscape rich in Aboriginal culture, wildlife, wetlands and riverine.
Silver
Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre
Bronze
Naiko Retreat
CULTURAL TOURISM
Winner: The Cedars Hahndorf
Supported by Wallmans Lawyers
The Cedars Hahndorf is the historic home, studio, garden, and acreage of renowned Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen. It is home to Australia’s oldest artist’s studio open to public viewing as well as being home to Nora Heysen’s studio, the historic Heysen family home and Artist’s garden. Some 200 original works of art can be seen in changing displays in the studios and the house.
Silver
Flamboyance Tours
Silver
Karoonda Silo Art
AWARD FOR ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLAND TOURISM
Winner: Dingo Dreaming
Supported by Qantas Airways
Not only a gallery of beautiful Aboriginal art, dingo dreaming, located in the picturesque Blyth in SA is filled with cultural tradition, history and passion. Offering visitors an educational experience to further appreciate the importance and understanding of Aboriginal history and stories of the land we walk on.
Silver
Australian Native Food Co.
Bronze
Tribal Expertise Facility
TOURISM RETAIL & HIRE SERVICES
Winner: Vasse Virgin at Seppeltsfield
Supported by Gallagher
Located in the Barossa Valley, Vasse Virgin at Seppeltsfield provides the ‘ultimate olive oil experience’. An immersive, interactive, sensory journey exploring the benefits of olive oil.
Silver
Make Trax Adventure Hire
Bronze
The Dirt Off Road Campers
VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES
Winner: Barossa Visitor Centre
Supported by Local Government Association of South Australia
The Barossa Visitor Centre is your first stop when visiting the region. You can collect essential maps and guides plus gain knowledgeable insights from their local expert staff who can help with planning, booking and advice.
Silver
Clare Valley Wine, Food and Tourism Centre
Bronze
Ardrossan Museum and Information Centre
BUSINESS EVENT VENUES
Winner: Stamford Grand Adelaide
Supported by Adelaide Airport
The Stamford Grand Adelaide is an iconic, five-star resort hotel in South Australia located at beautiful Glenelg beach. In addition to 220 luxury accommodation rooms, this business and leisure hotel also features a designated floor for events, walk-out balconies and breathtaking panoramic ocean views.
MAJOR TOUR AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS
Winner: SeaLink
Supported by RAA Travel
SeaLink is best known for its passenger and vehicle ferry services carrying thousands of visitors, commuters, and vehicles each year to and from one of Australias most iconic tourist destinations – Kangaroo Island.
TOUR AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS
WINNER & HALL OF FAME – Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari
Supported by Toyota Australia
Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari is a family-owned and operated business with a mission to provide visitors to Kangaroo Island with a unique nature-based, marine tourism experience.
Visitors enjoy the marine tours from a twelve-seater vessel, with the opportunity to see dolphins, seals, eagles and birdlife along with informative commentary.
Silver
EP Cruises
Bronze
Adelaide’s Haunted Horizons
ADVENTURE TOURISM
Winner: Bendleby Ranges
Supported by South Australian Tourism Commission
Bendleby Ranges is the home of adventure, set in the mesmerising Southern Flinders Ranges. Fifteen thousand hectares of rock-hopping, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping exhilaration to challenge all levels of four-wheel-drivers, hikers and mountain bikers.
Silver
Woodhouse Activity Centre
Bronze
Escapegoat Adventures
TOURISM MARKETING & CAMPAIGNS
Winner: 2020-21 Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Marketing Strategy and Campaigns
Supported by Tourism Australia
The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance (MRLCTA) is a collective tourism body made up of five Councils in South Australia – including the Rural City of Murray Bridge, Coorong District Council, Mid Murray Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray and the Alexandrina Council.
Silver
The Aussie Travel Code – Flinders Ranges & Outback Tourism
Bronze
Summer Indulgence Campaign – City of Port Lincoln
TOURISM RESTAURANTS & CATERING SERVICES
Winner: The Guardsman
Supported by Restaurant and Catering Association
Inside Adelaide Railway Station – where the paths of South Australians have crossed for over 150 years – is The Guardsman. Primarily a modern-Australian restaurant, bar and cafe, also offering a range of local tasting experiences, The Guardsman creates modern dining experiences built upon a rich South Australian heritage.
Silver
The Currant Shed
Bronze
Mayura Station
WINERIES, DISTILLERIES & BREWERIES
Winner & HALL OF FAME – Seppeltsfield Winery Barossa
Supported by Hood Sweeney
With a proud and priceless legacy dating back to 1851, Seppeltsfield has been hailed as the most historic winery and greatest showpiece in the Barossa.
Since 2012 the Estate has undergone a renaissance, creating a vibrant Barossa community of wine, food, craft, design and beauty.
Highlighted by Seppeltsfield’s world class cellar door and tasting rooms, they ensure the history, heritage and lifeblood of the historic estate is shared with many.
Silver
Kimbolton Wines
Bronze
Pindarie Wines
CARAVAN & HOLIDAY PARKS
WINNER & HALL OF FAME – BIG4 West Beach Parks
Supported by P4B SOLAR
Set on 1.2kms of stunning coastline, BIG4 West Beach Parks is a much-loved holiday destination by families, couples, sporting groups and friends. With a choice of campsites in addition to spacious self-catering cabins, there is an option for every budget.
Silver
BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park
Bronze
Ardrossan Caravan Park
HOSTED ACCOMMODATION
Winner: Redwing Farm
Supported by Nova Entertainment
Redwing is a unique farm stay experience featuring an exceptional standard of deluxe accommodation.
The owners, Nicola and Damien Adams have a passion for creating beautiful spaces and complementary experiences to be enjoyed by visitors to their 1850’s farming property, Redwing.
Silver
Perlubie Sea Eco Villas
Bronze
Sage at Streaky Bay
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION
Winner: Woodhouse Activity Centre
Supported by RAA Travel
Nestled in lush Piccadilly in the Adelaide Hills lies Woodhouse Activity Centre, providing experience-based accommodation for groups of all sizes. Just 25 minutes from the city, spend some quality time in the great outdoors exploring the 54-hectare property surrounded by picturesque bushland.
Silver
Bukirk Glamping
Bronze
Bayside Glamping
SELF CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION
Winner: Naiko Retreat
Supported by Pitchers Partners
Naiko Retreat is a luxury, self-contained eco-retreat located on the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline. Time at Naiko allows you to disconnect from your busy world, turn down the volume, declutter your mind and let what truly matters come into focus. Situated on a cliff overlooking a pristine and secluded beach the self-sustainable Retreat was constructed in harmony with the environment keeping wildlife and nature front and centre.
Silver
Skytrek Willow Springs Station
Bronze
Flinders Bush Retreats
3-3.5 STAR ACCOMMODATION
Winner & Hall of Fame – Beach Huts Middleton
Supported by Australian Hotels Association
The Beach Huts Middle features 12 meticulously and individually designed colourful huts. With a ‘wow factor’ focus, the huts are named after 12 of our most famous Australian beaches, surrounded in contrast by an English countryside garden.
Silver
Under the Mount
Bronze
Blue Seas Motel
4-4.5 STAR DELUXE ACCOMMODATION
Winner: Atura Hotel
Supported by Flow Power
At Atura Adelaide Airport, you can expect to be met with a genuine welcome, thoughtful touches, and service that goes the extra mile. We’re here to offer reliable value and the refreshing local experience that has kept our guests returning from near and far. Urban, industrial, and with design at its core, Atura Adelaide Airport offers business and leisure travellers the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Silver
Old Coach Road Estate
Bronze
Adelaide Style Accommodation
5 STAR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Winner: Mount Lofty House
Supported by RAA Travel
Mount Lofty House is an iconic designer 5-Star luxury boutique hotel in Adelaide Hills, South Australia. We specialise in celebrations, luxury escapes, fine dining, day spa retreats, high-end conferences and breathtakingly beautiful weddings than our estate.
Silver
Pullman Adelaide
Bronze
Beresford Estate
NEW TOURISM BUSINESS
Winner: Eos by SkyCity
Supported by Tourism Australia
Created by the gin-loving duo, Jon and Nicole Durdin, Seppeltsfield Road Distillers brings together travel, culture, music, food, and, of course, gin.
Owners Jon and Nicole have created something unique in Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, with the tasting room designed in a way that visitors can witness the magic of distilling while undertaking a gin tasting.
Silver
Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Bronze
Blyth Breakout
EXCELLENCE IN FOOD TOURISM
Winner & Hall of Fame – Willunga Farmers Market
Supported by Food SA
Established in 2002, the Willunga Farmers Market strives to be South Australia’s premier regional farmers market.
Operating every Saturday in the heart of Willunga, the Farmers Market has grown to accommodate over 70 stalls with fresh produce, wine, coffee and hot food stalls.
The market is a fantastic showcase for visitors to ‘Meet the Grower and Taste the Region’.
Silver
Watervale Hotel and Penobscot Farm
Bronze
Millie Mae’s Pantry
EXCELLENCE IN ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
Winner & Hall of Fame – BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park
Supported by South Australian Tourism Commission
BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park is located on the beautiful Murray River.
The Holiday Park is a family-friendly holiday resort with 71 modern cabins, including seven accessible cabins and over 300 caravan and en-suite sites.
A family-friendly holiday resort that offers accessible family villas, facilities, a sensory room and trained team members that cater for special needs.
Silver
U City Accessible Serviced Apartments
Bronze
Tarnasey Farm
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY AN INDIVIDUAL
Winner: Nicole Hodgson
Supported by SeaLink
Nicole Hodgson has been involved in the tourism industry for more than twenty years. Nicole has also volunteered her time over the years with events and committees focused on delivering tourism excellence and driving visitation to the Barossa region including the Barossa Vintage Festival and the Seppeltsfield Road Business Alliance. A natural leader, Nicole is highly regarded throughout the Barossa, South Australia and beyond as a tourism champion for her passion, dedication and community spirit.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Winner: Ella Fleming
Supported by South Australian Tourism Commission
South Australian Tourism Student of the Year award is crowned to Ella Fleming. Ella Fleming is a student at the University of South Australia studying a combined degree: Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Event Management) and Bachelor of Communication and Media. With a desire to develop her knowledge and skills in the tourism industry, Ella took part in a study tour to South Korea to visit ‘Creative Cities’ as well as a Research Vacation Scholarship working with local SA councils.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Timothy Welch
Supported by Cabcharge
The winner of the South Australian Taxi Driver of the Year goes to Timothy Welch. Timothy drives for Des’s Mount Barker Taxis and was previously a driver for Adelaide Metro Access Taxis. Tim was previously in banking and his interest in driving was sparked by observation and an ‘I like the look of that job’ attitude. Tim enjoys his job and is enthusiastic about his day to day duties. Tim has good communication skills and believes in the industry as a whole. Tim has demonstrated that he goes above and beyond and shows care for his customers.
Runner Up
Sukhbir Sihag
JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD
Winner: Oceanview Eco Villas
Supported by TicSA
A fully-hosted eco-luxury accommodation located on a 500-acre rural property nestled atop the stunning Kangaroo island coastline. With an eco-design and build, working on passive solar principles, the villas are an example of modern design that can improve our world’s future.
VOTERS’ CHOICE TOURISM AWARD (EXPERIENCE AND / OR SERVICE)
Winner: Monarto Safari Park
Supported by South Australian Tourism Commission
Monarto Safari park is the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa and is home to more than 500 animals and 50 species of exotic and native animals.
VOTERS’ CHOICE TOURISM AWARD (ACCOMMODATION)
Winner: BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park
Supported by South Australian Tourism Commission
Located on the mighty Murray River in the heart of the Riverland, Big4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park is proudly family-owned and operated.
PREMIER’S AWARD FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Winner: Adelaide Zoo
Supported by South Australian Tourism Commission
Adelaide Zoo’s mission is to connect people with nature and save animals from extinction. With over 2,500 animals calling Adelaide Zoo home and a range of unique behind the scenes animal experiences, visitors turn adventurers as they explore their way through our jungle-like botanic gardens, finding themselves within a whisker of our native and exotic animals in natural, unique and stimulating environments.
For more information on the awards, or the South Australian Tourism Industry Council, click here.
