Accommodation sector in the spotlight at Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Australia’s best accommodation providers have been recognised on tourism’s night of nights, with caravan parks, hotels, and motels taking centre stage at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the prestigious awards ceremony was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre and acknowledged the country’s leading tourism operators across 26 categories. This year, stand-out accommodation winners showcased the diversity and excellence of the sector—from luxury retreats to family-friendly holiday parks and everything in between.

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Queensland’s BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort once again proved itself a favourite, earning Gold and Hall of Fame status in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category, after three consecutive wins. The popular resort, located in Airlie Beach, continues to lead the way in delivering unforgettable holiday park experiences for families.

Also entering the Hall of Fame was Urban Camp Melbourne (VIC), winning Gold in the 3–3.5 Star Accommodation category for a third year running. The innovative urban accommodation has become a reliable choice for school groups and budget-conscious travellers exploring the heart of Melbourne.

Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston, Tasmania, took out Gold in the 4–4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation category and also added a second win in Business Event Venues, proving that the converted grain silo hotel offers both comfort and class in the luxury segment.

Queensland accommodation providers featured heavily, with The Reef House Adults Retreat in Palm Cove claiming Gold in the 5 Star Luxury Accommodation category and Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort picking up Bronze in the 4–4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation class.

Meanwhile, Safari Lodge Motel (NT) and Broadwater Resort in Busselton (WA) took out Silver and Bronze respectively in the 3–3.5 Star category, further highlighting the breadth of quality in Australia’s mid-range accommodation sector.

In the Self-Contained Accommodation category, Old Coach Road Estate (SA) secured Gold, while Tasmania’s Alice’s Cottages picked up Bronze. Tasmania also impressed in the Hosted Accommodation category, with The Dragonfly Inn winning Gold.

Chairperson of the Australian Tourism Awards, Shaun de Bruyn, praised the winners as examples of innovation and resilience in an evolving tourism landscape:

“Each winner represents the evolving spirit of Australian tourism – businesses that embrace innovation, adapt to change, and continually raise the bar for visitor experiences.”

With Qantas as naming rights sponsor and strong backing from event partners including Tourism Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission, the awards spotlighted the accommodation sector’s contribution to Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination.

Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, congratulated the winners, saying:

“Your efforts have not only enhanced the global appeal of Australia but have also supported thousands of jobs, strengthened local communities, and contributed to the continued growth of our economy.”

As Australian tourism looks to the future, the achievements of these accommodation providers highlight the industry’s ongoing commitment to quality, accessibility, and unique guest experiences.

The National winners:

Unique Accommodation
GOLD – Sierra Escape (NSW)
SILVER – The Cove Tasmania (TAS)
BRONZE – Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm (WA)

Self Contained Accommodation
GOLD – Old Coach Road Estate (SA)
SILVER – Pinnacles, Airlie Beach (QLD)
BRONZE – Alice’s Cottages (TAS)

Hosted Accommodation
GOLD – The Dragonfly Inn (TAS)
SILVER – Boat Harbour Jetty B&B (VIC)
BRONZE – Wooleen Station (WA)

Caravan & Holiday Parks
**Hall of Fame Inductee** GOLD – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort (QLD)
SILVER – Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (CBR)
BRONZE – BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park (TAS)

3-3.5 Star Accommodation
**Hall of Fame Inductee** GOLD – Urban Camp Melbourne (VIC)
SILVER – Safari Lodge Motel (NT)
BRONZE – Broadwater Resort, Busselton (WA)

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
GOLD – Peppers Silo Hotel (TAS)
SILVER – Oval Hotel (SA)
BRONZE – Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort (QLD)

5 Star Luxury Accommodation
GOLD – The Reef House Adults Retreat (QLD)
SILVER – Mt Hay Retreat (NSW)
BRONZE – Pullman Bunker Bay Resort (WA)

Excellence in Accessible Tourism
GOLD – Balloon Aloft Australia (NSW)
SILVER – National Arboretum Canberra (CBR)
BRONZE – Adelaide Fringe (SA)

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
GOLD – Cape York Peninsula Lodge (QLD)
SILVER – Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Wintjiri Wiṟu (NT)
BRONZE – Kool Tours (SA)

Cultural Tourism
GOLD – Shrine of Remembrance (VIC)
SILVER – SEIT Tours (NT)
BRONZE – Port Macquarie Museum (NSW)

Ecotourism
GOLD – National Arboretum Canberra (CBR)
SILVER – The Big Duck Boat Tours (SA)
BRONZE – Busselton Jetty (WA)

Business Event Venues
GOLD – Peppers Silo Hotel (TAS)
SILVER – Darwin Convention Centre (NT)
BRONZE – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (VIC)

Major Tourist Attractions
GOLD – Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre (CBR)
SILVER – Zoos Victoria – Melbourne Zoo (VIC)
BRONZE – WA Museum Boola Bardip (WA)

Major Festivals and Events
GOLD – Darwin Festival (NT)
SILVER – Beef Australia 2024 (QLD)
BRONZE – Lightscape Melbourne – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (VIC)

Tourist Attractions
GOLD – Katherine Outback Experience (NT)
SILVER – Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NSW)
BRONZE – National Dinosaur Museum (CBR)

Festivals & Events
GOLD – Birdsville Big Red Bash (QLD)
SILVER – Margaret River Region Open Studios (WA)
BRONZE – Junction Arts Festival (TAS)

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
GOLD – Seppeltsfield Barossa (SA)
SILVER – Bangor Vineyard Shed (TAS)
BRONZE – Singlefile Wines (WA)

New Tourism Business
GOLD – Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach (WA)
SILVER – Red Rock Hut, King Island (TAS)
BRONZE – NT Driver Guide – Escorted Touring (NT)

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
GOLD – The Tweed Tourism Company (NSW)
SILVER – Rottnest Island Authority – Wrap Yourself In Wonder (WA)
BRONZE – Barossa Australia – Barossa. Be Curious (SA)

Tour & Transport Operators
GOLD – Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures (QLD)
SILVER – Spirit of the Coorong (SA)
BRONZE – Air Adventure Golf (TAS)

Adventure Tourism
GOLD – Balloon Aloft Australia (NSW)
SILVER – Bendleby Ranges (SA)
BRONZE – Aquascene Magnetic Island (QLD)

Excellence in Food Tourism
GOLD – Harvest Tours (WA)
SILVER – Love Lord Howe (NSW)
BRONZE – The Truffle Farm (TAS)

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

GOLD – Sea World Cruises Dining Experiences (QLD)
SILVER – Grain of the Silos (TAS)
BRONZE – Potager (NSW)

Visitor Information Services
GOLD – Swan Valley Visitor Centre (WA)
SILVER – Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery (QLD)
BRONZE – Canberra and Region Visitors Centre (CBR)

Major Tour & Transport Operators

GOLD – HeliSpirit (WA)
SILVER – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys (TAS)
BRONZE – Ocean Rafting (QLD)

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
GOLD – Younique Stays (TAS)
SILVER – Go Adventure Nagambie (VIC)
BRONZE – Uluru Audio Guide (NT)