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It was the first time the Awards have been held in Perth for 8 years and hosts, private sector body Tourism Council WA, went all out to ensure it was a memorable night. In congratulating the winners, the Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Joe Hockey said that winners and nominees in all categories set standards for service and quality that would help Australian tourism reach its growth potential faster. "With domestic and international consumers alike looking for high standards of service and value in the travel products they purchase, meeting consumer expectations is critical to achieving sustainable and profitable tourism growth," Minister Hockey said. Finalists in the 28 categories were the winners of each State Tourism Awards held throughout 2003 and adjudicated by a national Panel of Judges. For the first time Western Australia headed the list with 8 winners. It was closely - followed by Queensland with 7 winners and South Australia with 5 winners. The Major Tourist Attraction category went to the adrenalin rush of crocodiles at close quarters at Australia Zoo (Qld). The roar of V8 engines won the excitement stakes for the Clipsal 500 Adelaide (SA) in the Major Festival and Events category and World Heritage - listed Naracoorte Caves National Park ( SA) took out the Significant Tourist Attraction award. George Chapman AO from Queensland was named as the Individual who had made an Outstanding Contribution to the industry. Mr Chapman is recognised as a leader among leaders in Queensland's tourism and business community and has helped to put Tropical North Queensland in the international tourism spotlight. General Tourism Services went to Surf Lifesaving Queensland , which will now enter the National Tourism Hall of Fame for winning their category for the third time in the last five years. Chairman of the Awards Committee, Mr Kevin Harrison, said that not only were lifesavers an Australian icon at home and overseas, but they were a vital part of the tourism industry, providing safer beaches for tourists to enjoy. Nature experience went to Rockingham Dolphins (WA) where tourists swim with 150 dolphins in their natural habitat (Ecotourism) and Grampians Adventure Services (Vic) for Adventure Tourism. Wilderness Adventures (Qld) , which provides soft adventure experiences across the tropical savannahs of Northern Australia won Significant Tour & Transport Operators, while Fantasea Cruises in the Whitsundays won the Major Tour and Transport operators category. Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria (Significant Festivals & Events), Old Parliament House & National Portrait Gallery in Canberra (Heritage & Cultural Tourism), Kooljaman at Cape Leveque in WA (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism), and the Western Australian Maritime Museum (New Tourism Development) represented Australia's diverse culture and heritage. Burwood International Resort Casino in Perth capped off a year of national award wins by taking out the Meetings and Business Tourism category, Yering Station Vineyards in Victoria won Tourism Wineries and Matilda Bay Restaurant and Function Centre (WA ) the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category. Southern Cross University in NSW was awarded the Tourism Education and Training category and Channel 7 - Discover SA won the Media section. For marketing tourism, Spirit of Tasmania took out Tourism Product Marketing, Murraylands Tourism Marketing in SA (Destination Promotion), and Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston ACT Tourism Retailing. Honours for the Accommodation categories went to: Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park, Vic (Tourist & Caravan Parks) Palace Backpackers, Brisbane Qld (Backpacker Accommodation) Hidden Valley Forest Retreat, Margaret River WA (Hosted Accommodation) Faraway Bay the Bush Camp North West WA (Unique Accommodation) Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, QLD (Standard Accommodation) Seashells Serviced Apartments, Scarborough WA (Deluxe Accommodation) Radisson Playford Hotel Suites, SA (Luxury Accommodation) Anangu Tours NT, Australian War Memorial ACT and Hayman Island QLD were inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Premier of Western Australia Dr Geoff Gallop. The 2004 Australian Tourism Awards are sponsored by AAATourism, the Western Australian Tourism Commission, Qantas, Burswood International Resort Casino, the Australian Tourist Commission, See Australia and Genesis Media.and the winners are... Category 1 - Major Tourist Attractions: Australia Zoo (QLD) The Crocodile Hunter's Australia Zoo offers a full day of wildlife action and adventure. Guests can get their adrenalin pumping watching crocodiles launch a strike from the waters edge, making friends with our wandering animals or having a photo with a giant python! Australia Zoo is committed to achieving Conservation through Exciting Education, with conservation projects undertaken worldwide. Category 2 - Significant Tourist Attractions: Naracoorte Caves National Park (SA) Naracoorte Caves National Park is South Australia's only World Heritage Area. The caves are home to bats, are spectacularly adorned with stalactites and stalagmites and contain one of the world's riches fossil records. These wonderful natural assets have been developed to allow visitors to experience the best Naracoorte Caves has to offer - from easy show caves, adventure caving for the adventurous, a true ecotourism experience with the Bat Observation Centre and fossil experiences for everyone. The Park is a holiday destination in itself, with camping, bunkhouse accommodation and a licensed café on site. Category 3 - Major Festivals & Events: Clipsal 500 Adelaide (SA) The Clipsal 500 Adelaide is Australia's largest national motorsport event. Held on Adelaide's famous street circuit, it is a round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series. Since 1999 it has attracted more then 870 000 spectators and hundreds of millions of tv viewers worldwide. More 'than just a motor race', it is a celebration that embraces the entire city of Adelaide.www.clipsal500.com.au/ Category 4 - Significant Festivals & Events: Queenscliff Music Festival (VIC) In just over six years the Queenscliff Music Festival has developed a dynamic cultural organisation into a financial success. The Queenscliff Music Festival is an outstanding cultural event that delivers excellence in original Australian contemporary music. As the most significant event in the region, it has a broad range of community participation, with a capacity of 5000 people per session and draws thousands of extra visitors to Queenscliffe.Category 5 - Ecotourism: Rockingham Dolphins (WA) Rockingham Dolphins offers a close encounter with wild dolphins that many people dream of. Meet Logo, Boomerang or any of the other 150 Bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. The dolphins don't do tricks and have never been fed so visitors see their natural behaviours. It's ecotourism at its best.Category 6 - Heritage and Cultural Tourism: Old Parliament House and National Portrait Gallery (ACT) The corridors of Old Parliament House echo with the stories of Australia's past. Today, the House is alive with exhibitions, tours and special events. The House is also home to Australia's National Portrait Gallery. The Gallery has a superb permanent collection of portraits featuring people who have helped to shape the nation.Category 7 - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism: Kooljaman at Cape Leveque (WA) Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is a luxury wilderness camp owned by the One Arm Point and Djarindjin* Aboriginal communities. Visitors can choose to stay in safari tents, log cabins or palm frond shelters on the beach. Activities on offer bush tucker tours, scenic boat trips, whale watching, flights over the waterfalls, and snorkelling with tropical fish, turtles, rays and dolphins.Category 8 - General Tourism Services: Surf Life Saving Queensland (QLD) Surf Life Saving Queensland proudly provides safe beaches for tourists to enjoy. Volunteer surf lifesavers are a proud Australian icon and a vital part of Queensland's tourism industry. Lifesavers in Queensland save more than 3000 lives per year, and have saved 89, 092 lives since recording began in 1930. Surf Life Saving truly is the life of the beach and an integral part of the Australian tourism industry. Category 9 - Meetings & Business Tourism: Burswood International Resort Casino (WA) Burswood Convention Centre offers the most comprehensive range of facilities in the State. The Convention Centre, coupled with other resort facilities, offers more than 20 venue options, catering from 21,000 people in the Burswood Dome, to 2,300 people in Burswood's theatre, to 1,800 people in the new Grand Ballroom, to 10 people in the Hotel's meeting rooms. Category 10 - Tourism Retailing: Old Bus Depot Markets (ACT) The Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston are renowned as markets of the highest quality and diversity of product. With an average of 190 stallholders each week, tourists will find high quality handcrafted and home produced items; multicultural food; fine espresso; music and entertainment; and the best people watching around. All in a vibrant and colourful atmosphere.Category 11 - Major Tour & Transport Operators: Fantasea Cruises (QLD) Fantasea Cruises is the largest day cruise operator in the Whitsunday region, operating cruises thoughout the magnificent Whitsunday islands and to the Great Barrier Reef. Fantasea Cruises prides itself on its quality products and excellence in service. Its fleet of modern, air conditioned, high speed catamarans provide a smooth and comfortable passage.Category 12 - Significant Tour & Transport Operators:Wilderness Challenge (QLD) Wilderness Challenge delivers high quality soft adventures across the Tropical Savannahs of northern Australia. World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, historic Cooktown, Cape York's unique wilderness, the epic Gulf Savannah, Kakadu and The Kimberley are explored in small group ecotourism experiences in camping and accommodated formats.Category 13 - Adventure Tourism: Grampians Adventure Services (VIC) Whether it's canoeing tranquil lakes, climbing to spectacular views, riding through pristine bush, or bush walking through unique and ancient environments, Grampians Adventure Services has your outdoor adventure needs covered. They are committed to providing customers with a wide range of responsible adventure-based experiences which are ecologically sustainable and unforgettable!Category 14 - Destination Promotion: Murraylands Tourism Marketing (SA) Murraylands Tourism Marketing is responsible for marketing the Murraylands as a tourism destination in local, national and international markets. MTM uses innovative, creative and cost-effective methods to raise awareness of the region. It has become one of South Australia's most successful regional marketing bodies, gaining the praise of stakeholders, operators and the industry alike.www.murraylands.info Category 15 - Tourism Product Marketing: Spirit of Tasmania (TAS) Spirit of Tasmania operates 2 passenger and freight ships sailing between Port Melbourne and Devonport. The ships carry over 1,000 passengers and 300 vehicles and offers a range of accommodation and facilities. As a result of the success of the Spirit of Tasmania I & II, Spirit of Tasmania III commenced sailing between Sydney and Tasmania in January 2004.Category 16 - Media: Channel 7 - Discover (SA) Discover is a local production of Channel Seven Adelaide supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission and showcases a broad cross-section of the South Australian Community. Discover's charter is to not only provide the viewer with an entertaining programme but to also encourage the viewer to explore the beautiful State of South Australia. Accordingly, they try to provide inspiration for the viewer to do so by seeking out unique, unusual and "off the beaten track" tourism experiences. Category 17 - Tourism Education & Training: Southern Cross University (NSW) The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Southern Cross University was established in 1989 and currently has more than 1000 students enrolled. The School is internationally recognised for its excellence in tourism and hospitality education and research. The School of Tourism and Hospitality is also home to the Centre of Regional Tourism Research.Category 18 - Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services: Matilda Bay Restaurant and Function Centre (WA) Matilda Bay Restaurant sits snugly on the banks of the picturesque Swan River and boasts panoramic views of the city, Kings Park and Perth water. The restaurant is exquisitely designed and offers a magnificent Modern Australian dining experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The first class function facilities allow catering for up to 500 people. Category 19 - Tourism Wineries: Yering Station Vineyards (VIC) Victoria's first vineyard, Yering Station is now one of the most exciting family owned wineries in the region. The cellar door complex offers wine tasting, local produce store, art gallery and Matt's Bar an informal café/bar. Amongst other events, the barn hosts the ever-popular regional farmers market every third Sunday of the month.Category 20 - Tourist & Caravan Parks: Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park (VIC) Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park is a complete experience just 300 metres from Sovereign Hill. A variety of galvanised miner's cottages give an historic feel to the range of cabin accommodation that provides for all needs and budgets. Guests can enjoy centrally heated amenities, fully equipped television and recreation rooms, an inground solar heated pool and spa and a new indoor playroom for tiny tots. It's 'camping in comfort'.Category 21 - Backpacker Accommodation: Palace Backpackers (QLD) Palace Backpackers has created a major attraction for international visitors. Brisbane's only CBD backpacker hostel offers 534 beds in accommodation ranging from a Heritage-listed, landmark hotel to modern techno. Palace Backpackers provides top facilities, a fun atmosphere and expert local staff to book tours, find jobs and provide the very best Australian experience. Category 23 - Unique Accommodation: Faraway Bay the Bush Camp (WA) On the north west corner of the Australian coastline, there is a place so far away from anywhere, we called it Faraway Bay. Spectacularly isolated, all six secluded bush-style cabins enjoy 180 ° ocean views. Visitors wake up each morning to birdsong, and drift off each evening to the sounds of the ocean.Category 24 - Standard Accommodation: Ashmore Palms Holiday Village (QLD) Ashmore Palms is a family owned and operated holiday village, set in its own 14.5 acre tropical oasis on the Gold Coast. There are two swimming lagoons, tennis court, adventure playground, manmade rainforest walkway, barbecues, tour desk, convenience store, guest laundries, free family activities and a range of quality holiday cabins. The Holiday Cabins are fully self contained, ranging from the Holiday Villa's up to the 2 storey Macaw Mansions, with affordable family packages available. Ashmore Palms is a fun and affordable holiday spot for all!Category 25 - Deluxe Accommodation: Seashells Serviced Apartments (WA) Overlooking Scarborough Beach on the Sunset Coast, Seashells Serviced Apartments offer a range of 4 ½ star fully self-contained apartments. Choose from spacious 2 bedroom Superior apartments with bath spa or the more affordable 2 bedroom Luxury Collections. All apartments have panoramic ocean views and private balconies with full kitchen and laundry facilities.Category 26 - Luxury Accommodation: Radisson Playford Hotel and Suites (SA) The Radisson Playford Hotel and Suites is a specialist boutique five-star international hotel offering spacious, superior guestrooms, individually appointed studio suites and unique "New York" loft suites. It has a strong South Australian theme and has developed a reputation for providing superior guest service.www.radisson.com/adelaideau Category 27 - New Tourism Development: Western Australian Maritime Museum (WA) The opening of the new Western Australian Maritime Museum on Victoria Quay, Fremantle created a vibrant showcase for Western Australia's maritime history and a tourism icon for the state. The museum's innovative architecture houses 2,500 m 2 of exhibition that celebrate Western Australia's maritime heritage and connections with the Indian Ocean. Themes include the Swan River and Fremantle, naval defence, trade, fishing, sport and leisure activities, and the movements of people, goods and cultures throughout the region. |