Australia’s most prestigious tourism event, the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, will take place on Friday, 21 March 2025, bringing together the best in the industry to celebrate excellence and innovation.
The 2024 awards hold special significance, marking 40 years of the Australian Tourism Awards recognising and highlighting outstanding tourism experiences from across the nation.
Since 1984, the Australian Tourism Awards have been a consistent touchpoint for the industry, recognising excellence through both prosperous and challenging times. The Hon John Brown AO was Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism at the time and played an integral role in the Awards’ inception.
“When our government first established the Australian Tourism Awards back in 1984, the tourism industry was far different from today. These awards played a key role in driving interest in tourism across the country. I’m proud to see how tourism has grown into an important part of our nation’s economy,” said Mr Brown.
Over the past four decades, the awards have adapted alongside the evolving tourism landscape, celebrating businesses and individuals who have demonstrated drive, innovation, and commitment to delivering outstanding experiences.
“Reaching 40 years of the Australian Tourism Awards is an incredibly special occasion, highlighting four decades of excellence, innovation and dedication within our industry,” said Shaun de Bruyn, Chair, Australian Tourism Awards.
“As we mark this anniversary, we honour the legacy of past winners while also looking ahead to the future of Australian tourism and the incredible opportunities to come,” said Mr de Bruyn.
Tourism operators, industry leaders and government representatives from across Australia will gather in Adelaide, South Australia, for an evening of celebration, acknowledging businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the nation’s tourism industry. From luxury accommodations and world-class attractions to regional experiences and sustainable tourism initiatives, the awards showcase the diverse and dynamic landscape of Australian tourism.
“As we mark 40 years of the Australian Tourism Awards, it is an opportunity to reflect on the dedication and passion of the tourism operators and their staff who all help to make Australia the best destination in the world,” said Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism.
“The Albanese Government knows that the travel and tourism industry is vital to our economy, our international reputation and it is also crucial for the prosperity of communities across Australia.”
“Congratulations to this year’s finalists and to all past winners as your contributions and efforts have helped make Australia a bucket list destination, delivering unforgettable experiences for visitors from near and far.”
With a partnership spanning over three decades, Qantas, Naming Rights Sponsor, has been a longstanding supporter of the Australian Tourism Awards, showcasing their ongoing commitment to the industry.
“As Australia’s national carrier, we’re incredibly proud to again be helping celebrate and promote the best of Australia’s tourism industry,” said Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt.
“Qantas flies to more than 65 destinations across the country, and our tourism operators help showcase the best of Australia providing visitors with experiences they can’t get anywhere else.”
As one of the most anticipated events on the tourism calendar, the Australian Tourism Awards provide national recognition for state and territory tourism award winners. Finalists represent the highest standards of quality, service, innovation, and sustainability, reflecting the continued evolution of Australian tourism.
The 2024 awards are supported by long-time and returning Naming Rights Sponsor, Qantas, as well as Platinum Sponsor, Tourism Australia, and Host Partner, the South Australian Tourism Commission. The Big Red Group, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Airport, and GetAboutAble are among the additional sponsors and partners that make the 2024 awards shine even brighter.
2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards – National Finalists
NOTE: All finalists are listed in alphabetical order per category.
Major Tourist Attractions
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| GC Aqua Park | Queensland |
| Monarto Safari Park | South Australia |
| Port Arthur Historic Site | Tasmania |
| Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre | Canberra Region |
| Symbio Wildlife Park | New South Wales |
| Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park | Northern Territory |
| WA Museum Boola Bardip | Western Australia |
| Zoos Victoria – Melbourne Zoo | Victoria |
Tourist Attractions
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Albany’s Historic Whaling Station | Western Australia |
| Animal Land | Victoria |
| Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience | Queensland |
| d’Arenberg | South Australia |
| Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden | Tasmania |
| Katherine Outback Experience | Northern Territory |
| National Dinosaur Museum | Canberra Region |
| Northern Rivers Rail Trail | New South Wales |
Major Festivals & Events
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Adelaide Festival | South Australia |
| Beef Australia 2024 | Queensland |
| Bluesfest Byron Bay | New South Wales |
| Darwin Festival | Northern Territory |
| FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow – National Capital Authority | Canberra Region |
| Lightscape Melbourne | Victoria |
| Tasmania’s Taste of Summer | Tasmania |
| WWE Elimination Chamber – Only in Perth, Optus Stadium | Western Australia |
Festivals & Events
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Birdsville Big Red Bash | Queensland |
| Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash | New South Wales |
| Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair | Northern Territory |
| Junction Arts Festival | Tasmania |
| Margaret River Region Open Studios | Western Australia |
| Port Fairy Folk Festival | Victoria |
| Sleeps Hill Tunnel | South Australia |
Ecotourism
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Aquila Eco Retreat | Tasmania |
| Busselton Jetty | Western Australia |
| Kestrel Nest EcoHut at Highfield Farm & Woodland | New South Wales |
| Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort | Queensland |
| Larapinta Trail, World Expeditions | Australian Walking Holidays | Northern Territory |
| National Arboretum Canberra | Canberra Region |
| The Big Duck Boat Tours | South Australia |
Cultural Tourism
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Adelaide Zoo | South Australia |
| Bungle Bungle Guided Tours | Western Australia |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Queensland |
| Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | Canberra Region |
| Port Macquarie Museum | New South Wales |
| SEIT Tours | Northern Territory |
| Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne | Victoria |
| UNSHACKLED Hobart Penitentiary – Convict Memorial | Tasmania |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Bundyi Cultural Tours | New South Wales |
| Cape York Peninsula Lodge | Queensland |
| Kool Tours | South Australia |
| Waringarri Art and Culture Tours | Western Australia |
| Wintjiri Wiru | Northern Territory |
| wukalina Walk | Tasmania |
| Zoos Victoria – Healesville Sanctuary | Victoria |
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Ask Roz Blue Mountains | New South Wales |
| Broome Weddings and Events | Western Australia |
| Copper Trails Bike Hire | South Australia |
| Go Adventure Nagambie | Victoria |
| POP Canberra | Canberra Region |
| Sonia Jones Travel | Queensland |
| Uluru Audio Guide | Northern Territory |
| Younique Stays | Tasmania |
Visitor Information Services
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Bathurst Visitor Information Centre | New South Wales |
| Canberra and Region Visitors Centre | Canberra Region |
| City of Launceston Visitor Information Centre | Tasmania |
| Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre | South Australia |
| Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery | Queensland |
| Swan Valley Visitor Centre | Western Australia |
| Top End Visitor Information Centre | Northern Territory |
| Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre | Victoria |
Business Event Venues
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Adelaide Convention Centre | South Australia |
| Cedar Creek Lodges | Queensland |
| Darwin Convention Centre | Northern Territory |
| Hotel Realm | Canberra Region |
| Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre | Victoria |
| Peppers Silo Hotel | Tasmania |
| Pullman Bunker Bay | Western Australia |
Major Tour & Transport Operators
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| AAT Kings | Northern Territory |
| Captain Cook Cruises – Sydney | New South Wales |
| HeliSpirit | Western Australia |
| Ocean Rafting | Queensland |
| Pennicott Wilderness Journeys | Tasmania |
| Port Phillip Ferries | Victoria |
| SeaLink Marine & Tourism – PS Murray Princess | South Australia |
Tour & Transport Operators
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Air Adventure Golf | Tasmania |
| Blue Mountains Day Tours | New South Wales |
| Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures | Queensland |
| Hop It | Victoria |
| Margaret River Discovery Co | Western Australia |
| Offshore Boats | Northern Territory |
| Spirit of the Coorong | South Australia |
Adventure Tourism
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Aquascene Magnetic Island | Queensland |
| Balloon Aloft Australia | New South Wales |
| Bendleby Ranges | South Australia |
| Go Adventure Nagambie | Victoria |
| Larapinta Trail, World Expeditions | Australian Walking Holidays | Northern Territory |
| Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures | Tasmania |
| The Hike Collective | Western Australia |
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Barossa. Be Curious | South Australia |
| Explore Rockhampton Accessible Tourism Campaign | Queensland |
| The Tweed Tourism Company | New South Wales |
| Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine | Victoria |
| Wrap Yourself In Wonder | Western Australia |
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Gourmet Camp Oven Experience | Western Australia |
| Grain of the Silos | Tasmania |
| L’Anse French Cafe | South Australia |
| Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge | Northern Territory |
| Potager | New South Wales |
| Sea World Cruises | Queensland |
| The Q Train | Victoria |
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Bangor Vineyard Shed | Tasmania |
| Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience | Queensland |
| Cupitt’s Estate | New South Wales |
| Harman Wines | Victoria |
| Seppeltsfield Barossa | South Australia |
| Singlefile Wines | Western Australia |
| Willing Distillery | Northern Territory |
Caravan & Holiday Parks
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Alivio Tourist Park Canberra | Canberra Region |
| BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort | Queensland |
| BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park | Tasmania |
| BIG4 West Beach Parks | South Australia |
| Darwin FreeSpirit Resort | Northern Territory |
| Holiday Haven Lake Conjola | New South Wales |
| Mandalay Holiday Resort | Western Australia |
| Valley View Caravan Park | Victoria |
Hosted Accommodation
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Black Sheep Inn | New South Wales |
| Boat Harbour Jetty B&B | Victoria |
| Oceanview Eco Villas | South Australia |
| The Country House at Hunchy | Queensland |
| The Dragonfly Inn | Tasmania |
| Wooleen Station | Western Australia |
Unique Accommodation
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| All Seasons Houseboats | Victoria |
| Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm | Western Australia |
| Gorge View Bush Retreat | Northern Territory |
| Jamala Wildlife Lodge | Canberra Region |
| Mitchell Grass Retreat | Queensland |
| Sierra Escape | New South Wales |
| The Cove Tasmania | Tasmania |
| Woodhouse Adventure Park | South Australia |
Self-Contained Accommodation
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Alice’s Cottages | Tasmania |
| Beachcomber Holiday Units | Victoria |
| Cedars Mount View | New South Wales |
| Old Coach Road Estate | South Australia |
| Pinnacles, Airlie Beach | Queensland |
| Stay Rottnest | Western Australia |
3-3.5 Star Accommodation
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Broadwater Resort, Busselton | Western Australia |
| Freycinet Resort | Tasmania |
| Great Keppel Island Hideaway | Queensland |
| ibis Adelaide | South Australia |
| Safari Lodge Motel | Northern Territory |
| Urban Camp Melbourne | Victoria |
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Crowne Plaza Melbourne | Victoria |
| Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges | Western Australia |
| H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel | Northern Territory |
| Midnight Hotel Autograph Collection | Canberra Region |
| Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort | Queensland |
| Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort | New South Wales |
| Oval Hotel | South Australia |
| Peppers Silo Hotel | Tasmania |
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Eos by SkyCity | South Australia |
| Mt Hay Retreat | New South Wales |
| Pullman Bunker Bay | Western Australia |
| The Reef House Adults Retreat | Queensland |
| The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart | Tasmania |
New Tourism Business
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Beneath The Bay | New South Wales |
| Local Way Tours | Victoria |
| NT Driver Guide – Escorted Touring | Northern Territory |
| Radelaide Tours | South Australia |
| Red Rock Hut, King Island | Tasmania |
| Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach | Western Australia |
| Vertigo | Queensland |
Excellence in Food Tourism
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Beef Australia 2024 | Queensland |
| Dird Full Moon Dinner | Northern Territory |
| Harvest Tours | Western Australia |
| Local Village Markets | Canberra Region |
| Love Lord Howe | New South Wales |
| The Truffle Farm | Tasmania |
| Watervale – Ethical Epicurean Experiences | South Australia |
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
| Finalist Name | State/Territory |
| Adelaide Fringe | South Australia |
| Balloon Aloft Australia | New South Wales |
| BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort | Queensland |
| Busselton Jetty | Western Australia |
| Darwin Waterfront | Northern Territory |
| National Arboretum Canberra | Canberra Region |
| The Cove Tasmania | Tasmania |
| The Sovereign Hill Museums Association | Victoria |
For more information, visit www.australiantourismawards.com.au
