2024 South Australian Tourism Award Winners
2024 South Australian Tourism Award Winners
The winners of the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards have been revealed!
Congratulations to our 30 category winners, our 2024 Hall of Fame entrant, and silver & bronze medallists recognised at the Gala Dinner on Friday 1 November.
The South Australian Tourism Awards program, delivered annually by Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) with the support of the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission, recognises business excellence and outstanding achievement in the state’s tourism industry.
Read on for this year’s winners and medallists.
Major Tourist Attractions
Monarto Safari Park
Supported by Big Red Group
The wild is calling at Monarto Safari Park. 2023/24 saw the launch of Monarto Safari Park’s “Wild Africa Precinct” and its new Safari Tours, bringing visitors closer than ever to nature and further supporting crucial conservation projects.
Silver
Adelaide Festival Centre
Bronze
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Tourist Attractions
d’Arenberg
Supported by RAA Travel
The d’Arenberg Cube is a five story multi-function centre that appears to be floating among the vines. d’Arenberg houses the winery’s tasting room, a restaurant, private tasting areas, and an immersive art gallery.
Silver
Adelaide Gaol
Bronze
MOD.
Major Festivals & Events
Adelaide Festival
Supported by Festival City Adelaide
Adelaide Festival is internationally recognised as Australia’s pre-eminent arts festival. The curated program includes Australia’s largest free literary festival – Adelaide Writers’ Week alongside a cross-section of theatre, opera, music, dance and visual art from acclaimed artists of all backgrounds and cultures.
Silver
Illuminate Adelaide
Bronze
WOMADelaide
Festivals & Events
Sleep’s Hill Tunnel
Supported by Festival City Adelaide
Sleep’s Hill Tunnel was a one-of-a-kind immersive experience, bringing a forgotten piece of Adelaide’s history to life during the 2024 Adelaide Fringe. This privately owned, state-heritage place was transformed through mesmerising projections and installations to create a narrative of the tunnel’s steam train era to mushroom farm years.
Ecotourism
The Big Duck Boat Tours
Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
‘The Big Duck Boat Tours’ operates adventurous scenic wildlife and seascape tours in the rugged Southern Ocean, visiting offshore islands, stunning granite outcrops, towering sea-cliffs and an array of marine wildlife including Fur Seals, Sea-Lions, Dolphins and wintering Whales.
Cultural Tourism
Adelaide Zoo
Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Steeped in more than 140 years of history, Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second oldest zoo. More than a wild visit in Adelaide’s CBD, Adelaide Zoo is an integral part of South Australia’s community heritage and social history and is one of the state’s oldest conservation organisations.
Silver
Flamboyance Tours
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experiences
Kool Tours – Hall of Fame
Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
From the Kalowinyeri (creation) to the present, Kool Tours tells the story of a family’s resilient quest for survival and their vision to follow their ancestors’ footprints. A 100% Aboriginal-run tourism business, Kool Tours is committed to caring for Country by sharing their Ruwi (culture).
This is the third consecutive year Kool Tours has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
Copper Trails Bike Hire
Supported by Tourism Industry Council SA
Copper Trails Bike Hire is your destination for biking adventures in Moonta, specialising in electric bikes and comprehensive hire, sale and repair services. Whether for a smooth ride or a memorable adventure, Copper Trails Bike Hire ensures every journey is reliable and filled with joy.
Silver
Adelaide Central Market
Bronze
Bike About Mountain Bike Tours & Hire pty ltd
Visitor Information Services
Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre
Supported by the Local Government Association of South Australia
The Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre distinguishes itself by offering exceptional customer service that exceeds expectations. Dedicated staff members are committed to tending to the needs of visitors and tailoring a tourism experience that aligns seamlessly with individual preferences.
Business Event Venues
Adelaide Convention Centre
Supported by Adelaide Airport
The Adelaide Convention Centre offers 20,000sqm of multi-purpose space, with a highly flexible design that enables it to deliver an extensive range of events. Beyond its purpose-built facilities, Adelaide Convention Centre is known for its culinary creations, innovative technology, sustainability leadership and expert team.
Silver
Events at SkyCity
Bronze
Adelaide Oval
Major Tour & Transport Operators
SeaLink Marine & Tourism – PS Murray Princess
Supported by RAA Travel
The Murray Princess, the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere, delivers an unforgettable cruising experience. Accommodating up to 120 guests, the Murray Princess combines the timeless charm of paddlewheel cruising with the breathtaking landscapes of the mighty Murray River.
Tour & Transport Operators
Spirit of the Coorong
Supported by Gallagher
‘Spirit of the Coorong’ is a small family business, now operating in its fourth generation! You will find Spirit of the Coorong at the end of the River Murray in Goolwa, offering various wetland exploration cruises and other specialty cruises including a brand new ‘Gin Flight Cruise’.
Silver
Juggle House Experiences
Bronze
Port River Cruises
Adventure Tourism
Bendleby Ranges
Supported by Adelady
Bendleby Ranges is the home of adventure, set in the mesmerising Southern Flinders Ranges. With over 200 kilometres of mild to ‘OMG’ wild purpose-built tracks, isn’t it time you challenged yourself at Bendleby… if you dare?
Silver
Woodhouse Adventure Park
Bronze
RoofClimb Adelaide Oval
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Barossa. Be Curious
Supported by Tourism Australia
Barossa. Be Curious is a destination marketing campaign developed by Barossa Australia. Beyond the cellars, a tapestry of experiences unfolds. From artisanal eateries to scenic trails, the Barossa beckons the curious soul.
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
L’Anse French Café
Supported by Restaurant & Catering Association of Australia
L’Anse French Café and Croissanterie offers a unique food experience that delights the senses, with a menu featuring fresh, seasonal produce, and a changing range of bespoke pastries.
Silver
The Currant Shed
Bronze
Watervale Hotel
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Seppeltsfield Barossa
Supported by the Altitude Advisory
Seppeltsfield Barossa, established in 1851, has evolved into a tourism village offering tours, wine, food, art, craft and retail, with the historic winery and cellar door at its centre.
Silver
Pindarie Wines
Bronze
Dandelion Vineyards
Caravan & Holiday Parks
BIG4 West Beach Parks
Supported by Caravan & Camping SA
The BIG4 Holiday Park West Beach is a much-loved loved caravan park destination, attracting families, couples, sporting groups and friends. With a huge selection of accommodation options, there’s a holiday option for everyone and every budget.
Hosted Accommodation
Oceanview Eco Villas
Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Step off the grid into luxury at Oceanview Eco Villas, and enjoy the best of Kangaroo Island hospitality, with your hosts, Tim and Tamsin Wendt. With over 500 acres to explore, private beach and over 1km of coastline, guests can relax and enjoy the luxury of a two-bedroom coastal villa.
Unique Accommodation
Woodhouse Adventure Park
Supported by the Tourism Australia
Woodhouse Adventure Park specialises in experience-based accommodation, offering screen-free family fun in the great outdoors. Diverse accommodation options range from glamping bell tents, bunkhouses and a two-storey heritage-listed mansion, to camping or caravan adventures.
Silver
Mount Little Station
Self-Contained Accommodation
Old Coach Road Estate
Supported by BankSA
Old Coach Road Estate offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula. This gorgeous eco-friendly, self-contained villa accommodates up to 8 guests on a secluded 201-acre property, promising an exclusive escape.
Silver
Neagles Retreat Villas
3-3.5 Star Accommodation
ibis Adelaide
Supported by Wallmans Lawyers
Standing tall in the middle of the buzzing Adelaide CBD on Grenfell Street is ibis Adelaide. This year the ibis celebrates its 10 year anniversary! The ibis makes a statement, boldly vibrant and casual whilst delivering standout service to its guests.
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Oval Hotel
Supported by Accommodation Australia (SA) & Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch)
Oval Hotel is Australia’s first stadium hotel and a completely unique accommodation experience. Seamless integration with the eastern façade of the stadium offers guests views out to heritage-listed parklands, and into the Adelaide Oval stadium interior from its restaurant Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen.
Silver
Beach Huts Middleton
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Eos by SkyCity
Supported by Accommodation Australia (SA) & Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch)
Eos by SkyCity is Adelaide’s most luxurious hotel, set within South Australia’s only world-class integrated entertainment hub. The hotel features 120 luxurious rooms, a wellness centre, and access to SkyCity’s bars and restaurants. Whether you are searching for an escape from the everyday or a haven to celebrate someone special, Eos awaits.
Silver
Le Mas Barossa
Bronze
Mount Lofty House
New Tourism Business
Radelaide Tours
Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission
Radelaide Tours showcases the best of Adelaide’s sights, lifestyle, culture, food and drink, delivering tour experiences that will truly transform your perception of Adelaide and reveal the underrated charm our city holds.
Silver
Little Blessings Brewing
Bronze
Pod[e]
Excellence in Food Tourism
Watervale – Ethical Epicurean Experiences
Supported by RAA Travel
Watervale has become a tourism destination for its ethical, epicurean experiences. Chef, Nicola Palmer’s philosophy is to enhance and enrich the produce Mother Nature has gifted us whether at the farm fresh to plate restaurant in the Hotel, over breakfast at the General Store, or through produce sold at the Providore.
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Adelaide Fringe
Supported by Office for Autism
Adelaide Fringe, the biggest arts festival in the southern hemisphere, celebrating culture, place, and artists from across the globe. Fringe’s innovative and inclusive approach as an open-access arts festival has made it a hub for emerging talent and a destination for established artists from across the globe.
Silver
Adelaide Zoo
Bronze
Kimbolton Wines
Outstanding Contribution
Elaine Bensted
Supported by Tourism Industry Council SA
Elaine Bensted is the Chief Executive Officer of Zoos South Australia, a role she has held since 2012.
A highly respected and celebrated leader, Elaine is recognised for her exceptional contributions to tourism and conservation. She has been instrumental in demonstrating and championing the profound connection between these two fields, driving initiatives that showcase how tourism can lead to impactful conservation outcomes, at national and global levels.
We also acknowledge her many achievements in Education, State and Local Government, and the private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as her contributions to numerous boards and council.
Under Elaine’s leadership, Zoos SA, which includes Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, has become a world-class destination for wildlife experiences. Elaine has championed conservation programs, enhanced visitor engagement, and overseen the expansion of Monarto into the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa. Her strategic vision has driven significant tourism growth, earning numerous accolades and awards for the organisation.
With a passion for environmental sustainability, Elaine has successfully positioned Zoos SA as a key player in South Australia’s thriving tourism sector. Elaine recently announced she will be retiring from her position of CEO Zoos SA April 2025.
Young Achiever
Taylah Lochert
Supported by SeaLink
Taylah Lochert, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, is employed by Southern Cultural Immersion while also studying tourism at Flinders University. She is considered an exemplary young leader, demonstrating an agility and diversity valued in tourism, developing experience in Aboriginal tourism, wine, conference and events, and nature-based tourism.
People’s Choice: Experience / Service
Monarto Safari Park
Supported by Uber
The people have chosen! Monarto Safari Park has doubled up on their Gold in Major Tourist Attractions, and been named People’s Choice for Experiences and Services in South Australia.
People’s Choice: Accommodation
BIG4 West Beach Parks
Supported by Uber
BIG4 West Beach Parks has confirmed its status as a much-loved South Australian destination for Australians with the People’s Choice – Accommodation Award!
The entrant with the highest overall score in each category is declared the winner. Medals (silver and bronze) were awarded to the second-highest and third-highest scoring entrants provided they meet a minimum score threshold. ‘Hall of Fame’ recognition is awarded to entrants who win the same category three years in a row.