2025 South Australian Tourism Award Winners

2025 South Australian Tourism Award Winners

Congratulations to our 30 category winners, our 2025 Hall of Fame entrants, and silver & bronze medallists recognised at the Gala Dinner on Friday 7 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.

Winners from Categories 1 to 26 represented South Australia as finalists at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle, Western Australia on Friday 6 March 2026. Congratulations to our national Gold, Silver and Bronze medallists! 

Major Tourist Attractions

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Supported by Big Red Group

A sparkling green jewel of the city, Adelaide Botanic Garden is a place to connect to each other and to nature. With world-class events, dining, learning opportunities and focus on conservation, the Garden offers local, interstate and overseas visitors an idyllic day out.

Silver
Monarto Safari Park

Bronze
Adelaide Oval

Tourist Attractions

d’Arenberg – Hall of Fame

Supported by RAA Travel

The d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale is a five storey multi-function building set among Mourvèdre vines. The building has the optical illusion of floating in a vineyard, each level with spectacular views overlooking the rolling hills of Willunga.

This is the third consecutive year d’Arenberg has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
MOD.

Bronze
Victor Harbor Horse Tram

Major Festivals & Events

Adelaide Fringe

Supported by Festival City Adelaide

Adelaide Fringe, the biggest arts festival in Australia, is a world-renowned annual event that celebrates culture, place, and artists from across the globe. As a not-for-profit organisation, Adelaide Fringe spans 500 venues throughout South Australia, featuring more than 1,500 shows across multiple genres.

Silver
Adelaide Festival

Bronze
Chihuly in the Botanic Garden

Festivals & Events

Streaky Sounds Musical Festival 2025

Supported by Festival City Adelaide

Held in Streaky Bay, Streaky Sounds blends big-city production with small-town charm, celebrating music, community, and the beauty of the Eyre Peninsula. Featuring local and national artists, regional food and drink, and on-site camping, the festival drives tourism, supports local businesses, and reinvests profits into the community.

Silver
2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival

Bronze
2025 Glenelg Ice Cream Festival

Ecotourism

The Big Duck Boat Tours – Hall of Fame

Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission

The Big Duck Boat Tours offers marine wildlife cruises from Victor Harbor and Wirrina Cove, on the Fleurieu Peninsula. With a passionate crew and a strong conservation ethos The Big Duck is a leader in responsible marine ecotourism, delivering safe, educational, and awe-inspiring encounters on the Southern Ocean.

This is the third consecutive year The Big Duck Boat Tours has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
Jurlique Farm

Bronze
Coodlie Park Eco Retreat

Cultural Tourism

Flamboyance Tours

Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission

Flamboyance Tours operates walking tours across Adelaide’s city centre and Port Adelaide, sharing stories through observance of heritage areas and immersion in local understanding. Owned and operated by Adelaide-born guide Katina, Flamboyance Tours take a deep dive into Adelaide’s vibrancy with history, food and street art in its walks.

Silver
Radelaide Tours

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences

Wadna

Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission

As a 100% Aboriginal-owned business deeply rooted in Adnyamathanha culture, Wadna provide meaningful interactions between visitors and one of Australia’s oldest living cultures through tours, workshops and cultural engagements.

Silver
Southern Cultural Immersion

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services

Copper Trails Bike Hire – Hall of Fame

Supported by Adelady + hello SA

Copper Trails Bike Hire is your destination for biking adventures in Moonta, on the scenic Yorke Peninsula. Specialising in E-bikes, they offer comprehensive services including bike hire, sales, service, parts, accessories and self-guided tour experiences.

This is the third consecutive year Copper Trails Bike Hire has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
SA eBikes | McLaren Vale

Visitor Information Services

Whyalla Visitor Centre

Supported by the Local Government Association of South Australia

The Whyalla Visitor Centre, operated by Whyalla City Council, is the beating heart of Whyalla’s visitor experience. The Centre’s passionate team goes beyond service – they share Whyalla’s history and future with pride and care – guided by values of teamwork, pride and excellence.

Silver
Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre

Business Event Venues

Adelaide Convention Centre

Supported by Adelaide Airport

Located in Adelaide’s vibrant riverbank precinct, Adelaide Convention Centre is a world-class venue exemplifying innovation, flexibility, inclusivity and sustainability. Spanning 20,000 square metres across three seamlessly integrated buildings, it offers cutting-edge facilities and adaptable spaces for events of all sizes.

Silver
Adelaide Oval Functions and Events

Bronze
Events at SkyCity

Tour & Transport Operators

Spirit of the Coorong – Hall of Fame

Supported by Tourism Australia

Spirit of the Coorong is a family-owned tour operator offering immersive cruises through the spectacular Coorong National Park, where the Murray River meets the sea. They deliver nature-based and culturally rich experiences that highlight the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and Ngarrindjeri heritage.

This is the third consecutive year Spirit of the Coorong has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
Barossa Helicopters

Bronze
Barossa Bespoke Tours

Adventure Tourism

Woodhouse Adventure Park

Supported by Flinders University

Set in the Piccadilly Valley, Woodhouse Adventure Park invites guests to reconnect with nature, challenge themselves, and share unforgettable moments. From scaling obstacles and navigating mazes, every experience fosters connection, adventure, and a sense of achievement.

Silver
Skytrek Willow Springs Station

Bronze
Adelaide Oval RoofClimb

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns

Chihuly in the Botanic Garden

Supported by Tourism Australia

Chihuly in the Botanic Garden transformed Adelaide Botanic Garden’s green oasis into a free-to-experience outdoor art gallery for seven months. A far-reaching, integrated marketing campaign attracted art and nature enthusiasts nationwide, boosting tourism and driving ticket sales.

Silver
Kimba – a Community to Shout About!

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

Monkey Nut Cafe

Supported by Restaurant & Catering Industry Association

Monkey Nut Cafe, nestled amongst the vines on the Kies Family Wines, serves as the perfect destination for tourists, families, and large tour groups seeking quality meals with exceptional value. It is a vibrant extension of Kies Family Wines’ commitment to authentic Barossa hospitality.

Silver
Bond Store Wallaroo

Tourism Wineries

Seppeltsfield Barossa – Hall of Fame

Supported by Catapult Wealth

Established in 1851, Seppeltsfield Barossa blends world-class wine, destination dining, art, craft, and boutique retail into an unforgettable experience. Its historic heritage buildings and picturesque grounds have transformed into a vibrant tourism village.

This is the third consecutive year Seppeltsfield Barossa has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
Kies Family Wines

Bronze
Dandelion Vineyards

Tourism Distilleries & Breweries

23rd Street Distillery

Supported by Wallmans Lawyers

23rd Street Distillery is a destination unlike any other, blending heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship in the heart of the Riverland. Housed in a beautifully restored 1914 landmark, the distillery is known for its award-winning spirits, vibrant Visitor Centre and immersive guest experiences.

Silver
Never Never Distilling Co.

Bronze
Woolshed Brewery

Caravan & Holiday Parks

West Beach Parks Holiday Park – Hall of Fame

Supported by Gallagher Insurance Brokers

Discovery Parks, West Beach Parks is a premier beachfront holiday destination. It offers a variety of accommodations, including self-contained cabins, powered sites, and eco-tents, catering to all preferences and budgets.

This is the third consecutive year West Beach Parks Holiday Park has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
Echo Holiday Parks – Renmark

Bronze
Minlaton Caravan Park

Hosted Accommodation

Henders House at Almerta Station

Supported by Airbnb Australia

Henders House at Almerta Station is a premium off-grid retreat hosted by the Rowe family on their working sheep station in the Southern Flinders Ranges. Once a forgotten ruin, it has been rebuilt stone by stone with passion and care, blending rugged outback character with modern comfort.

Silver
Oceanview Eco Villas

Unique Accommodation

Woodhouse Adventure Park

Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission

Woodhouse Adventure Park offers an extraordinary range of accommodation unlike anywhere else. Guests can wake to birdsong in glamping tents, enjoy the comfort of chalets, bunkhouse camaraderie, or step back in time in a grand two-storey heritage-listed mansion.

Silver
Mount Little Station

Bronze
River Murray Houseboats

Self-Contained Accommodation

Old Coach Road Estate

Supported by the University of South Australia

Old Coach Road Estate is a self-contained luxury retreat set on 201 acres in Hindmarsh Valley on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the estate, premium local provisions, curated experiences, and absolute comfort.

Silver
Vale 194

Bronze
Riesling Trail and Clare Valley Cottages

3-3.5 Star Accommodation

ibis Adelaide – Hall of Fame

Supported by the International College of Hotel Management

Centrally located, the ibis Adelaide is the ideal location for the savvy traveller, where you can experience the vibrancy of Adelaide’s CBD.

This is the third consecutive year ibis Adelaide has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
Coodlie Park Eco Retreat

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

Oval Hotel

Supported by Accommodation Australia SA – a division of AHA|SA

Oval Hotel is Australia’s first stadium hotel and a completely unique accommodation experience. The Oval Hotel experience is characterised by exceptional local food and wine, personalised service, integrated technology and stylish design.

Silver
Atura Adelaide Airport

5 Star Luxury Accommodation

Sequoia Lodge

Supported by Accommodation Australia SA – a division of AHA|SA

Base yourself at Sequoia Lodge, the 14-suite, adults-only luxury lodge ensconced in nature and sitting atop of Adelaide’s Mount Lofty, affectionately known as Koala Mountain.

Silver
Eos by SkyCity

New Tourism Business

Monarto Safari Resort

Supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission

Stay wild at Monarto Safari Resort, nestled next to Monarto Safari Park within the heart of the Murraylands. Designed to incorporate the serenity of the unique landscape and animals from the safari park, the resort caters to those seeking an escape from the everyday, and boasts exclusive guest experiences.

Silver
Dairy Adventures

Bronze
Hahndorf Flower Farm

Excellence in Food Tourism

Fleurieu Food and Wine

Supported by Catapult Wealth

Fleurieu Food and Wine leads with purpose, creating immersive culinary experiences that celebrate the flavours, stories, and people of the Fleurieu Peninsula. From cheese making to fire-side long lunches, every experience is designed to delight guests and support the surrounding community.

Silver
Anita Robin, The Foodbuilder

Bronze
Willunga Farmers Market

Excellence in Accessible Tourism

Adelaide Fringe – Hall of Fame

Supported by Office for Autism

Adelaide Fringe, the biggest arts festival in the southern hemisphere, is setting a new standard for inclusive tourism by embedding accessibility into every layer of their festival; operationally, programmatically, digitally, and through on-the-ground services.

This is the third consecutive year Adelaide Fringe has won this category. They have now entered the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame!

Silver
MOD.

Outstanding Contribution

Geoff and Irene Scholz

Supported by Tourism Industry Council SA

Few individuals have contributed to South Australian tourism as profoundly as Geoff & Irene Scholz.

Over nearly four decades, they have built and sustained a world-class ecotourism business in the Gawler Ranges, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a passion for showcasing the region’s natural beauty.

Their work has created memorable experiences for thousands of visitors through their business, Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris. They have set benchmarks for sustainable tourism practices and conservation advocacy.

Young Achiever

Manny Katz

Supported by SeaLink South Australia

Manny Katz is a dynamic and driven young professional whose passion for the ocean has shaped both his career in tourism and his life’s purpose. A resident of Coffin Bay, Manny combines entrepreneurial initiative, deep curiosity about marine ecosystems, and a natural ability to engage with people.

His work is underscored by qualities of resilience, innovation, and generosity – attributes that continue to propel him as a future leader in tourism and marine conservation.

People’s Choice Award – Experience or Service

Monarto Safari Park

Supported by RAA Travel

Monarto Safari Park has confirmed its status as a much-loved South Australian destination for Australians with the People’s Choice – Experience or Service Award!

People’s Choice Award – Accommodation

Henders House at Almerta Station

Supported by RAA Travel

Henders House at Almerta Station has doubled up on their Gold in Major Tourist Attractions, and been named People’s Choice for Accommodation in South Australia. 

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.