South Australia’s finest tourism businesses were recognised on Friday 7 November at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner.
From caravan and holiday parks to adventure experiences, the winners and finalists reflect the diversity and beauty of our state’s tourism offerings. Over 26 categories showcased the state’s most exceptional tourism businesses, with the awards highlighting outstanding achievement, business excellence and commitment to delivering quality visitor experiences.
It was a night of celebration for Adelaide Botanic Gardens who claimed Gold in the Major Tourist Attraction category. The enormous success of their Chihuly exhibition also won the Gardens Gold for Tourism Marketing & Campaigns and Bronze for Major Festivals and Events. Not all winners come from the big end of town; the Eyre Peninsula’s Streaky Sounds Music Festival and Adelaide walking tour company Flamboyance Tours both won Gold in their categories. The Fleurieu Peninsula demonstrated it is more than beautiful beaches and show stopping wines, with businesses from the region making a clean sweep of the Excellence in Food Tourism category.
Shaun de Bruyn, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), congratulated the winners, medallists and finalists for their ongoing commitment to excellence:
“These awards provide a platform to showcase the exceptional achievements, talent and innovation in South Australia’s tourism industry. I applaud the drive these operators have to deliver exemplary visitor experiences and set benchmarks for themselves.
“This year’s winners represent the passion and authenticity that make our state a destination like no other.
“The diversity of winners at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards is a terrific demonstration of what makes the State a must-visit destination worldwide” said Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism.
“The passion and dedication of everyone who is part of our visitor economy enables our State’s tourism sector to be the success it is, contributing close to $10 billion each year and provides meaningful jobs for more than 40,000 South Australians.
“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for your continued commitment to making South Australia an inclusive and welcoming destination of choice.”
Hall of Fame Inductees
This year, eight operators across the state were inducted in the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, an honour awarded to businesses for winning gold in their respective categories for three consecutive years:
- Tourist Attractions – d’Arenberg
- Ecotourism – The Big Duck Boat Tours
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services – Copper Trails Bike Hire
- Tour & Transport Operators – Spirit of the Coorong
- Tourism Wineries – Seppeltsfield Barossa
- Caravan & Holiday Parks – West Beach Parks Holiday Park
- 3-3.5 Star Accommodation – ibis Adelaide
- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – Adelaide Fringe
People’s Choice Award – Supported by RAA Travel
The People’s Choice Awards, supported by RAA Travel, were awarded in a tight competition to Monarto Safari Park for Tourism Experiences/Services and Henders House at Almerta Station for Accommodation. Determined by combining the number of public votes with an aggregate online review score, this award highlights the tourism awards finalists that have captured the hearts of South Australians and visitors alike.
Outstanding Contribution & Young Achiever
Owners of Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris, Geoff and Irene Scholz were recognised for their significant work in ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices as recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution award. Coffin Bay local Manny Katz received the Young Achiever award for his passion and entrepreneurial work in tourism and marine ecosystems.
Additional information
28 first-time entrants achieved finalist status this year, reflecting the calibre of fresh talent and innovation shaping the future of South Australian tourism.
89% of the winners are Quality & Sustainable Tourism Accredited, demonstrating their dedication to upholding the highest standards of excellence and sustainability.
Winners from Categories 1 to 26 of the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards go on to represent South Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards, to be held Friday 6 March 2026 in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards is supported by the South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.