A family-owned Fleurieu Peninsula tour operator has taken out two gold medals at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, as South Australia celebrated an outstanding national result.
Across 26 categories, South Australia secured three gold, five silver and three bronze awards at the national ceremony, held Friday 6 March at Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. The results especially highlighted the quality, diversity and excellence of regional tourism businesses.
The Veenstra family, who have operated tours in the Coorong for more than 50 years, won Gold in Tour & Transport Operators for Spirit of the Coorong. Their sister business, The Big Duck Boat Tours, also took home Gold in Ecotourism, recognising their commitment to experiences that connect visitors with South Australia’s natural environment. Both wins were their first at a national level.
Woodhouse Adventure Park, which has welcomed generations of South Australians, also enjoyed a standout night, receiving Gold for Unique Accommodation and Silver for Adventure Tourism.
South Australian events were also recognised, with Adelaide Fringe winning Silver in both Major Festivals & Events and Excellence in Accessible Tourism, and Streaky Sounds Music Festival receiving Bronze, a strong reminder that South Australia continues to lead the nation in memorable, inclusive event experiences.
Other South Australian businesses awarded Silver were Old Coach Road Estate (Self-Contained Accommodation) and Monarto Safari Resort (New Tourism Business). Bronze medals were also awarded to Monkey Nut Café (Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services), and Seppeltsfield Barossa (Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries).
More than 170 finalists from around the country vied for top honours. South Australia’s finalists progressed to the national awards after winning gold at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards, delivered by the Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA).
TiCSA CEO Shaun de Bruyn said the results were among South Australia’s strongest performances in recent years. “These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, creativity and dedication of the people who make up tourism in South Australia,” Mr de Bruyn said.
“We’re proud of all our finalists and medal winners. They’re driven by a desire to showcase the very best of our state, create lasting memories for visitors, and contribute to the places and communities in which they operate.
Congratulations to the Veenstra family and their team – icons of our industry. To win two gold medals at a national level is an outstanding achievement, and they should be immensely proud. For many years they’ve demonstrated leadership in operating tours in natural environments and working with Traditional custodians, scientists and local communities.
“It’s also fantastic to see Streaky Sounds Music Festival, a community initiative of the District Council of Streaky Bay, recognised with bronze on the national stage.”
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison also congratulated those that won medals.
“This is a fantastic result for South Australia and a huge credit to the passionate operators who bring our state’s tourism experiences to life every day.
From the Coorong to the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa, these award-winning businesses show why South Australia continues to stand out nationally for authentic, high-quality visitor experiences.
Tourism supports thousands of jobs across our state, and it’s wonderful to see these South Australian icons recognised on the national stage.”