Entrants & Results
2007 Tourism Award winners
- 01. Major Tourist Attractions
- 02. Tourist Attractions
- 03. Major Festivals and Events
- 04. Festivals & Events
- 05. Ecotourism
- 06. Cultural Tourism
- 07. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism
- 08.Specialised Tourism Services
- 09. Visitor Information Services
- 10. Business Event Venues
- 11. Major Tour & Transport Operators
- 12. Tour & Transport Operators
- 13. Adventure Tourism
- 14. Destination Marketing
- 15. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
- 16. Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
- 17. Caravan & Holiday Parks
- 18. Hosted Accommodation
- 21. Standard Accommodation
- 22. Deluxe Accommodation
- 23. Luxury Accommodation
- 24. New Tourism Business
- 25. Health and Wellness Tourism
- 26. Luxury Boutique Accommodation
- 27. Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
- 28. Tourism Education and Training
- 30. Backpacker Accommodation
- 31. Young Achievers Award
- 32. Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
- Minister's Encouragement Award
- All
Category
01. Major Tourist Attractions
Winner
Federation Square Pty Ltd
Home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism experiences and an exceptional array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores, this modern piazza has become the heart and soul of Melbourne.
Fed Square Pty Ltd is responsible for the co-ordination and management of self-governing tenancies, programming and marketing of all the public spaces and all aspects of asset management and development.
Since opening in 2002, Fed Square has seen more than 100 million visits and has recently been named the 6th Best Public Square of the World in a list of 10 international icons including Naghsh-e Jahaan Square in Iran and Red Square (Krasnaya ploshchad) in Moscow, Russia.
Other Winners:
Merit: Phillip Island Nature Park
Category
02. Tourist Attractions
Winner
Flagstaff Hill Precinct Warrnambool
Australia’s largest and most awarded Maritime Heritage Precinct. The Shipwreck Coast of Victoria has a rich Maritime History. The spectacular coastline is the final resting place of over 180 wrecks along our beautiful and wild coastline.
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a maritime museum and outdoor village with Australia’s richest shipwreck collection, all contained in an 1870’s village located on a state heritage listed overlooking Lady Bay. The village provide a glimpse into the maritime lifestyles and trades of the 1870’s era, the peak of Australia’s maritime heritage.
Extensive indoor galleries and the outdoor maritime heritage precinct make for a highlight of your journey on the Great Ocean Road.
Other Winners:
Merit: Scienceworks Museum and Melbourne Planetarium
Finalist: A Maze’N Things
Finalist: Werribee Open Range Zoo
Category
03. Major Festivals and Events
Winner
Victoria Racing Club (2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival)
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of Australia’s major festivals and events, held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a unique social and cultural tradition dating back to 1861 that draws the finest equine athletes from all over the world.
The carnival attracts more than 340,000 racegoers to Flemington over the four day Carnival each year contributing greatly to Victoria’s economy.
Other Winners:
Finalist: L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival
Category
04. Festivals & Events
Winner
Fun4Kids
Fun4Kids is a highly acclaimed festival that is a not-for-profit, family event held annually in Warrnambool during the first week of the winter school holidays.
Recognised as ‘Australia’s Best Children’s Festival’, Fun4Kids celebrates the imagination and creative spirit of children aged 2-12 years, offering a unique, 2.5 acre, fully indoor village; purpose-built for kids to play, imagine, participate, learn and create.
Other Winners:
Finalist: ‘Tastes of the Goulburn’- Seymour Agricultural & Pastoral Society
Category
05. Ecotourism
Winner
Phillip Island Nature Park
Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne, we manage five major attractions: the Penguin Parade; the Koala Conservation Centre; Churchill Island Heritage Farm; Wild Oceans EcoBoat Tours; and the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre as well as other recreational areas, including beaches, wetlands and woodlands. We also have a diversity of natural environments to explore and a variety of wildlife to encounter.
We’re a not-for-profit organisation. Revenue generated through our ecotourism activities is invested into vital conservation, research and education programs.
Category
06. Cultural Tourism
Winner
Jewish Museum of Australia
The Jewish Museum of Australia was established in 1977 by a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers. During the first years of existence, the Committee, organised exhibitions at the Myer gallery and the Tramways Board Building.
The Museum attracts significant communal support and has won several prestigious industry awards.
Other Winners:
Merit: Heide Museum of Modern Art
Category
07. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism
Winner
Koorie Heritage Trust Inc
The Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square takes Koorie peoples, cultures and communities from the literal and figurative fringes of Melbourne to a place that is a central meeting and gathering place for all Victorians. Their presence at Federation Square is a bold statement and significant recognition of their shared history and the importance of Koorie peoples and communities as part of a broader 21st century community.
The Motto at Koorie Heritage Trust;
“Gnokan Danna Murra Kor-ki / Give me your hand my friend”
Other Winners:
Finalist: Brambuk – the National Park and Cultural Centre
Category
08.Specialised Tourism Services
Winner
Holiday Great Ocean Road
Holiday Great Ocean Road is a multi-award winning specialised Property Management & Accommodation Booking Service operating locally in the Great Ocean Road region.
They have over 60 Great Ocean Road houses, apartments and cottages to choose from. They have Great Ocean Road Accommodation available in Airey’s Inlet, Moggs Creek, Lorne, Separation Creek, Wye River, Kennett River, Skenes Creek, Apollo Bay, Marengo, Hordern Vale, Johanna, Lavers Hill, The Otways and Port Campbell.
Other Winners:
Finalist:Geelong Otway Tourism (Geelong Visitor Information Centres)
Finalist: The National Opal Collection
Category
09. Visitor Information Services
Winner
Geelong Otway Tourism (Geelong Visitor Information Centres)
Located in the National Wool Museum and close to Geelong’s spectacular Waterfront, the friendly volunteers can help you plan your visit to the region including Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road.
They have extensive knowledge of this region and can provide you with maps and visitor guides, as well as the best advice to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre & Booking Service
Category
10. Business Event Venues
Winner
Geelong Otway Tourism (Meetings)
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine is the Regional Tourism Organisation spanning from Werribee to Barwon Heads, incorporating Bannockburn, Geelong, Portarlington and all the areas in between.
Our core role is to increase tourism yield for our region. We do this, by making consumers aware of our region, bringing people to our destinations, getting them to stay longer and spend more.
Other Winners:
Merit: The Country Place
Finalist: Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau
Finalist: Stonelea Country Estate
Category
11. Major Tour & Transport Operators
Winner
Melbourne Day Tours ( Australian Pacific Touring)
Melbourne is Australia’s cosmopolitan and sophisticated lifestyle capital, discover the delights of this city with one of our exclusive Melbourne day tours.
Take the City Sights Melbourne Day Tour and discover the Botanical Gardens, Melbourne’s historical and monumental architecture , the world-class sporting arenas and historic Victoria Market. Travel down the wild South Coast on our Great Ocean Road Day Tour and marvel at the Twelve Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge, and more.
The Philip Island Penguin Parade is an unforgettable and magical encounter with Victoria’s little penguins! The Yarra Valley is Melbourne’s beautiful wine growing region where you can stroll through lovely Healesville and ride on the unique Puffing Billy steam train. Discover exciting Melbourne and its countless attractions on one of our Melbourne day tours!
Category
12. Tour & Transport Operators
Winner
Go West Tours
There’s a good reason why Go West is a multi-award winning provider of days tours across Melbourne. Our team is dedicated to delivering you with an interactive and informative day trip experience that is bucket loads of fun, rather than just dragging you around Victoria.
An enthusiastic and trusted Melbourne tour operator, we’ll show you a collection of the most well-loved and breathtaking destinations that Australia has on offer. Perfect for all ages and group sizes, you’ll be left wanting more. From exploring hidden treasures to luxurious wine tasting, you’re bound to find something that piques your fancy.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Bendigo Airport Service
Category
13. Adventure Tourism
Winner
Bayplay Adventure Tours
Bayplay offers group accommodation, family holiday cottages, adventure, aquatic tours and education programs.
It encourages people to get involved in a range of fun activities and programs. It is kid-friendly, where the children will have ample amount of entertainment and it also provides fun for the adults which can include kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or opportunities to hire a bike and explore Pt Nepean National Park.
Discover the beauty of Mornington Peninsula with loads of things to do.
Other Winners:
Merit: Auswalk Walking Holidays
Finalist: 5 Star Adventure Tours
Finalist: Go Ride A Wave
Category
14. Destination Marketing
Winner
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation. It is controlled by a Board elected by members and serving in a voluntary capacity. Management is in the hands of an Executive Director and professional staff. In all, some 350 people are employed, and their work is supported by over 250 volunteers who help bring the Outdoor Museum to life and assist the Gold Museum with its curatorial work and tour guiding.
Other Winners:
Merit: Mornington Peninsula Tourism
Merit: Melbourne Aquarium
Category
15. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Winner
Dracula’s
Newman Entertainment are the masterminds of comedy cabaret restaurants in Australia. From humble beginnings in Melbourne in the mid 60s to today, they are constantly evolving and finding new ways to entertain audiences across the country, and now Singapore.
At Dracula’s comedy show and restaurant you’ll be wowed by a crazy live cabaret club show with singing, dancing, burlesque, magic, juggling, and aerial performances.
Other Winners:
Merit: Essence Food Studio (The Gourmet Concert & The Ghostly Gourmet Adventure)
Merit: The Outpost Retreat
Finalist: De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant
Category
16. Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Winner
De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant
The De Bortoli family story is one of determination and triumph that started nearly 90 years ago in war-torn Europe and is now told, generations later, across Australia.
Their history encompasses the universal story of immigrants making good in an adopted land through hard work, innovation and the support of family and friends. Through the generations, they developed De Bortoli’s reputation for premium wine, firstly through iconic dessert wine Noble One and then via the success of the cool climate wines produced at the family’s Yarra Valley Estate.
De Bortoli Wine’s official motto, Semper ad Majora (“always striving for better”) and the unofficial one (good food, good wine and good friends).
Category
17. Caravan & Holiday Parks
Winner
Melbourne Big 4 Holiday Park
Just 9km from the city, Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park offers accommodation ranging from large luxurious villas and cosy spa cottages to powered and ensuite caravan and camping sites plus all that a couple or family could want from a relaxing and fun holiday including;
- Resort style swimming pool and outdoor spa
- Big screen movie room with complimentary latest release movies
- Huge, modern kids playground
- Games room including air hockey, table tennis and loads more
- Fully equipped Camp Kitchen with oven, fridge, microwave and ample seating
- Modern amenities with under floor heating and fully equipped laundry with washers, dryers, ironing boards and clothes lines.
Category
18. Hosted Accommodation
Winner
Monreale Estate
Monreale has a colourful life and history involving the development from original guest houses to a premier bed and breakfast establishment in the Dandenongs.
The Country house can now cater for luxury accommodation in fully self contained apartments as well as cater for boutique wedding receptions. Also the gardens are fully developed and cover three acres, the property is surrounded by natural rain forests and Sassafras creek, no visible neighbours and you can find a number of challenging walks a short distance away.
Category
21. Standard Accommodation
Winner
Miami Hotel Melbourne
Situated in West Melbourne, Miami Hotel is located across the road from the popular Errol Street café precinct while still being only minutes from the CBD. This area features a range of amenities including a supermarket, 7-Eleven convenience store, post office and banks, as well as easy access to public transport.
Miami Hotel is your Melbourne budget accommodation specialist – our award-winning rooms are 3.5 star rated with private ensuites in all rooms as well as FOXTEL channels, wireless internet, 24 hour reception, and off-street parking (free when you book directly with the hotel) and close to popular locations such as Etihad Stadium, Southern Cross Station, Docklands and so much more.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Sundowner Ovens Valley Motor Inn
Category
22. Deluxe Accommodation
Winner
Crown Promenade Hotel
Begin to unwind from the moment you arrive with complimentary valet parking, spend the day by the pool, outdoor terrace with sun lounges and explore the many restaurants and family attractions within walking distance of the hotel.
Stylish, welcoming and thoroughly modern, Crown Promenade Melbourne contemporary guest rooms ranging from standard rooms to studio suites. Featuring floor to ceiling windows giving amazing city views of Melbourne, all rooms are furnished in natural tones and feature original art by local artists.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
Finalist: Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley
Finalist: Somerset Gordon Place, Melbourne
Finalist: Limosa Rise
Category
23. Luxury Accommodation
Winner
The Westin Melbourne
For nearly 200 years, Westin Hotels & Resorts has been an innovative leader in the hospitality industry, with 200 hotels in almost 40 countries – and counting. They work towards enhancing your wellbeing with signature offerings. that fuel and energise your every move.
Westin has also extended their heavenly sleep experience into the air, making their services available in Delta One cabins on Delta Air Lines flights.
Other Winners:
Merit: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Category
24. New Tourism Business
Winner
Eureka Skydeck 88
The Eureka Tower, a 297 metre (975 ft.) gold plated skyscraper by the Yarra River is an iconic destination placed in the heart of the Southbank precinct.
High up on the 88th floor, 285 metres above sea level is the Eureka Skydeck: Melbourne’s greatest point of view, and one of the most stunning observation decks in the world.
As the highest public observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, Eureka offers a visual panorama of Melbourne’s humming neighbourhoods, world-class hospitality venues and dazzling urban sprawl. It’s also the home to the world’s first and only Edge Experience – a glass cube that projects out from the 88th floor and suspends visitors almost 300 meters high above Melbourne city.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Jasper Hotel
Finalist: Mantra Deep Blue
Finalist: Otway Estate
Finalist: Phillip Island Nature Park – Nobbies Centre
Finalist: Parks Victoria Wilderness Retreats
Category
25. Health and Wellness Tourism
Winner
Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat
The Mineral Spa is an idyllic restorative haven and renowned as one of the most acclaimed and awarded natural mineral spas in Australia.
The Mineral Spa has been specifically designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, connecting body and spirit to the earth’s natural elements and offering powerful healing and beauty treatments to re-invigorate and restore.
Guests can enjoy the highly acclaimed Mineral Water Retreat, a relaxing indoor/outdoor haven with steam room, lavender sauna, detox box, outdoor sun deck, two outdoor mineral water spas and cold plunge pool.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Peninsula Hot Springs
Category
26. Luxury Boutique Accommodation
Winner
Boroka Downs
Boroka Downs offers couples award winning luxury, nature-based accommodation and romantic getaways in a secluded environment in the majestic Grampians. Sensitivity to the nature is a feature.
As a nature based retreat Boroka Downs has been designed, built and is operated with luxury and environmental sustainability as its main objectives; the property is an Ecotourism accredited business. Boroka Downs also has a Trust for Nature overlay on the property. Using a perpetual covenant, the Trust will protect the wildlife and the habitation on the property forever.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Montfort Manor
Category
27. Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Winner
John Ellis
John’s dedication and passionate commitment to promoting the Macedon Ranges wine, wine tourism and the Macedon Ranges tourism region, has led him to become and outstanding advocate in the development of the region. This is through his executive positions in a number of committees and through the help of his family and staff.
Category
28. Tourism Education and Training
Winner
Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE, Faculty of Tourism & Hospitality
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Hospitality and Tourism Workplace Training partners with employers and individuals alike to deliver nationally accredited training to your business. The team of industry professionals understand the needs and listen to specific requirements to customise training for student’s convenience.
Other Winners:
Merit: Phillip Island Nature Park
Finalist: Bendigo Tourism, Partnerships driving Business Industry Training Program
Finalist: East Gippsland Institute of TAFE
Category
30. Backpacker Accommodation
Winner
Melbourne Metro YHA Hostel
YHA Australia is part of the world’s largest backpacker accommodation network, Hostelling International (HI), providing more than 4,000 YHA hostels in 90 countries around the world. The YHA group in Australia includes YHA Ltd, Hostelling International Australia Inc (trading as YHA Australia) as well as YHA WA Inc and Youth Hostels Association of Tasmania Inc.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Base St Kilda Backpackers
Category
32. Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
Winner
National Trust of Australia
The National Trusts are Australia’s leading conservation organisations. Our mission, which started with the conservation of historic Sydney architecture, has grown to include natural, Indigenous and cultural heritage in every state and territory.
We rely heavily on community support generated through membership subscriptions, sponsorship, donations and bequests, property admissions and retail sales. Of the collective total operational revenue generated by the organisation less than 10% is sourced from government.
Category
Minister's Encouragement Award
Winner
Lakes Entrance Waverley House Cottages
Lakes Entrance’s newest cottage accommodation, Waverley House Cottages, is located in a quiet bushland setting overlooking the ocean.
Relax in one of 6 secluded cottages nestled in 8 acres of private landscaped native gardens and shady gums. Each spacious cottage has been designed to offer excellent facilities. You can also experience the views of Bass Strait from your verandah, relax and watch the beautiful sunsets on outdoor settings, or barbecue by the pool in the covered kitchen.
Enjoy your individual room spa within the cottage, or the communal hydrotherapy spa in the gazebo, with its open fire and expansive lounge area with overhead plasma TV.
