Entrants & Results
2008 Tourism Award winners
- 01. Major Tourist Attractions
- 02. Tourist Attractions
- 03. Major Festivals and Events
- 04. Festivals & Events
- 05. Ecotourism
- 06. Cultural 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
- 19. Unique Accommodation
- 21. Standard Accommodation
- 22. Deluxe Accommodation
- 23. Luxury Accommodation
- 24. New Tourism Business
- 25. Health and Wellness Tourism
- 26. Luxury Boutique Accommodation
- 26. Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
- 28. Tourism Education and Training
- 30. Backpacker Accommodation
- 31. Young Achievers Award
- 32. Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
- Minister's Encouragement Award
- Qantas Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
- All
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
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:
Merit: Peninsula Hot Springs
Finalist: The Cumberland & Villa Day Spa Marysville
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:
Finalist: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
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:
Merit: Alto Hotel on Bourke
Merit: The Buckland – Studio Retreat
Finalist: Comfort Inn & Suites Blazing Stump
Finalist: Emaroo Cottages
Finalist: Hilton Melbourne Airport
Finalist: Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
Finalist: Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne
Finalist: Somerset Gordon Place, Melbourne
Finalist: Four Points by Sheraton Geelong
Finalist: Best Western Crystal Inn
Finalist: Limosa Rise
Category
17. Caravan & Holiday Parks
Winner
Melbourne BIG4 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.
Other Winners:
Finalist: BIG4 Swan Hill Pioneer City Tourist Park
Finalist: RACV Cobram Resort
Finalist: Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park
Category
10. Business Event Venues
Winner
Geelong Otway Tourism
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:
Finalist: Phillip Island Nature Park
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.
Category
Minister's Encouragement Award
Winner
Otway Estate – Winery & Brewery
Situated in the Otway Ranges and only 10 minutes from Colac, Otway Estate offers something for everyone. Our function centre is perfect for your event, regardless of the size – from the small and intimate to the large or corporate – we can cater for weddings, birthdays, conferences and more.
With on site spa accommodation, the Estate offers 3 self contained cottages nestled in the surrounding bushland and looking out to a view of the vines, offering you the perfect retreat from your busy day to day life. Add something a little special to your stay with us with one of our new special packages.
Category
31. Young Achievers Award
Winner
Sharee Robbins
Sharee has been with Holiday Great Ocean Road since 2003. She has been involved in all areas of the business, including marketing, website development, co-ordinating staff and liaising with property owners.
Category
32. Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
Winner
Fun4Kids Festival Volunteers
Fun4Kids relies on hundreds of generous volunteers, affectionately known as our FUN CREW! Volunteering is a great way to experience the fun of the festival, make a positive contribution to the local community and make new friends.
Many of our volunteers are members of the Warrnambool community including students, teachers, mums, dads and grandparents who want to get involved and share the festival experience.
Category
Qantas Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Winner
Peter O’Brien
Category
26. Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
Winner
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Conservation Volunteers makes it easy for people to care for nature by volunteering on one of our many conservation projects across the country. Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and no prior skills or experience are required, and volunteer projects are available to suit your availability and particular interests.
Conservation Volunteers projects are managed in conjunction with the project partners that includes regional councils, national parks, museums, landcare groups, conservation departments and other national conservation agencies.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Alto Hotel on Bourke
Category
21. Standard Accommodation
Winner
Ovens Valley Motor Inn
In the heart of breath-taking Bright’s pristine valley landscape, the Ovens Valley Motor Inn is the perfect Bright accommodation for you to indulge, relax, enjoy and be nurtured at one of the best scenic spots in the Australian Alps.
Enjoy the beauty, the history and the activity in breath-taking Bright. Ski, cycle, eat, drink. Take a tour or just explore. Make your ‘great escape’ to the Great Alpine Valley….experience the awesome wonder of the Australian Alps, in an awesome Bright motel.
Category
19. Unique Accommodation
Winner
All Seasons Houseboats
All Seasons Houseboats is one of Australia’s leading houseboat companies with a commitment to providing their customers with a unique, relaxing and enjoyable holiday experience.
All Season Houseboats is located on the Dockside Marina, Mildura, an enviable tristate location that is easily accessible by road and by air.
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.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Linden Gardens Rainforest Retreat
Finalist: Lakes Entrance Waverley House Cottages
Finalist: Stringybark Cottages Bed & Breakfast
Category
30. Backpacker Accommodation
Winner
Melbourne Metro YHA
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.
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).
Other Winners:
Finalist: Gapsted Wines Cellar Door
Category
15. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Winner
The Outpost Retreat
The Outpost Retreat is quintessential Noojee. The historic building, once completely hidden by blackberries, is now one of the most popular dining establishments in the Gippsland region and is recognized for their amazing food, great service and relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy lunch or dinner or stay a while in one of our fully self contained cabins, dotted along the banks of the Latrobe River. Our friendly management and staff will be happy to advise you on the many features and attractions that the West Gippsland area has to offer.
Other Winners:
Merit: De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant
Category
28. Tourism Education and Training
Winner
Holmesglen
Holmesglen is one of the largest providers of vocational and higher education in Victoria.
Since 1982, Holmesglen has grown from a delivery of 90 programs to 7,000 students, to a unique multi sectoral provider offering over 600 programs to more than 50,000 students. Holmesglen delivers internationally and nationally across four major campuses: Chadstone, City, Moorabbin and Waverley.
Holmesglen invests to ensure that students have access to the best possible education and training facilities available.
Other Winners:
Merit: William Angliss Institute
Finalist: Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE
Finalist: Gippsland Tourism Industry Leadership Program
Category
14. Destination Marketing
Winner
Destination Gippsland Inc.
Destination Gippsland is the Regional Tourism Board and the peak tourism organisation for the region in eastern Victoria. We were established in 2008 with the support of Tourism Victoria, Parks Victoria and the six member councils of the Gippsland Local Government Network. We are a not for profit public company governed by a skills based board and supported by staff and committees focused on Marketing, Industry Development, Infrastructure Strategy and Finance.
Other Winners:
Merit: Mornington Peninsula Tourism
Finalist: BIG4 Holiday Parks
Finalist: Eureka Skydeck 88
Finalist: Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderland
Category
13. Adventure Tourism
Winner
Auswalk Walking Holidays
Auswalk has been perfecting the Australian walking holidays and offer high quality itineraries to destinations that they personally love. These handpicked holidays showcase Australia, and the amazing sceneries. It is a great business where people can unplug and explore natural landscapes in comfort.
Multi award winning Auswalk is advanced eco tourism certified among other things giving you the peace of mind knowing that you are dealing with a professional company who cares.
Other Winners:
Finalist: Global Ballooning
Category
12. Tour & Transport Operators
Winner
Bunyip Tours
From the spectacular Great Ocean Road to the world famous little penguins on Phillip Island, from the pristine beaches of the southernmost region of mainland Australia, Wilson’s Promontory to the charming Mornington Peninsula, Bunyip Tours features so many unique places to visit and things to see and do.
Bunyip tours have been offering fun, adventurous tours for over 10 years and provide a variety of trips to suit people’s needs in an environmentally responsible way.
Our team of energetic and experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable journey to Victoria’s premier destinations.
Category
11. Major Tour & Transport Operators
Winner
Driver Group
Our drivers and our fleet are who we are. Because of the diversity of services that we offer…charter of all types, school services, nationwide touring, hop on hop off city shuttle and premium sightseeing for international visitors, we attract a high standard of professional drivers, more so than the general industry. Our drivers come from all walks of life, many with experience in other industries who have decided to make a sea change. This creates a unique dynamic at Driver Bus Lines.
Through dedication to their profession, our drivers will prepare for their duties and glean knowledge and information to help them carry out their assigned tasks to the best of their ability, whether it’s taking the local school to the swimming pool or taking international visitors along the Great Ocean Road with a full commentary.
Category
09. Visitor Information Services
Winner
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:
Merit: Mornington Peninsula Tourism
Merit: Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre
Finalist: Frankston Visitor Information Centre
Category
08.Specialised Tourism Services
Winner
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.
Category
06. Cultural Tourism
Winner
Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience – National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
When the Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800s, it dominated the Melbourne skyline as a symbol of authority. Inside the Gaol, dangerous criminals were held alongside petty offenders, the homeless and the mentally ill.
The experience involves various night tours of the Old Melbourne Gaol, the Old Magistrates Court and the city watch.
Category
04. Festivals & Events
Winner
Fun4Kids Festival
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: RACV Energy Breakthrough
Category
03. Major Festivals and Events
Winner
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Food and wine lovers in their hundreds and thousands each year indulge in bespoke events that fill Melbourne’s labyrinthine network of restaurants, laneways, lights-turned-down basements, dizzying rooftops as well as spilling into spectacular regional Victoria.
We are all about supporting and cultivating the very things that make Melbourne – and our surrounding regions – a gastronomic playground.
It is our privilege to work closely with the local industry to shine a light on Victoria as a world-class gastronomic destination.
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.
