The Barossa, Flinders and Eyre Peninsula – All Among the Winners at South Australia’s Premier Tourism Awards
Few towns blend country charm, premium food and wine, and visitor experiences quite like Tanunda.
Now, the heart of the Barossa Valley has been recognised as South Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2026.
Tanunda took out the 2026 hello SA Top Tourism Town Award at a ceremony on Tuesday night, recognised for its visitor experiences, hospitality and contribution to regional tourism.
Tanunda wasn’t the only regional success story, Melrose was crowned South Australia’s Tiny Tourism Town of the Year, while Experience Coffin Bay skipper Scott Nugent was named the state’s top tour guide.
From sipping shiraz in the Barossa, to tackling mountain bike trails in Melrose, or shucking oysters straight from the waters of Coffin Bay, the winners highlight the diversity of experiences drawing visitors to regional South Australia.
The hello SA Top Tourism Town & Tour Guide Awards program is delivered annually by South Australia’s peak tourism body, Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA).
TiCSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Daisy Miller, congratulated the award recipients.
“Our towns and tour guides have shown commitment and dedication to creating great experiences for visitors.”
“From local operators and volunteers giving their time, to the local governments committed to supporting tourism as an economic driver for their regions, these towns, tour guides and their contribution to the South Australian visitor experience deserves recognition and we’re delighted to celebrate them.”
Award partner, channel Nine’s hello SA will showcase the winners’ stories. and Tanunda, Melrose and Scott Nugent will also go on to represent South Australia at the Australian Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Awards in Canberra later this year.
For more SA regional success stories click here.
