At the night of nights for the South Australia’s tourism industry, the spotlight shone brightly on regional SA, highlighting the impressive array of attractions, the warmth of its welcoming communities, and the genuine spirit of adventure that awaits those who venture beyond the city limits.
Celebrating and acknowledging tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievements and success throughout the year, the South Australian Tourism Awards, delivered by Tourism Council South Australia (TICSA) are the pinnacle of excellence within the State’s tourism industry.
Securing victory as the best Adventure Tourism winner for the third year, the magical Bendleby Ranges joined the Awards’ prestigious Hall of Fame, for its Southern Flinders adventure and eco-tourism destination.
Owners, Charlie and Kylie Luckcraft, transformed the working sheep station, into an outback experience in 2000, offering some of the most vast and rugged four wheel driving in SA. The Luckcrafts are passionate about providing guests with a memorable visit whilst blending sustainability, self-challenge and the power of ‘nature to nurture’ in every experience.’
Also joining the tourism hall of fame, Woodhouse Adventure Park took out best Unique Accommodation, backed by a silver in the Adventure Tourism category. Situated on 54-acres of gum-studded countryside, only 25 minutes from Adelaide, Woodhouse is not only a favourite for school camps, but also offers rustic chalets, camping fields and luxurious glamping bell tents, and encourages guests to disconnect from electronics and reconnect with nature.
Clare Valley’s luxury Bukirk Glamping and Fancy Coops, with its luxuriously decorated, adults-only bell tents and cabins, and spectacular farm and vineyard views, was awarded silver in the best Unique Accommodation category.
Nestled between Deep Creek National Park and Talisker Conservation Park, Naiko Retreat also joined the hall of fame for best self contained accommodation. Majestically perched on a cliff, overlooking a pristine and secluded beach on the the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline, the luxury eco-retreat allows guests to disconnect from daily life, turn down the volume and declutter their minds. The silver award in the best self-contained accommodation category, went to Old Coach Road Estate, Hindmarsh Valley.
Kangaroo Island’s Oceanview Eco Villas was awarded Best Hosted Accommodation, for its bespoke, end-to-end experience for KI visitors. Showcasing the best of luxury and personalised service, Oceanview Eco Villas focuses strongly on sustainability and regenerative travel.
Moonta’s Copper Trail Bike Hire pulled off an exciting victory in the Tourism Retail, Hire and Services category, just two years after opening the quality and sustainable tourism accredited bike hire, sales and servicing business.
More regional winners in the South Australia Tourism Awards
The Cedars, Hahndorf – Cultural Tourism Winners & Hall of Fame inductee
Silver – Camel Treks Australia
Silver – Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance
Silver -Burra and Goyder Visitor Information Centre
Silver – Le Mas, Barossa Valley
Isabel Nietschke – Young Achiever winner
South Australia’s visitor economy at an “all-time high”
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the diversity and excellence of the winners demonstrate what makes South Australia a must-visit tourism destination.
‘With South Australia’s visitor economy at an all-time high of $9.9 billion, it is clear this could only be achieved through the innovation and dedication of operators across the state who deliver incredible offerings which entice visitors from all over to see South Australia,” she said.
Winners from most categories will go on to represent South Australia in the national Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin next year.
For a full list of award winners click here
