Golden Medal Haul for South Australia’s Best Tourism Operators
South Australia’s tourism industry has scored some impressive wins on the national stage, with the best operators from across the state recognised at the Australian Tourism Awards.
From wildlife tours off the Fleurieu Peninsula to adventure stays in the Adelaide Hills, SA businesses picked up a mix of gold, silver and bronze medals across a range of tourism categories.
Big Duck Tours Brings Home National Gold
One of the biggest wins for South Australia came from Big Duck Boat Tours, which took home gold in the Ecotourism category.
Based on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Big Duck runs unforgettable tours off the spectacular coastline around Victor Harbor.
Their Seal Island Tour and Southern Ocean Adventure give visitors the chance to see seals, sea lions and dolphins up close, with Southern Right Whales often spotted along the coast during the cooler months.
Sister Operation, Spirit of the Coorong Also Claims Gold
It wasn’t the only big win for the team, with sister operation Spirit of the Coorong also claiming gold in the Tours and Transport Operators category.
These two stand-out tourism businesses are owned by the same South Australian family company. The national awards come off the back of three consecutive Gold awards at the South Australian Tourism Awards, which has seen other brands inducted into the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame.
The Spirit of the Coorong experience takes visitors deep into the spectacular landscapes of the Coorong National Park, travelling through the lagoons and sand dunes that make the region so unique.
Woodhouse Adventure Park Claims Gold for Unique Accommodation
In the Adelaide Hills, Woodhouse Adventure Park brought home gold for Unique Accommodation as well as silver in the Adventure Tourism category.
Known for its outdoor adventure activities, Woodhouse has expanded its offering in recent years with accommodation options that allow guests to stay right in the middle of the action.
The team described the gold win as a particularly special moment after being national finalists in the category multiple times.
Regional Music Festival Earns National Recognition
On the Eyre Peninsula, Streaky Sounds Music Festival secured a well-deserved bronze in the Festivals and Events category — a huge result for a regional event competing on the national stage.
The coastal festival has built a strong following thanks to its mix of big music acts, seaside vibes and the kind of country hospitality the west coast does so well.
Tourism Across the State Recognised
Several other South Australian businesses also walked away with national awards.
The Adelaide Fringe collected two silver awards, recognised in the Major Festivals and Events category as well as for Excellence in Accessible Tourism.
Barossa Valley’s Monkey Nut Cafe collected bronze in Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services, while the historic Seppeltsfield Winery also picked up bronze in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category.
Accommodation was another strong area for South Australia, with Old Coach Road Estate taking silver in Self Contained Accommodation, and Monarto Safari Resort earning silver for New Tourism Business.
The results highlight the diversity of experiences on offer across the state — from major international festivals to regional events, unique tours and standout accommodation.
They’re a strong reminder that regional South Australia is right up there with the best tourism experiences anywhere in Australia.
