Past Winners
CATEGORY 1 - Major Tourist Attractions
Sponsored by Tourism WA
Gold - WA Museum Boola Bardip
At the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre precinct, WA Museum Boola Bardip is where Western Australia’s stories come alive, making it the must-see tourist destination for intrastate, interstate and international travellers alike. Through captivating local and international exhibitions, interactive displays, diverse programs and events, the Museum attracted more than 455,000 visitors last financial year, contributing significantly to the State’s economy. Globally recognised, WA Museum Boola Bardip truly embodies the essence of a world-class museum and tourist attraction.
Silver - Fremantle Prison
Bronze - Rottnest Island
CATEGORY 2 - Tourist Attractions
Sponsored by Hello Perth
Gold - Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Willie Creek Pearl Farm educates and inspires thousands of visitors each year to uncover the history, mystery and journey of the pearl on its multi-award-winning tours. Located 38km north of Broome, the commercial pearling site sustainably produces the best pearls in the world: Australian South Sea Pearls. Operating for more than 30 years, the WA-based Banfield family have shared the inner workings of the industry; the seeding, care and harvest of the only gem created by a living organism. Experience the magic from shell to showroom, set within the spectacular Kimberley landscape.
Silver - Lobster Shack
Bronze - Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory
CATEGORY 3 - Major Festivals & Events
Sponsored by Tourism WA
The Giants of Mandurah is a major cultural tourism project initiated, produced and managed by non-profit organisation FORM. Since November 2022, this free-to-view, outdoor trail of several huge wooden sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo has brought thousands of people to the Peel region to discover the unique texture of Mandurah’s First Nations, cultural, natural, and urban settings. In the opening month alone, nearly 50,000 people visited the Giants. By February 2023, Mandurah Visitor Centre was reporting a 400% increase of visitors, and a more than 50% increase of total interstate spend compared with the same period in 2021.
Silver - WinterLive – Optus Stadium
Bronze - Christmas in Mandurah – City of Mandurah
CATEGORY 4 - Festivals & Events
Through a diverse calendar packed with exciting events and experiences including dining under the stars, music, yoga boats, comedy, rodeo and more, to the local characters that make Kununurra and the East Kimberley one of the most iconic destinations in the world, the Ord Valley Muster is a truly magical experience for all. From humble beginnings in 2001, the Ord Valley Muster came to life quietly as a simple one-night affair, a pleasant dinner in the outback for local businesses. Since then, it has grown at lightning speed to be firmly established as a pre-eminent event in the national festival calendar.
Silver - South32 Rottnest Channel Swim – Rottnest Channel Swim Association
Bronze - 2023 Perth Caravan & Camping Show – Caravan Industry Association WA
CATEGORY 5 - Ecotourism
Sponsored by Parks & Wildlife Service
Gold - Live Ningaloo
Live Ningaloo is the only small, single swimming group tour company specialised in whale shark and humpback whale snorkelling on the Ningaloo reef in Western Australia. Live Ningaloo reclaims time in a meaningful way and gives people the space to feel something. They give guests the best opportunity to create an authentic, life-changing experience that challenges them to grow. Their ultimate vision is to leave people, place, and the wild better than how they found it and inspire visitors to leave the Ningaloo region an ambassador for life. Live Ningaloo envisions a future where all micro ecotourism businesses can achieve positive regenerative outcomes.
Silver - Perth Wildlife Encounters
Bronze - Wooleen Station
CATEGORY 6 - Cultural Tourism
Sponsored by Tourism Australia
Gold - WA Museum Boola Bardip
At the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre precinct, WA Museum Boola Bardip is where Western Australia’s stories come alive, making it the must-see tourist destination for intrastate, interstate and international travellers alike. Through captivating local and international exhibitions, interactive displays, diverse programs and events, the Museum attracted more than 455,000 visitors last financial year, contributing significantly to the State’s economy. Globally recognised, WA Museum Boola Bardip truly embodies the essence of a world-class museum and tourist attraction.
Silver - Fremantle Prison
Bronze - Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory
CATEGORY 7 - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Sponsored by WAITOC
Gold - Ngurrangga Tours
Ngurrangga Tours has been offering indigenous cultural tours of the Pilbara for 10 years. Owner Clinton Walker and his team of guides take clients to see the wonders of the Pilbara, educating and immersing them in the ways of his culture, its rich and sometimes tragic history, and its connection to the region’s unique country. Clinton Walker is a descendant of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi people, the traditional landowners of the coastal and inland areas of the West Pilbara region. In 2021, he was inducted into the WA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame and won the FACET Golden Guide Award.
CATEGORY 8 - Tourism Retail & Hire Services
Sponsored by Vanguard Media Group
Gold - Origins Market
Origins Market has introduced the South West to a unique and innovative concept dedicated to showcasing the best of WA’s makers, growers and producers. Origins provides a retail space to 67 regional producers and is an inspirational space to meet the makers. It incubates emerging creatives and small businesses that define the region through innovative programs and inclusions, such as a shared commercial kitchen, workshop opportunities and marketing support. With six precincts under one roof, Origins Market offers a sensory experience where the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and culture of the South West region come together to feed the soul.
Silver - The House of Honey and Sticky Spoon Cafe
Bronze - Willie Creek Pearls
CATEGORY 9 - Visitor Information Services
Sponsored by RAC Parks & Resorts
Gold - Mandurah Visitor Centre
The key focus of the Mandurah Visitor Centre is to supply visitors with the inspiration and information they need to explore the region, when and how they want it. The Visitor Centre offers destination information, booking services, local retail offerings and provides excellent face-to-face and digital visitor servicing, that exceed visitor expectations.
Silver - Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre
Bronze - Kununurra Visitor Centre
CATEGORY 10 - Business Event Venues
Sponsored by Business Events Perth
Gold - Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Nestled amidst the pristine natural wonders, prestigious wineries, fine dining eateries and dazzling beaches of Western Australia’s world-renowned Margaret River region, the award-winning, 5-star Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is a one-stop-concierge featuring the best in conference and event experiences. At Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, lacklustre meetings and yawn-inducing conferences are replaced by innovative business events that inspire, engage and connect. Featuring spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, onsite accommodation and more than 700sqm of function space, this impressive venue provides unique event opportunities that are truly unforgettable.
Silver - Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Bronze - Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
CATEGORY 11 - Major Tour & Transport Operators
Sponsored by The Sunday Times
Gold - SeaLink WA
SeaLink WA is Western Australia's leading Marine and Tourism Operator, cruising between Rottnest Island, Fremantle, Perth and the Swan Valley. With a vast portfolio of unique cruises and tours, the SeaLink WA team delivers their passion for customer service and tourism through their Captain Cook Cruises, Swan Valley Tours and SeaLink brands. The friendly crew in blue are dedicated to delivering unforgettable memories on our waterways. Whether it be Swan River dining, Rottnest Island adventures or Swan Valley experiences, SeaLink WA has something for everyone.
Silver - Inspiration Outdoors
Bronze - Pinnacle Travel Group
CATEGORY 12 - Tour & Transport Operators
Sponsored by Vanguard Media Group
Gold - Swan River Seaplanes
Swan River Seaplanes is a premier tourism operator based in Perth, Western Australia. Offering an unparalleled experience, it specialises in aerial tours departing from the heart of Perth city – taking in the picturesque Swan River and its stunning surroundings. Its state-of-the-art seaplane provides guests with panoramic views of Perth's captivating skyline, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes. With a team of experienced pilots, Swan River Seaplanes ensures a safe and exciting adventure, from city scenic flights to packages to Rottnest Island, Margaret River or further afield. Embark on an unforgettable journey and witness the mesmerising beauty of Perth from above with Swan River Seaplanes.
Silver - The Hike Collective
Bronze - Off the Beaten Track WA
CATEGORY 13 - Adventure Tourism
Sponsored by RAC Parks & Resorts
Gold - The Hike Collective
The Hike Collective is your home of guided exploration, creating opportunities to explore the rugged landscapes and natural beauty of the hiking trails within one hour of the Perth CBD. It exists to provide a safe space to escape to the simplicity of the great outdoors and empower experiential discovery. It makes adventure accessible to people who may have little outdoor experience, enabling them to discover the true essence of Western Australia through majestic landscapes and incredible bite-sized adventures.
Silver - Off The Beaten Track WA
Bronze - Perth Wildlife Encounters
CATEGORY 14 - Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Sponsored by Countrywide Publications
Visit Mandurah is Mandurah’s peak tourism body committed to the vision for Mandurah to be a nationally recognised destination with a strong and innovative visitor economy that preserves the natural environment and delivers exceptional visitor experiences. The launch of the 'Giants of Mandurah' outdoor exhibition by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo in November 2022 marked the starting point of Visit Mandurah’s destination marketing campaign ‘BIG Reasons to visit Mandurah’ which resulted in giant visitor numbers, record-breaking digital marketing stats and positive sentiment.
Silver - Queens on the Edge – Australia’s South West
Bronze - Join the Journey – WAITOC
CATEGORY 15 - Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Gold - Core Cider House
Only 35 minutes (but a world away) from Perth city, Core Cider House offers an escape to the Perth Hills. Situated on 40 acres of apple orchards from which tourism experiences are crafted, the Orchard Bistro enables guests to feast and indulge on the produce of the orchard, the region, and of Western Australia. With views over the orchards, the Orchard Bistro connects guests to nature through dynamic seasonal variations.
Silver - Finlay’s Kalbarri
CATEGORY 16 - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Sponsored by Bailiwick Legal
Gold - Singlefile Wines
Singlefile Wines, located in Denmark in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, is a producer of fine wines crafted with a focus on quality and provenance. Its motto, Semper Superne Nitens, translates to “the pursuit of excellence” and encapsulates its drive to craft wines at the top of its game, and deliver an exceptional tourism experience. Established by the Snowden and Corbett families in 2007, Singlefile has grown to a respected winery which still stays true to its foundations as a family business.
Silver - Sin Gin Distillery
CATEGORY 17 - Caravan & Holiday Parks
Sponsored by Caravan Industry Association WA
Summerstar Tom Price Tourist Park is an Australian family-owned and operated business and a gateway to the over two-billion-year-old rugged gorges of Karijini National Park. It offers an oasis where lush green grounds provide welcome relief from red dirt, creature comforts are aplenty, mountain views leave visitors in awe, pets are welcome, and relaxation and adventure combine. Nestled at the base of the impressive Jarndunmunha (Mount Nameless) - ‘place of rock wallabies’ to the local Aboriginal Eastern Gurum People, and the Pilbara’s highest peak - the park is the perfect base for exploring the Pilbara.
Silver - Experience Lancelin Holiday Park
CATEGORY 18 - Hosted Accommodation
Gold - Amaroo Retreat & Spa
Situated on 52 acres and only a brief 45-minute drive from Perth city, you will find the exclusive Amaroo Retreat & Spa. This luxury, adults-only escape nestled in the stunning Perth Hills is comprised of eight individual private chalets, an onsite day spa, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and extensive bushland views as far as the eye can see. “Relax, rejuvenate and reconnect” is the mantra they stand by, and this emulates throughout every aspect of the guest experience.
CATEGORY 19 - Unique Accommodation
Gold - Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Nestled in a secluded coastal wilderness at the edge of Western Australia’s spectacular Dampier Peninsula, an overnight stay at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm provides guests with an awe-inspiring Australian tourism experience steeped in pearling heritage and culture. The Farm is a prominent Kimberley attraction offering two unique accommodation precincts; the new Pearler’s Village and historic Divers Creek - where guests can choose to stay in Deluxe Glamping Eco-tents or one of four self-contained Pearler Shacks. In the 2022-23 financial year, the Farm welcomed more than 30,000 visitors staying overnight and was ranked as the #1 ‘Things To Do’ on the Dampier Peninsula.
Silver - Bullara Station Stay
Bronze - Eco Abrolhos Cruises
CATEGORY 20 - Self Contained Accommodation
Sponsored by Parks & Wildlife Service
Gold - Tree Chalets
Set in Margaret River’s impressive wine country only a short drive from Busselton is the beautiful Tree Chalets. Sheltered there amid 90 acres of natural Australian bush and Rosegum plantation are two luxuriously appointed chalets, each accommodating two people. The innovative design of the chalets allows for total relaxation and immersion in nature. Couples can enjoy absolute privacy, with the exception of an occasional visit from a kangaroo and the abundant birdlife. With sumptuously inviting beds, decked chill-out zones, stunning cast iron outdoor baths and wood fires, Tree Chalets makes for an ideal romantic getaway.
Silver - Eight Willows Retreat
Bronze - Stay Rottnest – Rottnest Island Authority
CATEGORY 21 - 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
Gold - SurfPoint Resort
Surfpoint Resort provides quality budget accommodation in the heart of the Margaret River region, along the South West edge of Western Australia. Located in Gnarabup, just minutes from Margaret River Mouth, it is easily accessible by hikers traversing the iconic Cape to Cape track. With world-class swimming and surfing beaches within walking distance, the resort is ideally located for visits to wineries, breweries, eateries and the abundance of attractions the region has to offer. The accommodation appeals to travellers who like to share their experiences, either with extended family, groups of friends, or other travellers.
Silver - Broadwater Resort Busselton
Bronze - Kangaroo Inn
CATEGORY 22 - 4-4.5 Star Accommodation
Sponsored by Distinction Framing
Cable Beach Resort and Spa offers premium accommodation and is located in Broome, Western Australia. It is the only resort located on Cable Beach, offering exceptional customer service and is fully equipped to cater for corporate events to relaxing getaways. Situated among lush grounds, the Resort offers 221 rooms and annually welcomes 31,000 visitors to the Kimberley.
Silver - Holiday Inn West Perth
Bronze - Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
CATEGORY 23 - 5 Star Accommodation
Gold - Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Nestled amidst the pristine natural wonders, prestigious wineries, fine dining eateries and dazzling beaches of Western Australia’s world-renowned Margaret River region, the award-winning, 5-star Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is a one-stop-concierge featuring the best in conference and event experiences. At Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, lacklustre meetings and yawn-inducing conferences are replaced by innovative business events that inspire, engage and connect. Featuring spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, onsite accommodation and more than 700sqm of function space, this impressive venue provides unique event opportunities that are truly unforgettable.
Silver - Fraser Suites Perth
CATEGORY 24 - New Tourism Business
Sponsored by Gallagher
Gold - Nexus Airlines
With a vision to be nationally recognised as Western Australia’s leading regional airline, renowned for delivering the highest calibre of aviation services, Nexus Airlines is proud to be a truly WA airline. Nexus is an airline that was born in the Kimberley, is based locally, and is committed to improving air connectivity into and around the State.
Silver - Serenity Gully
Bronze - Kimberley Day Cruise
CATEGORY 25 - Excellence in Food Tourism
Gold - Harvest Tours
Harvest Tours strives to give guests a deeply personal and truly authentic experience of both Margaret River and the Great Southern regions of WA. They connect guests with the best of the best – the region’s greatest food artisans, most skilled winemakers, best produce, stunning scenery, and enthusiastic and inspiring local business owners. Every tour is accompanied by a team of informative, friendly and knowledgeable guides. Harvest Tours is dedicated to ensuring that the service provided from the first point of contact through to the end of the tour and beyond is truly memorable.
Silver - Core Cider House
Bronze - The House of Honey and Sticky Spoon Cafe
CATEGORY 26 - Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Sponsored by Spinal Life Australia
Gold - Off the Beaten Track WA
Off The Beaten Track WA is an award-winning tour business that immerses adventurers in the awe-inspiring beauty and hidden gems of Western Australia. Carefully crafted tours take travellers on unforgettable journeys, providing them with unique and authentic experiences that showcase the diversity and natural wonders of the region. The hiking experiences and gourmet adventures unravel a tapestry of remarkable landscapes and tantalizing flavours. Guests step off the beaten track and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of Perth and the South West of WA.
Silver - Busselton Jetty
Bronze - RAC Arena
CATEGORY 27 - Local Government Award for Tourism
Sponsored by Vanguard Media Group
Gold - City of Fremantle
Fremantle (Walyalup) - affectionately known as 'Freo' - is a maritime city with spirit and soul, full of vibrancy, colour and culture. An eclectic destination, Fremantle has been transformed through the award-winning Walyalup Koort project, a once in a generation renaissance of Fremantle’s city centre. The city is now experiencing a high level of investor confidence and exciting new tourism developments are emerging.
Silver - City of Mandurah
Bronze - Shire of Ashburton
Sir David Brand Award for Tourism
Gold - Ngurrangga Tours
Ngurrangga Tours has been offering indigenous cultural tours of the Pilbara for 10 years. Owner Clinton Walker and his team of guides take clients to see the wonders of the Pilbara, educating and immersing them in the ways of his culture, its rich and sometimes tragic history, and its connection to the region’s unique country. Clinton Walker is a descendant of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi people, the traditional landowners of the coastal and inland areas of the West Pilbara region. In 2021, he was inducted into the WA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame and won the FACET Golden Guide Award.
Sir David Brand Medal
Gold - Peter Prendiville
Peter Prendiville is a tourism entrepreneur who, as an investor, developer and operator across a career of more than 45 years, has brought some of Western Australia’s best-known tourism and hospitality brands to life. Today, as Chairman of the family-owned Prendiville Group, Peter, alongside his brother Garry, oversees an extensive portfolio which includes numerous iconic tourism, hospitality and entertainment facilities throughout Perth, regional Western Australia and interstate. Many of the venues are known and dear to many Australians – including Hotel Rottnest, The Mangrove Hotel in Broome, The Cottesloe Beach Hotel, The Norfolk Hotel, Sandalford Wines, and Samphire Rottnest, the first resort on Rottnest Island in 30 years.
