South Australia’s finest tourism operators were recognised last week at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner, with three Fleurieu businesses inducted into the Hall of Fame and three making a clean sweep of the Excellence in Food Tourism category.

Fleurieu Food and Wine won gold; Goolwa’s Anita Robin, The Foodbuilder took out silver; while the Willunga Farmers Market was awarded bronze.

In the Eco Tourism category The Big Duck Boat Tour took out gold while Spirit of the Coorong won gold in the Tour and Transport Operators category, both for the third consecutive year, which qualified them for the SA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

Joel Hirsch is General Manager across both brands. “We are absolutely thrilled. This is a win for our whole team,” he says.

“From our crew on the water to our staff behind the scenes, everyone has gone above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests — even during uncertainty. This result is a testament to our commitment to sustainable, nature-based tourism in South Australia.”

Both operators — based in Victor Harbor, Wirrina Cove and Goolwa — have continued to lead the way in marine and wetland ecotourism, education, and citizen science. Spirit of the Coorong’s immersive Coorong National Park cruises and The Big Duck’s whale, seal and dolphin tours have become iconic visitor experiences in the Fleurieu Peninsula region.

“These awards are not just about trophies — they’re about what we stand for. Regenerative tourism, community partnerships, environmental care and creating joy for every single guest,” Joel says.

The d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale took out gold in the Tourist Attractions category and also entered the Hall of Fame, while the Victor Harbor Horse Tram won bronze.

Old Coach Road Estate in Hindmarsh Valley took out gold in the Self-Contained Accommodation category.

Goolwa’s 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival won silver in the Festivals and Events category and SA eBikes in McLaren Vale won silver in the Tourism Retail, Hire and Services category.

McLaren Vale’s Dandelion Vineyards won bronze in the Tourism Wineries categories, while its Never Never Distilling Co won silver in the Tourism Distilleries and Breweries category.

Over 26 categories showcased South Australia's most exceptional tourism businesses, with the awards highlighting outstanding achievement, business excellence and commitment to delivering quality visitor experiences.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says the diversity of winners at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards is a terrific demonstration of what makes the state a must-visit destination worldwide.

“The passion and dedication of everyone who is part of our visitor economy enables our state’s tourism sector to be the success it is, contributing close to $10 billion each year while providing meaningful jobs for more than 40,000 South Australians.

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you once again for your continued commitment to making South Australia an inclusive and welcoming destination of choice.”

Winners from Categories 1 to 26 of the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards go on to represent South Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards, to be held on Friday 6 March 2026 in Fremantle, Western Australia.

The 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards is supported by the South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

To view the full list of winners and find out more about the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards, visit the website. 

The Big Duck Boat Tours and Spirit of the Coorong have achieved a landmark result at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards, taking home Gold in their respective categories and being inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame for winning three years in a row.