South Australia shone bright at the 40th Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, as around 800 tourism industry leaders and business owners from across the country gathered in Adelaide on Friday 21 March.

Nine South Australian tourism businesses took home awards, four from the Fleurieu Peninsula.

A first time national finalist, Old Coach Road Estate at Hindmarsh Valley was awarded Gold for its secluded and luxurious property in the Self-Contained Accommodation category.

South coast water-based businesses took two Silver awards – Big Duck Boat Tours for Ecotourism and Spirit of the Coorong in the Tour & Transport Operators category.

Kool Tours won Bronze for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences across the southern Fleurieu and KI.

The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards recognises Australia’s most exceptional tourism businesses, showcasing the dedication to quality and innovation that defines Australian tourism. This year’s awards not only honoured achievements across 26 categories but also served as a moment of reflection on the vibrant four decades-long history of the Australian Tourism Awards.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says a lot has changed about the state’s tourism industry in the 10 years since SA last hosted the national awards.

“I was incredibly proud to share some of the advancements we have made to the leading industry delegates here this week.

“A massive congratulations to the tourism businesses who took home an award, the accolades are so well-deserved and demonstrate the diversity and quality of our tourism industry on the national stage.”

South Australian winners at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards:

GOLD

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries: Seppeltsfield Barossa, Barossa

Self-Contained Accommodation: Old Coach Road Estate, Fleurieu Peninsula

SILVER

Ecotourism: The Big Duck Boat Tours, Fleurieu Peninsula

Tour & Transport Operators: Spirit of the Coorong, Fleurieu Peninsula

Adventure Tourism: Bendleby Ranges, Flinders Ranges & Outback

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation: Oval Hotel, Adelaide

BRONZE

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences: Kool Tours, Kangaroo Island & Fleurieu Peninsula

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns: Barossa Australia - Barossa. Be Curious, Barossa

Excellence in Accessible Tourism: Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide

Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) delivers the annual South Australian Tourism Awards, with the winners going onto compete in the Australian Tourism Awards. Nominations for the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards open on Thursday 1 May. For further information, visit the website.