A shipshape event in the riverport town of Goolwa, an innovative and quirky McLaren Vale winery and South Australia’s oldest farmers’ market were among big winners from the Fleurieu Peninsula at the SA Tourism Awards.

The awards were announced on Friday 8 November at a gala dinner.

The category and medal winners from the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island were:

Festivals and events category

Winner - South Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2019

The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is the largest freshwater Wooden Boat Festival in Australia. Celebrating the historic river port of Goolwa and its connection to the River Murray, the festival focuses on the significance of wooden boats in the region throughout history.

Tour and Transport Operators category

Winner - Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari

Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari is a family owned and operated business with a mission to provide visitors to Kangaroo Island with a unique nature-based, marine tourism experience. Visitors enjoy the marine tours from a 12-seater vessel, with the opportunity to see dolphins, seals, eagles and birdlife along with informative commentary. Kangaroo Island Ocean Safaris also provides the opportunity to swim with dolphins and seals.

Silver - Small Batch Wine Tours (offering wine tours of McLaren Vale as well as Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills).

Bronze - Helivista (offering helicopter tours of McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula as well as the Flinders Ranges).

Destination Marketing category

Winner - Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance

Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance is the leading tourism body in region, with the primary focus to grow the visitor economy. With 23 campaign partners working together to drive this innovative approach to destination marketing, the results have been outstanding with campaign partners receiving significant return on investment.

Standard Accommodation category

Winner - Beach Huts Middleton

The Beach Huts Middleton allow guests to relax and unwind on the deck of their own self-contained beach hut. The huts are fittingly named after 12 of the most famous Australian beaches and surrounded by an English countryside garden. The Beach Huts Middleton offer continental breakfast provisions, a complimentary bottle of local bubbly, free Wi-Fi throughout, freshly picked flowers from the garden and full-sized tennis court facilities.

Excellence in Food Tourism category

Winner - Willunga Farmers' Market

Established in 2002, the Willunga Farmers' Market strives to be South Australia’s premier regional farmers' market. Operating every Saturday in the heart of Willunga, the market has grown to accommodate over 70 stalls with fresh produce, wine, coffee and hot food stalls. The market is a fantastic showcase for visitors to meet the grower and taste the region.

Bronze - The Currant Shed

Tourist attractions category

Bronze - d'Arenberg Cube

Visitor information services category

Silver - McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre

Bronze - Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category

Silver - d'Arenberg