Discover the best tourism experiences in South Australia for 2023 and explore the full list of winners from the South Australian Tourism Awards.
Seeking the best in our state? The South Australian tourism awards celebrate the very best of our world-famous offerings - from tours, experiences, festivals and products. Each year an independent judging panel weigh up South Australia's world-class attractions, dining experiences, festivals and accommodation offerings to select the crème de la crème, creating a benchmark for South Australia. Add these experiences to your South Australian adventure wish list, knowing they come with one hefty tick of approval.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Major Tourist Attractions
Winner – Monarto Safari Park
Set off on a wild African safari (well, almost) and watch lions, cheetahs and zebras roam over a 1,500 hectare open-range sanctuary - all from the comfort of a shuttle bus at Monarto Safari Park. With their jaw-dropping, hair-raising lion 360 experience, a visit to Monarto Safari Park is a must add to the itinerary for the adrenaline junkies.
Silver – Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval is an iconic destination, located in one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world. As Australia's first stadium hotel, Adelaide Oval is also home to world-class events, concerts, functions and more. There's so many ways to experience Adelaide Oval - located in the heart of Adelaide, the Oval Hotel makes for the perfect home base for city exploration. For something a little more adventurous, go behind the scenes on a stadium tour or embark on the infamous RoofClimb and soak up the views of the city and surrounds.
Tourist Attractions
Winner – The d’Arenberg Cube
Seemingly floating above the vines, this otherworldly Rubik’s cube like cellar door is one of the most iconic and unique wine tasting destinations in Australia. Set among the rolling hills of McLaren Vale on the largest biodynamic winery in Australia, The Cube features a tasting room with 360-degree views over five levels, several bars, a casual dining restaurant, a museum and an art gallery.
Silver – Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society
Board the iconic and heritage Pichi Richi Railway today and discover the original Ghan route between Port August and Quorn. Enjoy a full-day or half day trip aboard the restored steam or heritage diesel train and experience the most scenic part of the Port August and Government Gums Railway featuring deep rock cuttings, stone wall embankments and spectacular iron bridges. Operating by volunteers since 1974, this authentic heritage tourist railway is a must see experience when in the Flinders Ranges.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Experiences
Winner – Kool Tours
As the traditional custodians on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, Kool Tours offer authentic tribal experiences to visitors. Connecting the ways of the ancient into a new world and allowing visitors to experience a day in the life of their people, Kool Tours offers a unique Aboriginal Tourism experience.
THE FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Major Festivals & Events
Winner – Illuminate Adelaide
Silver – Adelaide Caberet Festival
Bronze – WOMADelaide
Festivals & Events
Winner – 2023 Let's Go Caravan, Camping and Outdoor Show
Silver – SALT Festival 2023
Bronze – DreamBIG Children's Festival
Ecotourism
Winner – The Big Duck Boat Tours
Silver – Camel Treks Australia
Bronze – CABN
Cultural Tourism
Winner & Hall of Fame – The Cedars Hahndorf
Silver – Adelaide Zoo
Bronze – Flamboyance Tours
Tourism Retail & Hire Services
Winner – Cooper Trails Bike Hire
Visitor Information Services
Winner – Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre
Silver – Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre
Business Event Venues
Winner – Adelaide Oval
Tour & Transport Operators
Winner – Spirit of the Coorong
Silver – Experience Coffin Bay
Bronze – Carriage of Occasion
Adventure Tourism
Winner & Hall of Fame – Bendleby Ranges
Silver – Woodhouse Activity Centre
Bronze – Bike About Cycling Tours & Hire
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Winner – Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula
Silver – Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Winner – The Currant Shed
Silver – L'Anse French Cafe
Bronze – Watervale Hotel
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Winner – Seppeltsfield Wines
Silver – Kimbolton Wines
Bronze – Elderton Wines
Caravan & Holiday Parks
Winner – BIG4 West Beach Parks
Silver – Minalton Caravan Park
Bronze – Karoonda Tourist Park
Hosted Accommodation
Winner – Oceanview Eco Villas
Unique Accommodation
Winner & Hall of Fame – Woodhouse Activity Centre
Silver – Bukirk Glamping & Fancy Coops
Self-contained Accommodation
Winner & Hallf of Fame – Naiko Retreat
Silver – Old Coach Road Estate
3-3.5 Star Accommodation
Winner – ibis Adelaide
Silver – Kangaroo Island Seaview Motel
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Winner – Beach Huts Middleton
Silver – Bridgeport Hotel
Bronze – Pullman Adelaide
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Winner – Sequoia Lodge
Silver – Le Mas Barossa
New Tourism Business
Winner – Port River Cruises
Silver – Brindabella Sailing
Bronze – Beresford Estate
Excellence in Food Tourism
Winner – Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market
Silver – Anita Robin, the foodbuilder
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Winner – Adelaide Fringe
Silver – Monarto Safari Park
Bronze – BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park
Voters’ Choice Award: Experiences & Services
Winner – Monarto Safari Park
Voters’ Choice Award: Accommodation
Winner – BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park
Thank you....
From the ancient peaks of the Flinders Ranges and outback to the lush valleys of the Adelaide Hills, we thank our operators for showing South Australia to the world.