South Australia's best tourism experiences for 2023

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.