2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards Results
Congratulations to the following outstanding operators who have been judged as medalists in the 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Port Arthur Historic Site - Gold
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, 90 minutes’ drive southeast of nipaluna/ Hobart, is a must-see destination in lutrawita/Tasmania. One of Tourism Australia's Cultural Attractions of Australia and spanning over 40 hectares with more than 30 historic buildings to explore; the Port Arthur Historic Site brings Australia’s early convict history to life with guided tours, audio experience, harbour cruises, events and activities and the spine-chilling Ghost Tour after dark. Visitors and locals enjoy dining in the café or relaxing with a local wine or spirit, matched with regional cuisine prepared by the chef in 1830 Restaurant & Bar.
- The Gorge Scenic Chairlift - Silver
Tourist Attractions
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is a remarkable private garden with a 40+ year history in the northwest of Tasmania. Spanning 11ha, it was built and is operated mainly by volunteers who are dedicated to the conservation of Rhododendron species from around the world, and it boasts the largest collection in the Southern Hemisphere. The primary seasons of Autumn and Spring are celebrated annually with two traditional festivals, and their newly renovated Licensed Cafe provides meals and refreshments, with BYO picnics being welcome. The Garden hosts local, interstate, international visitors, and is a recognised destination for cruise ship visitors.
- Bridestowe Lavender Estate - Silver
- Seahorse World - Bronze
Major Festivals & Events
- Tasmania's Taste of Summer - Gold
Held annually on the waterfront of nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania's Taste of Summer is one of Australia's largest food and drink festivals, celebrating Tasmania's world class food and drink, culture, community and summer! Over 9 days, 85,486 patrons enjoyed delicious Tasmanian fare from 90 stallholders, and a stellar line up of more than 60 emerging and well-known local Tasmanian musicians and entertainers. Aussie rock legend Jon Stevens brought the party to New Year’s Eve on the waterfront, entertaining patrons with hits from his national Noiseworks and INXS tour. Tasmania’s Taste of Summer offers guests to our island an unique immersive Tasmanian experience.
Festivals & Events
- Junction Arts Festival - Gold
Junction Arts Festival is an annual multi-arts festival that showcases incredible talent of Tasmanian artists, alongside some special guests from across Australia. Junction is an intimate festival of extraordinary experiences in unusual locations throughout Launceston, Northern Tasmania’s largest city. Held over five nights and two days, from Wednesday through to Sunday, the 2023 festival took place from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 September, marking the Spring Equinox symbolising the turning point in the season, the junction that marks the return of light. A highlight for 2023 was that 95% of all tickets were sold prior to opening the gates.
- The Unconformity - Silver
- Bicheno Beams - Bronze
Ecotourism
- Aquila Eco Retreat - Gold
Set in the heart of Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, amongst 20 hectares of working sheep farm and secluded bushland lies Aquila Eco Retreat. Guests are invited to settle in and soak up breathtaking views over local vineyards and across rolling hills to Hobart's kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Operating solely on the sun’s power, going off-grid means turning on the parts of your mind, body and soul that crave freedom, luxury, and a connection to the natural environment. But it doesn’t mean turning off the comfort. Unwind, indulge, and experience the epitome of luxury against a backdrop of natural Tasmanian beauty.
- The Maria Island Walk - Wild Bush Luxury - Silver
- Tasmanian Expeditions - Flinders Island Walking Adventure In Comfort - Bronze
Cultural Tourism
National Trust (Australia) Tasmania (NTT) is dedicated to preserving the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Among its treasures is the Hobart Penitentiary, an iconic convict site dating back to the early 1830s. Designed by John Lee Archer, this historic complex served as a key administrative hub for Tasmania’s convict system. Today, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into Australia’s penal history through guided tours and interactive exhibits, contributing significantly to Tasmanian tourism and heritage education. With access to convict records at your fingertips the site offers a truly unique visitor experience.
- Hadley's Orient Hotel - Silver
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
- wukalina Walk Gold
wukalina Walk is a multi-award-winning, 4-day/3-night guided walking experience, owned and operated by the Aboriginal community of Lutruwita/Tasmania and delivered on the cultural homeland of the palawa people. It provides deep insight into a rich cultural heritage through groups of up to 10 guests as they are guided by First Nations experts across the diverse landscapes of Wukalina (Mount William National Park) and Larapuna (Bay of Fires). Guests are immersed in 60,000-years of uninterrupted connection to this place while enjoying unique accommodations, savouring indigenous foods, and engaging in cultural activities, gaining a profound and often surprising appreciation of both the Indigenous community and the remarkable environment of Lutruwita.
Tourism Retail, Hire, and Services
- Younique Stays- Gold
Younique Stays manages holiday accommodation rentals on the east coast of Tasmania in the Bay of Fires, Bicheno and Freycinet regions. With 91 premium properties from Binalong Bay to Rocky Hills, Emily Elmer and her team give guests access to some of Australia’s most stunning locations. A service business built to support accommodation owners, holidaymakers and the Tasmanian visitor economy alike, Younique Stays puts transparency, exceptional service and quality experiences at the pinnacle of its business model. Younique Stays is more than a property management company: they are dedicated to creating extraordinary outcomes for guests, property owners and the region.
- Tasmanian Caravan Hire - Silver
Visitor Information Services
Discover the essence of Northern Tasmania with the Launceston Visitor Information Centre, nestled beneath Launnie's iconic clock tower. This vibrant hub offers personalised travel itineraries, exclusive local products, and insider tips that transform your journey into an extraordinary adventure. Managed by the City of Launceston, the centre is dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage, dynamic culture, and stunning natural beauty of the region. Whether you're mapping out your trip or seeking spontaneous exploration, the passionate team at the Launceston Visitor Information Centre is your go-to resource for an unforgettable and uniquely Tasmanian experience.
Business Event Venues
- Peppers Silo Hotel Gold
Bringing history alive on the banks of the Tamar River is the unique Peppers Silo Hotel, Launceston's leading venue for small to medium events in Tasmania’s north. Six indoor and outdoor high-quality event spaces, specifically designed for business visitors, catering for intimate gatherings of 10 to gala events for up to 180 guests. Every space is designed with premium materials and incorporates high-quality AV equipment. Events are expertly catered for by the Grain of the Silos team with the same ethos, quality and passion that goes into its high-end restaurant, supporting local farmers with a focus on Tasmanian produce.
- paranaple Convention Centre - Silver
Major Tour & Transport Operators
Australian Tourism Legend Robert Pennicott and his team of passionate local guides have been sharing Tasmania with travellers since 1999. Over its twenty-year history, it has won multiple awards including 15 Australian Tourism Awards and 31 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Today, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys operates six experiences in Southern Tasmania: Bruny Island Cruises, Tasman Island Cruises, Iron Pot Cruises, Tasmanian Seafood Seduction, Wineglass Bay Cruises and Bruny Island Traveller.
Tour & Transport Operators
- Air Adventure Golf - Gold
Air Adventure Golf are your Tasmanian golf specialists. Private charter flights from Melbourne provide quick and seamless access to Tasmania's world-class golf courses: Barnbougle, Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes. Tours range from one to four days and include flights, transfers, accommodation, and green fees - everything is arranged, and all you need to do is focus on your golf. There is simply no better way to play these world-class courses!
- eGuide - Silver
- Gordon River Cruises - Bronze
Adventure Tourism
The Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures team thrives on sharing and showcasing Tasmania’s nature and world-class iconic trails with riders of varying fitness, backgrounds, ages and skills. Their experienced, passionate, local guides ignite their riders’ sense of adventure and fun while challenging and supporting them to confidently step out of their comfort zone. The team loves tailoring and facilitating awesome Tasmania-wide mountain bike adventures. They take pride in their first-class transfer service between Maydena Bike Park and Hobart Airport. They feel privileged to connect riders with kunanyi/Mt Wellington’s incredible trails and nature through their tours, shuttles, and bike hire services.
- Roaring 40s Kayaking - Silver
- Tasmanian Photography Workshops - Bronze
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
- Grain of the Silos - Gold
Grain of the Silos is a high-end dining destination, putting Tasmanian produce front and centre of its carefully curated seasonal selections. Committed to sustainability and strong connections with local growers, Food Director Massimo Mele's partnerships with regional farmers and dedication to promoting local produce and food tourism drive its exceptional offerings. This is brought to life by Executive Chef Thomas Pirker and his team, delivering an immersive dining experience with carefully curated menus that highlight Tasmania's agricultural richness and foster meaningful connections between diners and producers.
- Hursey Seafoods - Silver
- Mudbar Restaurant - Bronze
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
- Bangor Vineyard Shed Gold
Bangor Vineyard Shed is a family-owned Tasmanian vineyard, cellar door and tourism experience, operating on a historic farm and nature reserve Bangor, located near the township of Dunalley in southern Tasmania. Guests enjoy Bangor’s boutique wine, served with sweeping views of Norfolk and Blackman Bay’s pristine waters, farming paddocks, and the cool climate vineyard. Bangor is open daily for wine tasting, tours, and experiences, while offering an all-day menu showcasing premium local produce. Guests can relax, unwind, and delve into the stories and rich history of the property. There’s always a warm country welcome at Bangor.
- Holm Oak Vineyards - Silver
- Western Tiers Distillery - Bronze
Caravan & Holiday Parks
- BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park - Gold
Welcome to BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, a family-owned 4.5-star destination on Tasmania's East Coast. Set within 13 acres of pristine landscape near the St Helens waterfront, the park is the ideal base for exploring the Bay of Fires and nearby mountain bike trails. Offering a range of unique, high-quality accommodations and sites, including eco-conscious glamping, luxury ensuite site and the MTB bunkhouse, they cater to diverse travellers while upholding their commitment to sustainability and community. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, BIG4 St Helens promises an unforgettable Tasmanian experience with a focus on comfort, nature, and responsible tourism.
- BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park - Silver
- Tasman Holiday Parks - St Helens - Bronze
Hosted Accommodation
- The Dragonfly Inn - Gold
With 10 uniquely styled guest rooms, Grand Dining Room, double story balcony and stunning rose gardens, as you approach the driveway you instantly know you have found something special. The Dragonfly journey began 7 years ago when Tom and Bec, accountants turned entrepreneurs, purchased a deteriorating heritage-listed mansion. With a shared vision to enhance the old-world charm, while infusing modern comforts and styling, and a commitment to exceptional quality and value, The Dragonfly Inn extends its warm embrace through a seamlessly hosted stay, where guests can revel in the past's grace and elegance without compromising contemporary luxury and comfort.
Unique Accommodation
- The Cove Tasmania - Gold
At first glance, The-Cove-Tasmania seems like a simple family-run working-farm, but upon cresting the hill, visitors are struck by a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious design. The-Cove offers award-winning, adults-only, boutique accommodation - celebrating natural beauty and the Lillico family's rich history. With breath-taking ocean views and stunning architecture, every aspect of The-Cove is curated for an unforgettable guest experience. 13 uniquely designed accommodation offerings reflect the Tasmanian landscape, ranging from premium Villa256 to glamping-cabins. The Alexander Centre showcases Tasmanian timbers and artworks, Horizon Spa pampers guests, and welcoming staff provide country hospitality, creating a relaxed, congenial atmosphere.
- Aquila Eco Retreat - Silver
- Eagles Nest Retreat - Bronze
Self Contained Accommodation
- Alice's Cottages - Gold
Alice's Cottages: where luxury, heritage, and romance intertwine. Seven heritage-listed cottages, offering adult only havens, conveniently nestled away on the cusp of the Launceston CBD. Prepare to take a step out of time and be completely immersed in an unforgettable stay. From the elegance of the French Cottage to the whimsical charm of the Irish Cottage. From the rustic Australian outback of the Ironbark Cottage to the striking masculinity of the Scottish Cottage. From the quaint warmth of the Welsh Cottage to the charming roses of the English Cottage, and a Scottish highlander adventure in the Outlander Cottage.
- Piermont Retreat - Silver
- Dales of Derby - Bronze
3-3.5 Star Accommodation
- Freycinet Resort - Gold
Nestled in thick forest on the side of Mount Paul, and surrounded by protected National Park land, Freycinet Resort offers a private, peaceful and luxurious experience. As the only accommodation on the mountain, it offers unparalleled 360-degree views that encompass The Hazards, Friendly Beaches, Great Oyster Bay and the Tasman Sea. They invite you to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the spectacular wilderness of Tasmania's East Coast.
- Riverview at Ross - Silver
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
- Peppers Silo Hotel - Gold
Peppers Silo Hotel, an iconic building and intrinsic part of the Launceston landscape. Silos is a 1960s grain storage facility transformed into a deluxe hotel that elegantly combines the heritage character of the original silos with sophisticated modern design and interiors to deliver a truly unique visitor experience. Peppers Silo has firmly established its place as one of Australia’s leading deluxe hotels and an aspirational destination for domestic and international visitors alike. Privately owned as one of Stewart Group Tasmania’s broad range of business interests and managed by Accor Hotels.
- Stillwater Seven - Silver
- Ship Inn Stanley - Bronze
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Tasmania's natural, culinary and creative treasures are within easy reach at the award-winning hotel, The Tasman. Anchored to the waterfront precinct and in the embrace of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Australia's first Luxury Collection celebrates three eras of architecture and design in Hobart, Tasmania. A destination authority, The Tasman brings the island's unique treasures to life through deep-rooted connections and epicurean immersion.
The Gustav Weindorfer Award for Best New Tourism Business
- Red Rock Hut - Gold
Escape to Red Rock Hut, a luxury tiny house nestled on the picturesque west coast of King Island. This unique off-grid accommodation featuring a wood-fired hot tub and sauna accommodates up to two guests and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife. With panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, and within close proximity to world-class golf courses and surfing hot spots, Red Rock Hut offers an unforgettable experience in one of Australia's most untouched coastlines.
- Martha Vale Park - Silver
- Freycinet Air Tasmania - Bronze
Excellence in Food Tourism
- The Truffle Farm Gold
The Truffle Farm is the first producing truffle farm in the country. Guests join second generation truffle farmer, Anna, and her truffle dogs, to learn all about the delicacy. Guests are guided through the story of how the family first brought truffles to Australia, before heading into the plantation to unearth the fungi. A truffle grading demonstration is then followed by the truffles shaved onto a pizza, or a gourmet grazing board. A truly unique Tasmanian experience, with the opportunity to learn directly from the pioneering family and enjoy a premium product from where it was first grown in Australia.
- Tasman Sea Salt - Silver
- Freycinet Marine Farm - Bronze
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
- The Cove Tasmania - Gold
The Cove Tasmania is a family-owned and operated tourism business, situated 10 minutes west of Devonport on the North West Coast of Tasmania. A spectacular ocean-front property on a historic farm, they offer a warm, welcoming environment and the team is committed to excellence across all parts of the business. They are proud to have improved many aspects of the property to ensure it is inclusive and provide a safe haven for guests with accessibility needs. Step-free routes, ramp access, a fully-compliant disability unit, and disability bathroom in The Alexander Centre, ensures guests feel comfortable and safe.
- Western Tiers Distillery - Silver
- Bicheno Beach House - Bronze
Chair of Judges' Award for Positive Impact Tourism
- The Unconformity - Gold
The Unconformity has demonstrated a single-minded drive and pride in positively impacting its communities, audiences and environment. The event has been strategically developed to drive economic wealth and social well-being for the Queenstown community. An emphasis on sustainable practices reflects a conscious effort to minimise their carbon footprint. The Unconformity’s strong social responsibility is evident through initiatives that foster broad community participation and local employment. Their ethical commitment includes ensuring the palawa people’s connection to their place is celebrated and that the unique West Coast community and their values are reflected. The festival is a major economic driver with direct visitor spend, employment for locals, buying from local business and extensive marketing, all contributing significantly and providing a major positive impact.
- Bangor Vineyard Shed - Silver
- Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures - Bronze
2024 People's Choice Award
- Maria Island Cruises - Gold
- Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures - Silver
- Tasman Sea Salt - Bronze
2024 Tasmanian Tourism Champions
Tim & Jane Parsons
The Tasmanian Tourism Champion is awarded to a Tasmanian individual, or couple, who has made an outstanding contribution to our industry. This year’s recipients are Tim and Jane Parsons – iconic figures in Tasmanian agritourism and owners of the award-winning Curringa Farm, which just celebrated 40 years of operation. Tim and Jane have been pivotal in promoting both Tasmanian and Australian tourism. Their contributions have ranged from local initiatives to international marketing efforts, and they’ve both sat on several local, state and even international industry-representative bodies. Tim and Jane have proven themselves to be true champions of Tasmanian tourism. Their combined expertise, generosity and innovative spirit not only enhances the Tasmanian tourism experience but also inspire a sustainable, community-focused future for the sector.
2024 Tourism Minister's Young Achiever
Emily Elmer
The Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever Award recognises a young Tasmanian who is having a profound impact on our industry. This year’s recipient, Emily Elmer, epitomises everything this award is about. At just 26 years-of-age, Emily has established her business, Younique Stays, which manages more than 100 short-stay properties on the east coast. In the last financial year alone, she employed 31 staff, hosted more than 17,000 nights’ accommodation, was a finalist in two categories of the Telstra Business Awards and won an Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award. Emily is an active contributor to the industry and her local community whether it’s by making charitable donations or volunteering her time to local groups and causes. In just over three years, she has forged a new path in east coast Tasmanian tourism for the benefit of the whole industry and the many communities her business serves.
With thanks to our 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards Partners
