2025 Tasmanian Tourism Awards Results
Congratulations to the following outstanding operators who have been judged as medalists in the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Awards.
Major Tourist Attractions
- Port Arthur Historic Site - Gold
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is one of the Cultural Attractions of Australia and a must-see destination in lutruwita/Tasmania. Located 90 minutes’ southeast of nipaluna/Hobart, Port Arthur reveals the scale and impact of the convict system, offering layered perspectives on Australia’s complex colonial history. Visitors can immerse themselves in its stories through guided tours, harbour cruises, exhibitions, self-guided audio, community events, and the ever-popular Ghost Tour after dark.
- The Gorge Scenic Chairlift - Silver
Tourist Attractions
- Kuuma Nature Sauna- Gold
Kuuma is Australia’s first sauna boat, offering a unique Tasmanian experience that combines deep relaxation with connection to the natural environment. Operating from Margate Marina, just a 20-minute drive south of Hobart, Kuuma hosts private and communal wood-fired sauna sessions for up to eight guests. The handcrafted vessel cruises the calm waters of North West Bay, anchoring in secluded locations where guests can enjoy sweeping views, the heat of the sauna, and the exhilaration of a cold-water plunge. With sessions from dawn to twilight, Kuuma invites visitors to slow down and embrace the elemental beauty of southern Tasmania.
- The Wilderness Gallery - Silver
- The Alley Entertainment Centre - Bronze
Major Festivals & Events
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture and Tasmania’s largest free festival. Launched in 1994 and held biennially over four summer days in Nipaluna / Hobart, it transforms the city’s historic waterfront with more than 400 vessels, from tall ships to classic yachts. Alongside the boats, a curated program features talks, cruises, workshops, live entertainment, fresh Tasmanian produce, and a lively kids’ precinct. From the grandeur of the Parade of Sail to quiet moments of craft and connection, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival invites all aboard for an unforgettable maritime experience.
- Tasmania's Taste of Summer - Silver
Festivals & Events
- Bicheno Beams - Gold
Bicheno once again lights up winter with Bicheno Beams — a free, family-friendly celebration of light and music. Each night, spectacular beams of light dance across the sky, perfectly synchronised to an uplifting soundtrack. This annual event has become an unmissable highlight, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience the magic of Bicheno in a whole new way. Welcomed by an enthusiastic team of local volunteers, guests are guided to the viewing area to enjoy two alternating shows — making it worth staying for more than one night. A must-visit event in a must-stay destination!
- Echo Festival - Silver
- QVMAG - Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams - 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.
Cultural Tourism
The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site lies on the Country of the Muwinina people, at the base of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in lutruwita/Tasmania. As one of the 11 sites of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, it is among the most significant places associated with female convicts. Through guided experiences, interpretation, education programs and community events, the site sheds light on the lives of convict women and their children. Interwoven are the stories of the Palawa people, deeply affected by colonisation. Their stories can be confronting, but they are also stories of strength, survival, and our enduring capacity for change.
- The Wilderness Gallery - Silver
- Wallaby Walkabout Tours - Bronze
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
- wukalina Walk Gold
Multi-award-winning wukalina Walk is proudly 100% Aboriginal owned, operated and guided. This 4-day/3-night journey on traditional homelands of the Palawa is in northeast Lutruwita/Tasmania. Palawa have always belonged to this place, and the Walk is an opportunity to spend time on Country as they share aspects of their unique First Nations culture. On wukalina Walk, small groups learn about the ongoing connection Palawa have to Country through cultural activities, truth-telling, story, food, yarning around the fire and walking together. Accommodations are an architecturally designed coastal standing camp near Wukalina/Mt William and a beautifully renovated lightkeepers cottage at Larapuna/Bay of Fires.
Tourism Retail, Hire, and Services
- Younique Stays- Gold
Younique Stays manages short-stay tourism properties on the east coast of Tasmania in the Bay of Fires, Bicheno and Freycinet regions. With over 100 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, 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.
- Blue Tree Gallery - Silver
- The Wilderness Gallery - Bronze
Visitor Information Services
The Smithton Visitor Information Centre, located in the Duck River Pavilions, has friendly staff, offers expert advice, maps, and travel tips, while a gift shop enhances your visit. La Cantara Artisan Cheese, milk on tap and Blue Hills honey are also available for tasting. The Centre also houses a theatrette and the Circular Head Heritage Centre, showcasing the area's rich colonial and Indigenous history through engaging displays. Visitors can tour the nearby Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy and La Cantara Artisan Cheese Factory for a unique look at modern dairy farming and traditional cheese making, creating a memorable regional experience.
- Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre - Silver
- City of Launceston Visitor Information Centre - Bronze
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 120 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-six-year history, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has won multiple awards including 15 Australian Tourism Awards and 32 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Today, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys operates eight signature experiences showcasing the coastal wilderness and wildlife of Southern Tasmania. These include Bruny Island Cruises, Tasman Island Cruises, Cape Raoul Cruises, Iron Pot Cruises, Tasmanian Seafood Seduction, Freycinet Aqua Express, Wineglass Bay Cruises and Bruny Island Traveller. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is a family owned and operated business.
- Tassie Tours Tasmania - Silver
Tour & Transport Operators
- eGuide- Gold
eGuide is one of Tasmania’s most trusted and highly rated tour and transfer operators, offering services statewide—from Devonport and Cradle Mountain to Hobart, Launceston, Strahan, and beyond. With a modern fleet of vehicles and a team of professional, knowledgeable drivers, it provides seamless transport and unforgettable tours for individuals, small groups, and larger charters across Tasmania. Recognised for excellence in service and delivery, eGuide was awarded the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award and proudly received a Tasmanian Tourism Awards Silver for outstanding performance in tour and transport operations.
- Freycinet Air Tasmania - Silver
Adventure Tourism
- Blue Derby Pods Ride- Gold
Blue Derby Pods Ride offers luxury adventure, multi-day mountain biking Experiences in Derby, Tasmania. Guests traverse Australia’s iconic mountain biking trails of Derby, indulge in Tasmanian food and wine and stay in unique accommodation Pods and central Hub building situated in the middle of the Derby forests.
- Tasmanian Expeditions - Silver
- Kuuma Nature Sauna - 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.
- Mures Tasmania - Silver
- Lobster Shack Tasmania - Bronze
Tourism Wineries
- Holm Oak Vineyards - Gold
Holm Oak Winery in the Tamar Valley is a labour of love for winemaker Bec Duffy and her husband, viticulturist Tim Duffy. Since 2006 they have followed their dream of crafting delicious expressions of cool-climate Tasmanian wines. They are creative winemakers, pushing boundaries and trying new techniques, crafting world-class small-parcel wines. Their complementary skills drive their vision to produce wines that reflect their Tamar Valley home, and which remain true to their own personalities – honest, down-to-earth, genuine and authentic. Their welcoming cellar door is a destination worthy of any itinerary, providing engaging and interactive experiences unique to Tasmania.
- Pressing Matters - Silver
- Boomer Creek Vineyard & Cellar Door - Bronze
Tourism Distilleries and Breweries
- Killara Distillery - Gold
Killara Distillery is situated on 26 acres of old farming land in the picturesque Coal River Valley, Tasmania. Guests are encouraged to become part of the Killara Story as they journey through a guided tasting or explore further with a distillery tour or private whisky experience. With a unique Garden-To-Glass experience, the story begins in the Apothecary Garden and barley field, through distillation, before finally responsibly enjoying a Killara Whisky, Apothecary Gin or other seasonal spirit. Kristy Lark is a second-generation distiller, providing a full sensory experience for visitors; contributing to the strong tourism and agritourism culture in Tasmania.
- Old Kempton Distillery - Silver
- Thirsty Tiger Brewery - Bronze
Caravan & Holiday Parks
BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park is a vibrant urban retreat offering a premium holiday experience in the heart of Northern Tasmania. With a prime location just 2km from Launceston's CBD and a short drive from the iconic Cataract Gorge, the park provides the perfect blend of city convenience and natural beauty. Currently undergoing an ambitious expansion, the park will soon feature 100 new self-contained villas and expanded facilities, creating a premier resort-style destination. This exciting development will enhance the park's already impressive offerings, making it the ideal choice for travellers seeking a memorable stay in the region.
- Tasman Holiday Parks - St Helens - Silver
Hosted Accommodation
- The Dragonfly Inn - Gold
With ten bespoke guest rooms, sweeping balconies, rose-filled gardens and a grand dining room at its heart, The Dragonfly Inn stands as a celebration of Tasmania’s heritage charm. Once a fading 1880s Launceston mansion, it has been lovingly restored into a boutique destination that feels both timeless and fresh. Guests are invited to revel in the grace and elegance of the past, without compromising today’s luxury and comfort. With exceptional quality, thoughtful detail and genuine value at every turn, The Dragonfly offers a seamlessly hosted stay that creates heartfelt moments—an experience as welcoming as it is unforgettable.
- Lythgo's Row Colonial Cottages - Silver
Unique Accommodation
- Aquila Eco Retreat - Gold
Aquila Eco Retreat is a unique luxury, off-grid sanctuary nestled in Lutruwita/Tasmania's Coal River Valley wine region. Rooted in the family’s generations of care for the land, each eco‑pod and accessible glamping tent combines modern comforts with sustainable design. Decks offer stunning views of rolling hills to Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, encouraging a deep connection to nature. Guests can relax with features like outdoor clawfoot baths, a wood‑fire sauna, and hammocks; or enjoy premium tours by helicopter or a hot-cold therapy session. Aquila combines space, creativity, and eco-luxury for a stay as exceptional as the land itself.
- The Cove - Silver
- Eagles Nest Retreat - Bronze
Self Contained Accommodation
- Red Rock Hut- Gold
Escape to Red Rock Hut, a luxury off-grid tiny house on the wild west-coast of King Island, Tasmania. Designed for one or two, it features a wood-fired hot tub and sauna with panoramic Southern Ocean views. Surrounded by wildlife and raw natural beauty, it’s the perfect base to unwind or explore. Discover world-class golf, surf breaks, untouched coastlines and some of Australia’s finest produce just minutes away. With thoughtful touches and total seclusion, Red Rock Hut offers an unforgettable stay on one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular islands.
- Alice's Cottages - Silver
- Piermont Retreat - 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, Freycinet Resort offers unparalleled 360-degree views that encompass The Hazards, Friendly Beaches, Great Oyster Bay and the Tasman Sea. The restaurant is passionate about sourcing local, seasonal produce so that every bite tells a story of the region’s rich flavours. Freycinet Resort invites you to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the spectacular wilderness of Tasmania's East Coast.
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.
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart is a product and beacon of its destination, from its built heritage to its empowerment of guests to embark on Tasmanian explorations. Within the building spanning three centuries of architecture and design are 152 guest rooms and suites, a bar, restaurant, lounge, events spaces and a wine cellar. It stands apart in the Australian luxury hotel landscape for its genuine and anticipatory brand of service and destination-defining experiences. In 2024, The Tasman was named one of The World's 50 Best Hotels.
The Gustav Weindorfer Award for Best New Tourism Business
- Evry Drive - Gold
Evry Drive is a family-owned and operated social enterprise offering electric vehicles for hire in Tasmania. Focused on more than just getting customers from A to B with Tasmanian renewable energy, Evry Drive also offer innovations like contactless handovers to streamline pickups and returns. Also on offer is free access to public charging stations, and free access to extras like child seats and picnic equipment, to help maximise the Tasmanian holiday experience. Travelling with Evry Drive also helps Australian communities through a partnership with StreetSmart Australia which commits 50% of Evry Drive profits to supporting people impacted by homelessness.
- Thriving Tasmania - Silver
- Lanigan's Vineyard - Bronze
Excellence in Food Tourism
- The Truffle Farm Gold
Visit The Truffle Farm Tasmania, ‘Home of Australia’s First Black Truffle’ which produces both summer and winter truffles 10 months of the year. Visitors are offered a hands-on immersive experience whilst actively hunting for truffles in the plantation with expert truffle dogs and handlers. Discover the history of truffles from the experience and expertise of the pioneering Terry family, followed by a decadent truffle lunch or snack with freshly shaved truffles. Delight in their signature fresh truffle ice cream and a tasting of its gourmet truffle products. Come and join the hunt and dig up some magic of your own!
- Tasman Sea Salt - Silver
- Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures - Bronze
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
- The Cove Tasmania - Gold
Experience excellence in accessible luxury at The Cove Tasmania. Situated on a spectacular historic ocean-front farm just seven minutes from Devonport, the business is deeply committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming safe haven. Its new $6.3M+ development places accessibility at theforefront, with every indoor and outdoor space meticulously designed for guests with diverse needs. This unwavering commitment ensures the entire historic property can be enjoyed by all. The Cove Tasmania proudly offers a world-class, barrier-free experience on Tasmania's stunning North West Coast, where warm hospitality and innovative, inclusive design meet.
Local Government Award for Excellence in Tourism
- West Tamar Council - Gold
Nestled along Tasmania’s northern coast, West Tamar Council is the heart of the Tamar Valley, bridging the island’s main entry points by air and sea. Home to 24,000 residents across 1,500 square kilometres, it blends striking river valleys, vineyards, and welcoming communities. Here, natural beauty meets opportunity—from cellar doors to wild coastlines, arts festivals to family adventures. Tourism fuels a vibrant local economy, inviting visitors to explore heritage towns, taste regional produce, and immerse themselves in genuine Tasmanian hospitality. West Tamar offers an authentic experience where community spirit and innovation quietly shape remarkable journeys in Tasmania’s north.
- Devonport City Council - Silver
New Tourism Product
- Cape Raoul Cruises (Pennicott Wilderness Journeys) - Gold
Launched in December 2024 Cape Raoul Cruises is the newest addition to the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys portfolio – and the only commercial cruise to Cape Raoul on the Tasman Peninsula. This 90-minute eco-cruise departs from the UNESCO World Heritage Port Arthur Historic Site, taking in the stunning coastal landscape of Tasman Peninsula to Cape Raoul. The cruise operates on a Tasmanian built catamaran specifically designed for comfort and accessibility. It seats 47 guests, including space for two wheelchairs. Cape Raoul Cruises runs multiple times daily, 364 days a year.
- Heli-biking (Into The Wild) - Silver
- Sea to Sky (Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures) - Bronze
Chair of Judges' Award for Positive Impact Tourism
- Party in the Paddock - Gold
Party in the Paddock is Tasmania’s largest independent multi-day music and arts festival. What began in 2012 as a literal party in a paddock has grown into one of Australia’s most revered grassroots festivals, now welcoming over 12,500 people each year to Quercus Park near Launceston. With a mix of top-tier music, local talent, art and culture, the festival is rite-of-passage for Tassie youth, a celebration of creativity and community. Produced by Tasmanian-owned Vibestown Productions, Party in the Paddock champions inclusivity, sustainability and the unique spirit of Lutruwita/Tasmania.
- Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Silver
- Mures Tasmania - Bronze
2025 People's Choice Award
- Australian Wooden Boat Festival - Gold
- Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures - Silver
- Tasman Sea Salt - Bronze
2025 Tasmanian Tourism Champions
Severine Demanet and Rodney Dunn
The highest honour in Tasmanian tourism – the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Champions – has been awarded to Rodney Dunn and Séverine Demanet of The Agrarian Kitchen. Pioneers of paddock-to-plate dining, Rodney and Séverine have transformed a heritage site in New Norfolk into a world-class hub of culinary and agritourism. Their vision has not only earned international acclaim, including Gourmet Traveller’s 2024 Australian Restaurant of the Year, but also strengthened the Derwent Valley economy, championed local producers, and educated visitors and locals in sustainable food practices. Values-driven and community-minded, they embody the very best of Tasmanian tourism, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
2025 Tourism Minister's Young Achiever
Sofia Tsamassiros
The 2025 Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever Award celebrates Sofia Tsamassiros of Eudaimonia Tasmanian Cycling Tours as a rising leader in Tasmanian tourism. At just 22, Sofia founded her business with a vision for slow, sustainable, community-focused cycling experiences, and she has since grown it into one of the state’s most innovative adventure operators. Reviving the Spirit of Tasmania Cycling Tour and Cygnet Cycling Festival and creating inclusive programs such as Girl Gang and Queers & Gears, she has brought fresh energy, national exposure, and lasting benefits to Tasmania’s tourism economy. Sofia represents the next generation of industry leadership – passionate, values-driven, and deeply committed to ensuring Tasmanian tourism thrives well into the future.
With thanks to our 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Awards Partners
