Australia’s top tourism businesses were recognised at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, held at Fremantle Prison in Western Australia on Friday night.
More than 170 finalists competed across 26 categories at the national awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across the country’s tourism industry.
Among the headline winners, Northern Territory’s Katherine Outback Experience and Tasmania’s The Dragonfly Inn were both inducted into the Hall of Fame after securing gold for three consecutive years in the tourist attractions and hosted accommodation categories respectively.
ACT’s Floriade 2024 took out gold in the Major Festivals & Events category, while South Australia’s The Big Duck Boat Tours won gold for Ecotourism.
Victoria’s Go Adventure Nagambie was recognised with gold in the Adventure Tourism category, while Western Australia’s Gourmet Camp Oven Experience won Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services.
Queensland’s Bay Island Lifestyle secured its first national win, taking gold in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category.
Australian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Erin McLeod said the awards recognised the businesses and people driving the country’s tourism sector.
“These awards are our nation’s celebration of the businesses and people who exemplify the highest standard of quality in Australian tourism.
“This year’s winners and medallists showcase the extraordinary landscapes, rich culture, vibrant regions and genuine hospitality that define the Australian experience.
“Tonight, we recognise their leadership, commitment to excellence and ongoing contribution to Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.”
More than 800 industry representatives attended the ceremony at Fremantle Prison, hosted in Fremantle, recently named Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2025.
The awards were supported by industry partners including naming rights sponsor Qantas, platinum sponsor Tourism Australia and host partners Tourism Western Australia and the City of Fremantle.
Major category winners
Key gold winners included:
Major Tourist Attractions: Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre, ACT
Tourist Attractions: Katherine Outback Experience, Northern Territory (Hall of Fame inductee)
Major Festivals & Events: Floriade 2024, ACT
Adventure Tourism: Go Adventure Nagambie, Victoria
Ecotourism: The Big Duck Boat Tours, South Australia
Excellence in Accessible Tourism: Bay Island Lifestyle, Queensland
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services: Gourmet Camp Oven Experience, Western Australia
Major Tour & Transport Operators: Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Tasmania
Cultural Tourism: Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria
The annual awards remain one of the Australian tourism industry’s key national recognition programs, celebrating operators across accommodation, attractions, events, transport and experiences.
