Stay, play, and slay your summer plans. These award-winning experiences are must-visits these holidays, from wildlife to wine – just add sunscreen.
Why fly away when you can stay and play in your own backyard? South Australia’s 2024 Tourism Awards are packed with experiences that’ll make your summer one to remember. From wild safaris to sipping gin on the Coorong, these winners showcase the very best of our state.
So grab your gang, your loved one, or your little ones, and start planning. Whether you’re looking for thrills, a chill-out, or family-friendly fun, these award-winning destinations are your ticket to an unforgettable summer.
What Are the South Australian Tourism Awards?
The South Australian Tourism Awards, delivered annually by Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) with the support of the South Australian Tourism Commission, recognise business excellence and outstanding achievement in the state’s tourism industry.
These prestigious awards showcase the creativity, passion, and innovation of local tourism operators, from family-run businesses to large-scale attractions and cultural tours.
Using these award winners as inspiration, where will your next SA adventure take you?
Discover the Cube at d’Arenberg
Top Tourist Attraction
What’s cooler than a winery shaped like a floating Rubik’s Cube? Not much. The d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale is a feast for the senses, offering wine tastings, a multi-sensory art gallery, and a restaurant with dishes as bold as the building’s design. Perfect for date days or catching up with mates, this is the ultimate Insta-friendly spot for sipping vino.
Get wild with The Big Duck
Ecotourism Award
Make your next adventure a nautical one with The Big Duck Boat Tours in Victor Harbor. This epic wildlife experience takes you through the rugged Southern Ocean, past stunning cliffs and hidden islands. Whether it’s spotting dolphins, seals, or even migrating whales, every trip feels like a front-row seat to nature’s show. It’s an ideal day trip for thrill-seekers or anyone keen to explore SA’s coastline.
Roar into the wild at Monarto
Major Tourist Attraction & People’s Choice: Experience/Service
If you haven’t been to Monarto Safari Park in a while, what are you waiting for? The Park is home to lions, giraffes and rhinos, and their new “Wild Africa Precinct” is like a slice of the savannah in SA. Take a safari tour, feed a giraffe, or go behind the scenes with a zookeeper experience. It’s family-friendly, wildly enjoyable, and doubles as a hub for conservation projects that help protect these incredible animals.
Discover secret gems with Radelaide Tours
New Tourism Business
Radelaide Tours is here to prove Adelaide is anything but boring. Their Street Art Tour is a heap of fun, taking you on a hunt for hidden murals, the city’s tiniest door, and other quirky secrets. But that’s just the start – there are also foodie tours to uncover Adelaide’s best bites, plus cultural tours for the stories behind Adelaide icons we take for granted. These walking tours offer something fresh and fun for locals looking to rediscover their city.
Gin flights on the Spirit of the Coorong
Tour & Transport Operators
Cruise into relaxation on the Spirit of the Coorong, where gin meets gorgeous wetlands. Their Gin Flight Cruise is a must for craft spirit lovers, pairing scenic views with top-notch gin tastings. Want to dig deeper? The wetland exploration cruises bring you face-to-face with incredible birdlife, historic sites, and pristine waterways. It’s the ultimate escape just a short drive from Adelaide.
Escape to Watervale Hotel for ethical epicurean experiences
Excellence in Food Tourism
If food is your love language, Watervale Hotel in the Clare Valley is your place. This ethical foodie destination offers farm-to-plate meals at its hotel restaurant, breakfast at the General Store, and boutique local produce at the Providore. Make it a full foodie escape by staying overnight – the perfect base to explore the Clare Valley’s wineries and scenic trails.
Glamp it up at Woodhouse Adventure Park
Unique Accommodation
Woodhouse Adventure Park is your go-to for outdoor fun. Great for day trips, you can also stay over in glamping bell tents, bunkhouses, or a heritage-listed mansion. Tackle obstacle courses, race down the tube slide, or explore the bush – it’s the perfect mix of fun and nature to keep all ages entertained.
Relax in style at Oceanview Eco Villas
Hosted Accommodation
If you’re after off-the-grid luxury, Kangaroo Island’s Oceanview Eco Villas is calling your name. Perched on a private beach with stunning coastal views, this spot is perfect for romantic getaways or luxurious escapes with friends. Sustainable, serene, and stylish – what more could you want?
West Beach Parks: Family fun central
Caravan & Holiday Parks & People’s Choice: Accommodation
This place was built for fun! With water slides, playgrounds, and plenty of beachfront views, West Beach Parks is the perfect escape for families looking to unwind. Choose from camping, caravanning, or cabin stays and make the most of the park’s epic facilities, just minutes from Adelaide’s CBD.
Step back in time at Old Coach Road Estate
Self-Contained Accommodation
For those after a peaceful retreat, Old Coach Road Estate on the Fleurieu Peninsula offers a luxurious, eco-friendly escape for up to eight guests. Think rolling hills, stunning ocean views, and a sustainable villa in the heart of wine country. Perfect for a group getaway or family adventure.
Cultural connection with Kool Tours
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experiences
Step into a rich tapestry of history and culture with Kool Tours, where Ngarrindjeri stories come to life. These tours on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island take you on a journey through the Kalowinyeri (creation), exploring deep connections to Country and the resilience of their culture. This 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned business shares traditions, stories, and the significance of their land in a way that will leave you inspired.
Sip, taste, and tour at Seppeltsfield
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Seppeltsfield Barossa isn’t just a winery – it’s an experience. Taste wine from your birth year in the iconic Centennial Cellar, admire JamFactory-crafted art, or explore the vineyards on a Segway tour. It’s perfect for a day trip, or stay longer at the luxurious onsite lodge and indulge in dining, history, and artisan charm all in one place.
Why tourism matters to South Australia
Tourism isn’t just about fun holidays – it’s a major economic driver for our state. Last financial year, the tourism sector contributed $9.9 billion to South Australia’s economy in the year to June 2024.
Read about all the 2024 South Australian Tourism Award winners and finalists here.
