West Aussie operators shine at national tourism awards

It was a night of triumph for West Australian tourism businesses at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, with a string of local operators taking home gold, silver and bronze medals at the annual event held in Darwin on Friday March 15.

Almost a dozen WA businesses were recognised on the night for their outstanding contribution, including Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and Origins Market, who won gold in their respective categories.

Located at the tip of the beautiful Dampier Peninsula in Broome, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is a working pearl farm that’s been around since 1946. The family-owned farm took out the prestigious gold medal in the unique accommodation category, thanks to its array of accommodation options that include everything from luxurious safari tents and retreats to pearling shacks and camping and caravan sites.

CEO of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm James Brown says they are really proud to win at the State and national awards.

“This award honours a long legacy of three generations who have each continued to build and grow the Cygnet Bay community, which is no easy task in the remote Kimberley, even today,” he says.

“I am sure my grandfather who constructed the first bark hut in 1962 at the farm would be proud of our achievements in receiving this award.”

Origins Market, Busselton’s one-stop shop for all things delicious and handcrafted, was awarded gold in the tourism retail, hire and services category. The huge indoor market in WA’s South West opened in 2021 and features over 60 local vendors from across the Margaret River region.

Busselton’s Tree Chalets is yet another operator from the South West region that was recognised for its efforts, winning silver in the self-contained accommodation category.

Run by Andrew and Fran Robinson, the self-contained chalets have features like an outdoor cast-iron bathtub with hot water, complimentary bath salts and privacy screen, walk-in rainfall shower, heated towel rails, luxe bedding, a 55-inch smart TV plus free Netflix and wi-fi.

Guests staying at the Tree Chalets are also given a complimentary breakfast basket filled with locally sourced produce and products.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall congratulated all the WA medallists and finalists for their dedication to business excellence and making WA a diverse and welcoming tourism destination for guests.

“The list of WA medallists from the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards showcases the world-class tourism experiences WA has to offer,” Mr Hall says.

“Now is a perfect time to book a trip in Western Australia and add these national award winners to the list of must-do experiences.”

WA operators recognised at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

• Gold | Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm — Unique Accommodation
• Gold | Origins Market — Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
• Silver | Tree Chalets — Self-contained Accommodation
• Silver | Nexus Airlines — New Tourism Business
• Silver | Mandurah Visitor Centre — Visitor Information Services
• Silver | Swan River Seaplanes — Tour & Transport Operators
• Silver | 2023 Ord Valley Muster — Festivals and Events
• Bronze | Ngurrangga Tours — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience
• Bronze | Pullman Bunker Bay Resort — Business Event Venues
• Bronze | BIG Reasons to visit Mandurah — Visit Mandurah — Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
• Bronze | CORE Cider House — Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
• Bronze | Pullman Bunker Bay Resort — 5 Star Luxury Accommodation