Questacon has once again taken out a top prize at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards. Photo: Questacon.
Longstanding interactive science museum Questacon won the Major Tourist Attractions category at the ACT’s peak tourism awards on Friday (29 November).
The Canberra Region Tourism Awards, held at Pialligo Estate, showcased the achievements of businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the region’s tourism sector.
The National Zoo & Aquarium was highly commended in the Major Tourist Attractions category, while its Jamala Wildlife Lodge, which allows visitors to spend the night with the animals, won the Unique Accommodation award.
The National Dinosaur Museum took out the gong for best tourist attraction, while the National Capital Authority’s LIGHT: Drone SkyShow was named the number one festival or event.
The National Arboretum Canberra demonstrated its versatility, winning awards for both ecotourism and accessible tourism. Midnight Hotel took top honours in the fiercely competitive 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation category.
Pop Canberra was named the best in tourism retail and hire services, and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre again earned recognition for visitor information services. Alivio Tourist Park took out the top honour in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge allows visitors to sleep in a room besides the zoo’s animals. Photo: Jamala Wildlife Lodge Facebook.
Dr Naomi Dale, CEO of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council, expressed her pride in the Region’s tourism community.
“A huge congratulations goes out to all our entrants this year. It has been a pleasure to come together and celebrate excellence in tourism regardless of the outcomes tonight; it demonstrates a commitment to the program and quality tourism development in what has been another challenging year,” Dr Dale said.
The evening celebrated achievements across multiple categories, with 13 winners selected to represent the Canberra region at the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards in Adelaide in March 2025.
The event was made possible with the support of VisitCanberra, the major sponsor, along with many other sponsors.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
- Major Tourist Attractions – Questacon (winner), National Zoo and Aquarium (highly commended)
- Tourist Attractions – National Dinosaur Museum (winner)
- Major Festivals and Events – LIGHT: Drone SkyShow – National Capital Authority (winner), Discovering Ancient Egypt Exhibition (highly commended)
- Ecotourism – National Arboretum Canberra (winner)
- Cultural Tourism – Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament (winner), Royal Australian Mint (highly commended)
- Tourism Retail, Hire & Services – Pop Canberra (winner), The Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia (highly commended)
- Visitor Information Services – Canberra and Region Visitors Centre (winner)
- Business Event Venues – Hotel Realm (winner)
- Adventure Tourism – Corin Forest (highly commended)
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Tallagandra Hill Winery (commendation)
- Caravan & Holiday Parks – Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (winner)
- Unique Accommodation – Jamala Wildlife Lodge (winner)
- 3-3.5 Star Accommodation – The Y Leumeah Lodge (commendation)
- 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation – Midnight Hotel Autograph Collection (winner) Burbury Hotel (highly commended)
- New Tourism Business – Canberra Festival of Speed (commendation)
- Excellence in Food Tourism – Local Village Markets (winner) Murrumbateman Chocolate Co (highly commended)
- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – National Arboretum Canberra (winner)
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