Australia's champions of tourism have again been recognised for excellence and commitment across all sectors of the industry at the annual Australian Tourism Awards, held on the Gold Coast this evening.

More than 900 key industry operators, State and Federal Government Ministers, heads of State tourism authorities and industry leaders from across the country gathered at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for the awards ceremony, where the winners of 27 categories were announced.
Finalists in the Australian Tourism Awards were drawn from State and Territory Tourism Awards in the same category held throughout 2005. The Awards were adjudicated by a national judging panel of 24 leading industry figures.

Some of the highlights of the night included Sovereign Hill (VIC), the living museum that captures the gold rush of Ballarat taking out the Major Tourist Attraction award, Clipsal 500 Adelaide (SA), Australia's largest motor sport festival, taking out the Major Festivals and Events category and Questacon National Science and Technology Centre (ACT) picking up the Significant Tourist Attraction for the second year running.

Special awards were also presented to four operators who were inducted into the Hall of Fame for winning their category for three consecutive years. These included Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Western Australia; Murraylands Tourism Marketing, South Australia; Yering Station, Victoria, Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Queensland and a presentation from last year to the Old Bus Depot Markets (ACT) in the category of Tourism Retailing.

Steve Irwin, Australian icon and owner of the Queensland Wildlife Park, Australia Zoo, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Australian tourism industry with a special award from Tourism Australia - "Services to Inbound Tourism", presented by Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey. Over the past decade, Steve Irwin has played an instrumental role in promoting Australia in key markets helping put Australia in the international tourism spotlight.

In applauding the winners and finalists at the event the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey said the continuing development and recognition of the Australian tourism industry is essential to ensuring its sustainable growth.

"The champions of the Australian tourism industry, from regional operators to those in our cities, have been rightfully recognised tonight. I congratulate all of the winners and finalists for their entrepreneurial skills and dedication to building our $73 billion industry.

"I am especially pleased that Steve Irwin received a special award for ‘Services to Inbound Tourism'. Steve is one our great tourism ambassadors, absolutely loved by Americans with his unbounded enthusiasm and humour. It is a small recognition of the substantial contribution he has made to our tourism industry," said Minister Bailey.

In its first year of taking ownership for the organisation of the Awards, Chairman of the National Tourism Alliance Col Hughes paid tribute to the strong support lent by Tourism Australia , Qantas, State Government tourism authorities and other key sponsors.

"We are pleased to acknowledge the professionalism of the industry and the promotion of best practice. We look forward to continuing to support the Awards and further showcasing the best the Australian tourism industry has to offer," said Hughes.

Entertainment throughout the night included the talented Christine Anu, Funky Film Express and a sneak preview of the Australian Outback Spectacular, a unique show that captures the grandeur of the Australian Outback, staring Lee Kernaghan.

The 2005 Australian Tourism Awards were supported by platinum sponsors Tourism Australia and Qantas, and other sponsors Channel 7, Tourism Queensland, Queensland Government, Gold Coast Tourism, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, The Australian Outback Spectacular, Ernst and Young, Sunlover Holidays, Conrad Jupiters, and Fosters.

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BACKGROUND ON 2005 AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARD WINNERS
1. Major Tourist Attractions - Sovereign Hill, Victoria
Sovereign Hill, a winner of major tourism awards, captures all the excitement of gold rush Ballarat. Set across 26 hectares, Sovereign Hill enjoys international recognition as a living museum with working exhibits, costumed interpreters and visitor participation. By day, try gold panning, tour an underground mine, see a gold pour and visit the Gold Museum. Meet costumed characters, ride in a horse-drawn coach, and watch 1850s trades in action or stay at the rural property, Narmbool. By night, relive the drama of the Eureka Rebellion with Blood on the Southern Cross, a spectacular sound-and-light show, and stay on-site at Sovereign Hill Lodge.
For more information visit www.sovereignhill.com.au

2. Significant Tourist Attraction - Questacon, ACT
Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre has been the jewel in Canberra's tourism industry for more than 18 years.

In 2005, more than 400,000 people visited the Centre and experienced our exhibitions such as the six metre free-fall and the earthquake house. As well as these exciting attractions new exhibitions include Mini Q for our littlest scientists and Strike a Chord - The Science of Music exploring the universality of music.

There are many new and exciting exhibitions on the horizon which will help Questacon inspire children and their families for years to come. For more information visit www.questacon.edu.au

3. Major Festivals & Events - Clipsal 500 Adelaide
The Clipsal 500 Adelaide is Australia's largest national motor sport festival. It is also known for its top-shelf entertainment and for creating a feeling of celebration right across the city.

The event forms around the V8 Supercar Championship Series and from its earliest days has been an outstanding success. The inaugural race was staged in front of 162,000 racing enthusiasts and in the past seven years its popularity has grown, as has the event itself.

2005's event set a new national motor sport attendance record, attracting 255,600 people.
Since its inception in 1999, the Clipsal 500 Adelaide has contributed $129.9 million to the state's economy and has entertained 1.37 million patrons. For more information visit www.clipsal500.com.au

4. Significant Festivals and Events - Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week, Queensland
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island is Australia's largest and most prestigious offshore yachting regatta. The event is the flagship of the Whitsunday region and showcases the natural benefits of the pristine environment and exposes the recreational messages of sun and sailing to an international audience.

Race Week has been sponsored since its inception by Castlemains Perkins. This is the longest sponsorship relationship in the history of Australian yacht racing. For more information visit www.hiyc.org.au

5. Ecotourism - Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Queensland
Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village on World Heritage-listed Fraser Island opened in 1992, setting benchmarks used by ecotourism ventures worldwide. The resort supports environmental research projects on Fraser Island and sponsors the University of the Sunshine Coasts Fraser Island Research and Education Facility at the resort.

The Resort's infrastructure, activities and low-rise architectural design were developed to minimise any adverse effect on the natural environment and to conserve energy. The Resort saves 855,000 kW hours of electricity per year due to energy efficiency programs that operate within the resort.

Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village won the same ATA category in 2000, 2001 and 2005. For more information visit www.kingfisherbay.com

6. Heritage and Cultural Tourism - Immigration Museum, Victoria
Recognised and celebrated as a vibrant and inclusive living cultural centre, the Immigration Museum is a contemporary social history museum that explores Australia's immigration history, provides insights into the migrant experience and contributes to a greater understanding of the many dimensions of our cultural heritage.

Situated in Old Customs House, one of Melbourne's finest 19th century buildings, the Museum's exhibitions, visitor programs, community festivals and children's activities stimulate personal engagement and discovery within a contemplative environment. As one of Victoria's leading cultural tourism attractions, the Immigration Museum provides tourism visitors with a unique opportunity for insight, understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity of Australian society. For more information visit http://immigration.museum.vic.gov.au

7. Aborginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism - Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Western Australia
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is proudly owned by the aboriginal communities of One Arm Point and Djarindjin. It is a unique wilderness camp, located 220 kilometres north of Broome on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia.

Visitors to this beautiful remote location can camp in traditional palm frond shelters on the beach, stay in rustic cabins, or enjoy well appointed luxury safari tents with panoramic views of the surrounding ocean. The amazing landscape, abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, cultural tours, boat charters, swimming, snorkelling and fishing, all guarantee an extraordinary holiday experience. For more information visit www.kooljaman.com.au

8. General Tourism Services - Central Australian Tourism Industry Association, Northern Territory
Central Australian Tourism Industry Association (CATIA) is a non-profit, incorporated association of businesses, individuals and organisations committed to the growth of business and tourism in Central Australia. CATIA's three primary roles are marketing the region, servicing members and providing visitor information. Over half a million people visit Central Australia each year, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the Territory economy. The tourism industry also has wide reaching flow-on effects to other parts of the community including job creation, support services and investment.

As one of Australia's most remote regional tourism associations CATIA has some unique challenges including working with a diverse range of aboriginal communities, extreme climate variations and a widely dispersed membership base. By winning the Australian Tourism Award for general tourism services, CATIA shows that tourism organisations in remote areas can be industry leaders through productive partnerships, strong leadership and professional service delivery.

9. Meetings and Business Tourism - Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, Western Australia
The Perth Convention Exhibition Centre is Western Australia's only purpose-built convention, exhibition and meeting venue. The state-of-the-art, three-level venue caters for up to 5,000 delegates. Its major facilities include six multifunction exhibition pavilions, a 2,500-seat auditorium, 19 specialist meeting rooms, grand ballrooms seating up to 1,750 people with views over Perth's Swan River and city and floor-to-ceiling glass foyers on all three levels, stretching 300 metres, offering unrivalled versatility for event organisers. The Perth Centre houses some of the most advanced technical facilities and communications infrastructure in the Southern Hemisphere. For more information visit www.perthcentre.com.au

10. Tourism Retailing - Australia Zoo, Queensland
The Crocodile Hunter's Australia Zoo is situated on the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive, Beerwah. The zoo features both Australian native species and exotic species of mammals, birds and reptiles and offers a unique and exciting experience with a full day of wildlife action and adventure. Throughout the zoo adventure visitors can experience the wandering wildlife program or the chance to have a photo taken wrapped in a giant python or cuddling a koala.
Australia Zoo took out the Tourism Retailing category in the 2005 Queensland Tourism Awards (QTA), adding to their top honours in 2002 and 2003 in the QTA Major Tourist Attractions category. Australia Zoo has four retail shops offering visitors a range of merchandise and choice of product. The marketing of the retail outlets is designed around the popularity of Steve Irwin ‘The Crocodile Hunter' and the branding of Australia Zoo.
For more information visit www.sunshinecoast.au.nu/australiazoo

11. Major Tour & Transport Operator - Kangaroo Island SeaLink, South Australia
SeaLink is a high profile South Australian tourism and transport operator and plays a pivotal role in the development of one of Australia's iconic tourism destinations, Kangaroo Island. Proudly South Australian, SeaLink has earned a reputation for friendliness, courtesy, efficiency, safety and value.

SeaLink operates two fast and luxurious passenger and vehicle ferries to Kangaroo Island and has a fleet of coaches offering tours, coach connections and shuttle services. SeaLink also packages holiday products and is a ‘one-stop shop' for ferry, air, accommodation, day tours, self-drive and hire car holidays. For more information visit www.sealink.com.au

12. Significant Tour & Transport Operators - Gordon River Cruises, Tasmania
Step aboard the magnificent new Lady Jane Franklin 2, to explore the Gordon River and the pristine World Heritage Area on the West Coast of Tasmania. Be immersed in the stories of the convicts of Sarah Island, enjoy the fine Tasmanian food and wine on offer, and experience one of the most incredible environments on earth. Gordon River Cruises is owned and operated by Federal Hotels & Resorts.

13. Adventure Tourism - North Star Cruises Australia, Western Australia
North Star Cruises is based in Broome, the Western Australian gateway to the spectacular Kimberley and is the region's longest established adventure-cruise operator providing the ultimate luxury adventure cruises for the most discerning international traveller.

This year, North Star Cruises launched their new state-of-the-art $14 million purpose built 50 metre cruise ship, The True North, to seamlessly continue their exciting suite of adventure cruises, including their spectacular Kimberley Wilderness Cruise, West Coast Explorer Cruise, Coral Atoll Cruise to the Rowley Shoals, Over the Top Cruise across Australia's top end and their new Adventures in Paradise Cruise to Papua New Guinea. For more information visit www.northstarcruises.com.au

14. Destination Promotion - Murraylands Tourism Marketing, South Australia
Murraylands Tourism Marketing is responsible for marketing the Murraylands as a tourism destination in local, national and international markets.

It uses innovative, creative and cost-effective methods to raise awareness of the region and increase visitation including producing high-quality collateral, implementing strategic campaigns, and conducting media and trade familiarisations.

Murraylands Tourism Marketing is committed to continually improving its performance and growing the region's tourism industry. The organisation has become one of South Australia's leading regional marketing bodies and has been recognised for its achievements by entering this year's Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. For more information visit www.murraylands.info

16. Media - The NSW Caravan and Camping Holiday Guide 2005, New South Wales
The NSW Caravan & Camping, Holiday & Touring Guide is the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW's annual tourism publication. The 164 page full-colour Guide promotes tourism destinations and product throughout NSW, as well as the caravan and camping holiday lifestyle.

The Guide contains a full map of NSW and 18 regional touring maps, each one accompanied by photographs and editorial representative of the region. This professionally designed publication is available to the public free of charge and is one of the most popular touring guides available. The CCIA is justifiably proud of the Guide, which is both an industry flagship and a significant player in promoting tourism in NSW.

17. Tourism Education and Training - Victoria University, Victoria
Victoria University is Australia's longest established provider of tourism and hospitality degrees and diplomas. The university meets the needs of students and continues to forge partnerships with community and industry through innovative programs such as event management. Victoria University has Australia's widest range of programs, from vocational courses for high school students through to doctoral studies. Training and workplace integrated learning occur in the classroom and workplace. The university is recognised internationally as a leading provider of applied tourism and hospitality research and is Victoria's only foundation member of the prestigious International Centre for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education.
For more information visit www.vu.edu.au

18. Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services - Spirit House Restaurants and Cooking School, Queensland
The Spirit House was designed to create a total culinary experience focusing on Asian food in a tropical garden setting. The cooking school opened in 1997 with the cuisine relying upon the variety of fresh, seasonal produce grown on its farm and in the Sunshine Coast region. For more information visit www.spirithouse.com.au

19. Tourism Wineries - Yering Station, Victoria
Victoria's first vineyard established in 1838, Yering Station is now one of the most exciting family owned wineries in the Yarra Valley region. This award winning property offers a varied tourism experience, including cellar door tastings and sales, a regional produce store, farmers' markets, art gallery, events program and self-guided tours. Visitors can enjoy an a la carte lunch in the Wine Bar Restaurant, which has views of the surrounding landscapes which colourfully transform with each season. The menu is seasonal, with an emphasis on regional produce. Matt's Bar, located above the Cellar Door offers informal, relaxed lunches where visitors can savour a glass of Yering Station's award winning wine and a range of delicious food.

20. Tourism and Caravan Parks - Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort, Queensland
Over the past 18 years, Geoff Olholm and his team have expanded and improved the Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort and today offer 101 accommodation units and 177 caravan and camping sites. The resort offers visitors a self-made rainforest area and tropical award winning gardens.

21. Backpacker Accommodation - The Greenhouse Backpacker, Victoria
The Greenhouse Backpacker is an award winning facility in the heart of Melbourne's Flinders Lane. Surrounded by shops, cafes, trendy lane ways, galleries and attractions, guests are always entertained. Priding itself on world class facilities and attention to customer service The Greenhouse offers guests The Melbourne Experience with activities, a travel agent and bar on site. Lonely Planet describes the greenhouse as "bright, friendly and an extremely well run operation with excellent facilities. Brilliantly located right in the thick of things..." Representing the new breed of Backpacker accommodation and experience the Greenhouse is the flagship of the Friendly Backpacker Group.

22. Hosted Accommodation - Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage, South Australia
Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage is owned and operated by Peter Milhinch and Sharyn Rogers. It is a meticulously restored, self-contained 1860s early German settlers cottage, operating as a bed and breakfast on their 25 acre property at historic Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley.

With premium facilities and furnishing, guests are offered a high degree of personal service, and the seclusion of the cottage means that guests can have total privacy or choose to interact with the hosts.

The cottage is adjacent to the 10 acre vineyard and is exclusively for one couple, providing guests a taste of what the Barossa is famous for: wine, vineyards, heritage and hospitality. For more information visit www.seppeltsfieldvineyardcottage.com.au

23. Unique Accommodation - Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Western Australia
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is proudly owned by the aboriginal communities of One Arm Point and Djarindjin. It is a unique wilderness camp, located 220 kilometres north of Broome on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia.

Visitors to this beautiful remote location can camp in traditional palm frond shelters on the beach, stay in rustic cabins, or enjoy well appointed luxury safari tents with panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.

The amazing landscape, abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, cultural tours, boat charters, swimming, snorkelling and fishing, all guarantee an extraordinary holiday experience.

24. Standard Accommodation - Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Queensland
Ashmore Palms is a unique Holiday Village nestled on 15 acres of lush, landscaped grounds on the Gold Coast. The family owned and operated Village offers a range of self-contained holiday cabins to suit all tastes and budgets, along with extensive family friendly facilities, free activities and warm hospitality. Ashmore Palms is also known for its colourful South American Macaw Parrots - the largest collection of its kind in Australia. Having received numerous tourism excellence awards in the past including the HMAAQ Award for Excellence 4 times, this yet another of Ashmore Palms Holiday Village great achievements.
For more information visit www.ashmorepalms.com.au

25. Deluxe Accommodation - Novotel Atrium Darwin, Northern Territory
Located in the CBD and overlooking Darwin Harbour, the 4½ star Novotel Atrium Darwin captures the true essence of the Top End. The magnificent tropical indoor rainforest, complete with cascading vines, palm trees and a soothing water feature, provide a suitable welcome to all guests and visitors. The hotel offers 138 exceptionally well-presented rooms and is close to all business, retail and entertainment precincts. The award-winning Jabiru Bar - commonly known as the "Cocktail Capital of Darwin" - and Zest Restaurant also take pride in incorporating the flavours and tastes of the Territory.

The management and staff at the Novotel Atrium Darwin always strive to deliver the highest standard of customer service and have a strong commitment to the local community. As a leading hotel in Australia's only tropical capital city, the Novotel Atrium Darwin stands out as an innovative industry leader that is totally customer focused and passionate about the destination they service.

26. Luxury Accommodation - Crown Towers, Victoria
Crown Towers is a haven of rare luxury located on the banks of the Yarra River in the heart of the city's arts and leisure precinct. The 482 spacious guestrooms and suites offer marble bathrooms with spa baths, separate dressing rooms, personalised facsimile machines and stunning city and bay views framed by floor to ceiling glass. Exclusive Villas and the privileges of Crystal Club offer the ultimate in luxury. Part of the Crown Entertainment Complex, guests can enjoy pampering in Australia's most luxurious spa, a world class shopping arcade, over 40 restaurants and bars, a 24-hour casino, four nightclubs, cinema complex and entertainment arcade. For more information visit www.crowntowers.com.au

27. New Tourism Development - The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Tasmania
The Henry Jones Art Hotel on Hobart's waterfront is the centerpiece of the IXL jam factory redevelopment. Officially opening in October 2004 to global acclaim, the Henry Jones is a boutique, design hotel, incorporating the Steam Packet restaurant, IXL Long Bar, Jones & Co function room and IXL Atrium.

The vision was to build Australia's first art hotel; to stimulate a new arts precinct; revive the Henry Jones story and create a world class tourism experience reflecting the destination's core values. Design innovation, the highest quality fit-out, an inspiring art focus and a contemporary service ethos as the Henry Jones hallmark. For more information visit www.thehenryjones.com

Commendations
• Gab Tituti Cultural Centre, QLD
• Go West Tours, VIC
• International College of Management Sydney, NSW
• Blue Mountains YHA, NSW
• Quality House Boats, SA