Robert Irwin named young achiever of the year at Queensland Tourism Awards

Robert Irwin has continued his famous family’s winning ways as Queensland honours its top tourist attractions. FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

THEY’RE the first family of Queensland tourism.

Robert Irwin has been named the Young Achiever of the Year at the Queensland Tourism Awards at the industry’s night of nights on the Sunshine Coast – four years after his sister Bindi won the same award.

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The children of legendary crocodile hunter Steve Irwin last year celebrated as Australia Zoo took out the top gong as the state’s best major tourist attraction, while they have also been called upon to present the Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism, won last night by Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.

Robert Irwin, who yesterday visited Queensland Museum to promote an exhibition of stunning nature photographs as part of a Crikey magazine competition, impressed the judges with his enthusiasm and work ethic.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said the Irwins were tremendous tourism ambassadors for the state.

The Crocodile Hunter’s widow Terri Irwin flanked by children Bindi and Robert

“They’re not just preserving Steve Irwin’s legacy, they are making their own names in their own right,” he said.

“They really bring a lot of passion and energy to the tourism industry, not just here, but in the United States and globally as well.”

It was a big night for Australia Zoo, which also won the RACQ people’s choice award and took out silver in the prestigious best major tourist attraction category.

Winton’s Australian Age of Dinosaurs was voted best major tourist attraction, while its founder David Elliott was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to the industry.

The Noosa Triathlon was voted best major event or festival, edging out Blues on Broadbeach and Cooly Rocks On music festivals.

Brisbane’s Calile Hotel was crowned best luxury accommodation while Rockhampton’s Empire Apartment Hotel won the deluxe category.

All gold medallists qualify for the Australian tourism awards, to be held in Canberra in March.

Full list of winners

Best Major Tourist Attraction: Australian Age of Dinosaurs (Silver: Australia Zoo, Bronze: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary)

Best Tourist Attractions: Cobbold Gorge

Major Festivals and Event: Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival

Best Regional Festival and Event: Groundwater Country Music Festival

Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Cultural Tourism: Paronella Park

Qantas Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism: Rainforestation Nature Park Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

Specialised Tourism Services: Small World Journeys

Visitor Information Services: Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre

Business Event Venues: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Major Tour and Transport Operators: Red Cat Adventures

Tour and Transport Operators: Tasman Venture

Adventure Tourism: Red Cat Adventures

Richard Power Award for Destination Marketing: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services: The Windmill Cafe, Bargara

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries: Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience

Caravan and Holiday Parks: Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut

Hosted Accommodation: Cobbold Village

Unique Accommodation: Cumberland Charter Yachts

Self-Contained Accommodation: Saltbush Retreat

Standard Accommodation: Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville

Deluxe Accommodation: Empire Apartment Hotel Rockhampton

Luxury Accommodation: The Calile Hotel

New Tourism Business: Habitat Noosa

Excellence in Food Tourism: Sarina Sugar Shed

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group: Queensland Air Museum

Young Achievers Award: Robert Irwin

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual: David Elliot

RACQ People’s Choice Awards Experience and Services: Australia Zoo

RACQ People’s Choice Award Accommodation: RACV Royal Pines Resort