Whitsunday businesses BIG4 Adventure Park, Ocean Rafting and Pinnacles shine at Qantas Australian tourism awards
From luxury stays to family-friendly parks and reef adventures the Whitsundays has scored a tourism hat-trick at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Mackay
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The Whitsundays has scored three winning spots at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Whitsunday businesses Ocean Rafting, Pinnacles and BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort were celebrated at the ceremony in Adelaide on March 21 for their excellence and contributions to Queensland tourism.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday marked its third consecutive year as a gold medallist in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with an induction into the hall of fame in the caravan and holiday parks award category.
Operating in the Whitsundays for more than 30 years, the family run business has won a number of awards during that time, recognising its ability to provide a home away from home for visitors to the region.
With accommodation ranging from cabins to powered camp sites, a lagoon-style pool, water slides, minigolf and more, BIG4 has more than earned their spot in the hall of fame.
The next Whitsundays medallist takes tourists from the caravan park to the penthouse at the Airlie Beach Pinnacles
Pinnacles at 16 Golden Orchid Dr, Airlie Beach offers 29 self-contained luxury apartments, all with balcony jacuzzi or internal spare bath and looks out onto the Whitsundays.
A one-night stay for two adults in a single bedroom apartment is priced at $1,224 on Booking.com and comes with a living room and kitchenette.
Pinnacles won a silver award in the self-contained accommodation category.
Winning a bronze award for major tour and transport operators is the day trip service, Ocean Rafting.
Owned and operated by Peter and Jan Claxton for more than 28 years, the family run business takes visitors out to the Whitsundays for snorkelling and guided hikes.
Peter Claxton thanked his team, past and present, and said he was proud to “continue stepping onto the podium and winning awards like this for all those who have made Ocean Rafting what it is today”.
Jan Claxton said, “these awards are for our team, as much as they’re for us, so cheers to us, and cheers to the team”.
Sales and Marketing Captain of 13 years Nathan Fleming said “Ocean Rafting’s reputation speaks for itself and is recognised with a perfect score as Best of
Queensland Experience under the national quality tourism framework along with a Quality Tourism accreditation”.
As well as being recognised at the Adventure Tourism Awards 2024 and Tourism Awards Queensland in 2024, Ocean Rafting also help support the Great Barrier Reef by collaborating with Reef Catchments and the Australian Institute of Marine Science in coral spawning events.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said “congratulations to our tourism operators who showcase the best of what Queensland has to offer”.
“Tourism is not just a holiday, it’s a vital part of our economy, with the industry employing one in 12 Queenslanders and contributing $95 million every day,” Mr Powell said.
Rockhampton’s Beef Australia was also recognised, bringing home a silver award for major festivals and events.
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