Winners shine bright at Southern Stars of Tourism awards

SOUTHERN tourism operators have been recognised for their innovation at the Southern Stars of Tourism event.

The MACq 01 Hotel on Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf.

A STORYTELLING hotel, the founders of a South-West bushwalking experience and a Woodbridge smokehouse have been recognised as the “stars” of southern Tasmanian tourism.

Destination Southern Tasmania on Wednesday night announced the winners of the Southern Stars of Tourism, which highlight innovation and excellence within the industry.

There are five award categories for the event.

The stardom (brand excellence) winner was Hobart’s new MACq 01 Hotel for its storytelling experience focusing on Tasmania’s past, while the rising star was Wild Pedder, a wilderness tour company in Tasmania’s South-West.

MORE: MACQ 01 IS FULL OF CHARACTER

MORE: TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Wild Pedder’s Lou Balcombe, left, and Cody McCracken on Wilmot Island in the middle of Lake Pedder. Picture: CHRIS CRERAR

Founders Lou Balcombe and Cody McCracken were recognised for donating 5 per cent of their net profit to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy as well as developing capabilities for disability expeditions and offering money from fundraising for emergency homeless shelters.

They also contribute to Parks and Wildlife training programs, TasTAFE adventure guiding courses and schools programs.

Roger Scales in the apple orchards around his Woodbridge Smokehouse, where he smokes fish using wood from the apple trees.

The Woodbridge Smokehouse, which overlooks the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, was awarded the nova (new business) crown for its tastings, tours, seafood platters and local wines.

Hadley’s Orient Hotel won the bright star (innovation) category for establishing its world-renowned Hadley’s Art Prize and volunteer Terry Mather was recognised in the starlight (volunteering) category for his efforts in welcoming 5000 visitors through the Hobart City Council’s Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre over the past year.

Hadley’s Arty Prize curator Amy Jackett. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Terry Mather’s volunteering efforts have been recognised.

DST chief executive Alex Heroys said the five winners demonstrated the diversity of tourism in southern Tasmania.