Busselton Jetty, Shelter Brewing among SW attractions in battle of WA’s finest at Perth Airport Tourism Awards

Pristine sandy beaches, world-class wineries and beautiful natural parks: this is the face of tourism in the South West.

The region’s attractions are well-represented in this year’s Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, with 28 South West finalists set to compete with the best tourism attractions and holiday hot spots in the State.

Busselton Jetty and Cape Leeuwin lighthouse are competing in the big leagues against the likes of WA Museum Boola Bardip and Fremantle Prison, to be crowned winning major tourist attraction and tourist attraction respectively.

South West attractions make up half the finalists for the ecotourism category, with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and Busselton Jetty up against Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory and Live Ningaloo.

Manjimup Visitor Centre and Vasse Virgin have been named among the best tourism retail and hire services, competing against the House of Honey and the Sticky Spoon Cafe, Unplug Rentals and Willie Creek Pearls to claim the top spot.

The visitor centre also represents the South West in the visitor information services category.

The past year has presented significant challenges for the tourism industry, but it has also showcased the resilience of tourism operators throughout Western Australia and it’s exciting to see so many businesses entering the Awards, many for the first time, to gain recognition for their accomplishments.

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River Region has landed two finalist spots, being recognised in the business event venues and five star accommodation categories.

Broadwater Resort Busselton and SurfPoint Resort in Prevelley were named in the 3-3.5 star accommodation category.

The South West dominated the self-contained accommodation category, boasting six of seven finalists — Bina Maya Yallingup Escape, Chestnut Brae, Diamond Forest Farm Stay, Eight Willows Retreat, Lewana Cottages and Tree Chalets. Carlotta’s Chesnut Brae, located about 15 minutes from Nannup, was also named a finalist for excellence in food tourism.

Cowaramup-based Harvest Tours and Cape to Cape Explorer Tours will compete against 11 others to be named best in the tour and transport operators category.

Across the food and wine sectors, the Crooked Carrot was a finalist in tourism restaurants and catering services, and Bettenays Margaret River Wine and Nougat, Black Brewing Co and Swings and Roundabouts rounded out the tourism wineries, distilleries and breweries.

Shelter Brewing Co was also named best new tourism business finalist. Meanwhile, the City of Bunbury will represent the region in the excellence in local government award for tourism.

“The Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards are the most prestigious awards in the tourism industry, with a long history of celebrating and recognising business excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service by tourism operators,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

“The past year has presented significant challenges for the tourism industry, but it has also showcased the resilience of tourism operators throughout Western Australia and it’s exciting to see so many businesses entering the Awards, many for the first time, to gain recognition for their accomplishments.”

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on November 13.