Kings Park State's top attraction
The breadth of the State's natural attractions, hotels, restaurants and outdoor experiences has been recognised at the WA Tourism Awards, with much-loved city icons and regional hidden gems among the winners.
Kings Park, which is celebrating its 50th annual festival, took out the prestigious Sir David Brand Award and a gold medal, followed by Fremantle Prison and Rottnest Island, in the major tourist attractions category.
Park acting chief executive Marcelle Broderick said though local people might take the free access and clean, beautiful park for granted, interstate and overseas visitors were often amazed.
"It really is at the heart of our community," she said.
At Friday night's gala dinner medallists were announced in 31 categories, with the Sunsmart Ironman WA event winning gold in the major festival category and Skydive Jurien Bay taking out the adventure tourism gong.
Denmark's Out of Sight Tours won best ecotourism experience and founder David Bomba was awarded the FACET Golden Guide award.
Mr Bomba and co-owner Lenore Lyons have run eco- adventure tours throughout reserves and national parks in the Great Southern for seven years.
Mr Bomba said Denmark was becoming an ecotourism hotspot and hoped the recognition would encourage more Perth residents to explore the region.
"The south has a lot to offer and people don't always realise what is down here," he said.
The Great Southern was well-represented, with the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre, The Bushfood Factory and Cafe near Albany and The Lake House Denmark winning gold medals.
Yanchep National Park was named best tourist attraction, Geographe Bay Tourism Association won gold for visitor information and services, and Core Cider House in Pickering Brook won gold in the winery, distillery and brewery category.
Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said the awards reflected the passion and professionalism of WA operators.
"Food and wine is now a key driver of tourism with WA's food tourism becoming one of our greatest assets," he said.
