2010 SA Tourism Awards: Keith reviews this years winners in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
For just over 40 years, we've been making the 20-minute drive up the freeway to Cleland Wildlife Park where you come face to face with the local residents of the South Australian bush. That includes the stars of the show - the koalas that pose for photos and cuddles with visitors every day.
They can claim much of the credit for Cleland Wildlife Park winning another SA Tourism Award at the 2009 ceremony putting them into the Awards Hall of Fame. The win is not surprising given it gets more than 100-thousand visitors a year and with more than 130 species of animals it's a popular microcosm of Australian wildlife - with a lot of repeat visits from local and overseas guests alike. Cleland joins a formidable list of winners.
Winner Major Tourism Attraction - Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre: Award for the Major Tourist Attraction went to Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre in the Barossa Valley. When Bavarian settler Johann Gramp planted his first vines near the old cottage and cellar back in 1847 little did he know that the grapes on the banks of Jacob's Creek would precipitate a flood of Australian wine to the world. The Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre takes up that remarkable story. You can enjoy a meal in the cafe restaurant, browse through the cellar and, of course taste the wine which has become one of the most popular Australian brands in the world. The success story is literally at your fingertips with audio-visual displays.
Winner Heritage & Cultural Tourism / Hosted Accommodation - Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage: At the other end of the Valley is another way you can soak up the delights of the Barossa. Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage is an award winning vineyard retreat that has its history firmly anchored in the Barossa story. It's a meticulously restored 1860s German settler's cottage - winner of two gongs - the Heritage and Cultural Tourism Award and the Hosted Accommodation Award. It's the dream of Sharyn Rogers and Peter Milhinch who fell in love with it when it was little more than a ruin… but they couldn't resist restoring a slice of Barossa Valley history.
Sharyn Rogers: "We really wanted somewhere were people could experience what we really love about the Barossa. It's not just accommodation that we provide, they get to stay in the vineyard, feel the history and the heritage of the place…"
The before and after photos prove this was truly a labour of love for Sharyne and Peter. The ravages of time, not to mention a few million termites had taken their toll but two years of solid restoration paid off. Guests are also welcome to wander around the vines - Peter will even give you a guided tour of the vineyard he planted in 1999. There's something special about being to wander around the vines with the bloke who planted them and then have a glass of the wine they produce.
Winner Visitor Information & Services - Yorke Peninsula Visitor Information Centre: When you lob in a region for a day trip or a holiday a bit of local knowledge is always useful. If you're on the Yorke Peninsula you'll be in good hands at the Visitor Information Centre at Minlaton. Affectionately known as Harvest Corner it's been judged the most outstanding Visitor Centre in the in the category.
Besides good advice, Harvest Corner has plenty to keep the interested traveller busy - much of it courtesy of the locals. It's jam-packed with an eclectic assortment of local wares - from mouth watering homemade food to local art and craft. The gallery has a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.
Winner Adventure Tourism - Bendleby Ranges: If you really want to get away from it all this next winner will interest you - Bendleby Ranges has taken out the Adventure Tourism Award. Jane and Warren Luckraft have successfully combined their working farm with tourism. In the Hidden Valley, campers can put the hurly burly 21st century living into perspective. Vantage points offer uninterrupted views of this very special part of South Australia.
The Bendley Ranges offers a range of accommodation options from camping to charming old homesteads - all giving you the chance to experience the Flinders Ranges at its best.
Congratulation to all the winners - so see the complete list contact the South Australian Tourism Industry Council. Log onto www.satic.com.au
Cleland Wildlife Park
Mount Lofty
Summit Rd
Crafers
Open 7 days 9.30am - 5pm
Ph 8339 2444
www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.auSouth Australian Tourism Awards
Ph 08 8110 0123
www.satic.com.au
