Big winners on the night were Peter Pans who scooped a double and also THL Group who received awards for their Legendary Rafting company and Kiwi Experience. United Backpackers won the prestigious best Hostel in Australia and Adventure Tours Australia were crowned best tour/activity in Australia.
Ben Howard received the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of The Woodward family, who will be celebrating 40 years in the industry next year, and Golden Achievement winner was the popular Neil Geddes who was recognised for his many “golden achievements” over many years in the industry.
Also announced at the evening was Tourism Australia’s confirmation to support the events going forward which was greeted with warm applause from those attending. Also announced was the plan to take the events to the Gold Coast next year – watch this space.
The awards were supported by sponsors Website Travel, Get Lost Travel Group, and Backpackers Buddy – massive thanks to them!
A full list of winners and finalists will be available on the GBA site in due course.
A full list of winners can be seen below;
Best Tour/Activity
New South Wales – Surf Camp Australia
Northern Territory – The Rock Tour
Queensland – Raging Thunder
South Australia – Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours
Tasmania – Under Down Under
Western Australia – Adventure Tours Australia
Victoria – Wildlife Tours
Overall – Adventure Tours Australia
Best Accommodation
New South Wales – Base
Victoria – United Backpackers Melbourne
South Australia – Port Lincoln YHA
Northern Territory – Alice Lodge Backpackers
Western Australia – Billabong Backpackers Resort
Tasmania – Montacute Boutique Backpackers
Queensland – Brisbane Backpackers Resort
Overall – United Backpackers Melbourne
Australia General Awards
Best Visitor Attraction Australia – The Great Barrier Reef
Best Holiday Park – Cairns Holiday Park
Best Destination Australia – The Whitsundays
Best Small/Independent Travel Agent – Adventure Cairns & Beyond
Best Large Travel Agent – Peter Pans
Best Online Travel Agent – STA Travel
Transport provider – Greyhound
Campervan – SpaceshipsAirline – Virgin Australia
Backpacker Night – Birdees
Best Training, Recruitment & Services – VisitOz
New Zealand Awards
Best Accommodation – Haka Lodge
Best Tour/Activity – Legendary Black Water Rafting Company
Best Visitor Attraction – Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Best Destination – Great Lake Taupo
Base Campervan – Jucy
Transport Provider – Kiwi Experience
Travel Agent – Peter Pans NZ
Backpacker Night – Pippi Patch
Cultural Experience – Tamaki Maori Village
Lifetime Achievement Award – The Woodward family (CAPTA group)
Golden Achievement – Neil Geddes
