20 tourism experiences secure Grey Nomad awards

March 6, 2022

Tourism /

20 tourism experiences have secured Grey Nomad awards in recognition of their offerings for mature-age visitors, with Queensland and South Australia dominating the list.

Heading the list was the Point Turton Caravan Park on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. The waterside van park built into an abandoned historic limestone quarry was named the Best of the Best as the finale to the Awards celebration after being named the Gold Award winner of the Best Grey Nomad Small Caravan Park. The Best of the Best is handed to the winner that impressed the judges the most, as determined by the highest cumulative score from all winners.

The Grey Nomad Awards is a niche national tourism program that spotlights the best places for older travellers to stay and play around the country.

The Awards are judged by tourism leaders from across the country who offer valuable insights and detailed feedback to each entrant, ensuring nominees have practical tips to improve their tourism offering for the future benefit of their business, their community and visitors.

Commenting on the Awards, the judges noted “this year’s winners reflect the exceptional experiences on offer to senior travellers. Each winner is playing a small yet critical role in assisting the Australian tourism sector recovery.”

2021 Grey Nomad Award Gold Winners:
Best Grey Nomad Attraction: Paronella Park, Tropical North Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Historic Attraction: Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie, Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Tour: Go Ballooning Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight, Gold Coast

Best Grey Nomad Trail: Explore Rockhampton Self-Guided Audio Tours App, Central Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Festival or Event: Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, Fraser Coast Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Community Stay: Berri Riverside Holiday Park, Riverlands, South Australia

Best Grey Nomad Council Free Stay: Kimba Recreation Reserve, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Best Grey Nomad Farm or Station Stay: Charlotte Plains Outback Magic, Outback Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Pub Stay: The Wellshot Hotel Ilfracombe, Outback Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Small Caravan Park: Point Turton Caravan Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Best Grey Nomad Large Caravan Park: Queens Beach Tourist Village, Bowen, Queensland

2021 Silver Awards Winners:
Best Grey Nomad Attraction: The Original Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast

Best Grey Nomad Historic Attraction: Paronella Park, Tropical North Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Tour: Charlotte Plains Historic Property Tour, Outback Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Trail: Burra Heritage Passport, Burra - Clare Valley, South Australia

Best Grey Nomad Community Stay: CMCA RV Park Humpty Doo, Northern Territory

Best Grey Nomad Small Caravan Park: Dirranbandi Retreat and Caravan Park, Outback Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Large Caravan Park: Berri Riverside Holiday Park, Riverlands, South Australia

2021 Bronze Winners:
Best Grey Nomad Attraction: Charlotte Plains Outback Magic Day Visitor Pass, Outback Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Tour: Sunset Experience on Towers Hill, Charters Towers, Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Trail: Roora Nature Trails - Kimba, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Best Grey Nomad Community Stay: CMCA RV Park Innisfail, Tropical North Queensland

Best Grey Nomad Small Caravan Park: Evening Star Tourist Park - Charleville, Outback Queensland

Image top: Dawn at the Point Turton Caravan Park on SA's Yorke Peninsula

10th February 2022 - Grey Nomad Awards finalists spotlight regional Australia destinations

9th February 2022 - iLA launch digital platform to help older Australians age independently

17th December 2021 - Gold Coast to hold 2022 netball Senior State Age Championships

30th November 2021 - New Rodeo event places a spotlight on Outback Queensland

8th November 2021 - Outback Queensland Tourism Association looks to maintain visitation rise

1st May 2021 - Mary Valley Rattler forms agreement with Grey Nomads Awards to promote Gympie

10th February 2020 - NSW Seniors Festival set to deliver hundreds of free events

14th January 2020 - ESSA delivers government subsidised classes to older Australians

21st October 2019 - Parkes Elvis Festival recognised of Australia major grey nomad experiences

4th October 2019 - Research highlights the benefits of resistance training for seniors’ fitness

28th January 2019 - $22.9 million investment to encourage activity among older Australians

20th September 2018 - Move It Aus expanded to focus on older Australians

22nd July 2017 - Older Australians healthier and more active but struggling with fitness

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