Port Lincoln’s Tunarama Festival has marked its return from a two-year break with a Gold Medal win at the 2026 South Australian Tourism Awards, joining Monarto Safari Park and Illuminate Adelaide among the standout winners on the night.
Tunarama took out Gold in the Festivals & Events category following its return to the Port Lincoln foreshore in January this year. The festival continues a tradition stretching back more than sixty years, celebrating the region’s seafood industry and coastal identity.
Monarto Safari Park won Gold for Major Tourist Attractions, as well as the People’s Choice Award for Experience or Service, while Monarto Safari Resort took home the People’s Choice Award for Accommodation.
The recognition comes after significant additions to Monarto’s visitor offering. Monarto Safari Resort opened in May 2025, followed by its Safari Lodge in April this year and the park’s Elephants of Asia precinct in July.
Zoos SA’s Lauren Schroeder was also recognised with the Young Achiever award.
Illuminate Adelaide secured two Gold awards, taking out both Major Festivals & Events and Excellence in Accessible Tourism. Its 2026 program featured accessible tours and relaxed sessions, helping more people enjoy and experience the festival.
In the Adelaide Hills, Jurlique Farm claimed Gold for Ecotourism. The biodynamic farm, where visitors can discover how botanicals are grown for its skincare products, expanded its tourism offering this year with the introduction of wellness mornings and hands-on botanical experiences.
The evening also recognised Jane and Ross Fargher with the Outstanding Contribution award. The couple purchased ‘their local’, the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna, in 1991, with this year marking 35 years of ownership.
Old Coach Road Estate and Oval Hotel were inducted into the Hall of Fame, after each secured Gold in their respective accommodation categories for three consecutive years.
The awards, supported by South Australian Tourism Commission and hosted by the Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), celebrated the businesses and individuals delivering exceptional visitor experiences across the state.
Full list of winners and medallists
Major Tourist Attractions
Winner – Monarto Safari Park
Silver – Adelaide Oval
Bronze – Adelaide Botanic Garden
Tourist Attractions
Winner – Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc
Silver – Nilpena Ediacara National Park
Bronze – MOD.
Major Festivals & Events
Winner – Illuminate Adelaide
Silver – Adelaide Festival
Festivals & Events
Winner – Tunarama Festival
Silver – Streaky Sounds 2026 Music Festival
Bronze – The Barossa Council – Barossa Food & Wine Village
Ecotourism
Winner – Jurlique Farm
Silver – Coodlie Park Eco Retreat
Cultural Tourism
Winner – Flamboyance Tours
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
Winner – Wadna
Tourism Retail, Hire & Services
Winner – SA eBikes
Visitor Information Services
Winner – Whyalla Visitor Centre
Silver – Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre
Business Event Venues
Winner – Adelaide Oval
Silver – Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes
Tour & Transport Operators
Winner – Discover Adelaide Tours
Silver – Barossa Bespoke Tours
Bronze – Barossa Helicopters
Adventure Tourism
Winner – Woodhouse Adventure Park
Silver – Spencer Gulf Adventures
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
