Bellarine businesses lauded for tourism excellence

SEAROAD Ferries and The Woods Ocean Grove have been recognised nationally for their tourism and business excellence, both bringing home medals at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney.

The Queenscliff based passenger ferry institution secured a silver medal in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category, while The Woods Ocean Grove bushland accommodation was rewarded with gold in the self-contained accommodation category.

Lauded for their commitment to connecting visitors with many of the state’s best attractions, Searoad Ferries were cited as an award winner for their high-quality service and comfort on their direct sea link between the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula.

With more than 8,200 annual crossings and carrying 950,000 passengers, Searoad Ferries is currently regarded as Australia’s busiest ferry service.

In celebrating their commitment to business excellence, Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald said winning the award was a credit to the Searoad Ferries team’s tireless work.

“We are honoured to win this award and to be recognised among prestigious company,” McDonald said.

“We’ve worked hard to turn the journey across Port Phillip Bay into more than just a ferry trip.

“Thanks to the hard work and creativity of our entire team, Searoad Ferries is now a unique and unforgettable tourism experience in its own right.”

On the Bellarine, fourth generation business The Woods Ocean Grove were praised for their passion to providing the best experience and service to their guests at their slice of outdoor paradise.

With a vision to be “Ocean Grove’s exclusive accommodation experience that is characterised by inspiring spaces, connection to place, people and community”, owners Stephanie and Jason King and their little helpers Frankie and Maggie said they couldn’t be happier with securing the accolade.

“In our particular category we were up against businesses like the RACV Noosa Resort, an amazing retreat in South Australia and cottages in the Blue Mountains… it definitely felt like we were rubbing shoulders with the big players,” co-owner Stephanie King said.

“It also reaffirmed to me that it doesn’t matter how big you are or what your budgets are… if you’re just working on what you’re doing and doing it really well, then that’s the important part of it… you can be crowned the best!

“For us in our seven years of operation, it’s just been a really beautiful slow project and we keep adding layers to the experience and asking people what they love about it and what they want… we listen and keep building The Woods from that.”

Geelong Gallery were also cited as winners at the prestigious awards, taking home a Gold in the Cultural Tourism category.