North West winners shine at WA Tourism Awards as Nexus, Ngurrangga Tours, Willie Creek take top gongs

In a night of triumph for the North West at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, a constellation of businesses from the region seized top honours, showcasing the area’s rich tapestry of tourism offerings.

The Ord Valley Muster, with its captivating blend of events including dining under the stars, music, yoga boats, comedy, and rodeo, secured the prestigious Gold in the Festivals and Events category.

Originating as a humble outback dinner in 2001, the Muster has swiftly evolved into an iconic event on the national festival calendar, epitomising the magic of Kununurra and the East Kimberley.

Nexus Airlines, the rising star in WA’s aviation landscape, soared to Gold in the New Business category, highlighting their dedication to enhancing regional livability and providing improved access to Western Australia’s diverse regions.

Ngurrangga Tours, under the guidance of owner Clinton Walker, not only secured Gold in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences category but also claimed the highest honour of the night - the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism.

For a decade, Walker and his team have been sharing the wonders of the Pilbara, offering immersive insights into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm, located north of Broome, claimed the Gold in the Tourist Attraction category.

For over 30 years, the Banfield family has been educating and inspiring visitors about the art of pearl cultivation, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kimberley landscape.

Summerstar Tom Price Tourist Park, an Australian family-owned and operated oasis at the gateway to Karijini National Park, secured the Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category.

Nestled at the base of Mount Nameless, the park provides a perfect base for exploring the rugged gorges of the Pilbara.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, a coastal wilderness retreat on the Dampier Peninsula, stood out with the Gold in the Unique Accommodation category. Offering a blend of pearling heritage and culture, the Farm provides guests with an awe-inspiring Australian tourism experience.

Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa in Broome, offering premium accommodation and exceptional customer service, claimed the Gold in the 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation category. Situated on Cable Beach, the resort annually welcomes 31,000 visitors to the Kimberley.

In addition to these triumphs, several other North West WA businesses were also recognized for their contributions.

The Kununurra Visitor’s Centre secured Bronze in the Visitor Information Services Award, while Willie Creek Pearls claimed Bronze in the Tourism Retail and Hire Services Award.

Kimberley Day Cruise received Bronze in the New Tourism Business Award, and the Shire of Ashburton won Bronze in the Excellence in Local Government Award for Tourism.

These accolades underscore the North West’s pivotal role in Western Australia’s tourism landscape, offering a diverse array of experiences that captivate visitors from near and far.