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Sovereign Hill Major Tourist Attraction win

Sovereign hill strikes gold winning title of Australia’s best tourist attraction

Ballarat’s iconic outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill, has been named Australia’s Best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for the second year running, ahead of finalists that included Sydney’s Bridge Climb and Kakadu National Park.

Announced in Darwin last night at a gala ceremony, the prestigious awards recognise Sovereign Hill’s efforts in delivering a gold class tourism experience for visitors both locally and overseas.

The award comes on the back of Sovereign Hill winning Victoria’s Major Tourist Attraction at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards last year for the third year running.  In addition, Sovereign Hill was awarded RACV People’s Choice for Favourite Regional Attraction Experience for a second year, and its signature event ‘Christmas in July’ was awarded silver in the Major Festival and Events category.

CEO Jeremy Johnson credits this latest win to innovative events like Winter Wonderlights, and the way in which the outdoor museum really brings the Goldfields story alive.

“We continuously strive to deliver engaging and entertaining experiences to our visitors, and are proud that our innovation, through events like Winter Wonderlights, has been recognised.”

“Not only is this win a credit to the staff and volunteers who work to deliver an innovative, authentic experience at Sovereign Hill, but also wonderful recognition from our visitors, who continue to visit Sovereign Hill every year.”

In 2015/16, Sovereign Hill attracted over 750,000 admissions, making it one of the largest attractions in regional Victoria. Its award-winning reputation draws tourists to Ballarat who may otherwise not have visited the region.

This is the fourth time that Sovereign Hill has won the National Award, winning the title of Major Tourist Attraction in 2015, 1993 and 2005 also.  Judged on its service culture, a sound business plan and innovative marketing program, as well as its role within the community, Sovereign Hill was judged by a panel of industry professionals and beat out other well-known attractions in the category for the Major Tourist Attraction Award.