It was a big night for Ballarat and an unforgettable one for our team at Sovereign Park Motor Inn.
On Friday 6th March, we were honoured with the Silver Award for 4 to 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation at the prestigious Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, placing us second in Australia in our category. The awards ceremony was held at the incredible Fremantle Prison in Western Australia, an unforgettable setting to celebrate the best tourism businesses in the country.
For a proudly independent regional property in Ballarat, standing alongside Australia’s top accommodation providers was a moment we will never forget.
A Huge Achievement for a Local Business
The national awards represent the very highest level of recognition in the Australian tourism industry, with winners from each state competing for the top honours. Taking home Silver nationally is something we are incredibly proud of, not just for our team, but for the entire Ballarat tourism community.
It is proof that regional businesses can compete with the very best in the country.
A Year of Behind the Scenes Improvements
While guests experience the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere when they stay with us, a lot of the work that led to this award happened behind the scenes over the past 12 months.
Our awards submission highlighted a range of initiatives designed to improve both the guest experience and the sustainability of our business, including:
Enhancing the Guest Experience
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Upgrading our Global Distribution System and switching to SiteMinder. This improved how travel companies and corporate guests can book with us, making reservations smoother and increasing corporate bookings.
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Running targeted promotions through Booking.com to increase visibility and attract new guests
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Adding mattress toppers to our beds to improve comfort
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Transitioning our indoor heated pool to a mineral pool, creating a gentler and more relaxing swim experience
Reducing Our Environmental Impact
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Installing a new energy efficient pool heater, significantly reducing our power consumption
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Switching to refillable shampoo and conditioner dispensers to reduce single use plastics
These improvements may not always be obvious at first glance, but together they help create a better, more comfortable and more sustainable stay for every guest who walks through our doors.
Supported by an Incredible Tourism Community
We certainly did not achieve this alone.
The support of Tourism Midwest Victoria played a major role in helping us grow over the past year. Their subsidised programs and industry support are invaluable for regional tourism businesses like ours.
We would also like to give a special thanks to our awards mentor, Anna Hayward, whose guidance helped us navigate the incredibly detailed and rigorous awards submission process.
A Win for Victoria
It was also a fantastic night for the state, with Victoria taking home 16 awards nationally, an incredible result for the Victorian visitor economy.
Even more exciting, Victoria will host the next national awards when the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards head to the new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre in 2026.
Experience One of Australia’s Best Regional Stays
For us, this award is about more than a trophy, it is recognition of the dedication our team puts in every day to create a welcoming and memorable stay for our guests.
We are incredibly proud to now be recognised as the 2nd best 4 to 4.5 star accommodation in Australia.
If you are planning a trip to Ballarat, we would love for you to come and experience it for yourself.
Book direct and stay with one of Australia’s award winning accommodation providers.
