Taronga Western Plains Zoo is leading the way for zoo-based accommodation in Australia, director Matthew Fuller has said.
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The attraction won gold for Best Unique Accommodation for the second year in a row after taking out the gong at the Australian Tourism Awards gala evening at Darwin on Friday night.
“We’re incredibly proud of the team,” Mr Fuller said.
“To pick up another national tourism award is a major accomplishment for the zoo.
“It’s incredibly significant … it really says that we’re setting a really high standard against other Australian tourism businesses and we really are a world-class product.”
The award was also a coup for Dubbo and inland NSW, Mr Fuller said.
“I think it’s incredibly important … to have businesses winning national awards in any category, really,” he said.
“It’s says our region is squarely on the map and leading the way in terms of creating experiences and developing our business.”
Friday’s award recognised Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s three overnight experiences combined: luxury safari Zoofari Lodge, self contained Savannah Cabins and Aussie bush camping Billabong Camp.
The zoo invested in each of these experiences in 2013/14 and 2014/15, taking the bar for in-zoo accommodation to a whole new level.
The zoo beat Pumphouse Point (Lake St Claire, Tasmania) and Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures (in the Kimberley region of Western Australia) for the top prize.
“The other recipients were … incredibly unique and world-class experiences in their own right,” Mr Fuller said.
“So to come away with the gold award is truly amazing recognition for the work that our teams undertake to ensure that these experiences are a success.”
The recognition also comes on the eve of the zoo’s 40th birthday on Tuesday, February 28.
The zoo will continue to grow its offering over the next decade, Mr Fuller said, as it continues to implement key upgrades and redevelopments in line with its Visitor Experience Plan.
“We’re just launched our Savannah Safari product, we’re in construction of the most significant exhibit development in the zoo’s history which is the Africa Lion Pridelands Adventure … as well as a long line of developments that will … keep raising the bar of what people know Taronga Western Plains Zoo is,” Mr Fullers said.
“We’re incredibly proud of the team and proud of the achievement but also recognise and thank everybody who provides such great local support including our volunteers, suppliers and the local community.”