WA’s three gold medal winners in Australia’s Top Tourism Town Award 2023 were all recognised for having strong environmental and cultural aspects.

+ Mandurah won gold for being Top Tourism Town.

+ Dwellingup is the Tiny Tourism Town gold winner.

+ Rosanna Angus won gold for being Top Tour Guide.

And we should mention that Queenstown in Tasmania won the other gold medal, for Small Tourism Town.

The awards are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, which is the national representative body for tourism in Australia. They are sponsored by Tourism Australia and winners are determined by a State and national level voting process, combining people’s choice votes and an industry judging panel.

MANDURAH

ATIC recognises Mandurah for its stunning waterways and coastline, internationally significant wetlands and the fact that it is intrinsically connected to its natural environment — “a strong visitor drawcard”.

A spokesperson says: “It is one of Australia’s most spectacular playgrounds for boating, fishing and wildlife watching. The estuary and Peel Inlet provide endless water-based activities including riding jetskis, barbecue boats, houseboating and more. No trip to Mandurah is complete without a boat cruise through the canals or trip to see world renowned artist Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah outdoor exhibition. Mandurah is known for its beautiful waterways and relaxed holiday atmosphere making it the perfect family holiday destination.”

DWELLINGUP

ATIC sees Dwellingup as “a nature playground, where mountain bike and hiking trails gently wind and trace the curves of the Darling Scarp”.

It is recognised as “a place where you can truly retreat, adventure and explore.

“Dwellingup is an ancient place where trails meet and Dreamtime stories still echo along the Murray River and through the old-growth forest.

“Indulge in local produce, admire celebrated artisans and experience cultural and eco experiences.

“Sleep under the blanket of a billion stars, discover isolated swimming holes amongst towering trees and completely disconnect, immersed in the sounds of nature. Dwellingup is truly a place, for those that are Wild@Heart.”

GUIDE

Rosanna Angus is a Jawi woman whose family lived on Sunday Island, off the Dampier Peninsula coast, north of Broome. On Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours, she shares stories of Aboriginal life on the island before the mission closed in 1962, and talks about why the culture is still so strong today.

The ATIC spokesperson says: “Her tourism journey began when she was a child, growing up in a family who were all Bardi Jawi Saltwater People, with a strong aspiration to share their history and culture with the rest of the world.”