Two in a row: Whyalla Visitor Centre wins Gold again
Whyalla Visitor Centre has won Gold for Visitor Information Services at the 2026 South Australian Tourism Awards, taking out the category for the second consecutive year.
Announced at the gala dinner on Friday 6 November, the award recognises the team’s continued commitment to helping visitors discover Whyalla and experience more of what the city has to offer.
Group Photo - 2026 SA Tourism Award Winners.
The Centre welcomed 27,040 visitors through its doors last financial year, an opportunity to share local knowledge and give travellers a reason to explore further.
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone said the back-to-back result was an achievement the whole city could celebrate.
“Our Visitor Centre team takes pride in Whyalla, and that comes through in the welcome they give people every day,” Mayor Stone said.
“This recognition is well deserved. Their work also has a wider benefit for our city, introducing visitors to local experiences and businesses and encouraging them to spend more time here.”
Beyond providing information, the Centre’s work includes managing key attractions and connecting visitors with experiences across the city, from the Maritime Museum and Steelworks Tours to Whyalla’s nature, heritage and marine attractions.
Visitor Experience Coordinator Ali Sanders said maintaining that standard was a collective effort.
“There is a lot of care behind every recommendation, tour and conversation,” Ms Sanders said.
“To receive Gold again is a proud moment for everyone involved. It reflects the work our team puts in throughout the year and their willingness to keep learning and improving.”
Events & Tourism Lead Jenny Barnes said the result recognised the people at the heart of the visitor experience.
“Winning once was incredibly special, but receiving this recognition two years in a row means so much to our team,” Ms Barnes said.
“We genuinely love Whyalla. When someone comes in unsure about what there is to do and leaves with a full itinerary, or decides to stay another night, that’s a really rewarding part of our work.
“We congratulate our fellow finalists and everyone recognised at this year’s awards. It’s wonderful to be part of an industry with so much passion for sharing South Australia.”
