Victoria takes out 10 prizes at national tourism awards

Victoria has been the big winner at the national tourism awards, winning 10 of the top prizes.

Jockey Michelle Payne riding Prince Of Penzance crosses the finish line to win the $6,000,000 Melbourne Cup race at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne Source: AAP

Victorian tourist attractions and operators have won big at the national tourism awards, taking home 10 of the top prizes.

The 26 winners of the Qantas-sponsored Australian Tourism Awards for 2015 were announced in Melbourne on Friday.

Victorian sites and operators claimed ten gold awards, with Sovereign Hill in Ballarat winning the major tourist attraction category.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival also took out the top prize for major festivals and events.

Federal Minister for Tourism and International Education, Senator Richard Colbeck, says Australia's tourism industry works hard to attract more visitors.

"I'd like to thank all winners and finalists for their dedication to producing unforgettable tourism experiences set against what truly is the worlds best backdrop," he said.

Last year the country welcomed a record one million visitors from China, as spending increased 13 per cent to $34.8 billion - the strongest year of growth since 2001.

2015 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM GOLD AWARDS:

Major Tourist Attractions - Sovereign Hill Vic

Tourist Attractions - Bruny Island Cruises Tas

Major Festivals and Events - 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival Vic

Punters enjoy the end of the day at Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne Source: AAP

Festivals and Events - Fun4Kids Festival Vic

Ecotourism - The Tasmanian Walking Company Tas

Cultural Tourism - Venture North Australia NT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism - Voyages Ayers Rock Resort NT

Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, shortly before sunset Source: AAP

Specialised Tourism Services - Canberra Airport ACT

Visitor Information Services - Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre NT

Business Event Venue - The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel Tas

Major Tour and Transport Operators - Searoad Ferries Vic

Tour and Transport Operators - Top Drop Tours WA

Adventure Tourism - Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing Vic

Destination Marketing - Wine Food Farmgate Vic

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services - Stillwater at Crittenden Vic

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries - Pizzini Wines Cellar Door Vic

Caravan and Holiday Parks - BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park NSW

Hosted Accommodation - Curringa Farm Tours and Accommodation Tas

Unique Accommodation - Taronga Western Plains Zoo NSW

Self Contained Accommodation - Avalon Coastal Retreat Tas

Standard Accommodation - Moama on Murray Resort NSW

Deluxe Accommodation - The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel Tas