Local tourist attraction hits the spot for Grey Nomads

The Sarina Sugar Shed’s tasting tour has been shortlisted in the 2023 Best Foodie Experience category while the Sarina Sugar Shed tour has been shortlisted in the Best Tour category.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was great news for the multi-award-winning facility and is recognition, once again, of their outstanding food tourism experiences.

“Congratulations to the Sarina Sugar Shed management team, staff and volunteers who love what they do and are passionate about providing high-quality experiences for our visitors,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our fingers are crossed for a sweet result when the winners are announced in March,” he said.

Grey Nomads Awards Director, Ms Kim Morgan, said the awards shine a light on coastal, inland regional and remote Australia by rewarding organisations and destinations which cater to mature age visitors in an exemplary way.

“Through evidence-based assessment, the awards foster a better lifestyle for over 50s while providing verified information which guides travellers’ decisions on where to visit, play and stay,” Ms Morgan said.

“With all regions in Australia ‘open’ fully to travellers for the first full year since the pandemic, 2023 proved to be an extremely busy and therefore challenging one for those wanting to welcome grey nomads into their towns, communities and tourism businesses,” she said.

“Amidst such times, with often chaotic visitor numbers, operators and communities had to dig deep to find the extra energy needed to pursue a path of excellence.

“That is why our judges want to give a special shout out to Sarina Sugar Shed and the other finalists for demonstrating an unmatched commitment to visitor experience.”

The Grey Nomad Awards are judged by tourism professionals, some of whom have experienced the grey nomad lifestyle personally, adding weight to these entrant’s results.

The 2023 awards incorporated 14 categories, including two new categories: Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town for those communities that offer a must stay-and-play place for mature-age travellers, and Best Foodie Experience for any operators or eateries that provide an epic food-centred experience for travellers.

While 13 of the category winners are being determined through a three-tier assessment phase that includes scoring of a written submission, for the first time the Best Pub Stay has been determined by public vote with thousands of votes received from across Australia.

Ms Morgan said all finalists would also have the chance to be named as the 'Best Grey Nomad Experience' in their state for the first time in these 2023 awards.

National and state winners in all categories will be announced at a gala dinner celebration on Friday, March 8, as part of the Art of Attraction Tourism Summit on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Background information about Sarina Sugar Shed:
Sarina Sugar Shed is an award-winning tourism experience offering guided tours of the sugar cane crushing process, a miniature mill and product tastings. It is open seven days (except selected public holidays) from 9am to 4pm. Advance tour bookings (9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm) are highly recommended. The facility is located in the Sarina Field of Dreams Parklands precinct in Sarina, Queensland, 37km south of Mackay. Visit sarinasugarshed.com.au for more details.