Queensland’s $25 billion tourism industry recognised its most outstanding, dedicated and successful operators and individuals at the 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards in Brisbane on Friday night.

A total of 83 awards, including 27 Gold, 23 Silver, 24 Bronze. 5 highly commended and 4 individual awards across 28 categories, as well as the inaugural RACQ People’s Choice awards, were presented at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, in front of 900 guests.

First time entrants, The Waterline Restaurant at Keppel Bay Marina brought home the Gold Award for Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services.

“This is a huge honour” said General Manager Kylie Smith, “and it is fantastic for the Capricorn Coast as a tourism destination. This award acknowledges the complete dining experience; the food, the service, the location and that little bit extra that makes our restaurant an essential part of the Capricorn Coast holiday experience.”

“We are right here “where the reef meets the beef”, serving our own local grass fed Banana Station Beef, and the best local seafood and local produce we can source. It is all about the quintessential Capricorn Coast dining experience, and being part of a memorable holiday for visitors to our region.”

“This award is bigger than just The Waterline Restaurant and Keppel Bay Marina, it is an acknowledgement of all the local producers we work with and our tourism partners who operate boats and accommodation for whom we provide dining, catering and takeaway meal packages.”

“Mostly this award is well deserved recognition of our fantastic team, who work so hard to deliver a fantastic dining experience for all our guests.”

The State Tourism Award tops off a momentous year for The Waterline Restaurant, having also represented the region at the Restaurant and Catering Awards and winning the awards for Best Breakfast Dining in North Queensland and the Northern Territory, Best Café Dining in North Queensland and the big award, the Gold Award for Café of the Year Qld & NT, and listed as a finalist in three categories at the National Restaurant and Catering Awards.

“We are so proud of our team” says Kylie Smith, “it is another well-deserved pat on the back for the great service and passion they bring to our business and to our destination, and recognition of all the great holiday and dining experiences they deliver every day, and particularly to Sharon Spelling who put is so much work behind the scenes on our submission.”

“Congratulations also to the other local businesses who are doing our region proud, including Empire Apartment Hotel and Conference Centre for winning Gold for Best Business Venue and Silver in the Category of Deluxe Accommodation, and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort winning the Steve Irwin Award for Eco Tourism.”

As a winner of a Gold Award, The Waterline Restaurant will gain automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Perth on 23 February 2018.