The team at Red Cat Adventures are celebrating as their sister company, Wildcat Mackay, brings home the gold award for Best New Tourism Business in the country at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards held in Sydney on Friday night.
Red Cat Adventures were inducted into Queensland Tourism’s Hall of Fame, after winning best Major Tour and Transport Operator and Best Adventure Tourism Operator for three consecutive years.
Owners Julie and Asher Telford say that, after such a successful 10 years, it has been a pleasure to launch a new business that showcases Mackay “in a way that didn’t exist previously.”
Upon accepting the award on Friday night, Julie said she felt humbled by the unexpected win.
“To say the cards were stacked against us would be an understatement!” she said.
“To be recognised as Australia’s best new tourism business is testament to the innovation and tenacity involved and proof of our ability to design and develop new tourism experiences that people want.”
Wildcat launched in December 2021 and since this date has offered daily tours to either Scawfell, Cockermouth, Brampton or Keswick islands, with the location handpicked to suit the tides and weather of the day.
Tours depart the Mackay Marina at 9.30am, returning at 4.30pm and include snorkelling, paddleboarding, beachcombing and informative eco-history commentary, as well as morning and afternoon tea and lunch, with drinks from the licensed bar.
Trip advisor awarded Wildcat Mackay the 2021 Certificate of Excellence and in November 2022 won Gold for New Tourism Business at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Wildcat Mackay owners Julie and Asher Telford, pictured with Operations Manager Dan Gabbert, holding their award for Best New Tourism Award in Australia. Photo supplied
