Multi award-winning Whitsunday tour operator, Ocean Rafting, once again achieved national success at the 2022 Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney on Friday night, winning the silver award for Adventure Tourism.
After achieving multiple gold, silver and bronze awards on a national level over the years, Ocean Rafting’s success follows recent wins in the same category at both the Whitsunday and Queensland Tourism Awards. Nationally, as one of the most entered categories, there was strong competition from seven other 2022 Australian Tourism Awards finalists in Adventure Tourism, who had each also won in their relevant state awards.
Following the gala awards ceremony, Ocean Rafting owners, Peter and Jan Claxton, celebrated the win with their some of their team at the gala awards ceremony.
“We really want to thank our incredibly dedicated and passionate staff, which includes a team of four recognised Master Reef Guides, who do an amazing job not only showcasing the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, but in protecting these precious assets and educating our guests about what they can do to make a difference. We operate in the one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Whitsundays, and given our special permits, we have the opportunity to showcase one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as world-renowned Heart Reef, on a daily basis,” said Peter.
“After over 25 years of operations, we will never stop appreciating every single one of these awards. We also certainly couldn’t have done it without our guests, who we love to see on the ride of their life, exploring the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef with us every day,” said Peter.
With three generations of family actively involved in daily operations, Ocean Rafting is a leader in marine tourism, with their innovative approach and ongoing reinvestments into the business, with more exciting plans for the future in both its extensive marine and aviation operations.
Going full circle back to owner Peter’s aviation roots, last year was not the year of another boat to add to the existing fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels, but a plane! Flying into operations in May last year, Ocean Rafting’s 7-seater Australian-built Airvan took to the skies, meaning that along with partner aircraft operators, Ocean Rafting offers the ultimate Whitsunday experiences from above, on and below the water.
“Last but certainly not least, we sincerely thank our many industry partners and tourism bodies, with whom we work, both within Australia and the world over. It’s a team effort and we have all worked cohesively to place the Whitsundays on the map as the ultimate Whitsunday holiday destination. Congratulations to all the other finalists and winners, especially the other Whitsunday finalists in their relevant categories, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort and Magnums Airlie Beach, who won gold and bronze respectively. It was a great evening for the Whitsundays and in fact, Queensland as a whole,” said Peter.
Multi award-winning Ocean Rafting offers two exciting day tour adventures, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and special snorkelling sites, as well as the Fly and Raft package, 60-minute scenic flights, charter options and the Reef Seeker environmental educational program. The fleet of eight semi-rigid inflatable vessels allow guests to experience an adrenalin-fuelled ride amongst the beauty of the Whitsundays, while a maximum of 32 passengers per vessel, allows for a personalised experience in the pleasure of a small group.
