Port Albert's Boat Harbour Jetty B&B Wins Silver at the Australian Tourism Awards

Boat Harbour Jetty B&B in Port Albert has proudly won the Silver Award in the Hosted Accommodation category at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Celebrating Excellence: A Silver Award for Port Albert

The Australian Tourism Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence in the tourism industry, celebrating businesses that deliver exceptional visitor experiences. Winning an award in this national competition is no small feat, as it requires businesses to demonstrate quality, innovation, and an outstanding commitment to tourism.

Boat Harbour Jetty B&B in Port Albert has proudly won the Silver Award in the Hosted Accommodation category at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. This achievement highlights the remarkable dedication of owners Mark and Sharon Radon in delivering a world-class experience to their guests while also bringing positive attention to their picturesque coastal town.

The Australian Tourism Awards have been a benchmark of excellence for four decades, pushing businesses to refine their offerings and elevate their standards. Boat Harbour Jetty B&B's Silver Award signifies not only their outstanding accommodation but also their contribution to the growth of tourism in Victoria's Gippsland region.

The Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Award-Winning Accommodation

Mark and Sharon Radon have a long-standing history with Port Albert, having previously owned and operated a café/restaurant and charter boat business in the 1980s. Their deep connection with the town led them to purchase their current home in 2017, with a vision of sharing its beauty with visitors.

Mark brings extensive experience in fishing and tourism, having spent years running fishing and tourist boat charters in the area. His knowledge of the local waters and passion for the marine environment has added an extra dimension to their hospitality offering. This, combined with Sharon’s expertise in hospitality and local business development, has helped shape Boat Harbour Jetty B&B into a standout accommodation option.

With breathtaking harbour views, they spent two years meticulously designing and constructing three luxury studios to provide an exceptional guest experience. While neither had previously run an accommodation business, their backgrounds in hospitality and their passion for Port Albert guided them through the learning process.

Since opening in 2019, Boat Harbour Jetty B&B has continued to evolve. Sharon took part in the Victorian Business Tourism Bootcamp, which provided formal accreditation through the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF). This accreditation underscores their commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and guest-focused tourism experiences.

The business has also attained:

4.5-star rating
Sustainable Tourism Accreditation
COVID Clean Certification
Tourism Emission Reduction Commitment.

Beyond their business, Sharon has dedicated time to local development initiatives, including her involvement with the Port Albert Progress Association (PAPA). Mark and Sharon's efforts have not only improved their business but also helped promote Port Albert as a must-visit destination.

Why This Award Matters for Port Albert and Gippsland

Winning an Australian Tourism Award is more than just recognition; it brings tangible benefits to the local community and the wider Gippsland region. Here’s how Boat Harbour Jetty B&B’s success impacts Port Albert:

Attracts Visitors: National and international travellers are drawn to award-winning destinations, increasing tourism numbers in Port Albert.
Showcases Regional Excellence: This award highlights the high-quality tourism experiences available in Gippsland, proving that regional areas can compete with major destinations.
Boosts Community Morale: Success stories like this inspire other small businesses and demonstrate the power of perseverance and passion.
Supports Other Local Businesses: More visitors mean increased demand for local cafés, restaurants, tours, and retail businesses.
Empowers Volunteer Groups: Organisations like Port Albert Progress Association can leverage this success to further promote the unique offerings of Port Albert.

What Allows Boat Harbour Jetty B&B to Stand Out?

Boat Harbour Jetty B&B is a standout accommodation option in Port Albert, combining modern luxury with the warm hospitality of a traditional B&B. The property features three elegant, private studios, each offering stunning harbour views and designed for relaxation and comfort.

Each studio includes:

Spacious open-plan lounge and dining areas
King-sized beds for ultimate comfort
58-inch wall-mounted smart TVs
Oversized walk-in showers
Gourmet in-room continental breakfast with complimentary treats.

What truly sets Boat Harbour Jetty B&B apart is its commitment to personalised hospitality and how Mark and Sharon go above and beyond to create a welcoming and memorable stay for their guests. Their attention to detail is evident in the carefully curated amenities, thoughtful local recommendations, and their ability to create a seamless, stress - free experience from booking to check-out.

Additionally, the B&B's prime waterfront location allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Port Albert, with opportunities for fishing, boating, walking, bike riding, and wildlife spotting - right at the doorstep.

The combination of luxurious comfort, breathtaking scenery, and genuine, heartfelt service makes Boat Harbour Jetty B&B an exceptional choice for travellers looking for an unforgettable getaway.

Jenny Smith, President of the Port Albert Progress Association, expressed her appreciation for Mark and Sharon’s contributions: "Their tireless efforts in promoting and enhancing Port Albert have helped shape it into the beautiful, welcoming destination it is today. PAPA is incredibly grateful for their dedication and it’s achievements like this that help put Port Albert on the map."

What’s Next for Boat Harbour Jetty B&B?

Winning the Silver Award has only strengthened Mark and Sharon’s resolve to continue refining and improving their guest experience.

Their future plans include:

Ongoing Business Development: Continuously upgrading services and amenities to maintain their high standard of hospitality and adapt to evolving traveller needs.
Re-entering the Victorian Tourism Awards: They aim to build on their success at the state level, potentially leading to another national opportunity.
Enhancing the Port Albert Experience: Collaborating with other local businesses and tourism initiatives to further establish Port Albert as a must-visit destination.
Adapting to Traveler Trends: Keeping up with new marketing trends, engaging with digital platforms, and working closely with travel agents to ensure a seamless booking process for visitors. By streamlining the reservation process and making it more accessible through multiple channels, they aim to enhance guest convenience and satisfaction.

As Sharon puts it, "Small businesses in regional areas need to roll up their sleeves and work together to promote our towns. Success doesn’t happen by itself, you have to make it happen."

About Boat Harbour Jetty B&B

Boat Harbour Jetty B&B is an award-winning 4.5-star boutique waterfront accommodation in Gippsland. Offering modern, stylish studios with spectacular harbour views, complimentary breakfast, and an eco-friendly approach, it provides a luxurious yet intimate getaway experience.

Features:

Harbour-view studios with luxury amenities
EV charging for eco-conscious travellers
Private fishing charters and eco-tours
Located in the heart of Port Albert, a historic coastal town.

Contact Information:

Owners: Mark and Sharon Radon
Facebook: Boat Harbour Jetty B&B
Website: Book Your Stay

A Community Celebration

The Port Albert Progress Association (PAPA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mark and Sharon for their incredible achievement. Their Silver Award at the Australian Tourism Awards is a testament to their hard work and passion, and the entire Port Albert community is proud to celebrate this milestone with them.

This recognition not only honours Boat Harbour Jetty B&B but also highlights the charm and potential of Port Albert as a premier destination for travellers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

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Port Albert Progress Association (PAPA) Serving the community since 1880

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