8 November 2026

We are proud to share that the Kingfisher Cultural River Cruise has been named a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Tourism Awards, the state’s highest honours for tourism.

Less than two years ago, we reshaped the Kingfisher to share the river through Yorta Yorta eyes. To be recognised on a state stage so soon is a wonderful achievement. It is a credit to everyone who has helped bring the stories, culture and deep connection to Country of the Yorta Yorta People onto the water.

Victoria’s top tourism honours

The Victorian Tourism Awards are run by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). In 2026 they mark 40 years of celebrating the best experiences in the state.

They are not a popularity vote. Each entry is a detailed written submission covering the whole experience. Teams of three industry judges score it independently. The judges also review each business’s online presence, and in some categories they look at guest reviews and visit the site in person. Only entries that score 70% or more become finalists. All results are checked by an independent auditor before they are announced.

This year, 94 finalists from 17 regions made the cut. The Kingfisher is one of just five finalists from The Murray region.

Victoria’s gold winners go on to compete against the best from around the country at the Australian Tourism Awards. The next national ceremony will be held in Geelong in February 2027.

A cruise unlike any other on the Murray

The Kingfisher takes guests on a 90-minute journey along the Dhungala (Murray River) through Barmah National Park. Barmah and the neighbouring Millewa Forest together make up the largest river red gum forest in the world. Barmah National Park is managed jointly by Parks Victoria and the Yorta Yorta Nation.

On board, Yorta Yorta guides share the stories held in the river, the forest and the skies. They explain how this landscape came to be, why the river remains at the heart of Yorta Yorta identity, and how Country continues to guide community life today. No two cruises are the same. Waterbirds nest in the wetlands in spring, turtles bask on logs in summer, the water lies still in autumn, and mist rises from the forest on winter mornings.

The Kingfisher also holds Eco Tourism certification, recognising our commitment to caring for the river and the cultural heritage it carries.

The people behind the stories

This recognition belongs to the people who bring the Kingfisher to life, especially Grace Atkinson and Ralph Hume. Their authentic, professional storytelling gives guests a deeper understanding of the Yorta Yorta People and their unbroken connection to Country across thousands of years.

Grace has had a big year. She was also named a finalist in the first Victorian Top Tour Guide Award, one of nine guides recognised across the state. Grace has built her knowledge alongside Yorta Yorta Elders and trained as a qualified skipper of the Kingfisher.

Fingers crossed for 26 November

Winners will be announced at the Victorian Tourism Awards gala at Melbourne Park on Thursday 26 November 2026. Whatever the result, we couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved, and grateful to every guest who has joined us on the river.

See it for yourself. Book the Kingfisher Cultural River Cruise, or plan your visit to the Dharnya Centre and the Yamyabuc Trail.