29 February 2008
Queensland boasts Australia's best Heritage and Cultural Tourism attraction
The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich has taken out the nation's top prize for Heritage and Cultural Tourism at the Australian Tourism Awards, held in Canberra overnight.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the national accolade had confirmed Queensland was a major player in the cultural tourism market.
"The rest of Australia is starting to take notice of what's happening here in Queensland - we've got more to offer than just sun, surf and sand," Mr Welford said.
"Cultural tourism is a significant driver for visitors to Queensland and the Workshops Rail Museum is a strong tourism drawcard for the region.
"The Workshops Rail Museum offers visitors an exciting mix of history, interactive experiences and public programs for all ages.
"This facility provides a unique cultural experience for tourists and locals, and last year attracted more than 85,000 visitors.
"It is a great honour for the Workshops Rail Museum to receive this national accolade, especially among such a distinguished field of nominees.
"I congratulate the talented and dedicated team at The Workshops for their success."
CEO of the Queensland Museum Dr Ian Galloway said The Workshops Rail Museum had achieved remarkable growth since opening in 2002.
"The Workshops' success is testament to the quality experience on offer and the dedication of Museum staff and the staff in the QR (Queensland Rail) workshops," Dr Galloway said.
A campus of the Queensland Museum and set at the birthplace of rail in Queensland, The Workshops Rail Museum showcases more than 15 state-of-the-art and wholly interactive exhibitions that explore the past, present and future of rail from a technological and social perspective.
Finalists for the Australian Tourism Award for Heritage and Cultural Tourism were - Port Arthur Historic Site (TAS), Jewish Museum of Australia (VIC), National Capital Exhibition (ACT), Donnelly River Cruises (WA), Ayers House Museum (SA), Venture North (NT) and Bells Milk Bar (NSW).
