14 November 2008
THE WORKSHOPS RAIL MUSEUM WINS QLD TOURISM AWARD
The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich was recognised for excellence in the tourism industry, winning the Heritage and Cultural Tourism category at the 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards, held in Brisbane overnight.
The Ipswich tourist attraction was also named a finalist in the Tourist Attractions category.
Director of The Workshops Rail Museum, Mr Andrew Moritz said that receiving the award was an enormous honour and a well deserved accolade for the talented team at the Museum.
"Being named Winner of the Heritage & Cultural Tourism category is a great honour for the team and further endorsement of the Museum following our win in this category last year.
"This award highlights the quality experience on offer at The Workshops Rail Museum and the dedication of both the Museum and QR staff at the North Ipswich Railway Workshops.
"The Workshops is an important historic site, telling the story of rail in Queensland and the development of the state. The Museum's primary concern is preserving our heritage for the education and enjoyment of all visitors and this award is testament to that commitment," Mr Moritz said.
Finalists in the Heritage & Cultural Tourism included well-known tourism operators throughout the State: Museum of Tropical Queensland, Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback at Isa.
The Workshops Rail Museum will now progress to compete against interstate winners of the Heritage and Cultural Tourism category at the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be announced on 27 February 2009, in Melbourne.
Set at the birthplace of rail in Queensland, The Workshops Rail Museum is a $20 million wholly interactive, authentic heritage and cultural experience with hands-on exhibits, multi-media encounters and colourful stories that that trace the history of rail and its impact on the lives of Queenslanders and visitors to the state.
A highlight of the visitor experience is the Behind the Scenes Tours of the Working Workshops where visitors step into the thick of it as they enter the real QR Workshops. Visitors can get up close to see real restoration and maintenance work of the gems of the QR Heritage Fleet.
The Workshops Rail Museum is a campus of the Queensland Museum and is located at North Street, North Ipswich.
For further information or for ticket prices, please call (07) 3432 5100 or visit www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.
