The Australian Reptile Park recently hosted a grand event to celebrate its win of the coveted Major Tourist Attraction award at the Australian Tourism Awards earlier this year.
The celebration event was attended by various parliamentarians, including Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris, Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.
Many tourism industry associates and businesses that collaborate with the Park were also represented.
“The Australian Reptile Park truly is the jewel in the tourism crown of the wonderful Central Coast,” Harris said.
“Huge congratulations to Park owners John Weigel, Robyn Weigel, Tim Faulkner, Liz Gabriel and your teams for winning the prestigious 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Gold Award.
“This award is testament to the Park being an enormous contributor to the region on so many levels: economic, conservation, education and the unique snake and spider venom-milking program that saves the lives of hundreds of Australians every year.
“The accolade not only highlights the Park’s success as a business; it further enhances the reputation of our region as a top tourism destination.”
Many animals were in attendance to meet all the guests, including koalas, reptiles and the Park’s current most famous residents, Bluey and Bandit the dingo pups.
The celebration was further enhanced by contributions from local businesses.
Cakemaker (and local celebrity) Kyla Daniels created an incredible, giant cake shaped like a trophy.
Chef Daniel from Fork n Knife Catering provided exquisite culinary delights and entertainment was provided by JC Entertainment.
The Australian Reptile Park has enjoyed great success over the past several years, having been awarded NSW Business of the Year and Excellence in Business at the 2021 NSW Business Awards, as well as the Silver award for Major Tourism Attraction at the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards.
Additionally, the Park has received several awards at a local level for business and tourism, every year for the last decade.
Park Director Liz Gabriel said it was “amazing” to be recognised for the effort put into providing an “incredible family day out”.
“We love our animals and staff more than anything and awards like this are truly humbling,” she said.
“We provide excellence in wildlife tourism and conservation, and we’ve done that for the past 75 years.
“Through our lifesaving snake and spider venom milking program, our conservation activities through Aussie Ark, and of course, providing a fantastic family experience in nature, we’re proud to be such a well-rounded organisation.”