Small Southern Great Barrier Reef Operator takes Gold at Queensland Tourism Awards
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Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy tourism operator Dive Spear and Sport 1770 has taken home Gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards, bringing statewide recognition to the region and the incredible tourism experiences offered along Queensland’s Southern Great Barrier Reef.
A small tourism business based in Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy has achieved an exciting milestone, with Dive Spear and Sport 1770 (DSS1770) awarded Gold in the Tour and Transport Operators category at the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards.
For the team, the result came as a complete surprise. As first time entrants, the business entered the awards with a much simpler intention: to gain valuable feedback from industry professionals, learn from some of Queensland’s leading tourism operators, build industry connections and proudly represent the Gladstone Region on a statewide stage.
Walking away with Gold was something they hadn’t anticipated.
The Tour and Transport Operators category recognises businesses that make a significant contribution to tourism through the provision of touring and transport services. The judging process considers the overall business, including product development, marketing, customer service, sustainability and responsible business practices.
For DSS1770, the recognition represents much more than the quality of its reef tours. It acknowledges the dedication, professionalism and ongoing work that goes into delivering a high-quality tourism experience, both on and off the water.
Business Director Carmen Bolton said the award was both unexpected and incredibly meaningful.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we expect to get the Gold. We genuinely went into this thinking it would be an opportunity to learn, to get feedback and to see how we compared with other tourism operators across Queensland.
“To actually hear our business announced as the Gold winner was surreal. It’s one of those moments you almost can’t process. Something we had never imagined, and certainly never expected when we first put our application together.
“There’s been so much work, commitment, uncertainty and emotion behind building this business. To have that recognised at this level is incredibly special. I don’t think we’ve even fully taken it all in yet.”
While the recognition is a significant achievement for the business, the team hopes its greatest value will be the attention it brings to the Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy region, encouraging more visitors to discover the area, support local businesses and experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
“If this award helps more people discover Agnes Water, Seventeen Seventy and the Southern Great Barrier Reef, then that makes the whole experience even more special. We would love for our win to be something our entire region can celebrate.”
A challenging year, made possible by an exceptional team The achievement comes after a particularly challenging year for the tourism industry, with rising operating costs, economic pressures, fuel price uncertainty and prolonged periods of unfavourable weather impacting tourism operators across the region.
For businesses operating on the water, unpredictable weather can mean cancelled trips, disrupted bookings and difficult decisions, particularly when trying to maintain consistent operations and support a dedicated team.
Despite these challenges, DSS1770 has continued to invest in its people, its operations and the quality of the experiences it delivers.
Operating a purpose-built 20-passenger dive vessel, Yemalla, the business specialises in small-group snorkelling and diving experiences to some of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s most remote and pristine locations.
With a strong focus on personalised service, low guest-to-guide ratios and meaningful environmental interpretation, the team aims to offer more than just a day on the reef.
Guests are introduced to the extraordinary marine life, coral ecosystems and conservation values of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, with passionate crew members sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm throughout the experience.
The business is also a five-star Scuba Diving International (SDI) Dive Centre and an Advanced Ecotourism Australia certified operator. The team includes two accredited Master Reef Guides, a nationally recognised program developed to recognise leading reef tourism professionals with exceptional knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef, its ecology and conservation values.
The team also works closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) through its involvement in the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, contributing valuable reef health data and supporting ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts across the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Its involvement in reef monitoring, citizen science and conservation activities reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that tourism plays a positive role in protecting the environment on which the region depends.
Carmen said the recognition was a testament to the people behind the operation.
“Honestly, this award belongs to our team. They are the people who make this business what it is. They work incredibly hard, often in challenging conditions, and bring so much passion, care and professionalism to what they do.
“To have all that hard work recognised in this way is something really special. I wish everyone who has been part of this journey could feel just how much this means.”
From the Southern Great Barrier Reef to the national stage As a Gold winner in an eligible Queensland Tourism Awards category, DSS1770 will now automatically progress as a national finalist in the corresponding category at the Australian Tourism Awards.
The national awards bring together Gold winners from across Australia’s state and territory tourism awards programs, recognising excellence and celebrating the businesses helping shape Australia’s visitor economy.
While the team is excited about the opportunity ahead, its focus remains firmly on continuing to improve, delivering exceptional guest experiences and sharing the remarkable natural environment on its doorstep.
ENDS
Media Contact
Jessica Cooke
0431 529 432
