Community & Business
24 April, 2025
Outback retreat a real treat
AN outback station retreat near Einasleigh was recently announced as a champion in tourism after taking out the top spot at the prestigious 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
Gilberton Outback Retreat, located about 130km south of Einasleigh, was awarded as the Champion of Tourism at the recent event that recognises and rewards the achievements of small business operators across the country.
“Considering it was between small businesses nationwide, we were really surprised and honoured,” owner Lyn French said.
“It was a bit surreal and there were lots of people. There was a hell of a lot of people who hadn’t heard of us, but they have now.
“And it’s already created more bookings which is really good to see.”
Over 5,500 entries were received from a wide range of business sectors located in cities, rural, regional and suburban towns throughout Australia.
The judging process was rigorous and highly competitive with 1,423 finalists selected across 106 categories, each of whom demonstrated why small businesses are so vital to our nation’s prosperity.
The winners were announced at a National Gala Presentation Evening held at The Star Sydney, where Gilberton Outback Retreat was formally recognised as the Champion in the Tourism category.
The event was hosted by popular channel Nine presenter and journalist Jayne Azzopardi and was attended by more than 1000 small businesspeople.
As part of their achievement, the Gilberton Outback Retreat received a custom Champions statuette trophy and certificate, along with national recognition as an industry leader.
