The outdoor museum won the prize from the Victorian Tourism Industry Council’s judges for the second year in a row, this time over Philip Island Nature Parks and Puffing Billy, as well as the People’s Choice Regional Attraction Award. 

Kryal Castle won best regional attraction. 

Sovereign Hill CEO Jeremy Johnson said they were honoured with the prizes. 

“We’re  thrilled  that  Sovereign  Hill  has  been  recognised  through  these  awards,” he said. 

 “We continuously strive  to deliver new experiences to our visitors, and are proud that our innovation,  through events like Christmas in July, has been recognised.” 

Kryal Castle marketing manager Serena Eldridge said the award was a nod to the success of the turnaround since the castle’s redevelopment. 

“We are very very excited. It’s the second tourism award we’ve won since we (re-)opened. It really comes back to how much hard work we’ve done,” she said. 

“The team here have done so much, to really turn the castle around.” 

Cave Hill Creek, which runs school camps and group hikes from near Beaufort, was awarded a silver medal in the Standard Accommodation category. 

Creswick Woollen Mills was also recognised by the judges, with a bronze medal given in the Cultural Attraction category.