Nathen & Sophie Wakefield
Turlee Station Stay has won the award for Unique Accommodation at The CountryLink Inland Tourism Awards (INTA) held in Balranald NSW on 30 July. Turlee’s unique outback experience, warm hospitality and contributions to regional tourism impressed the judges to land the award.
Owners Nathen and Sophie Wakefield are proud as punch with the award and the recognition for their outback station stay. The couple’s extensive knowledge of the area and its history helps promote the tourism in the area and provides a total experience for guests.
“It’s wonderful to be recognised and awarded for Turlee Station Stay’s Unique Accommodation. We want our guests to get a true sense of the outback when they stay with us and enjoy an authentic experience,” Sophie said.
Turlee Station Stay was not only the winner of the Unique Accommodation award, but was also a finalist in the Heritage and Cultural Tourism and Hosted Accommodation categories.
The judges were impressed with the customised and dedicated service the Wakefields offer their guests in order to create a unique experience. They also highlighted Sophie’s participation on the Outback Beds committee.
“You are to be congratulated on your commitment to the industry. It certainly is a unique experience and one that represents outback Australia and the culture,” the judges outlined in their comments.
CountryLink Inland Tourism Awards (INTA) are held annually to acknowledge excellence in tourism in the four regional tourism areas of Riverina, New England North West, Central NSW and Outback NSW.
Turlee Station Stay is located on the edge of Mungo National Park in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area in outback NSW.
With activities including staying in a traditional working shearer’s quarters or meeting the working dogs, it’s no wonder Turlee Station Stay won the award for Unique Accommodation. Where else can you tag along on a station water run for the day, learn about stock practices and experience the area’s world heritage? Turlee Station Stay offers guests an experience like no other.
“Turlee offers an authentic outback experience when you need that time away from the big city lights. Guests have the chance to feel the beauty in the remoteness at Turlee Station and wind down in a remote setting,” Sophie said.
As a result of their win at the Countrylink Inland NSW Tourism Awards, the Turlee Station stay is automatically a finalist in the NSW State Tourism Awards. These awards will be held in Sydney in November.
For more information and bookings visit www.turleestationstay.com.au
Having just stayed at Turlee Station several weeks ago, I strongly support the award which has been achieved by Sophie and Nathan. They have set up a welcoming, comfortable and authentic Australian station stay. The variety of accommodation covers all levels, and also sets up the opportunity for visitors to meet each other. The campfire and regular drop ins by Nathan, Sophie and family to have a chat, and the opportunity to visit parts of the station to see the work going on is great. Our children also thoroughly enjoyed playing with the other children, and we were able to be relaxed as there was minimal vehicle traffic.
Congratulations Sophie and Nathan, you deserve this award!!
Hear hear Anne. Turlee Station Stay is a great place and thank you for your comment.