A GRAMPIANS (Gariwerd) tour operator was awarded first place in the Adventure Tourism category at the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards last Thursday at Melbourne Park.

Absolute Outdoors and a sub entity of its company, Grampians Peaks Walking Company, were honoured for showcasing the region as a captivating and exciting destination.

Also honoured at the ceremony, Grampians Wine Tours received a bronze award for the Tour & Transport Operators category, and Grampians Helicopters were Highly Commended.

Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company is an accredited tourism provider of outdoor recreational and educational experiences tailored to a range of visitors seeking adventure.

The company offers individuals, small groups, larger schools and corporate groups recreational challenges in the Grampians through half, full and multi-day activities in rock-climbing, guided walks, canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding, abseiling and mountain biking.

Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company also has a retail store in Halls Gap stocked with a range of premium outdoor gear for all adventures.

The Grampians Peaks Trail was officially opened in November 2021, a jointly funded project by the Victorian and Federal Government and stretches 160 kilometres through rugged Grampians National Park terrain.

The trail extends from Mt Zero in the north to Dunkeld in the south, including the summit of Mt Difficult (Gar), Halls Gap, Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mt Abrupt and Mt Sturgeon.

Grampians Tourism chief executive, Marc Sleeman, said the Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company’s hard work and dedication to providing premium outdoor experiences had contributed to the Grampians remaining a number one destination for adventures in Victoria.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company have been honoured at the Victorian Tourism Awards,” he said.