Oops, Did We Mention… We Won Gold!

In True Kangaroo Ridge Style, We Took Our Time to Celebrate

We’re not usually in a rush around here. In fact, most things at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat are designed to slow you down – and apparently, that includes media announcements.

So yes, we’re fashionably late… but we’re absolutely thrilled to finally share that Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is among the 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards winners, taking home Gold for Hosted Accommodation. As a proud Yarra Valley escape known for slow travel and curated stays, this recognition means the world to us.

Tables set and centre stage at the VTIC Awards Ceremony

Rebecca and Simon at the VTIC Gala with a Gold Trophy

🏆 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards Winners – Hosted Accommodation

🥇 Kangaroo Ridge Retreat – Gold

🥈 Hotel Vera – Silver

🥉 Jetty Boathouse BnB – Bronze

Hotel Vera and Jetty Boathouse BnB are two incredible hosted stays that we’re honoured to share the spotlight with. If this is what Victoria’s accommodation scene looks like, we’re in very good hands.

And while the trophy is very shiny and the applause was lovely, what matters most to us is what this award represents – recognition for the kind of hospitality that doesn’t scream for attention. The kind that’s quietly personal, beautifully detailed, and intentionally slow.

From the misty mountain views to the curated larders and spontaneous vinyl soundtracks, our little ridge has always done things a little differently. This win feels like a high-five to all the guests who’ve ever arrived frazzled and left floating, wine in hand, wondering why they didn’t book an extra night.

A Toast to Our Yarra Valley Tourism Legends

It wasn’t just us celebrating. The Yarra Valley showed up in style this year, and we’re so proud to stand alongside other local legends who took home awards:

🥇 CherryHill Orchards – Gold, Excellence in Food Tourism

🥈 Hop It – Silver, Tour & Transport Operators

🥉 Liberty Balloon Flights – Bronze, Adventure Tourism

There must be something in the wine or maybe just in the way we do things out here.

What’s Next?

Well, we’re off to the Australian Tourism Awards in Perth this March to represent Victoria on the national stage. There may be speeches. There will definitely be snacks. And we’ll be proudly taking a little piece of the Yarra Valley with us.

To all our guests, supporters, collaborators and local legends – thank you. This award is yours too.

We might be slow to announce things, but we never forget the people who helped us get here.

See you soon,
Rebecca & the Kangaroo Ridge Retreat team