Both won the top prize in their respective categories at the Australian Tourism Awards, presented in Melbourne on Friday night. 

Drift House went back-to-back in the luxury accommodation category, while Fun4Kids was named the best event or festival. 

Both accolades follow on from wins at November’s Victorian Tourism Awards. 

Drift House owner John Watkinson said it was a great thrill to win the award two years in a row. He said Drift House, which opened 2013, was a labour of love for him and partner Colleen Guiney.

“It was six years in the planning and construction, it took a lot of patience,” Mr Watkinson said. 

“We wanted to create something a bit different. It came from our own dissatisfaction while travelling, we were sick of cookie cutter hotels. 

“It’s not about star ratings or winning awards, it’s about offering something special for our guests that they don’t get in other places and I think we’ve achieved that.  

“The award is recognition for that hard work. It’s great for Port Fairy and the region.” 

Fun4Kids is no stranger to the awards either, having been inducted to the hall of fame in 2008 after three previous wins. 

Manager of marketing and ticketing Ashlee English said it was recognition for everyone involved in the festival. 

“Not just the small team in the events department, but for the 450 volunteers who give up their week and for our community advisory group,” she said. 

“We’ve had a couple of challenging years, but this award really cements that we have a top level event right here in our backyard.” 

Ms English said the win provided the team with more motivation heading into the 2016 festival, which will run from June 26 until July 2. 

The festival was almost abandoned in 2014, but the 2015 event came in under its $450,000 budget and had strong ticket sales.