Australia Zoo in Queensland, founded by Steve Irwin's father in 1970, has been named best major tourist attraction at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (QATAs).

Winners were announced from 27 categories, including two awards new for this year, the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism and an Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway was the winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award while the Outstanding Contribution Award was won by Laurie O'Meara from Western Australia who has been the driving force behind the Australian Tourism Accreditation programme.

Other winners included Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour winning the top tourist attraction award, Montague Island Tours in Narooma taking the ecotourism award and the Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience walking away with the heritage and cultural tourism award.

The awards are organised annually by the National Tourism Alliance (NTA) on behalf of the Australian tourism industry.

"The evening was the high point in a difficult year in Australian tourism," said National Tourism Alliance chairman Col Hughes.

"Each award winner has shown outstanding achievement and represents the best of what our passionate industry has to offer."