Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and Surfpoint Resort are celebrating an exciting milestone, with both businesses named finalists in the 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards. It’s a proud moment for our team. And a wonderful recognition of the passion, hard work and community spirit behind our Margaret River Region experiences.
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours is a finalist in the Business Excellence in the Adventure Tourism category. Meanwhile, Surfpoint Resort is a finalist in the 3 to 3.5 Star Accommodation category. And the winners will be announced at Crown Perth on 26 November. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed!
We’re proud to be named a finalist in the latest WA Tourism Awards – fingers crossed on the big night!
Two businesses, one shared passion
Although Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and Surfpoint Resort offer different experiences, they share one goal. That’s helping people enjoy the Margaret River Region, while caring for the places and communities that make it special. Our guided and self-guided hiking adventures introduce visitors to the spectacular scenery, wildlife, wildflowers and stories of the iconic Cape to Cape Track.
Meanwhile, Surfpoint Resort in Gnarabup part of the same business. It’s our accommodation hub providing a welcoming base where hikers can unwind and recharge after a day outdoors.
For Cape to Cape Explorer Tours founder Gene Hardy, seeing both businesses recognised is a real source of pride. “These awards are about so much more than a trophy. They recognise the people who make everything happen. From our guides and drivers to our accommodation and support teams,” Gene says. “We’re lucky to work in such an extraordinary part of the world. We get to share it with people from all over. And we want them to leave with a real connection to this place.”
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours founder Gene Hardy out on the track
A proud history at the WA Tourism Awards
The 2026 tourism awards build on a proud history of recognition for both businesses. Cape to Cape Explorer Tours won gold in the Ecotourism category in 2017 and 2018, alongside other gold, silver and bronze awards recognising our commitment to responsible, nature-based tourism.
Surfpoint Resort has also enjoyed award success. It won gold in the 3–3.5 Star Accommodation category at the 2021 WA Tourism Awards before taking home bronze at the Australian Tourism Awards.
The awards also celebrate the people behind our businesses. In 2025, Gene received the inaugural Local Tourism Legend Award. CEO Floss Hayes won the Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal. More recently, Surfpoint Resort general manager Nic Chirico won gold in the Individual Excellence by a Tourism Professional category in the individual section of the 2026 WA Tourism Awards.
“Every award means a lot. But the biggest reward is seeing our team grow. Our guests have amazing experiences. And our businesses make a positive contribution to the region,” Gene says. “We’ve built this over many years. And we’re incredibly proud of the people who have helped us get here.”
Hikers enjoying the Cape to Cape Track with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
More than awards: a commitment to the region
Awards are wonderful recognition. But our motivation goes beyond trophies. We believe time in nature can change the way people see the world. Walking the Cape to Cape Track gives visitors the chance to slow down, discover the region’s natural wonders and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.
We also work with local suppliers. We support our community. And we look for ways to reduce our environmental footprint. Our guides share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Track, while our wider team ensures every adventure runs smoothly.
At Surfpoint Resort, that same care goes into making guests feel welcome. “We want people to have a fantastic holiday. But we also want them to understand why this place is so special,” Gene says. “If someone finishes their walk feeling happier, healthier and more connected to nature, that’s a great outcome.”
Floss and Gene are no stranger to being on the awards podium
Thank you for being part of the journey
Being named finalists in the 2026 tourism awards is a moment to celebrate. And we haven’t reached it alone. Thank you to our hardworking team, our guests who choose to walk and stay with us, and the local partners and community who support our businesses.
We’re also delighted to see so many outstanding Western Australian tourism operators recognised this year. As we look forward to the awards gala on 26 November, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited about what lies ahead.
“Of course, we’d love to bring home another award,” Gene says. “But being named a finalist is already something to be proud of. It’s a great feeling to know the team’s hard work is being recognised. “We’ll keep doing what we love: getting people out into nature, sharing the magic of the Cape to Cape Track and making sure visitors feel welcome here.”
Here’s to our team, our community and many more adventures on the Track. Bring on the big night!