The small village of Murrumbateman has proven itself as a tourism powerhouse after claiming three major awards at the prestigious 2025 Canberra Region Tourism Awards, standing tall against competition from the national capital itself.
From Chocolate to Wine: Award-Winning Excellence
Murrumbateman's tourism operators celebrated a remarkable trifecta at the recent awards ceremony held at Hotel Realm. The Murrumbateman Chocolate Company secured the award for Excellence in Food Tourism and received high commendation in the Tourism Retail and Hire Services category.
Managing director Yasmin Coe, who moved to the area with her family four years ago, described the excitement among local operators when Murrumbateman winners were announced. "A collective cheer went up each time a Murrumbateman winner was announced," she recalled.
Coe's chocolate company has become renowned for collaborating with local producers, incorporating ingredients from nearby wineries, distilleries, fruit growers and nut growers into their handmade chocolates. "We showcase our region through our chocolate collection," she explained, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the community.
Long-Standing Events and New Beginnings
Murrumbateman Field Days, an event that has been running since 1979 and continues to grow annually, took home the award for festivals and events. The 2025 event attracted more than 15,000 visitors and featured over 300 exhibitors.
Event manager Tom White, who started as a volunteer in 2010 alongside entertainment manager Polly Ball, emphasized the importance of continual innovation. "Having been going for so long, you've got to keep refreshing it, re-inventing it and making it relevant," White said.
The community's volunteer spirit plays a crucial role in the field days' success, with locals helping with everything from gate duties to barbecue operations. "We couldn't do it without the volunteers," Ball acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Shaw Estate winery, though established in 1998, won the New Tourism Business award following its acquisition by the DOMA Group last year. The developers have invested significantly in creating stunning new modern restaurant and function spaces.
A Community Spirit That Drives Success
With fewer than 4000 residents, Murrumbateman punches well above its weight in the tourism sector. Long-time resident Polly Ball describes the village as "a very engaged community" known for supporting new businesses and initiatives.
"It's a very proud community. We're very proud of our wine industry," Ball said. "We're very good at getting behind people when they come to the village and start something new, whether it's a cafe or restaurant or pottery studio."
Shaw Estate general manager Juan Fernandez reported phenomenal reception to their revamped facilities, with the new function space booking out immediately since opening six weeks ago. The winery has made conscious efforts to promote the broader Murrumbateman region by featuring wines from other local producers.
Director of wine Evelyn Everson noted that initiatives like their weekly locals pasta night have drawn young families, while weekends attract Canberrans looking for a pleasant day trip. For the Shaw Estate team, the tourism award represents "nice recognition of what we've done to date but there is so much more to come."
The village, located just over the ACT border, offers visitors a distinct country experience with its big skies, tree-lined roads, hay bales dotting the landscape, and diverse attractions ranging from alpaca encounters to premium wine tasting.
