Photo of two kangaroos and a wombat video picked as best promotion for Australia

Tourism Australia and Qantas judged a photo of two kangaroos against a sunset and a video featuring a baby wombat named George as the best promotion for the country in the past year. The photo was snapped by Margaret River Discovery Co owner/operator Sean Blocksidge. The video was from the Australian Reptile Park.

Judges has specifically looked for posts that best promoted the country as a “memorable and desirable destination.” Some of the other entries include a bare-chested view of Chris Hemsworth at Qualia on Hamilton Island and the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour in Canberra.

Tourism Australia’s Lisa Ronson said Australia’s efficiency in embracing social media as a tourism marketing tool was demonstrated in the quality of entries. But it was not only the quality of photos and videos that struck her.

“What has struck me most strongly about this competition is not just the amazing quality of the photos and video submissions but the great stories that lie behind each of these postings and, importantly, the impressive results that have been delivered for all of these operators,” Ronson said.

Blocksidge was offered money for rights to the photo. However, he decided to share it to the world without getting paid for it. "It was more valuable as destination promotion for Australia and the Margaret River Region," he said in a statement via Tourism Australia.

As for George, the baby wombat was an orphan and brought to live at the park. He can be seen following park staff, Tim Faulkner, in the video.

The video and Blocksidge’s photo will own the spotlight at the major tourism and trade event G’Day USA. Hugh Jackman, Ben Mendelsohn, Rachel Griffiths and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop are expected to attend the gala on Jan. 28 per News.com.au.