Top Tourism Town Awards

QTIC’s Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate our state’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations. The Awards recognise and reward towns that work together with their tourism operators, businesses and local community to make their destination the best it can be.

Top Tourism Town Award categories

There are three hotly contested destination award categories, presented to three regional Queensland communities based on population size.

Top Tiny Tourism Town

population under 1,500

Top Small Tourism Town

population between 1,500 and 5,000

Top Tourism Town

population over 5,000

Top Tour Guide Award

QTIC’s Queensland Top Tour Guide Award celebrates the significant contribution quality tour guides make in our great state. The Award recognises guides that provide a special, distinctive, and memorable experience for visitors.

Nominating for the awards
Roma
Top Tourism Town Award

Visitor Information Centres and Local Councils can nominate a destination for the Top Tourism Town Awards. We encourage nominees to work with their Regional Tourism Organisation, Local Tourism Organisation, or a committed group of local operators.

You can learn more about the nominating process by downloading our Entrant Guidebook.

Top Tour Guide Award

Businesses that are accredited through the Queensland Tourism Accredited Business program can nominate a tour guide or coach captain. If your business is not accredited and you’d like to nominate someone outstanding for the Top Tour Guide Award, your business will need to become accredited by close of nominations.

You can learn more about the nominating process by downloading our Entrant Guidebook. 

Top Tour Guide
Congratulations to all the winners of the prestigious Top Tourism Town Awards
2024 Winners
2024 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award Winner
TOP TOURISM TOWN WINNER
Roma

Warm-hearted people, an idyllic lifestyle and an abundance of opportunity – welcome to Roma, the small town with a big heart and big future.

OTHER WINNERS IN THIS CATEGORY

Silver: Redcliffe

Bronze: Bowen

TOP SMALL TOWN WINNER
Airlie Beach

As the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is the perfect base from which to explore these magnificent wonders.

OTHER WINNERS IN THIS CATEGORY

Silver: Longreach

Bronze: Agnes Water

tiny town 2023 winner winton
TOP TINY TOWN WINNER
Winton

From the Artesian basin below, to the well-known attractions and hidden gems and the starry skies above, there is something suitable in Winton for all ages.

OTHER WINNERS IN THIS CATEGORY

Silver: Quilpie

Bronze: Toogoolawah

Queensland Top Tour Guide Award winner – Adam Hinks
TOUR GUIDE WINNER
Adam Hinks

Having grown up on Magnetic Island, Adam Hinks loves to share and connect guests to the island he has called home for over 40 years. As co-owner of Aquascene Magnetic Island, Adam is committed to creating unforgettable experiences while promoting reef and environmental conservation.

OTHER WINNERS IN THIS CATEGORY

Silver: Jessica Blackmore – Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Bronze: Joel McPherson – Joel’s Journeys

Other past winners
TOP TOURISM TOWN WINNER
top town winner 2023
Caloundra

Caloundra is a charming coastal town located at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast. It’s a favourite among families and beach lovers for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and vibrant community.

TOP SMALL TOURISM TOWN WINNER
Top small town winner
Airlie Beach

As the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is the perfect base from which to explore these magnificent wonders.

TOP TINY TOURISM TOWN WINNER
tiny town 2023 winner winton
Winton

From the Artesian basin below, to the well-known attractions and hidden gems and the starry skies above, there is something suitable in Winton for all ages.

TOP TOUR GUIDE WINNER
Queensland Top Tour Guide Award winner – Joel
Joel McPherson

With a talent for storytelling and a passion for the Sunshine Coast region, Joel McPherson fills guests with a deep appreciation for the hinterland’s natural environment and rich local history. Operating his award-winning touring company, Joel’s Journeys, Joel crafts unforgettable and lasting memories for visitors.

TOP TOURISM TOWN WINNER
2022 Top winner Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain

Escape to the green island in the sky, fondly known by locals as the ‘green behind the gold’, and disappear into the cooler, green rainforests of Tamborine Mountain and its surrounds. A mountain village surrounded by evergreen rainforests, stunning waterfalls and magical views.

TOP SMALL TOURISM TOWN WINNER
Small town winner Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach

As the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is the perfect base from which to explore these magnificent wonders.

TOP TINY TOURISM TOWN WINNER
2022 Top winner Tamborine Mountain
Winton

From the Artesian basin below, to the well-known attractions and hidden gems and the starry skies above, there is something suitable in Winton for all ages.

TOP TOURISM TOWN WINNER
Queensland Top Tourism Town Award winner - Noosa
Noosa

Experience the captivating charm of Noosa, nestled along Queensland’s breathtaking coast in Australia. Celebrated for its harmonious blend of unspoiled nature, chic style, dining hotspots and carefree luxury. Noosa, the sweet life served.

TOP SMALL TOURISM TOWN WINNER
Agnes Water 1770

Located at the Southern end of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the coastal town of Agnes Water 1770 is a perfect holiday destination to satisfy the whole family. The destination offers pristine beaches, unique activities, and abundant wildlife all within a proud, diverse community.

Have questions?

Are you keen to nominate for the awards and would like more information? If you have any questions or would like help with the nomination process, please contact us at [email protected].