Queensland Top Tourism Awards
The Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards are a celebration of the heart and soul of our great state. While cities often take the spotlight, it’s the smaller regions that offer travellers a true taste of the Sunshine State’s warmth, character and charm.
The Towns are judged within categories based on population, alongside their attractions, amenities, accommodation and the ability to welcome and host visitors with ease and heart. Every community has a story to tell, whether it be a mountain town, beach escape, desert hideaway or vineyard haven.
And because great tourism experiences are powered by passionate people, we also honour the individuals who bring stories to life. Our Top Tour Guide category recognises the most engaging and inspiring guides across the nation.
We want you to help us celebrate all corners of regional Queensland!
Big prizes, bright spotlights for our winning towns!
All three winning destinations in the Top Tourism Town Awards will take home an outdoor advertising package from Bishopp, valued at $20,000. It’s the perfect way to put your town in the spotlight and invite more visitors to discover what makes it special!
The Top Tourism Town will also receive an incredible Sustainable Tourism Events package from EarthCheck worth $20,000, including a bespoke event management system to bring world-class events to life.
Nominating for the awards
To nominate, you must be:
- A Visitor Information Centre
- Local Council
- Local Tourism Association accredited through the Quality Tourism Framework
- Or, if nominating a tour guide, a business accredited through the Quality Tourism Framework
How to enter:
- Read the Entrant guidebook
- Nominate a top town or tour guide through the online awards portal
- Your eligibility will be assessed and you’ll be granted admittance to the awards
- Read all selection criteria carefully and enter a top submission!
Visitor Information Centres, Local Councils and Local Tourism Associations 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.
Businesses that are accredited through the Quality Tourism Framework 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.
Dates to remember
Swipe across to see all dates
Monday 9 February 2026
Monday 9 March 2026
Friday 10 April 2026
Submissions for the Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide awards are due.
Friday 8 May 2026
11 May - 24 May 2026
Queenslanders have their say by voting for their favourite Top Tourism Town from the list of finalists.
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Winners are announced at the QTIC Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards ceremony.
15 September 2026
State and territory winners qualify as finalists for the national awards.
2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award Winner
Bowen offers beachside snorkelling, scenic lookouts, bushwalks and family fun. Discover fringing reefs, the iconic Big Mango and Queensland’s oldest cinema in this sunny Whitsundays gem.
Silver: Stanthorpe
Bronze: Redcliffe
2025 Queensland Top Small Tourism Town Award Winner
Airlie Beach dazzles with reef to rainforest views, vibrant nightlife and endless adventure, from sailing and snorkelling to hiking and dining in the heart of the stunning Whitsundays.
Silver: Agnes Water
Bronze: Kilcoy
2025 Queensland Top Tiny Tourism Town Award Winner
Town of 1770 blends history, coastal beauty and adventure. Explore tranquil beaches, lush mangroves, and reef-bound waters in one of the few East Coast spots to watch ocean sunsets.
Silver: Toogoolawah
Bronze: Hughenden
2025 Queensland Top Tour Guide Award Winner
With 14 years’ experience, Joel is a passionate guide and founder of Joel’s Journeys in Noosa, known for his glowing reviews, nationwide tours and outdoor adventure expertise.
Silver: Michael Oliver – Traveller’s Rest 1770
2024 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award winners
Warm-hearted people, an idyllic lifestyle and an abundance of opportunity – welcome to Roma, the small town with a big heart and big future.
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.
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.
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.
2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award winners
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.
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.
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.
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.
2022 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award winners
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.
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.
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.
2021 Queensland Top Tourism Town Award winners
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.
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].
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