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.
Meet the incredible regional towns turning visits into memories. Say hello to the 2025 QTIC Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards finalists!
Award categories
Top Tourism Town
There are three hotly contested destination award categories, presented to three regional Queensland communities based on population size.
Top Tour Guide
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.
Top Tiny Tourism Town
Top Small Tourism Town
Top Tourism Town
Top Tour Guide
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.
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.
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].
Airbnb are the proud Presenting Partner of the 2025 QTIC Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.
