The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, recognising some of the state’s most welcoming, innovative, and experience-rich destinations.

From coastal favourites to outback gems, the awards highlight the extraordinary range of tourism offerings across Queensland and the dedication of the communities that bring them to life. The public is invited to take part in the process, with voting open from Saturday 10 May through to 17 May. The public vote will contribute to each finalist’s overall score and help determine the winners.

Winners will be announced on 16 June at a special ceremony at 1 William Street in Brisbane.

This year’s finalists are divided into three categories based on population.

Finalists in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category (for populations under 1,500) include Chillagoe, Collinsville, Croydon, Hughenden, Thallon, Toogoolawah, and the Town of 1770.

In the Top Small Tourism Town category (1,500–5,000 population), the finalists are Agnes Water, Airlie Beach, Cloncurry, Ingham, and Kilcoy.

For the Top Tourism Town category (over 5,000 population), Bowen, Redcliffe, Roma, and Stanthorpe are in the running.

The stakes are high for these communities. Winners will receive a $20,000 billboard advertising package from Bishopp Outdoor Advertising, as well as a sustainable tourism events package valued at up to $20,000 from QTIC, which includes bespoke mentoring from EarthCheck, verified sustainable event assessments, and access to sustainability measurement tools. In addition, each winner will receive the prestigious Top Tourism Town trophy, the right to use a digital winner’s logo for promotional purposes, and the opportunity to represent Queensland at the National Top Tourism Awards.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the awards are a celebration of the vibrancy and resilience of regional Queensland.

“The Top Tourism Town Awards are about celebrating the places that make Queensland extraordinary,” she said.

“These towns reflect the passion of local communities, the strength of regional tourism, and the unforgettable experiences on offer from our smallest country towns to our growing seaside destinations.

“We expect to see communities rally behind their towns – and for good reason. These awards not only bring recognition but also real opportunities for promotion and tourism growth.”

Queenslanders are encouraged to vote for their favourite town and support the communities that help make Queensland a world-class destination. Public voting is available from 10 to 17 May at: www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-town-awards.

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