The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has announced the finalists for the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Awards, while also congratulating Stanthorpe for taking out the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town title.

The awards, presented by Airbnb, celebrate the destinations, communities and tourism ambassadors that continue to make Queensland one of Australia’s most sought-after visitor destinations.

From iconic coastal towns to outback communities and passionate local tour guides, the awards recognise the people and places delivering exceptional visitor experiences across the state.

Queenslanders are now being encouraged to get behind their small town and tiny town by casting their vote, with public voting open from Monday 11 May through to Sunday 24 May 2026. Public votes will contribute to the finalists’ overall scores and help determine this year’s winners in the remaining categories – to be announced next month.

QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said the awards shine a spotlight on the communities helping drive Queensland’s visitor economy forward.

“These awards celebrate the heart and soul of Queensland tourism – the towns and communities who create memorable experiences and welcome visitors with genuine local pride,” Wheeler said.

“Stanthorpe is a deserving winner of the Top Tourism Town category and reflects the strength, resilience and unique visitor experiences regional Queensland offers.

“Every finalist should be incredibly proud of what they represent. These places and people showcase the diversity of experiences that make Queensland such a remarkable destination to explore.

“We know these awards inspire incredible community spirit, and now it’s time for locals, businesses and visitors to rally behind their favourite town or tour guide and show their support through the public vote.”

The awards feature four categories – with voting for the Small Tourism Town and Tiny Tourism Town categories opening today.

• Top Tourism Town Award – population over 5,000 – awarded to Stanthorpe 
• Top Small Tourism Town Award – population between 1,500 and 5,000
• Top Tiny Tourism Town Award – population under 1,500
• Top Tour Guide Award

Winning towns receive significant promotional opportunities, including state-wide recognition, marketing exposure and the opportunity to represent Queensland at the national Top Tourism Town Awards.

Aussies are encouraged to vote for their favourite finalists and support the communities helping shape Queensland’s visitor economy.

Voting is open from 11 May to 24 May 2026 at: www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-town-awards 

2026 Winners and Finalists:

Top Tourism Town Winner

• Stanthorpe, Southern Queensland Country

Tiny Tourism Town Finalists

• Cunnamulla, Outback Queensland
• Quilpie, Outback Queensland
• Samford Village, Moreton Bay
• Winton, Outback Queensland
• Birdsville, Outback Queensland
• Toogoolawah, Southern Queensland Country
• Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland
• Hughenden, Outback Queensland

Small Tourism Town Finalists

• Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
• Esk, Southern Queensland Country
• Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
• Cloncurry, Outback Queensland

Top Tour Guide Finalists (not open to public vote)

• Jebs Gems Tag-A-Long Tours – Jeb Connelly, Southern Queensland Country
• Joel’s Journeys – Joel McPherson, Sunshine Coast
• Urban Tours – Guy Watson, Brisbane
• Red Cat Adventures – Rosie Bullen, Whitsundays
• Cairns Adventure Group – Paul Porteous, Tropical North Queensland

– ENDS –