Queensland’s tourism industry has once again demonstrated its national leadership, securing seven Gold awards at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held overnight in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Queensland businesses were recognised across a diverse range of categories, showcasing the breadth and quality of tourism offerings across the state – from accommodation and festivals to cultural experiences and accessible tourism.

Among the standout achievements was Bay Island Lifestyle, which claimed Gold in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category, its first national win, while other Queensland operators secured national recognition for excellence in events, accommodation, distilling, and tourism experiences.

The seven Queensland Gold winners were:

• Abbey Medieval Festival – Festivals & Events (Brisbane)
• Cape York Peninsula Lodge – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences (Tropical North Queensland)
• Beenleigh Artisan Distillery – Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries (Gold Coast)
• BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park and Motel – Caravan & Holiday Parks (Gold Coast)
• Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – 4–4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation (Tropical North Queensland)
• Turtle Sands Nature Resort – New Tourism Business (Bundaberg)
• Bay Island Lifestyle – Excellence in Accessible Tourism (Brisbane)

Additional national recognition for Queensland operators included Silver awards for Cairns Convention Centre (Business Event Venues) and Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures (Major Tour & Transport Operators), as well as Bronze awards for Fun Over 50 Holidays (Ecotourism), St George Region Explore Centre (Visitor Information Services) and The Reef House Adults Retreat (5 Star Luxury Accommodation).

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler said the results highlight the exceptional quality and resilience of Queensland’s tourism industry.

“The Australian Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of recognition for our sector, and we congratulate every Queensland finalist and winner who represented our state so proudly on the national stage,” Wheeler said.

“Queensland continues to set the benchmark for tourism excellence in Australia, and achieving seven national Gold awards once again demonstrates the strength, diversity and professionalism of our industry.”

“These businesses represent the very best of what Queensland has to offer visitors – extraordinary experiences, genuine hospitality and a commitment to quality that positions our state as a leading destination both nationally and globally.”

Wheeler said the awards program is not just about recognition but offers tourism businesses a nearly year-long program to help build industry capability.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards kick off a nearly year-long program for industry to be part of. It helps to build capability across the sector and of course, recognise the hard work of these businesses who deliver every day for visitors.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the results cemented Queensland’s reputation as the Home of the Holiday.

“A huge congratulations to all of our winners and nominees, your achievements showcase the very best of Queensland and made it a truly proud and successful night for our state,” Minister Powell said.

“Queensland’s outstanding performance shows the strength, creativity and resilience of our tourism operators who continue to deliver experiences that you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.

“These results are proof that Queensland truly is the Home of the Holiday and operators aren’t just lifting the bar, they’re setting it.”

The annual Australian Tourism Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the country’s tourism sector, recognising the businesses and individuals who contribute to Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations.

Nominations for the Queensland Tourism Awards open on 16 March 2026.

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