The 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards winner and finalists have been unveiled, spotlighting the diverse breadth of travel experiences across the Sunshine State. While the state is known for its beach hotspots, a decidedly cooler location clinched the top title this year.
The rural town of Stanthorpe in South-East Queensland has been crowned the state’s top town with a population over 5,000 in the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.
Stanthorpe scored top points with Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler saying it “reflects the strength, resilience and unique visitor experiences regional Queensland offers”.
For travel advisors, the recognition gives Stanthorpe a fresh profile boost and another reason to recommend Queensland beyond its coastal drawcards, particularly for clients looking for regional stays, nature-based touring and local produce experiences.
“Stanthorpe is a deserving winner of the Queensland Top Tourism Town category. 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.
QTIC also announced the finalists for other Queensland Top Tourism Town categories, including Top Small Tourism Town, Top Tiny Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide awards.
Voting is now open for Small Tourism Town and Tiny Tourism Town categories from 11 – 24 May 2026:
Tiny Tourism Town Finalists
- Cunnamulla, Outback Queensland Tourism
- Quilpie, Queensland Outback
- Samford Village, Moreton Bay
- Winton, Queensland Outback
- Birdsville, Queensland Outback
- Toogoolawah, Queensland Country
- Cape Tribulation, Tropical Far North Queensland
- Hughenden, Queensland Outback
Small Tourism Town Finalists
- Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
- Esk, Queensland Country
- Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
- Cloncurry, Queensland Outback
While the Top Tour Guide Award is not open to public vote, the finalists are:
- Jebs Gems Tag-A-Long Tours – Jeb Connelly, Outback Queensland
- Joel’s Journeys – Joel McPherson, Sunshine Coast
- Urban Tours – Guy Watson, Brisbane
- Red Cat Adventures – Rosie Bullen, Whitsundays
- Cairns Adventure Group – Paul Porteous, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Last year’s Queensland Top Tourism Town winner was Bowen, while Airlie Beach snapped up the Top Small Tourism Town award and 1770 was crowned the Top Tiny Tourism Town. Joel McPherson from Joel’s Journeys on the Sunshine Coast was named the 2025 Top Tour Guide.
The category winners will compete in the national Top Tourism Town Awards.
Wheeler said: “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,” she said.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Stanthorpe’s win inspires advisors to sell Queensland beyond the beach, showing how regional towns can convert distinctive experiences into real visitor appeal.
