After extensive judging and public voting, Queensland’s Top Tourist Town Award for 2023 goes to Caloundra. The family-friendly Sunshine Coast escape scooped the number-one spot from other Queensland finalists from regional centres to seaside suburbs.
Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the annual Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate regional communities with a population of more than 5,000 that demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence and highlight the state’s best holiday hotspots and local gems.
While Caloundra was crowned the 2023 winner, other Top Tourist Town Award finalists were Bowen, Bundaberg, Redcliffe, Rockhampton, Tamborine Mountain and Townsville.
Of course, having Australia’s newest airline Bonza operating out of its Sunshine Coast Airport home base just down the road from Caloundra also helps facilitate tourism to the region.
QTIC CEO Brett Fraser congratulated Caloundra and all the finalists in this year’s awards.
“The Top Tourism Town Awards shine a light on Queensland’s regional gems and reward communities united in delivering memorable holiday experiences,” he said.
“While attractions may drive guests to a destination, it is the warm welcome and meaningful customer service that has visitors leaving with a sense of wonderment. Congratulations to the winning communities for their remarkable efforts.”
In addition, Sunshine Coast tour operator and owner of Joel’s Journeys, Joel McPherson, took out the first-ever award for Queensland’s Top Tour Guide.
The Noosa-based small-group tour guide’s passion for storytelling, inspiring guests and deep appreciation for the Sunshine Coast and commitment to tourism saw him win the inaugural award.
State winners will represent Queensland at the national awards later this year for the chance to be crowned the best in Australia.
For more info, head to visitsunshinecoast.com