2026 Whitsundays Tourism Awards Celebrate Region’s Best

2026 Whitsundays Tourism Awards Celebrate Region’s Best

MEDIA RELEASE - 25 October 2026

The region’s leading tourism businesses were recognised at the sold-out 2026 Whitsundays Tourism Awards on Saturday 24 October at Elementa Whitsundays. With 87 finalists across 14 categories, the Awards celebrated the exceptional operators that strengthen The Whitsundays’ reputation as a world-class destination.

This year’s awards introduced a refreshed assessment process. Rather than relying on written submissions, recognition was based on business performance and customer feedback. Businesses were assessed using Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP) scores, customer reviews through the Global Review Index, contributions to Tourism Whitsundays’ STARS industry updates and completion of the Whitsundays Welcomes You training program, which helps local workers build their knowledge of the region and deliver memorable visitor experiences.

Tourism Whitsundays’ Chief Executive Officer, Tim Booth, said the Awards reflect the collective strength of the region’s tourism offering, and the exceptional visitor experiences that continue to set The Whitsundays apart.

“The standard of tourism excellence across The Whitsundays as a whole is something to be incredibly proud of,” said Tim. “This year, 130 local tourism products achieved Best of Queensland recognition, with 87 finalists across 14 categories recognised at the Awards. These businesses reflect the quality and diversity of our region, from world-renowned reef and island experiences to exceptional accommodation, tours and hospitality.

“For the first time, we also introduced the 219 Club Recognition, celebrating businesses that achieved a near-perfect score across every assessment metric. This year, we awarded this to Whitsunday Segway Tours, Whitsunday Escape and Portland Roads Sailing The Whitsundays. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the commitment these operators bring to delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

“Congratulations to all our finalists and winners. Their commitment to exceptional visitor experiences continues to strengthen The Whitsundays’ reputation as one of Queensland’s leading tourism destinations.”

Whitsunday Regional Council’s Mayor, Ry Collins, said the region’s tourism success is built on the people and businesses who deliver exceptional experiences and support local communities.

“The Whitsundays might be famous for our islands, beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, but it's our people who make this place special,” said Ry. “Behind every great visitor experience are local businesses, hardworking teams and passionate people who take enormous pride in what they do.

“Tourism is a huge part of who we are as a region. It supports local jobs, strengthens our communities and gives people from around the world a reason to fall in love with the place we're lucky enough to call home. These awards are a chance to recognise the people who put in the hard yards, often behind the scenes, to make those experiences happen.

“To every winner and finalist, congratulations. You should be proud of what you've achieved, and I hope you know just how much your contribution means to our region. As Mayor, I'm proud to see our tourism industry continuing to raise the bar, but even prouder of the people behind it.”

Tourism Whitsundays’ Chair, Katelyn Aslett, congratulated this year’s winners and finalists, recognising their dedication to showcasing the region and strengthening its reputation as a world-class destination.

“As Chair of Tourism Whitsundays, I’d like to extend my congratulations to all of this year’s award winners and nominees,” said Kate. “It’s a real privilege to celebrate an industry filled with such passionate, talented and dedicated people who work tirelessly to showcase everything that makes the Whitsundays so special.

“Our tourism community is one to be incredibly proud of, and the commitment and innovation shown across the region continue to strengthen our reputation as a world class destination.”

Full list of 2026 Whitsundays Tourism Award Winners

3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
SILVER: Bounce Airlie Beach
BRONZE: Palm Bungalows, Hamilton Island

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Mirage Whitsundays
SILVER: Reef View Hotel
BRONZE: at Water's Edge Resort

5 Star Luxury Accommodation
GOLD: The Sundays, Hamilton Island
SILVER: Beach Club, Hamilton Island
BRONZE: qualia, Hamilton Island

Attractions
GOLD: Coral Sea Marina
SILVER: Hamilton Island Golf Club
BRONZE: Hamilton Island Yacht Club

Bareboating
GOLD: Whitsunday Escape
SILVER: Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays
BRONZE: Cumberland Charter Yachts

Caravan and Holiday Parks
GOLD: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
SILVER: Whitsunday Holiday Park - Proserpine
BRONZE: Whitsunday Holiday Parks - Lake Proserpine

Day Tours - On Land
GOLD: Whitsunday Segway Tours
SILVER: Airlie Adventure Tours
BRONZE: Falls to Paradise

Day Tours - On Water
GOLD: Whitsunday Jetski Tours
SILVER: Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays
Bronze: Ocean Rafting

Overnight Crewed Sailing
GOLD: OzSail Whitsundays
SILVER: True Blue Sailing
BRONZE: Whitsunday Expeditions

Restaurants and Catering
GOLD: Eastwoods Dining
SILVER: Bommie Restaurant
Bronze: The Garden Bar Bistro

Retail and Services
GOLD: Above and Below Gallery
SILVER: Whitsunday Holidays

Self-Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Peninsula Airlie Beach
SILVER: Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island
BEONZE: Yacht Club Villas

Transport
GOLD: Scamper Island Camping
SILVER: Heart of Reef Shuttles Whitsunday's
BRONZE: Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours

Unique Accommodation
GOLD: Elysian Retreat
SILVER: Silver Shoals Island Lodge
BRONZE: Whitsunday Sands Resort

Event Partners and Sponsors
A huge thank you to our sponsors - our Naming Rights Sponsor, Bishopp Outdoor Advertising; our Gold Sponsors, 74 Islands Distillery and Elementa Whitsundays, Bowen Tourism & Business, Life Publishing, Taste Whitsundays and Whitsunday Transit; our Silver Sponsors, Fraser Ford, Localis and Sollos; and our Supporting Partners, Whitsunday Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland.

About Tourism Whitsundays: Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.

Jamie-Lee Carter
Senior Marketing Coordinator

Email: pr@tourismwhitsundays.com.au

Mobile: 0417 765 736