Top Small Tourism Town title stays in The Whitsundays

Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town title stays in The Whitsundays for fifth year running

MEDIA RELEASE - 16 JUNE 2026

Airlie Beach named Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town for a fifth consecutive year.

Airlie Beach has claimed the Top Small Tourism Town title at the Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards for the fifth year running, cementing its reputation as one of the state's most consistently outstanding visitor destinations.

Tourism Whitsundays (TW) confirmed the win last night, with Airlie Beach taking gold in the Top Small Tourism Town category, which recognises towns with a population of between 1,500 and 5,000 residents. The award is delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), and evaluates destinations across editorial quality, visitor itineraries, promotional video, online review scores and a public vote.

Port Douglas claimed silver in the category, recognised for its position at the meeting point of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Bronze was awarded to Esk, a Somerset region town known for its scenic valley views and country hospitality.

With five consecutive wins now behind it, Airlie Beach advances to the national stage. The Australian Top Tourism Awards will announce the winners on 15 September, where Queensland's top towns compete against their interstate counterparts for national recognition.

Tim Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Whitsundays, said five consecutive wins is a remarkable achievement, and one that speaks directly to the quality of what Airlie Beach delivers as a destination.

“With 74 islands, Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, Airlie Beach is one of those rare towns where the natural setting is matched by the energy and character of the place itself, a thriving foreshore, a genuine dining and nightlife scene, and the warmth of a true Queensland community all come together in one place."

“Year after year, Airlie Beach continues to raise the bar with operators investing in their product, businesses backing the visitor experience and a community that genuinely takes pride in welcoming people to The Whitsundays. We are proud to be taking Airlie Beach to the national stage in September."

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said Airlie Beach might be small in size, but it continued to punch well above its weight on the national tourism stage.

"Visitors come for the stunning scenery, our position as the gateway to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and access to 74 tropical islands, but they return because of the people, the atmosphere and the genuine North Queensland hospitality.

"This award is a credit to our tourism operators, local businesses, volunteers and residents who help create an unforgettable experience for visitors every day.

"As one of Queensland's fastest growing regional communities, this recognition gives us even more confidence as we continue investing in the infrastructure, experiences and liveability that will support our future while preserving everything that makes Airlie Beach so special."

++

To view The Whitsundays media gallery click here.

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.

About the Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards
The awards are delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and recognise towns across three categories — Top Tourism Town (population 5,000 and above), Top Small Tourism Town (1,500 to 5,000), and Tiny Tourism Town (under 1,500). Judging is based on a 100-point framework covering submission quality, a public vote, and a Global Review Index (GRI) score drawn from online reviews.