Queensland Tourism Awards Recognise Sunshine Coast Hinterland with Five Golds and One Silver

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tourism Operators Win Five Gold Awards at Queensland Tourism Awards, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for quality accommodation, visitor attractions, culinary experiences and major events. The recognition came at the 41st Queensland Tourism Awards, held on the Gold Coast on 7 November, where leading tourism businesses were celebrated for their contribution to the state’s visitor economy.

Operators from the Sunshine Coast hinterland secured five gold awards and one silver across categories recognising hospitality, accessibility, food tourism, attractions and festivals. The results demonstrated the diversity of tourism experiences available beyond Queensland’s coastal destinations, from rainforest retreats and artisan food producers to botanical gardens and cultural celebrations.

The awards also provided a significant opportunity for regional businesses to strengthen their visibility within Australia’s competitive tourism industry. With eligible gold winners progressing towards national recognition, the results have reinforced the hinterland’s position as an important part of Queensland’s tourism offering.

Sunshine Coast hinterland businesses secure major honours

The awards recognised outstanding operators across 29 categories, including accommodation, attractions, events, tours and food tourism.

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat received gold for Hosted Accommodation, recognising its position within the region’s nature-based hospitality sector.

Alsahwa Estate won the New Tourism Business category, while Maleny Cheese secured gold for Excellence in Food Tourism, highlighting the importance of local produce and distinctive culinary experiences.

The Abbey Medieval Festival was among the strongest performers, collecting two gold awards for Accessible Tourism and Festivals and Events.

Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World received silver in the Tourist Attractions category, adding to the region’s overall success.

Regional tourism success reflects industry commitment

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell welcomed the results, describing the awards as an important achievement for local operators and their employees.

“Locals have long known how special these businesses are and it’s great to see that recognised on the Queensland stage,” Mr Powell said.

He attributed the achievements to businesses and workers consistently delivering high-quality visitor experiences.

The recognition demonstrates how smaller regional destinations can compete across different tourism categories while maintaining their individual identities.

For the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the awards also draw attention to the relationship between accommodation, food producers, natural attractions and major events in developing a varied visitor offering.

Tourism industry recognises operational excellence

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Natassia Wheeler praised the winners for investing in their businesses, employees and visitor experiences.

“These businesses have earned their place among the best in the country,” Ms Wheeler said.

Her comments emphasised the importance of sustained operational improvement in maintaining tourism quality.

The awards provide industry recognition for businesses demonstrating strong performance within their respective categories.

They also highlight accessibility and experience development as important considerations for tourism operators seeking to reach wider visitor markets.

Gold winners look towards Australian Tourism Awards

Eligible gold medal winners will have the opportunity to represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in categories with national equivalents.

This progression offers successful regional operators another platform to demonstrate their capabilities alongside businesses from other Australian states and territories.

The Queensland Tourism Awards are delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, with support from the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Visitors can explore the wider destination through Visit Sunshine Coast.

Conclusion: Regional recognition strengthens Queensland tourism

The Sunshine Coast hinterland’s five gold awards and one silver underline the breadth of tourism experiences contributing to Queensland’s visitor economy. Recognition across accommodation, food tourism, festivals, accessibility and attractions demonstrates the importance of regional operators in maintaining a diverse and competitive destination offering.

The achievements also provide opportunities for award-winning businesses to increase their industry profile and attract wider visitor interest. As eligible gold winners prepare for potential national recognition, the results place renewed attention on the Sunshine Coast hinterland and its contribution to Australian tourism. The awards celebrate both established operators and emerging businesses shaping the region’s visitor experience.

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