QTIC announces Queensland’s Top Tourism Town Awards

Queensland Tourism Industry Council has announced the state’s best holiday destinations for 2022 with Tamborine Mountain, Airlie Beach, and Winton securing top honours.

QTIC’s annual Awards program recognises and celebrates Queensland’s best holiday destinations. Honouring communities across the state who demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence.

With three hotly contested Awards presented to a trio of towns based on population size, Tamborine Mountain was crowned this year’s Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000), with Airlie Beach and Winton claiming Top Small Tourism Town (population between 1,500 – 5,000) and Top Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500) respectively. 

QTIC Chief Executive Brett Fraser said that, after an exhaustive judging process by an expert panel and a public vote that attracted more than 16,000 votes, Queensland’s best holiday destinations were announced from a shortlist of 23 finalists.

Fraser congratulated Tamborine Mountain, Airlie Beach, and Winton, and all the finalists in this year’s Awards noting “these regional gems demonstrate that you don’t have to travel far in our state to explore incredible sights.

“From historical outback Winton to rainforest and coastal retreats in Tamborine Mountain and Airlie Beach, these leaders in tourism demonstrate why our state flourishes as a must-see destination for holidaymakers.

“It’s important that we celebrate Queensland’s regional treasures and recognise the effort that goes into making these destinations top tourism towns.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to take advantage of a weekend getaway or the upcoming school holidays to visit our state’s best regional destinations.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Top Tourism Town Awards recognised regional destinations delivering world-class visitor experiences adding “whether it’s a gourmet adventure on Tamborine Mountain, snorkelling at Airlie Beach, or walking with dinosaurs at Winton, the Top Tourism Towns of 2022 show Queensland is the place to be.

“Domestic tourism is bouncing back from the pandemic with Queenslanders rediscovering their own backyard and interstate visitors realising nothing beats a Queensland holiday.

“For great Queensland getaway experiences, this year’s Top Tourism Town Award winners deliver the perfect travel itinerary.

“Congratulations to the awards’ 2022 winners and finalists.”   

All three Award-winning Queensland destinations have gained automatic entry to the national Top Tourism Town Awards held later in the year. Where they will have the chance to be crowned the best holiday towns in Australia.

Top Tiny Tourism Town (population below 1,500) finalists and winner:

• Canungra

• Chillagoe

• Hughenden

• Imbil

• Kalbar

• Linville

• Marburg

• Quilpie

• Richmond

• Winton - WINNER

Top Small Tourism Town (population 1,500 – 5,000) finalists and winner:

• Airlie Beach - WINNER

• Boonah

• Eumundi

• Kuranda

• Port Douglas

• Rainbow Beach

Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000) finalists and winner:

• Bowen

• Bundaberg

• Charters Towers

• Gladstone

• Rockhampton

• Tamborine Mountain - WINNER

• Yeppoon

Image: Snorkelling at Airlie Beach courtesy Whitsunday Island Tours