Airlie Takes Out Top Small Tourism Town For Fifth Year In A Row!

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

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Airlie Beach has been named Queensland's Top Small Tourism Town for a fifth consecutive year cementing its reputation as one of the state's most consistently outstanding visitor destinations.

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The award recognises towns with a population of between 1,500 and 5,000 residents and is delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), which evaluates destinations across editorial quality, visitor itineraries, promotional video, online review scoresand a public vote.

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Port Douglas claimed silver in the category, recognised for its position at the meeting point of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.  

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Bronze was awarded to Esk, a Somerset region town known for its scenic valley views and country hospitality.

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With five consecutive wins now behind it, Airlie Beach advances to the national stage.  

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The Australian Top Tourism Awards will announce the winners on 15^th September, where Queensland's top towns compete against their interstate counterparts for national recognition.

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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.

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“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."

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“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."

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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.

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"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,” he said.

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"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."

Gold 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Award Winners

• Top Tourism Town: Stanthorpe

• Top Small Tourism Town: Airlie Beach - Whitsundays 

• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Toogoolawah - Queensland Country

• Top Tour Guide: Jeb Connelly, Gems Tag A Long Tours - Queensland Country

Silver winners:

• Top Small Tourism Town: Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland

• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Hughenden, Outback Queensland 

• Top Tour Guide: Guy Watson, Urban Tours

Bronze winners:

• Top Small Tourism Town: Esk, Queensland Country

• Top Tiny Tourism Town: Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland

• Top Tour Guide: Paul Porteous, Cairns Adventure Group

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