Celebrating Success: 2025 Whitsunday Tourism

The Whitsundays shone brightly over the weekend as the region’s leading tourism operators were celebrated at the 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held on Saturday, 18 October at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

This year introduced a refreshed awards format aligned with the Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP), recognising businesses based on real results and customer feedback rather than submissions.

To qualify, operators were required to hold an Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing and meet strict benchmarks across customer satisfaction, digital presence, accreditation and industry engagement.
 
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins praised the finalists and winners as the driving force behind the region’s continued success.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists,” Mayor Collins said. “You are the face of the Whitsundays and the reason our region continues to shine on the world stage.”

He emphasised the power of local storytelling and hospitality, saying, “Every experience, every smile and every story shared by our operators helps showcase what makes this place so special — our people, our pride and our world-class hospitality.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chair Julie Telford also congratulated the nominees, noting the dedication that underpins the region’s success.

“It is a privilege to be among such a passionate, dedicated, and hardworking community that lives and breathes tourism every day,” she said.

“On behalf of the board, thank you for making the night a success and for your ongoing dedication to ensuring the Whitsundays remains a world-class, premier destination.”

The evening also served as a time of reflection and anticipation, according to Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth.

“The annual Whitsunday Tourism Awards give our industry the chance to come together and celebrate everything we’ve achieved,” Booth said.

“It’s a highlight of the year for our organisation — a night to reflect on our collective success, look forward to the great things ahead, and express our gratitude to all of our incredible finalists and winners who continue to make the Whitsundays shine.”

Full list of 2025 Whitsunday Tourism Award Winners

Attractions
GOLD: Coral Sea Marina
SILVER: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
BRONZE: The Big Mango
Restaurants and Catering
GOLD: Eastwoods Dining
SILVER: Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar
BRONZE: The Garden Bar
Best Marketing
GOLD: Ocean Rafting
3–3.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach
SILVER: Shingley Beach Resort
BRONZE: Nomads Airlie Beach
4–4.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Mirage Whitsundays
SILVER: Coral Sea Resort
BRONZE: Mantra Club Croc
5-Star Accommodation
GOLD: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef
Self-Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Peninsula Airlie Beach
SILVER: The Boathouse Apartments
BRONZE: Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island
Caravan and Holiday Parks
GOLD: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
SILVER: Queens Beach Tourist Village
BRONZE: NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park

SILVER: Elysian Retreat
BRONZE: Cruise Whitsundays – Reefsleep
Transport
GOLD: Heart of Reef Shuttles
SILVER: Cruise Whitsundays
BRONZE: Heart of Reef Car Rentals
Overnight Crewed Sailing
GOLD: Wings Sailing Charters
SILVER: True Blue Sailing
BRONZE: OzSail
Bareboating
GOLD: Portland Roads – Sailing the Whitsundays
SILVER: Whitsunday Escape
BRONZE: Cumberland Charter Yachts
Day Tours – Land
GOLD: Driftwood Tours
SILVER: Whitsunday Segway Tours
BRONZE: Falls to Paradise – Red Cat Adventures
Day Tours – Water
GOLD: Whitsunday Jetski Tours
SILVER: Red Cat Adventures
BRONZE: SeaLink Whitsundays
Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Service
Kevin Collins

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