Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo credit: R Jean Photography
Full list of 2026 Whitsunday Tourism Award Winners
3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach
SILVER: Bounce Airlie Beach
BRONZE: Palm Bungalows, Hamilton Island
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation
GOLD: Mirage Whitsundays
SILVER: Reef View Hotel
BRONZE: at Water's Edge Resort
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
GOLD: The Sundays, Hamilton Island
SILVER: Beach Club, Hamilton Island
BRONZE: qualia, Hamilton Island
Attractions
GOLD: Coral Sea Marina
SILVER: Hamilton Island Golf Club
BRONZE: Hamilton Island Yacht Club
Bareboating
GOLD: Whitsunday Escape
SILVER: Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays
BRONZE: Cumberland Charter Yachts
Caravan and Holiday Parks
GOLD: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
SILVER: Whitsunday Holiday Park - Proserpine
BRONZE: Whitsunday Holiday Parks - Lake Proserpine
Day Tours - On Land
GOLD: Whitsunday Segway Tours
SILVER: Airlie Adventure Tours
BRONZE: Falls to Paradise
Day Tours - On Water
GOLD: Whitsunday Jetski Tours
SILVER: Wings Sailing Charters Whitsundays
Bronze: Ocean Rafting
Overnight Crewed Sailing
GOLD: OzSail Whitsundays
SILVER: True Blue Sailing
BRONZE: Whitsunday Expeditions
Restaurants and Catering
GOLD: Eastwoods Dining
SILVER: Bommie Restaurant
Bronze: The Garden Bar Bistro
Retail and Services
GOLD: Above and Below Gallery
SILVER: Whitsunday Holidays
Self-Contained Accommodation
GOLD: Peninsula Airlie Beach
SILVER: Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island
BEONZE: Yacht Club Villas
Transport
GOLD: Scamper Island Camping
SILVER: Heart of Reef Shuttles Whitsunday's
BRONZE: Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours
Unique Accommodation
GOLD: Elysian Retreat
SILVER: Silver Shoals Island Lodge
BRONZE: Whitsunday Sands Resort
Brooke Miles couldn’t be at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards to accept Above and Below Gallery’s gold, but the wedding reception she was photographing became an unexpected place to celebrate.
“I started jumping around the wedding reception like a winner!” Brooke said.
“The MC even did a shout out to the wedding reception!”
The gallery’s second consecutive Gold in Retail & Services brought an emotional moment for its founder.
“Such an incredible feeling – and a little teary!” Brooke said.
“There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes in a small business, so to have that recognised is super special.”
Brooke opened Above and Below Gallery in 2017, bringing together her love of photography and the Whitsundays in a space where she could share both with locals and visitors.
Her photographs capture the landscapes and marine life of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, giving customers a connection to the region through locally created art and gifts.
“Above and Below Gallery was built from a passion for photography and a desire to offer something a little different here in the Whitsundays,” Brooke said.
“To have that recognised within our local tourism industry is a huge honour, and it gives us even more motivation to keep growing and doing what we love.”
For Brooke, the joy comes from connecting people with her work and helping them find a keepsake that holds personal meaning.
“We want people to walk away with something meaningful that reminds them of their time here.”
Sharing in the win are Katie, Kerry, Susan and Eira, whose contributions Brooke was quick to recognise, alongside the customers who continue to support the gallery.
“Running a small business is never a one-person job, and I'm incredibly grateful to my people who help keep everything running.”
Geoff and Bernadette Wishart have plenty to celebrate, with their 28th wedding anniversary, a new tour launch and a bronze tourism award arriving in the same week.
The Airlie Beach Transfers owners were surprised to receive bronze in the Transport category at the 2026 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, just 22 months after purchasing the business.
“We were shocked and we felt rewarded for our hard work over the last 22 months,” Bernadette said.
Since taking over, the local couple have expanded their fleet with deluxe and luxury vehicles, while also employing nine new staff, on top of managing the challenge of rising fuel prices.
Their focus remains on looking after passengers, crediting the whole team for going above and beyond.
“It feels great to be recognised as a contributing business within our wonderful region for tourism,” Bernadette said.
That contribution also includes return shuttles to Bredl’s Wildlife and customised private day tours, and Airport shuttles and Private transfers door to door from the Whitsunday coastal airport, helping visitors experience all the beautiful corners of the Whitsundays.
Their services will only further expand with the launching of the Whitsundays Cellar Door Trail on Friday October 30, in partnership with Sollos Agave, Two Fathoms Brewing Company, 74 Islands Distillery and Dingo Beach Hotel.
The couple thanked their team, passengers and Tourism Whitsundays, and congratulated fellow nominees for their dedication to serving the region.
Some of OzSail’s team were out on the water looking after guests when the business won gold, making bringing the award home to them all the sweeter for Operations Manager Telana Thompson.
“This Gold belongs to the whole OzSail team, including the people who were out on the water looking after our guests while we were celebrating,” said Telana.
OzSail took the top honour in Overnight Crewed Sailing at the 2026 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, a moment Telana described as a mix of shock, excitement and pride.
Having spent more than five years with OzSail, Telena says while the award is based on the care everyone sees, it represents all the work done behind the scenes to make that happen.
“You know how much your team puts into the business, but hearing OzSail called for Gold was a pretty special moment,” she said.
Behind every departure are weather checks, maintenance and careful planning, before the crew brings each trip to life through snorkelling, new friendships and time on the water.
“The Whitsundays gives us an incredible setting, but our crew bring the trip to life through their knowledge, personalities and the way they look after people,” Telana said.
She also congratulated fellow nominees, acknowledging the work involved in delivering tourism experiences across the region.
“We know how much work goes into running a tourism business, and we have enormous respect for the operators alongside us,” Telana said.
The Ocean Rafting team had special reason to celebrate at the 2026 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, with owners Peter and Jan Claxton receiving the prestigious Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Contribution in recognition of their decades of dedication to the region.
With their names now alongside past winners such as Kevin Collins, Peter and Jan have added their own chapter to the award’s proud history.
For the couple, following in those footsteps was a humbling surprise, made all the more special by the tourism community that has helped them feel at home.
“We’ve only just always done what we wanted to do with our business, and with the people around us, and with the region,” Jan said.
“It was very surprising to hear that we’d won it.”
“If I think of all the other incredible people who’ve won it before, honestly, we felt very humbled and very pleased.”
Arriving from Africa almost 30 years ago, Peter and Jan were captivated by their first glimpse of the Whitsunday islands and the warm tropical air that greeted them.
Tourism was already familiar territory, through Peter’s work flying seaplanes in Cape Town and Jan’s upbringing around game reserves in Namibia, but their own arrival offered a lasting reminder of how special a visitor’s first experience can be.
“Peter’s favourite saying has always been to the staff, ‘It may be your hundredth day out there, but the people on your boat, it’s probably their first and maybe their only day in the Whitsundays. Consider that,’” Jan said.
That approach is now shared with the next generation, with Peter and Jan’s sons bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the family business.
“They’ve changed everything for us,” Jan said.
“We’re really enjoying having them with us, as I don’t think we’d still be doing it if they weren’t with us.”
On top of the Bod Porter win, celebrations were shared by the whole Ocean Rafting family, with a bronze in the Day Tours – On Water category giving Peter, Jan, their sons and the crew another reason to be proud of what they’ve built together.
“You always hope your name will be called, but being surrounded by so many great operators, you don’t take anything for granted,” said Project and Marketing Manager Clem Claxton.
“After 29 years of sharing our beautiful backyard with visitors from around the world, taking home Bronze was a really proud moment for our Ocean Rafting family.”
Airlie Beach’s Coral Sea Marina has brought home a Gold Whitsundays Tourism Award in the Attractions category, in recognition of their commitment to creating a vibrant waterfront destination for everyone to enjoy.
As the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea Marina is the first destination that many visitors lay their eyes on as they enter the region - and the team is proud of that honour.
Grand sunset views over the marina, early morning walks on the waterfront and the ease of jumping on a boat are the attributes that make the marina a major attraction.
“I think that’s what sets us apart- that Coral Sea Marina is more than a marina, it’s part of the Whitsunday experience,” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and business development at Coral Sea Marina.
“For some, it's that first breathtaking view of the marina and Coral Sea as they arrive in Airlie Beach. For others, it's the excitement of departing on a day tour or overnight sailing adventure that could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Coral Sea Marina has become one of Australia's premier destination marinas under its current ownership, with Paul Darrouzet at the helm for the past 13 years, and Kate Preston as CEO.
They have continued to achieve evolving goals along the way by placing excellence, quality, and service into everything that they do.
“A particular highlight has been seeing the marina evolve beyond a traditional boating facility into a vibrant waterfront destination that is enjoyed by the wider community and visitors from around the world,” said Joscelyn.
Coral Sea Marina expressed their pride to be operating alongside the other businesses nominated in their category, and hope that this award will reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in the visitor experience.
“The Whitsundays is fortunate to have such a diverse range of exceptional tourism experiences, and it’s a privilege to be recognised alongside businesses that contribute so much to our region,” said Joscelyn.
Small family run business Scamper has proved just how mighty they are after winning in the transport category at the Tourism Whitsundays Awards.
Scamper provides services that help visitors connect with the beautiful islands and campsites of the Whitsundays, a niche service that can range from hiking the Ngaro Tack or exploring quieter regions.
The business has seen significant growth with the introduction of the Ngaro walks transfers and taking on Business Island transfers and the Vessel Dalengi, and servicing Palm Bay Resort, it's clear their award was well earned.
“Hearing our name was quite emotional. Tim and I have put so much into the business, especially this year, and it was a lovely moment to stop and appreciate how far we have come,” Sarah said.
“It recognises the hard work that happens behind the scenes, from planning around tides and weather to making sure our guests feel welcome, looked after and able to experience the best our natural environment has to offer. As a small, family-run business, having that effort recognised by our tourism community is incredibly rewarding.”
Despite the challenges of weather, tides and changing schedules, the Scamper team focused on personal care, local knowledge and their commitment to a holistic approach to nature-based tourism.
“We help guests with much more than their boat transfer, including camping equipment, advice and planning on their island adventure,” Sarah explained.
“We love pointing out where they might spot fascinating marine life, helping them recognise culturally significant sites and artefacts respectfully, and sharing the islands’ Traditional Owner history and connections to country.”
The Scamper Team believes that this comprehensive approach is the reason they won an award.
Giving visitors memorable experiences is what drives the Scamper team, as well as being part of a community that strives for tourism excellence.
“Congratulations to all the nominees. We know how much hard work goes into running a tourism business and were proud to be recognised alongside you. It’s wonderful to be part of a community that gives so many visitors so many memorable experiences.”
The team acknowledged fellow category nominees Heart of Reef Shuttles and Airlie Beach Transfers, thanking them for helping passengers connect from the mainland to their trips and for the working relationships that support a smooth journey for guests.
Operating for 12 years, the Whitsunday Segway Tours has just celebrated their first year as sole owners of the business. Alongside this achievement they hit the jackpot in the day tours – on land category at the Whitsundays Tourism awards.
For such a successful year for the Whitsunday Segway Tours, the team is sure to relish in their new achievements.
“It was a shock. We have been in the Whitsunday Tourism Awards in the past, but this year I was least confident about winning,” said owner Zak Kelly.
“It means recognition that we do our job well. We really do try our best, especially for every guest on their segway tour.”
However the success of the business didn’t come without its own set of challenges, as new E-mobility laws had shaken business operations, before they were thankfully amended.
Whitsunday Segway tours continues to be the only segway tour in Australia to operate within the Rainforest National Park, believing their unique business attitude is what won them the award.
“We’re also Eco Tourism certified and foremost we value customer satisfaction as highest priority and do everything we can to cater for our guests needs,” said Zak.
The Whitsundays Segway Tours celebrate their new win by thanking the valuable people behind the scenes and the Whitsunday community.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife and her hard work and patience behind the scenes,” said Zak.
“She is truly amazing.”
Sunrises, sunsets and moonrises can all be enjoyed from Whitsunday Sands Resort’s peninsula setting, but behind the views is a team with plenty of heart.
The resort received bronze in Unique Accommodation at the 2026 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, a welcome surprise recognising more than seven years of work by managers Janet and John and their team.
“Winning the award was such a wonderful surprise and a really proud moment for us!” said Whitsundays Sand Resort manager, Janet Courtney.
Since taking on the resort, Janet and John have worked to turn it around, creating a welcoming place for guests to come unwind.
Seeing familiar faces return and hearing how much guests enjoyed their stay have been highlights for the team, with the bronze adding to their pride in how far the resort has come.
The resort also congratulated fellow nominees, acknowledging the passion and dedication shared across the region’s tourism industry.
“We’ve put our hearts into making this resort a place where people can relax, feel welcome and experience something truly special,” said Janet.
“This win makes all the hard work worthwhile, and we look forward to continuing to share our little piece of paradise with our guests for many years to come.”
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is celebrating another golden achievement, taking home Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category at the 2026 Whitsunday Tourism Awards, held on Saturday evening at Elementa Whitsundays.
The award recognises the resort's ongoing commitment to exceptional holiday experiences, quality facilities and outstanding guest service.
Members of the resort team attended the gala celebration, proudly accepting the award on behalf of the family-owned and operated business.
With more than 60 tourism awards and Hall of Fame status at the Whitsunday, Queensland and Australian Tourism Awards, the resort continues to be recognised as a leading family holiday destination.
CEO Phil Casey said the award was a wonderful acknowledgement of the team's dedication.
"This is something our whole team can be incredibly proud of. Our staff go above and beyond every day to create memorable holiday experiences, and it's wonderful to see their commitment recognised.
"On behalf of the McKinnon family, I'd like to sincerely thank our exceptional team. Congratulations also to all finalists and winners, and thank you to Tourism Whitsundays, Bishopp and Elementa Whitsundays for a fantastic evening celebrating our tourism industry."
The Gold win comes during an exciting year, with the McKinnon family commencing a landmark $15 million resort expansion, introducing four spectacular new waterslides, an expansive lagoon pool with swim-up bar, café and dining precinct, state-of-the-art outdoor cinema and ten new three-bedroom cabins.
The resort remains fully operational throughout construction, with existing facilities and activities available for guests to enjoy. The construction area is securely fenced off, with works carefully managed to minimise guest disruption.
Having owned and operated the resort for more than 30 years, the McKinnon family continues to invest in its future.
This year has also welcomed exciting additions including the Froggy Express, a colourful trackless train with a wheelchair-accessible carriage, pickleball, new shaded jumping pillows, play equipment and a refreshed activities area.
With its expansion underway and growing collection of guest experiences, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort looks forward to an exciting future while continuing to deliver award-winning hospitality.
At Elysian Retreat, gold belongs to the people preparing thoughtful meals, remembering guests’ preferences and keeping a remote island running, alongside the community supporting them across the water.
The Long Island retreat won Unique Accommodation at the Tourism Whitsundays Awards, with head chef Johan Rouwé and front of house lead and team duty manager Jeannine Zoebelein accepting the award.
“It was a really proud moment for our whole team,” said General Manager Alice Caulfield.
“This win belongs to people well beyond our payroll, from fellow operators and our suppliers to the staff at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.”
Since opening in 2019, Elysian has navigated the pandemic and managed the daily demands of island life. Alice credits the generosity of neighbouring Palm Bay, local businesses and the wider community with helping the retreat find its feet.
Alice also thanked council for its guidance and Australian Maritime Safety Authority Whitsundays representative Abby Martin for her generous assistance with marine matters.
“What a blessing it is to have regulators who lead with education and are so committed to the people and community they look after.”
On the island, that same care shines through Johan’s cooking. Each meal reflects individual guests’ needs, with attention extending to details as delicate as cauliflower carved into trees.
“He builds each plate the way an artist creates a canvas,” Alice said.
“Johan, our head chef, has an out-of-this-world talent and a relentless drive towards mastery.”
Alongside him, Jeannine brings warmth, wine knowledge and an extraordinary memory to service, keeping track of dietary requirements and allergies for an ever-changing group of up to 20 guests.
“She lives and breathes hospitality,” Alice said.
“I think it would take four of me to run a front of house service the way Jeannine does so effortlessly. That is the beauty of Elysian: a team that is stronger than any one of us.”
Keeping everything operating is Brendan Pesch, who leads maintenance, facilities and operational management. His days can involve unloading barges, helping housekeeping, chatting with guests and tending injured wildlife.
“If Elysian is a ship, Brendan has been our captain, guiding the retreat and its people for four years now,” Alice said.
For Brendan, managing power, water and waste systems comes with satisfaction.
“Every challenge is a bit of a riddle, and there’s nothing better than cracking it,” Brendan said.
Brendan also thanked the tradespeople and contractors whose loyalty helps keep Elysian running.
“Mother Nature calls the shots out here, but we have the best support behind us,” said Brendan.
The team thanked the owners for investing in staff and preserving the island’s beauty, suppliers for keeping the retreat stocked, and Tourism Whitsundays for championing the region.
Staff accommodation on the mainland also gives the island crew somewhere to recharge during their days off, supporting the people whose dedication shapes every stay.
“For us, the award is a reflection of the resilience of Elysian and its people, and their perseverance to the dream,” Alice said.
For some guests, Hamilton Island is a place to bring the family together. For others, it offers a romantic escape, a memorable meal or time to switch off. That variety was celebrated at the 2026 Tourism Whitsundays Awards, with recognition across accommodation, dining, attractions and marketing.
“It was a wonderful surprise to see The Sundays, Beach Club and qualia take every spot in luxury accommodation,” said Director of Marketing Courtney Barry.
Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows, Bommie Restaurant, Hamilton Island Golf Club, Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Yacht Club Villas also received recognition.
For a destination welcoming holidaymakers for more than four decades, the results carry particular meaning because they reflect countless guests’ experiences.
“Our guests come here for precious time away, whether that’s a family holiday, a celebration or a chance to switch off,” courtney said.
“We want them to feel welcomed and looked after, and to leave with memories they’ll talk about long after they get home.”
The past 18 months have brought fresh reasons to visit, with The Sundays opened in April 2025, offering a relaxed stay for families, friends and couples, complementing Beach Club’s intimate adults-only experience and qualia’s private luxury.
Opening a hotel on an island brought challenges, from assembling a team to preparing every detail for its first guests. Seeing The Sundays embraced has made that effort especially rewarding.
Dining has evolved too, with Catseye Pool Club by Josh and Julie Niland, a reimagined Sails and refreshed island favourites. Five restaurants received AGFG Chef Hats this year, including two for Bommie.
Behind those experiences are the people whose care shapes each stay.
“Our people deserve the credit, from those welcoming guests to those working behind the scenes,” Courtney said.
“Thank you for the pride you take in your work and the warmth you bring to the island.”
Hamilton Island also thanked its guests, property owners, community and partners, recognising the shared effort behind a memorable Whitsundays holiday.
Two Council-owned holiday parks have been recognised at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards, joining an outstanding field of local operators celebrated for their contribution to the region.
Proserpine Holiday Park claimed silver and Lake Proserpine Holiday Park secured bronze at Saturday night's awards.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of tourism experiences across the Whitsundays.
"We're fortunate to have so many passionate tourism operators who work hard every day to deliver memorable experiences and showcase what makes our region special," Mayor Collins said.
"From our world-famous islands and beaches to our inland towns, lakes and rural communities, there's so much to discover across the Whitsundays.
"And with our region set to host Olympic and Paralympic sailing in 2032, we have a wonderful opportunity to build on our reputation as a world-class destination.
"It's fantastic to see so many local operators recognised, and I congratulate all the winners and finalists who contribute so much to our regional economy."
Mayor Collins said the recognition of the two holiday parks was particularly pleasing.
"These parks encourage visitors to explore beyond the coastline, supporting local businesses and bringing economic benefits into our communities.
"Congratulations to our teams at both parks. Their efforts have been recognised alongside some of the best tourism operators in the Whitsundays."
The awards are a reminder of the people, businesses and experiences that make our region such a special place to visit.
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