Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Holding the victory trophy in front of Parliament house. Photo supplied: Heather Mollins
Following six years of nomination, Airlie Beach has taken the gold for Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town, a national accolade that will further cement the Whitsunday region as a must-visit for tourists travelling down under.
The win was put down to the town’s combination of natural beauty, tourism infrastructure and top experiences.
Airlie Beach has reached the top, claiming Gold as Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2026 after six years of nominations and a determined push to bring the national title home to the Whitsundays.
Announced at Parliament House in Canberra, the win is a national accolade and a celebration of all the community members who help deliver the Airlie Beach experience.
“Tourism is in the Whitsundays’ DNA, and this recognition belongs to the thousands of people who make our region such a memorable destination,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“Awards like this celebrate what we have achieved, but they also give us a platform to keep advocating for what regional tourism communities need to succeed in the future.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP praised the efforts of the region achieving this status the obstacles of the last 6 years.
“Tourism can be a tough business, and over the past few years, with the ups and downs of covid, cyclones and the many other barriers that can be met along the way, the tourism industry always gives 100%,” said Mr Willcox.
“Airlie Beach might be small but it’s certainly mighty when it comes to providing an amazing experience of vistors from all over the world.”
This victory comes as one of two for Queensland, with Stanthorpe also claiming the top tourism town spot with a population over 5,000.
“This is an incredibly proud result for Queensland and a well-deserved national recognition for Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach,” said Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) CEO, Natassia Wheeler.
“Stanthorpe and Airlie Beach are very different destinations, but that diversity is exactly what makes Queensland’s tourism offering so special.
“From our regional food and wine experiences to our world-famous coastal destinations, Queensland has extraordinary experiences right across the state.
“Each of them has helped showcase the quality, character and diversity of Queensland tourism to the rest of the country.”
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