Discover the winners of Queensland Tourism Awards 2023 – delivering the state’s best experiences

News

By Danielle Reckless

The ties were black and the stage was set to recognise the travel industry’s finest at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Held in Cairns, the 38^th Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry. The awards, which are judged by a panel of industry experts, cover 30 categories, including attractions, events, tour and transport, accommodation, restaurants, culture, marketing and more. From the outback to our sparkling cities and Great Barrier Reef, it’s the cream of the crop when it comes to Queensland experiences.

Recognising years of delivering the state’s best tourism experiences to visitors, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience, immersive tour operator Fun Over 50 Holidays, and Paronella Park were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Queensland Tourism Awards also recognised new and under-the-radar experiences and events, with the Gold Coast’s Kokomo Cruises winning New Tourism Business, while 2022 Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships struck gold in the Festivals & Events category. Exhilarating Great Barrier Reef operator Ocean Rafting scored first place yet again in the Adventure Tourism category, while Outback Queensland’s taste of barefoot luxury at Mitchell Grass Retreat beat out the competition in Unique Accommodation.

Our verdict? There’s just so much on offer in Queensland – and if you incorporate some of these winners into your next holiday, it’s bound to have a big impact on your heart.

Check out the complete list of winners in the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards below, and then make plans to come experience it for yourself.

Couple participating in the Blend Your Own Rum Experience at Bundaberg Rum Distillery — Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Bundaberg

Major Tourist Attractions

Gold: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Silver: Sea World

Bronze: GC Aqua Park

Bronze: Scenic Rim Regional Council - Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group

Gold: Moreton Bay Region Volunteer Program

The Stephen Gregg Award for Young Achiever of the Year

Hailey Brown

The Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Michael L. Hackett

RACQ People’s Choice Awards

Accommodation: Esk Caravan Park & Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel

Experience and Service: Paronella Park

Following the awards, select category winners will now progress to the Australian Tourism Awards to be judged against finalists from each state and territory in 2024.

In the spirit of reflecting on the best of this year, take a look at the top 2023 moments in Queensland.

Bunji

Welcome to Queensland! ☀️ How can I help you?

Major Tourist Attractions

Tourist Attractions

Major Festivals and Events

Festivals and Events

The Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism

Cultural Tourism

Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism

Tourism Retail and Hire Services

Visitor Information Services

Business Event Venues

Major Tour and Transport Operators

Excellence in Accessible Tourism

Tour and Transport Operators

Adventure Tourism

The Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries

Caravan and Holiday Parks

Hosted Accommodation

Unique Accommodation

Self Contained Accommodation

3 – 3.5 Star Accommodation

4 – 4.5 Star Accommodation

5 Star Accommodation

New Tourism Business

Excellence in Food Tourism

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group

The Stephen Gregg Award for Young Achiever of the Year

The Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

RACQ People’s Choice Awards