Queensland Country Strikes Gold in State Tourism Awards

Queensland Country has swept the floor at Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s 2026 Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Awards, with destinations and experiences from across the region recognised among the best in the state.

Southern Downs celebrated a major win, with Stanthorpe awarded Gold in the Queensland Top Tourism Town category, recognising destinations that deliver exceptional visitor experiences and community pride.

In the Somerset region, Toogoolawah claimed Gold in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category, while Esk received Bronze in the Top Small Tourism Town category, highlighting the region's growing reputation as a must-visit destination for authentic country experiences.

Adding to the region's success, Jeb Connelly of Jeb's Gems Tag-A-Long Tours from the Central Queensland Highlands was named Queensland's Top Tour Guide, recognised for his outstanding visitor experiences and passionate storytelling that brings the region's landscapes, history and gemfields to life.

Queensland Country Tourism CEO Sally Scott said the awards showcased the incredible diversity, passion and visitor experiences found throughout Queensland Country.

"These awards are a wonderful recognition of the communities, operators and local champions who make Queensland Country such a memorable destination."

"To see Stanthorpe recognised as Queensland's Top Tourism Town, alongside Toogoolawah's Gold and Esk's Bronze in their respective categories, is a testament to the dedication of the Southern Downs and Somerset communities in creating outstanding visitor experiences."

"We're also incredibly proud to see Jeb Connelly from the Central Queensland Highlands recognised as Queensland's Top Tour Guide. His passion for sharing the stories, landscapes and unique experiences of his region embodies the spirit of Queensland Country tourism."

"These achievements demonstrate the strength of regional tourism across Queensland Country and the important role our towns, operators and local communities play in inspiring visitors to explore beyond the city and discover the experiences that can only be found in our regions."

The awards further reinforce Queensland Country's position as one of Australia's leading regional tourism destinations, offering visitors authentic experiences, welcoming communities and unforgettable stories from coast to country.

These award-winning destinations and experiences are proof that Queensland Country's greatest attractions are its people, places and producers. Through Queensland Country Tourism’s latest tourism campaign, Made in Queensland Country, visitors can now experience these for themselves, with ten Queensland Country holiday packages to be won at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au/made-in-queensland-country.

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Queensland Country Tourism (QCT) formally known as Southern Queensland Country Tourism (SQCT) is the peak tourism industry body for Queensland Country, bringing together the regions of Central Highlands, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Southern Downs and Granite Belt, Toowoomba, and Western Downs.

Media Contact:
Sally Scott 
Chief Executive Officer 
0438 094 179
ceo@queenslandcountrytourism.com.au