Stanthorpe in Queensland has been named Australia’s ‘Top Tourism Town’ for 2026, leading a national awards program recognising regional destinations and tour guides across the country.
The Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards, presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), were announced at Parliament House in Canberra.
Airlie Beach in Queensland took gold in the ‘Small Tourism Town’ category, while Portsea in Victoria was named the country’s top ‘Tiny Tourism Town’.
Laura Stone from Sydney By Kayak in New South Wales received gold in the ‘Top Tour Guide’ category.
Erin McLeod, ATIC CEO, said the awards recognised the role regional communities play in encouraging visitors to travel beyond Australia’s major cities.
“Our regional towns are central to the way visitors experience Australia. They encourage people to travel beyond our major cities, discover new destinations and experience the landscapes, people, produce and stories that make different parts of our country unique,” Ms McLeod said.
Kiama in New South Wales took silver in the Top Tourism Town category, followed by Echuca in Victoria with bronze. Gulgong in New South Wales and Portarlington in Victoria placed second and third respectively in the Small Tourism Town category.
In the Tiny Tourism Town category, Toogoolawah in Queensland received silver and Port Arthur in Tasmania took bronze.
Jools De Loryn from Go West Tours in Victoria was named silver in the Top Tour Guide category, while Angie Ouyang from the National Museum of Australia in Canberra received bronze.
National finalists are selected from gold winners of the state and territory Top Tourism Town Awards, with categories determined by population size alongside a separate award for tour guides.
