Sunshine Coast hinterland tourism operators have emerged among Queensland’s best, with local businesses claiming some of the top honours at the 41st Queensland Tourism Awards on the Gold Coast.
Maleny Cheese, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat and Alsahwa Estate were among six Sunshine Coast businesses to take home gold medals at the prestigious awards, held on Friday, November 6.
The region collected 10 awards overall – six gold, three silver and one bronze – highlighting the strength and diversity of its tourism industry.
Maleny Cheese claimed gold for Excellence in Food Tourism, while Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat won the Hosted Accommodation category.
Alsahwa Estate was recognised as Queensland’s best New Tourism Business, adding to the hinterland’s impressive showing.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World also celebrated, taking silver in the Tourist Attractions category, while Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat received silver for Hosted Accommodation.
Other Sunshine Coast gold winners were Eumundi Markets for Major Festivals and Events, Saltwater Eco Tours for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences and RACV Noosa Resort for Self Contained Accommodation.
More than 900 tourism industry representatives attended the gala celebration at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler praised the winners for their commitment to excellence.
“These businesses have earned their place among the best in the country. They have looked hard at every part of their operation, invested in their people and lifted the experience for every visitor who walks through their door,” Ms Wheeler said.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the awards recognised the people and businesses behind Queensland’s tourism success.
“These awards recognise the people, businesses and communities that make Queensland such a special place to visit,” Mr Powell said.
The six Sunshine Coast gold winners will now represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in Geelong in February 2027, putting the region’s tourism experiences on the national stage.
Maleny Cheese won Excellence in Food Tourism.
Alsahwa Estate won New Tourism Business.