Celebrate our best on the Sunshine Coast – from local legends to iconic favourites

Sunshine Coast residents – we need your help! Celebrate what makes the Sunshine Coast region so great, with nominations now open for the 2026 QLD Day Awards and voting open for the All the Best campaign.

Both initiatives form part of QLD Day (6 June 2026), shining a spotlight on the people, places and businesses that stand for what the Sunshine Coast means.

From selfless grassroots achievers to local heroes and community volunteers, to our recognisable faces and organisations, the QLD Day Awards acknowledge the incredible contributors who put the shine in Sunshine Coast.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Awards captured the true spirit of what it means to be a Queenslander.

“Queensland is a state of innovators and doers, known for our hard work, kindness and passion, and the QLD Day Awards celebrate everything that makes us great,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“We’re calling on all Queenslanders to help us recognise our amazing community members and organisations by nominating them as part of this year’s competition.”

The Queensland Government’s All the Best campaign returns in 2026, inviting Queenslanders to vote across 15 categories, from the best bakery to beach.

Premier Crisafulli said the campaign was a celebration of the small businesses, locations, and experiences that define Queensland’s character.

“From your local pizzeria to your favourite beach, your florist or hairdresser who always give you the best service, we want Queenslanders to share what they love most about the Sunshine Coast,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Last year more than 61,000 votes were cast, and we know there are so many more hidden gems out there, so now’s the time to nominate and celebrate Queensland Day.”

Member for Nicklin, Marty Hunt is keen to let the secret out that Nicklin is the home of all the best.

“We’re incredibly excited to see All the Best return in 2026 because in Nicklin we’ve got the best of the best,” Mr Hunt said.

“You can vote for the best pub and the best bakery right here in Nicklin - whether it’s a meal at The Namba or Mapleton Tavern, or the famous donuts at Kenilworth Country Bakery - and this year, I’ll be backing The Big Pineapple to take the crown as Queensland’s best tourism attraction.”

The 2025 winner of Best Beach was Coolum Beach, and life member of Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club Shane Urban said the campaign raised the profile for the region, especially with interstate visitors.

“It was fantastic to be acknowledged as the best beach in Queensland with the spotlight it gives to businesses and locations, and I would highly recommend all Queenslanders getting on board and voting,” Mr Urban said.

“The campaign highlighted a lesser-known beach and now the whole of Australia knows about Coolum Beach.”

Voting is now open, with each entry giving nominators the chance to take home a massive prize pack, valued at more than $1800.

Winners for All the Best will be announced on Wednesday 3 June.

Students will also get in on the action through a statewide art competition with awesome prizes on offer, and the Wear Maroon Day so all students can join the celebrations.

QLD Day, held annually on 6 June, marks the date the state officially separated from New South Wales in 1859 and became an independent self-governing colony.

To make a QLD Day Award nomination and vote in All the Best, search Queensland Day or visit qld.gov.au/qldday

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell and Marty Hunt, Member for Nicklin at The Big Pineapple.