Sunshine Coast Hinterland Wins Five Golds and One Silver at Queensland Tourism Awards
Sunshine Coast hinterland tourism operators secured five gold awards and one silver at the 41st Queensland Tourism Awards held on 7 November 2026, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for quality accommodation, attractions, food tourism and events.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Recognition of Sunshine Coast hinterland operators with five gold and one silver awards
- Timing
- Awards announced on 7 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Sunshine Coast hinterland tourism businesses and their visitors
The details
- Announced by
- Queensland Tourism Industry Council
Award Announcement
The 41st Queensland Tourism Awards were held on the Gold Coast on 7 November 2026. The ceremony recognised leading tourism businesses across 29 categories, with Sunshine Coast hinterland operators winning five gold awards and one silver.
Winning Categories
Gold awards were given for Hosted Accommodation (Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat), New Tourism Business (Alsahwa Estate), Excellence in Food Tourism (Maleny Cheese), Accessible Tourism and Festivals and Events (The Abbey Medieval Festival). A silver was awarded to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World in the Tourist Attractions category.
Implications for Winners
Eligible gold winners will have the opportunity to represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in categories with national equivalents. The recognition is expected to raise the profile of the award‑winning businesses and attract broader visitor interest.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning visits to the Sunshine Coast hinterland can now consider award‑winning operators for accommodation, food and attractions.
- The awards highlight a range of high‑quality experiences beyond the coastal strip, encouraging itinerary diversification.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced for visitors as a result of the awards.
- Existing pricing and booking procedures for the recognised businesses remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Visitors should check the latest offerings of the award‑winning operators when booking their trips.
- Businesses that received awards may update their marketing materials to reflect the new accolades.
Who this affects
-
Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation providers
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat won gold for Hosted Accommodation, showcasing regional hospitality excellence.
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Food tourism operators in the hinterland
Maleny Cheese received gold for Excellence in Food Tourism, highlighting local culinary products.
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Festival and event organisers in the region
The Abbey Medieval Festival earned gold for Accessible Tourism and Festivals and Events, recognising inclusive event delivery.
-
Tourist attractions in the hinterland
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World secured silver in the Tourist Attractions category.
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New tourism businesses in the hinterland
Alsahwa Estate won gold for New Tourism Business, reflecting successful recent entrants.
Frequently asked questions
Which Sunshine Coast hinterland businesses won gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards?
Five gold awards went to Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat (Hosted Accommodation), Alsahwa Estate (New Tourism Business), Maleny Cheese (Food Tourism), and The Abbey Medieval Festival (Accessible Tourism and Festivals and Events).
When were the Queensland Tourism Awards announced?
The awards were announced on 7 November 2026 during the 41st Queensland Tourism Awards ceremony held on the Gold Coast.
What does winning a gold award mean for these businesses?
Gold winners become eligible to represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in categories that have national equivalents, offering broader exposure.
Will the awards affect visitor prices or booking procedures?
No, the awards do not introduce any changes to pricing, fees or booking processes for visitors to the recognised businesses.
How can travelers find the award‑winning operators?
Travelers can visit the Visit Sunshine Coast website or the individual operators’ websites to see updated information and promotional material highlighting their awards.
