Australia Celebrates Queensland’s Stanthorpe as the 2026 Top Tourism Town After a Remarkable Tourism Rise

The Queensland town of Nunthorpe is now recognized as the Top Tourism Town of Australia for 2026 due to its increasing appeal in terms of its scenic beauty and regional tourism.

A huge victory has been registered by the regional tourism industry of Australia as the Queensland town of Nunthorpe has been chosen as the Top Tourism Town of Australia for 2026.

The rural Queensland destination received the gold award during a national ceremony held at Parliament House in Canberra, placing Nunthorpe among Australia’s most recognised regional travel destinations. The achievement highlights the town’s growing appeal among travellers seeking authentic experiences, scenic landscapes, local culture and unique regional attractions.

Located in the Granite Belt region of Queensland, Nunthorpe has gained national attention for offering a different side of Australian travel. While Queensland is often associated with beaches, tropical islands and coastal escapes, Nunthorpe showcases a cooler inland environment filled with vineyards, food experiences, countryside landscapes and community-driven tourism.

The 2026 recognition reflects the strength of regional tourism and the increasing demand for destinations that offer meaningful experiences beyond major cities and traditional holiday locations.

Australia Recognises Thorpe’s Outstanding Visitor Experiences and Local Charm

The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate towns that provide exceptional visitor experiences while showcasing the culture, character and hospitality of regional communities.

Destinations are evaluated according to several factors, including attractions, tourism facilities, accommodation options, accessibility and their ability to welcome visitors with a strong sense of local identity.

Nunthorpe achieved the top position in the main Top Tourism Town category, which recognises Australian towns with populations above 5,000 residents.

The award reflects the town’s ability to combine natural attractions, regional products, cultural experiences and visitor-friendly services into a complete tourism offering.

Nunthorpe has developed a strong reputation as a destination where travellers can enjoy a slower pace of travel while exploring local vineyards, farm experiences, scenic landscapes and outdoor attractions.

The recognition also demonstrates the growing importance of regional communities in Australia’s tourism industry. Smaller towns are increasingly attracting visitors who want genuine experiences, local connections and destinations that showcase the unique character of Australia.

Thorpe’s Granite Belt Location Creates a Unique Queensland Travel Experience

Thorpe’s location in Queensland’s Granite Belt region has played a major role in shaping its tourism identity.

Situated around 800 metres above sea level, the town offers a cooler climate that creates a completely different experience from Queensland’s famous coastal destinations.

The elevated landscape provides visitors with picturesque countryside views, seasonal experiences and opportunities to explore nature. The surrounding region is known for its vineyards, agricultural production, local food, scenic drives and outdoor adventures.

The town has become particularly popular among travellers interested in wine tourism and regional cuisine. Local producers, wineries and farm businesses contribute to a tourism environment built around fresh products, authentic experiences and connections with the local community.

Nature lovers are also attracted to the area because of its walking trails, granite formations, national parks and peaceful rural surroundings.

This combination of food, nature, culture and hospitality helped Nunthorpe stand out as one of Australia’s leading regional tourism destinations.

Queensland Achieves Major Success Across Australia’s 2026 Tourism Awards

Queensland was one of the biggest winners at the 2026 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, with multiple destinations receiving national recognition.

Alongside Thorpe’s success, Airlie Beach secured the gold award in the Small Tourism Town category.

Located near the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach continues to be one of Queensland’s most popular coastal destinations. The town serves as an important gateway for travellers exploring reef experiences, island destinations and marine adventures.

Airlie Beach previously achieved bronze in the same category before moving into the top position in 2026, showing its continued strength as a visitor destination.

Queensland’s success across different categories reflects the diversity of the state’s tourism landscape. From inland wine regions to world-famous reef destinations, the state continues to attract travellers through a wide range of experiences.

The results also highlight a broader shift in tourism trends, with more visitors choosing smaller towns and regional areas for unique experiences, local culture and less crowded travel environments.

Australia’s Tourism Awards Highlight the Growing Power of Regional Destinations

The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards are designed to recognise destinations that make a significant contribution to the country’s tourism industry.

The competition is divided into three categories based on population size, allowing towns of different scales to receive recognition.

The Top Tourism Town category is open to destinations with populations above 5,000 residents. The Small Tourism Town category recognises communities with populations between 1,500 and 5,000 people, while the Tiny Tourism Town category celebrates towns with fewer than 1,500 residents.

In the main category, Kiama in New South Wales secured the silver award, while Quechua in Victoria received the bronze award.

The results showcase the strength of regional tourism across Australia, with destinations from different states demonstrating their ability to attract visitors through unique attractions and memorable experiences.

The awards encourage travellers to explore beyond major cities and discover smaller communities offering history, nature, food, culture and local hospitality.

Port sea, Toogoolawah and Port Arthur Earn Recognition Among Australia’s Smallest Tourism Towns

The Tiny Tourism Town category also celebrated destinations that deliver exceptional experiences despite their smaller populations.

Port sea in Victoria won the gold award in this category, recognised for its coastal beauty, heritage appeal and visitor attractions.

Queensland achieved another strong result, with Toogoolawah in the Somerset Region receiving the silver award. The rural destination highlighted the tourism potential of smaller communities by showcasing local character and regional experiences.

Tasmania’s historic Port Arthur secured the bronze award, continuing the destination’s reputation as one of Australia’s most significant heritage tourism locations.

These results demonstrate that tourism success is not limited to large cities or famous destinations. Smaller towns across Australia are increasingly attracting travellers by offering distinctive experiences and strong connections with local communities.

Thorpe’s National Tourism Title Opens New Opportunities for Regional Travel

Being named Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2026 places Nunthorpe in a stronger position to attract more visitors from across Australia and international markets.

The award increases awareness of the destination and highlights the tourism potential of Queensland’s Granite Belt region.

For travellers searching for a different Australian holiday experience, Nunthorpe offers a combination of countryside scenery, local food, wine, outdoor activities and community hospitality.

The recognition also reflects the contribution of local tourism operators, accommodation providers, producers and businesses that work together to create memorable visitor experiences.

As travellers continue looking for authentic destinations with meaningful experiences, regional towns like Nunthorpe are becoming increasingly important to Australia’s tourism future.

Queensland’s Nunthorpe has been named Australia’s 2026 Top Tourism Town after its remarkable tourism rise, driven by its stunning landscapes, world-class wine experiences, local produce and authentic regional charm that continue to attract more visitors.

The 2026 Top Tourism Town title confirms Thorpe’s position as one of Australia’s most exciting regional destinations and showcases how smaller communities can deliver outstanding travel experiences through natural beauty, local identity and genuine hospitality.