There is plenty to celebrate across the Capricorn Coast region, with four outstanding local tourism businesses, experiences and campaigns named as finalists in the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards.
The finalists are:
- Keppel Dive & Water Sports – Adventure Tourism
- Great Keppel Island Hideaway – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
- Rockynats 06 – Festivals and Events
- Busbys On Tour – Explore Rockhampton Family Drive Campaign – The Richard Power Award for Tourism Marketing and Campaigns
The Queensland Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across the state’s visitor economy, recognising tourism businesses, experiences, events and campaigns that demonstrate a high standard of achievement and visitor experience.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll congratulated the finalists, saying the announcement was a wonderful reflection of the quality and diversity of tourism across the region.
“To have four finalists representing such different parts of our visitor economy – from Great Keppel Island accommodation and reef experiences to an event and marketing campaign – demonstrates the incredible breadth and strength of tourism across our region,” Mary said.
“Being named a Queensland Tourism Awards finalist is a significant achievement, and we particularly congratulate Keppel Dive & Water Sports and Great Keppel Island Hideaway on earning their place among Queensland’s tourism leaders.”
“These businesses, events and campaigns play an important role in showcasing our destination, attracting visitors and giving people compelling reasons to explore more of Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.”
“We are incredibly proud to see the Capricorn Coast region represented on the state stage and wish all four finalists every success at the Awards in November.”
The finalists were selected following an extensive judging process, with entrants required to achieve a minimum scoring benchmark to progress to finalist status.
The 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards Gala will be held on the Gold Coast on Friday 6 November, bringing together tourism operators and industry leaders from across Queensland to recognise excellence within the state’s visitor economy.
