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The Queensland Tourism Awards
Operating for 39 years, the Queensland Tourism Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of the state's tourism industry, including individuals, businesses, and events. The Awards are a submission and inspection-based program and provide the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and showcase Queensland's finest tourism operators. Winners of the Queensland Tourism Awards are announced at a Gala Ceremony , the most prestigious event on the Queensland tourism calendar. Following the Awards, select category winners progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be judged against finalists from each State and Territory.
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If you have any questions about the Queensland Tourism Awards or Top Tourism Town Awards please email [email protected] or call the team on 3236 1445.
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Queensland tourism operators win big at Australian Tourism Awards
Queensland tourism operators dominate the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with five Gold winners and numerous Silver and Bronze awardees across various categories.
Five Queensland tourism operators have claimed Gold awards, while nine have received Silver or Bronze awards at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday 15 March.
A total of 21 Queensland tourism operators were nominated in 26 categories as they competed for the nation’s highest industry accolades, after they all took home Gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards in Cairns last November.
A new Accessible Tourism category made its debut at the Australian Awards, after being introduced to the Queensland Tourism Awards in November.
The Queensland Gold winners at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards were:
- Fun Over 50 Holidays – Ecotourism
- BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan & Holiday Parks
- Ocean Rafting – Adventure Tourism
- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – Major Festivals and Events
- The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa | Adults Tropical Escape – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Other Queensland winners at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards include:
- Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat - Hosted Accommodation
- Rockhampton Regional Council - Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Major Tourist Attractions
- Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience - Tourist Attractions
- Fun Over 50 Holidays - Cultural Tourism
- Ocean Rafting - Major Tour & Transport Operators
- Cape York Peninsula Lodge - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism
- Cape York Peninsula Lodge - 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
- Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach - 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
The full list of Queensland nominees was:
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – (Major Tourist Attractions)
- Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience – (Tourist Attractions)
- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – (Major Festivals and Events)
- Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships – (Festivals and Events)
- Fun Over 50 Holidays: Immersive Tours and Adventures – (The Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism. And The Cultural Tourism award)
- Cape York Peninsula Lodge – (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism. And 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation)
- Whitsunday Coast Airport – (Tourism Retail and Hire Services)
- Ipswich Visitor Information Centre – (Visitor Information Services)
- Sofitel Brisbane Central – (Business Event Venues)
- Ocean Rafting – (Major Tour and Transport Operators. And Adventure Tourism)
- Creative Tours – (Tour and Transport Operators. And Excellence in Food Tourism)
- Rockhampton Regional Council: Explore Rockhampton campaign – (Destination Marketing)
- Sea World Cruises – (Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services)
- Tamborine Mountain Distillery – (Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries)
- BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – (Caravan and Holiday Parks And Excellence in Accessible Tourism)
- Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat – (Hosted Accommodation)
- Mitchell Grass Retreat – (Unique Accommodation)
- Pinnacles Resort Airlie Beach – (Self Contained Accommodation)
- Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – (3-3.5 Star Standard Accommodation)
- The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa – (5 Star Luxury Accommodation)
- Kokomo Cruises – (New Tourism Business)
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Queensland Tourism Awards 2023
It was the tourist industry’s annual night of nights – as Cairns hosted the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards.
Congratulations to all the top winners across the categories.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Major Tourist Attractions
Gold Coast (Destination Gold Coast)
Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
Tourist Attractions
Bundaberg Tourism
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Major Festivals and Events
Southern Queensland Country (Southern Queensland Country Tourism)
Isa Rodeo Limited – 2022 Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships
Festivals and Events
Outback (Outback Queensland Tourism Association Inc.)
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures
Cultural Tourism
Cape York Peninsula Lodge
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences
Tropical North Queensalnd (Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Whitsunday Coast Airport
Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
Whitsundays (Tourism Whitsundays)
Ipswich Visitor Information Centre
Visitor Information Services
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Business Event Venues
Ocean Rafting
Major Tour & Transport Operators
Creative Tours
Tour & Transport Operators
Sunshine Coast (Visit Sunshine Coast)
Adventure Tourism
Rockhampton Regional Council – Explore Rockhampton
Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Capricorn Enterprise
Sea World Cruises – Sightseeing and Dining
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Caravan & Holiday Parks
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
Hosted Accommodation
Mitchell Grass Retreat
Unique Accommodation
Pinnacles, Airlie Beach
Self-Contained Accommodation
Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach
3-3.5 Star Accommodation
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Tropical North Queensland (Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa – Adults Tropical Escapes
5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Kokomo Cruises
New Tourism Business
Excellence in Food Tourism
Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Moreton Bay Region Volunteer Program
Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group
Hailey Brown
The Stephen Gregg Award for Young Achiever of the Year
Michael L. Hackett
The Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Paronella Park
RACQ People’s Choice – Experiences and Services
Esk Caravan Park & Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel
RACQ People’s Choice – Accommodation
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- Outdoors Queensland
Queensland Tourism Awards 2023
Tickets on sale now!
Posted on 04.09.2023
You’re invited to delight in the thrills and experience tourism’s night of nights at the 38th Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony!
The annual Queensland Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of Queensland tourism achievement, uniting our industry in celebrating the outstanding strength of the state’s tourism, hospitality, and events sectors.
Be in the room as the finest experiences, events, individuals, and venues are recognised across 31 award categories on 24 November at the Cairns Convention Centre . Avoid disappointment by securing your tickets today as seats will sell quickly.
Queensland Tourism Awards 2023 Cairns Convention Centre Friday 24 November 6:00pm – 10:00pm, followed by the Awards After Party until midnight .
2024 The Queensland Training Awards now OPEN!
Closes tuesday march 12, 2024.
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Australia , Company News
Tropic wings wins silver at queensland tourism awards.
Tropic Wings Cairns Tours and Charters is the recipient of the Silver accolade in the major tour and transport operator category at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards.
Tropic Wings says that the recognition underscores its commitment to great customer service, sustainability and showcasing the best of Tropical North Queensland.
At the heart of Tropic Wings’ success is its unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled customer service.
It takes pride in ensuring that every visitor’s journey to some of the region’s most breathtaking locations such as Kuranda, Port Douglas, Daintree and Cape Tribulation is filled with joy and memorable moments.
Tropic Wings general manager Colin Anderson says that its success is built on the happiness of the customers.
“We strive to create not just tours, but experiences that leave a lasting impression,” Anderson says.
“It’s an honour to be recognised for our commitment to exceptional customer service.”
Tropic Wings says that it’s the first day tour operator to introduce a 100 per cent electric bus in the Australian tourism industry.
It says the move aligns with the company’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland for future generations.
Tropic Wings says the silver win at the Queensland Tourism Awards reflects its ongoing efforts to set industry standards and create positive impacts on both the tourism sector and the environment.
Tropic Wings celebrated 40 years of operation in March 2023 and says it’s looking forward to continuing its mission of providing exceptional customer experiences while leading the way in sustainable tourism practices.
The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory
Registrations open for destinationtnq.
Published Thursday, 13 July, 2023 at 01:30 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Mr Michael Healy
- Build and Focus: Setting the Foundations of the Future is the theme of the 2023 DestinationQ Forum in Tropical North Queensland.
- Tourism Week 2023 in Cairns includes DestinationQ, Destination IQ and the Queensland Tourism Awards.
- More than 800 industry experts to travel to Cairns for Tourism Week.
Free registration has opened for the 12 th DestinationQ Forum on 23 November at the Cairns Convention Centre.
The theme of DestinationQ in 2023 is Build and Focus – setting the foundations for the future, as set out by the industry led Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap.
DestinationQ is part of Tourism Week 2023, which also includes Destination IQ and the prestigious Queensland Tourism Awards.
More than 800 tourism industry experts and operators are predicted to travel to Tropical North Queensland for Tourism Week 2023, generating $1 million for the visitor economy.
Tourism Week in Cairns is made possible by the Queensland Government in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
Register at https://www.destq.com.au/destinationq-events with special accommodation deals also available.
- Destination IQ – Wednesday, 22 November
- DestinationQ Forum – Thursday, 23 November
- Queensland Tourism Awards – Friday, 24 November.
Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said:
“Tropical North Queensland looks forward to welcoming the State’s tourism industry and sharing more of our great, awe-inspiring Queensland lifestyle.
“With world-class accommodation, First Nations culture and iconic visitor experiences, I can’t think of a better location than the Tropical North for this year’s DestinationQ Forum.
“As we work hard on international recovery, it’s never been more important to bring the industry together to learn and discuss the opportunities ahead of us.”
“Tourism Week 2023 is a highly anticipated event for Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:
“Many elements of Queensland’s domestic tourism recovery from the wrecking ball of the pandemic are nation leading and we should be very proud of that.
“The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows a record 11.3 million Australians holidayed in Queensland in the year to March with holidaymakers spending $16.7 billion in this State, more than anywhere else in Australia.
“This is terrific news, but we are seeing changes in visitor spending with more work to do on fast-tracking resilience and reaching the goals of the industry led Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap.
“A highlight of DestinationQ is bringing Queensland’s industry together to share expertise and insight, while celebrating the State’s best visitor experiences at the Tourism Awards.
“In 2023, competition for visitors is fierce making the DestinationQ Forum an opportunity tourism operators shouldn’t miss.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said:
“It’s great to bring the industry together each year for Tourism Week and really focus on the future while also taking time to celebrate our achievements.
“The DestinationQ Forum in Cairns is an opportunity to rally the tourism industry to work together to keep Queensland as Australia’s top holiday state.
“It’s Queensland’s time to shine.”
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said :
“As the state’s peak industry body, we are proud to once again be a partner of the DestinationQ Forum.
“QTIC welcomes the chance to bring government and industry together in collaboration and conversation.
“In a highly competitive global market, where every destination is vying for the attention of would-be travellers, it’s imperative that government and industry work together to drive tourism success.
“We need to ensure that our tourism operators are equipped with the latest knowledge, innovations, and traveller trends to meet evolving guest demands. These events help to secure Queensland’s position as a world-class destination.
“I look forward to meeting with operators in November and to seeing industry gather together in Cairns.”
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Outback Qld Masters Strikes Silver at the Qld Tourism Awards
- November 27, 2023
Following the excitement of the 2,800 kilometre golfing adventure of this year’s Outback Queensland Masters, the event was recognised with the silver award for Best Festival and Event at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards staged in Cairns.
“Congratulations to award winners and finalists for creating world-class visitor experiences and helping to make 2023 an extraordinary year for Queensland’s tourism industry,” Queensland Tourism Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe said.
“Outback Queensland Masters was honoured to win this category last year and we are thrilled to be recognised with the silver award in 2023,” said Luke Bates, State Manager – Queensland and Northern Territory, Golf Australia.
“Outback QLD Masters continues to be the worlds’ richest and most remote amateur golf series, spanning thousands of kilometres in Queensland’s Outback. Presented by Golf Australia and the event was created and developed by Cre8ion and Weatherall Golf through a strategic partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland.
“This event continues to ignite the passion, not only for golf, but the sense of adventure and mateship across the ancient landscapes of Outback Queensland.
“On behalf of our team we thank all those involved in enabling and supporting Outback Queensland Masters each year including sponsors, local councils, the golf clubs, volunteers, participants, performers, contractors and the people of the local communities the Outback Queensland Masters visits each year.
“Thank you also to the Queensland Tourism Industry Council for the organisation and delivery of the Queensland Tourism Awards and the volunteer time invested by the judges. We are thrilled to be recognized once again in a field of incredible nominees.
“We are always ready to welcome you to this unique Outback Queensland adventure in June and July next year, as we make our way from the desert sands of Birdsville to Quilpie for the million-dollar hole.
The Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said “I’m very pleased to announce the six locations for the 2024 Outback Queensland Masters which will tee off in June 2024 from our most remote golf course in Queensland, the iconic Birdsville Dunes Golf Club, and then onto to Boulia in the land of the Min Min Light, Winton, Barcaldine, Charleville and culminating in July 2024 in Quilpie for the Million Dollar Hole-In-One. “Fast becoming an iconic Australian bucket list destination golf event, the Outback Queensland Masters this year attracted players from every state of Australia, some travelling some 10,000 km to compete in Queensland.
“Since its inception in 2019, the Outback Queensland Masters has gone from strength to strength, generating millions of dollars in visitor spend for the remote communities of Outback Queensland, and in 2022 generated 13,062 visitor nights and contributed $1.89M to the Queensland economy.
“2024 promises to be another major for the Outback Queensland Masters and the region’s much-loved visitor experiences.”
The golfing tournament of a different kind will converge on the tiny town of Quilpie in Southern Outback Queensland for the Million Dollar Hole-In-One finale in July 2024.
Quilpie Shire Mayor, Stuart Mackenzie explains the Quilpie Shire Council has been a great supporter of the Outback Masters since the concept was first proposed.
“We may be 1,000km west of Brisbane and a population of under 1,000 people, but it doesn’t stop us from attracting signature events such as the Outback Queensland Masters.
“We have put our hand up every year to host a tournament and successfully have hosted the event twice, with a player scoring a $10,000 hole-in-one in 2021.
“We are so excited to have the finale here next year for a weekend of laughs, entertainment and of course, golf. A huge congratulations to our local golf club whose wonderful hospitality and quality facilities have been instrumental in achieving this great event.”
The 2024 Outback Queensland Masters is presented by Golf Australia, with strategic partner Tourism and Events Queensland and Birdie Spirit Partners, the PGA of Australia and Rex Airlines, and Mateship Partners, Diamantina Shire Council, Boulia Shire Council, Winton Shire Council, Barcaldine Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council and Quilpie Shire Council.
The hotly contested early bird passes for the 2024 Outback Queensland Masters are on sale to the 31 st December 2023 at www.outbackqldmasters.com .
Outback Queensland Masters is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Pictured left to right, Luke Bates State Manager Queensland, Northern Territory, Golf Australia, Denise Brown CEO Outback Queensland Tourism Association, Darren Weatherall PGA Professional, Krista Hauritz.
OQM HIGH-RES EVENT IMAGES 2023 https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7gj7nfgwtpki8qz/AACaQqZ7ntQHXHexx3090Dz7a?dl=0
VNR & DRONE FOOTAGE
VNR/ Grabs by Pete Murray Drone Footage by Reuben Nutt https://www.dropbox.com/sh/a6m2h4lb61qag17/AABSxs74wWKiwnfn84wAo9D-a?dl=0
DRONE FOOTAGE, BIRDSVILLE Drone Footage by Reuben Nutt https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vvjxom9d6ycfp3e/AAAGjFucUoU6VvYZ5lN2I8DHa?dl=0
2024 EVENT SCHEDULE
Event 1 Birdsville – June 15 & 16, 2024 Event 2 Boulia – June 22 & 23, 2024 Event 3 Winton – June 29 & 30, 2024 Event 4 Barcaldine – July 6 & 7, 2024 Event 5 Charleville – July 13 & 14, 2024 Event 6 Quilpie – July 19, 20, & 21, 2024
Luke Bates State Manager – Queensland & Northern Territory Golf Australia [email protected] M 0439 780 677
Cr. Stuart Mackenzie Quilpie Shire Council, Mayor [email protected] M 0429 0693 14
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Media support, krista hauritz [email protected] m 0421 148 098, sally bird [email protected] m 0488 273 353.
15 & 16 June
22 & 23 June
29 & 30 June
6 & 7 July
charleville
13 & 14 July
19, 20 & 21 July
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TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards
The TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements and successes within the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry. The TTNQ Board recognises the products and people who have made their mark on the region’s tourism industry over the past year.
The awards were celebrated at a tropical cocktail party on Friday 27 October 2023 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Expedia Group were delighted to be a key sponsor of the 2023 Tourism Awards and continue supporting TTNQ to achieve its objectives and showcase the incredible diversity of the region.
View award winners below and stay tuned for 2024!
AWARD CATEGORIES
Life member.
Recognises a long period of dedicated commitment to tourism in Tropical North Queensland and acknowledges the personal achievements of the inductee in the tourism industry. *Board appointed award
Chair’s Award of Excellence
Recognises a project, initiative, product or service that has made a significant impact and contribution to the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland. *Chosen by the TTNQ Chair with the support of the Board.
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Recognises the extraordinary personal and professional achievement by an individual over many years to the Australian, and particularly the Queensland tourism industry. *Board appointed award.
Outstanding Commitment To The Industry
Recognises businesses, groups or organisations who go above and beyond to contribute to the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry. *Chosen by the TTNQ CEO with the support of the TTNQ team.
Young Achiever Excellence Award
Recognises an individual under the age of 35 who has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland and to the development of their community. *Nominated award, selected by an Awards Panel
Customer Service Excellence Award
Recognising excellence in customer service. *Nominated award, selected by an Awards Panel.
Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award
This award recognises an individual or business that is a leader in sustainable tourism. *Nominated award, selected by an Awards Panel.
Best of Queensland Experience Program Recognition of Excellence
Recognises the hard work of tourism operators who have achieved top scores in the Best of Queensland Experience Program. *Based on the Best of Queensland Experience Program results
Past Winners
- Life Members – Pip Woodward & Ken Chapman
- Chair’s Award of Excellence, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – Silky Oaks Lodge
- Outstanding Commitment to the Industry, sponsored by Expedia Group – Cairns Airport Ambassadors
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – AJ Hackett, Skypark by AJ Hackett
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Jamie Binder, Crystalbrook Collection
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Cedric Lootvoet, The Reef House Palm Cove
- Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award – Small World Journeys
- Best of Queensland Experiences Excellence Award – FNQ Nature Tours
- Life Member – Allan Tan
- Chair’s Award of Excellence, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – Experience Co (Reef Unlimited)
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Bob Manning
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Tayla Ahrens, Cairns Airport
- Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by Bang Media – Wil Kemp, The Savannahlander
- Sustainable Tourism Excellence Award – Passions of Paradise
- Best of Queensland Experiences Excellence Award – ABC Snorkel Charters
- Life Members – Stephen Gregg and Wendy Morris
- Chair’s Award of Excellence – Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)
- Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council – James Dixon
- Year of Indigenous Tourism Award, Sponsored by Bang Media – Juan Walker, Walkabout Cultural Adventures
- Young Achiever Excellence Award – Weiqing Jacky Ni
- Customer Service Excellence Award – Shanice Dale
- Best of Queensland Experience Excellence Award – Back Country Bliss Adventures
#ExploreTNQ
tropicalnorthqueensland
What do the locals get up to in #CapeYork when it rains? Keep watching to find out 🤔🌴 🎥 @lauren.fisher._ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia [ID: Group of friends travelling to a beach in Cape York on a small boat. The beach has red dirt cliff faces and clear waters. There is small waterfalls running off the cliff.]
It might be raining, but that doesn`t mean you can`t splash about in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon! (what are you scared of getting wet?) 😉 Did you know that the fish sculptures at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson, are modelled on smaller fish usually woven with palm leaves in traditional Indigenous artwork 🐠🌴 #Cairns is the perfect place to spend the day on your next tropical holiday - quirky markets, incredible food & luxury stays, this is where your holiday begins ☀️🌊 📸 @aquilina_nikki #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland [ID: person facing their back to the camera while swimming in the water at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (swimming pool) in front of fish sculptures]
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly over the @gbrmarinepark at @lizardisland? 🐠✈️ 🎥 @swaindest #exploreTNQ #exploreCairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia [ID: aerial video from the window seat under the wing of a small plane with views of bright blue water off the coast of Lizard Island in Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef]
Tropical North Queensland in the rain is certainly a sight like no other! ☔🌿 📍 Babinda Boulders 🎥 @dinakardanny #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR ⚠️ Remember to obey any warnings and stay away from out of bounds areas, including the Devils Pool section of the creek.
If you fancy yourself a bit of an adventurer (and you like caves), then you`ll want to add Chillagoe to your travel itinerary 🌅🏜 The Chillagoe-Mungana Caves began to form 400 million years ago when the landscape was covered by a shallow sea 🌊⛰️ Ripe with natural & cultural heritage, this incredible place is only a 3hr drive from #Cairns on the @athertontablelands 🚙 Here you can explore the ancient caves on a guided tour, or explore on your own self-guided experience 🗻🔦 📸 @edenhudson #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #athertontablelands
Visiting @portdouglasdaintree soon? Here’s how to fill your day in Port Douglas 🌴🐠 #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
@visitpalmcove has our heart 🌴🩵 This could be you and your bestie on your next trip to the tropics - will you be putting #PalmCove on your travel bucket list? 📍 📸 @sarahjanegriffiths #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
Wondering what to do on your next holiday in Cairns? We’ve got you covered! 🌴✈️ 📍 Barron Falls, Josephine Falls & Millaa Millaa Falls 📍 @fitzroyisland 📍 @cairnswaterfalls 📍 Great Barrier Reef 📍 @cairns_aquarium #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
Brb, busy falling for Nandroya Falls 🌴🩵 Found just a 1.5 hour drive from Cairns, this stunning waterfall is one of our favourites (and if you`ve been there, we`re sure you can understand why!) 🙌 📍 To get here, head south from Cairns along the Palmerston Highway. The waterfall lies just a short hike through the rainforest 🤩🌿 📸 @rachelsholliday #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
Get your heart racing with this 5 day adrenaline itinerary! 🤸🌴 #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
Accessibility
Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.
Tropical North Queensland Accessibility Statement
Accessibility Statement
- tourism.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
- March 21, 2024
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
- Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
- Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
- Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
- ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
- Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
- Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
- Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
- Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
- Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
- Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
- Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
- Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
- Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
COMMENTS
Operating for 39 years, the Queensland Tourism Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of the state's tourism industry, including individuals, businesses, and events. The Awards are a submission and inspection-based program and provide the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and showcase Queensland's finest tourism operators. Winners of ...
The ties were black and the stage was set to recognise the travel industry's finest at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards. Held in Cairns, the 38 th Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of the state's tourism industry. The awards, which are judged by a panel of industry experts, cover 30 categories, including attractions, events, tour and transport ...
Winners of the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards have been announced as part of the prestigious line up of events during Tourism Week in Cairns last week. The 38 th annual awards, held last Friday, named the best operators and experiences across 31 categories including the inaugural Excellence in Accessible Tourism category sponsored by the ...
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A new Accessible Tourism category made its debut at the Australian Awards, after being introduced to the Queensland Tourism Awards in November. The Queensland Gold winners at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards were: Fun Over 50 Holidays - Ecotourism; BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort - Caravan & Holiday Parks
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Tropic Wings Cairns Tours and Charters is the recipient of the Silver accolade in the major tour and transport operator category at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards. Tropic Wings says that the recognition underscores its commitment to great customer service, sustainability and showcasing the best of Tropical North Queensland.
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The 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards called Cairns home this year and unveiled a stellar lineup of the Sunshine State's top tourism operators. Currumbin...
Cairns will be at the epicentre of Queensland tourism when it hosts the tourism industry's annual premier events - the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums, and the Queensland Tourism Awards gala ceremony - in 2023. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this was a big coup for Cairns.
Tourism Week 2023 in Cairns includes DestinationQ, Destination IQ and the Queensland Tourism Awards. More than 800 industry experts to travel to Cairns for Tourism Week. Free registration has opened for the 12 th DestinationQ Forum on 23 November at the Cairns Convention Centre.
QTIC hosted the awards in Cairns for the first time since 1997 and presented awards across 31 categories, all recognising Queensland's ground-breaking tourism industry. Tropical North Queensland's success at the awards is supported by a 23.3 per cent increase in domestic tourists, meaning 2.5 million Australians chose to visit Tropical ...
Queensland Tourism Awards 2022 recognise our state's best. Some of Queensland tourism's best experiences, attractions, operators and events and have been recognised at the 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards. Hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, more than 1,000 tourism operators gathered at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre on Friday 4 ...
The Tropical North Queensland tourism industry celebrated a year of record achievement at the 2023 Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards at the Cairns Convention Centre on last night (27 October).
November 27, 2023. Following the excitement of the 2,800 kilometre golfing adventure of this year's Outback Queensland Masters, the event was recognised with the silver award for Best Festival and Event at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards staged in Cairns. "Congratulations to award winners and finalists for creating world-class visitor ...
Friday 4 November 2022. Cairns will be at the epicentre of Queensland tourism when it hosts the tourism industry's annual premier events - the Destination IQ and DestinationQ Forums, and the Queensland Tourism Awards gala ceremony - in 2023. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this was a big coup for Cairns. "DestinationQ is Queensland ...
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The awards were celebrated at a tropical cocktail party on Friday 27 October 2023 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Expedia Group were delighted to be a key sponsor of the 2023 Tourism Awards and continue supporting TTNQ to achieve its objectives and showcase the incredible diversity of the region. View award winners below and stay tuned for 2024!
"To have Cairns confirmed as the place to be for the twelfth DestinationQ forum, Destination IQ and the glittering 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards is a big vote of confidence in our region. "These three blockbuster events are predicted to generate up to $1 million for the Cairns visitor economy from accommodation and transport providers ...
A custom fishing charter operator in a north Queensland tourism hotspot has gone under with $300,000 in debts to 55 customers and suppliers. Read Today's Paper Tributes & Notices Rewards