Vote 1 for Port Douglas in race to top tourist town
Queensland Tourism Awards
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and Douglas Shire Council are calling on locals, visitors and industry to rally behind Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation following the announcement that both destinations have been named finalists in the 2026 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.
Cape Tribulation has been named a finalist in the Tiny Tourism Town category, while Port Douglas is a finalist in the Small Tourism Town category, recognising the region’s world class visitor experiences, natural beauty and passionate local communities.
The awards categories are determined by population size, meaning destinations can only be entered into the category aligned to their official population classification.
The Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, celebrate the people, places and experiences that make regional Queensland holidays unforgettable.
TPDD executive officer Emma Tunnock said the dual recognition was a proud moment for the Douglas region and another sign of the destination’s growing national and international profile.
“Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation are truly world-class destinations and to see both recognised as finalists is something our entire region should celebrate,” Ms Tunnock said.
“This recognition builds on growing momentum for the region, with Port Douglas this week named Australia’s No.2 Tourism Town by Australian Traveller and last December recognised by Booking.com as one of the world’s top 10 trending destinations for 2025.”
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree worked closely with Douglas Shire Council on the award submissions, helping showcase the strength of both Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation as leading Queensland tourism destinations, and now encourages the community to rally behind both destinations through the public vote.
“We know how passionate locals and visitors are about this region and now is the time to share that pride far and wide.”
The Douglas region is internationally recognised as the place where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas meet, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, offering visitors a unique blend of reef, rainforest, culture, adventure and relaxed tropical luxury.
Cape Tribulation remains one of Queensland’s most iconic nature-based destinations, while Port Douglas continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Australia’s premier tropical holiday destinations.
Public support will play an important role in the final outcome, with the awards highly competitive and decided through a combination of judging and public voting.
DSC and TPDD are encouraging the community, local businesses, industry partners and everyone who loves the region to rally behind Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation by sharing the voting link far and wide and helping showcase why the Douglas region is one of Queensland’s best.
Public voting closes on May 24.
To vote, visit: Queensland Top Tourism Town Finalists Voting
