Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards Celebrates Regional Excellence
The Mackay Isaac Region’s tourism industry has come together to celebrate its people, businesses and experiences at the 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.
Held at the Great Barrier Reef Arena at Harrup Park on Friday 2 October, the annual awards recognised tourism excellence across the region, bringing together operators, industry leaders and stakeholders for an evening dedicated to celebrating the people behind the region’s visitor economy.
Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said the Awards provided an important opportunity to recognise the dedication and continued growth of the region’s tourism industry.
“The strength of tourism in the Mackay Isaac Region comes down to the people behind it. Our operators are passionate about what they do, proud of where they live and committed to creating experiences that give visitors a reason to come here and, importantly, a reason to return,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“The Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards give us an opportunity to recognise that work and celebrate the businesses and individuals who continue to raise the bar across our region.
“From accommodation and events to food tourism, nature-based experiences and tours, this year’s recipients showcase just how diverse the Mackay Isaac Region tourism offering has become.
“I’d like to congratulate every entrant, placegetter and winner. Putting yourself forward through the Awards process takes time and commitment and every operator involved should be incredibly proud of what they contribute to our region.”
Recognising our tourism champions
Several operators celebrated success across multiple categories in 2026.
Nautical By Nature Mackay took out both the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism categories and was also voted the People’s Choice Award winner for Experiences & Services.
Oh Deere Farm Stay was awarded Unique Accommodation and Tour & Transport Operators, while also taking home the People’s Choice Award for Accommodation.
Harrup Park was recognised as the winner of both Festivals & Events and Business Event Venues, while One Hungry Mumma claimed Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services as well as Excellence in Food Tourism.
Mount Pleasant Centre was recognised in Tourism Retail, Hire and Services, while Quest Mackay on Gordon took out the 4 or 4.5 Star Accommodation category, ahead of second-place recipient Rydges Mackay Suites.
The Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual was presented to Adrian Young, recognising his contribution to tourism in the Mackay Isaac region.
Mr Stewart-Harris said the results reflected an industry continuing to evolve and strengthen.
“The Awards demonstrate the depth and diversity we now have within our tourism industry, with established operators continuing to innovate alongside businesses building new experiences and finding new ways to showcase our region,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“The next step for our winners and finalists is the Queensland Tourism Awards, and we’re incredibly proud to have six Mackay Isaac finalists representing our region: Mackay Isaac Tourism’s Free Spirit campaign, Bush Heli-Services, Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), Nautical By Nature Mackay, Oh Deere Farm Stay and Quest Mackay on Gordon.
“Congratulations to everyone who has made it to the Queensland stage, it’s a wonderful achievement and a testament to the passion, quality and professionalism across our region’s tourism industry. We look forward to getting behind our finalists and celebrating our region’s achievements.”
2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Award Recipients
Festivals & Events
• Harrup Park – First Place
Ecotourism
• Nautical By Nature Mackay – First Place
Tourism Retail, Hire and Services
• Mount Pleasant Centre – First Place
Business Event Venues
• Harrup Park – First Place
• Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre – Second Place
Tour & Transport Operators
• Oh Deere Farm Stay – First Place
• Nautical By Nature Mackay – Second Place
• Bush Heli Services – Third Place
Adventure Tourism
• Nautical By Nature Mackay – First Place
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
• One Hungry Mumma – First Place
Unique Accommodation
• Oh Deere Farm Stay – First Place
4 or 4.5 Star Accommodation
• Quest Mackay on Gordon – First Place
• Rydges Mackay Suites – Second Place
Excellence in Food Tourism
• One Hungry Mumma – First Place
Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
• Adrian Young
People’s Choice Award – Accommodation
• Oh Deere Farm Stay
People’s Choice Award – Experiences & Services
• Nautical By Nature Mackay
The judged category results and placings above reflect the official 2026 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards results.
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