Gold at The Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2026
We’re so excited to share that Whitsunday Escape has won Gold for Bareboating at the Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2026! The award was presented on Saturday 24 October 2026, a step up from the Silver we took home in 2025.
From Silver to Gold
This year, Operations Director Rhys Bradford and Marketing Manager Beth Sutherland headed up on stage to collect Gold on behalf of the whole team.
“We are absolutely buzzing. Our whole team works incredibly hard to deliver an exceptional experience, so to step up from Silver last year to Gold is a true honour,” said Jaclyn Watson, Managing Director of Whitsunday Escape.
Judged by the people who matter most: You!
Here’s the bit we love most. This year’s awards weren’t decided on written submissions. Every business was scored out of 220 points on independent measures, and most of those points came from guest reviews:
- Best of Queensland score: positive guest reviews, secure online booking, accreditation and sustainability certification
- Global Review Index: a reputation rating drawn from guest reviews across online sources
- Regional contribution: programs including Whitsunday STARS and The Whitsundays Welcomes You
We scored 219 out of 220, one of only three Whitsundays operators to reach that score. So if you’ve ever sailed with us and left a review, thank you. This Gold is partly yours.
Turning first-timers into confident skippers
Bareboating means chartering a boat with no hired skipper or crew, and you don’t need a boat licence to do it with us. Plenty of our guests arrive having never skippered a boat before. Our job is to make sure they leave the marina feeling ready.
Every charter starts with a full pre-departure briefing and navigation training, followed by a personalised handover on your own catamaran. Once you’re out there, radio support and full safety equipment come with you for the whole trip.
Then the fun part: you choose your route, anchor in secluded bays and set your own pace across the Whitsunday islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. No fixed itinerary, and a different lunch backdrop every day.
“Skippering your own boat is a truly unique way to experience the Whitsundays. It offers freedom and independence no other holiday can match. Safety is the foundation of everything we do, so guests are fully supported from briefing to return,” said Ms Watson.
What’s next: the Queensland Tourism Awards and 2028
We’re also a finalist at the Queensland Tourism Awards on 6 November 2026, after winning Gold for Unique Accommodation at the state awards in 2025. Fingers crossed.
In the meantime, our 2028 calendar has officially opened. If you’ve ever thought about bareboating, now’s the time to lock in your boat and dates, or give someone a Whitsundays adventure for Christmas. We’d love to share the magic with you.
Frequently asked questions
What award did Whitsunday Escape win in 2026?
Whitsunday Escape won Gold in the Bareboating category at The Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2026, presented on Saturday 24 October 2026. It was a step up from Silver in 2025.
How were The Whitsundays Tourism Awards 2026 judged?
Businesses were scored out of 220 points on independent measures rather than written submissions. Scores combined the Best of Queensland score, the Global Review Index and contribution to regional programs. Whitsunday Escape scored 219, one of only three operators to reach that score.
What is bareboating?
Bareboating means chartering a boat without a hired skipper or crew and sailing it yourself. In the Whitsundays, guests choose their own route, anchorages and pace.
Do I need a boat licence to charter a boat with Whitsunday Escape?
No. Every Whitsunday Escape charter starts with a pre-departure briefing, navigation training and a personalised vessel handover. Radio support and full safety equipment are provided for the whole trip.
Can I book a Whitsundays bareboat charter for 2028?
Yes. Whitsunday Escape is now taking bookings for 2028 charters from Airlie Beach.
Is Whitsunday Escape a Queensland Tourism Awards finalist?
Yes. Whitsunday Escape is a finalist at the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards on 6 November 2026, after winning Gold for Unique Accommodation at the state awards in 2025.