Western Downs’ residents encouraged to vote for Wandoan in this year’s Tourism Awards

The Western Downs town of Wandoan has been nominated as a Top Tiny Town finalist in this year’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

Wondoan has been named a finalist in a Queensland tourism award. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

With a population of about 500 people Wandoan is one of the hidden gems of the Western Downs region.

Famous for its towering grain silos and pristine lakes and forests, the rural oasis has been nominated in the 2024 Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

The awards are divided into three categories, a tiny town with a population below 1500, a small town with between 1500 – 5000 residents, and the Top Tourism Town award with a population of 5000.

Wandoan will compete against Toogoolawah, Collinsville, Hughenden, Winton, Quilpie and Croydon for the honour of the Top Tiny Town.

15/3/2012. Generic images of Wondoan. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Western Downs Regional Council Tourism and Recreational Spaces spokeswoman Kaye Maguire said that the nomination was both an honour and fantastic opportunity to show off and celebrate one of the region’s most active and vibrant communities.

“Wandoan might be small in size but it is a giant in terms of heart, hospitality, and natural beauty, so it is no surprise that Queensland’s peak tourism body has named the town as a finalist in these prestigious awards,“ Ms Maguire said.

“Wandoan’s unique combination of natural beauty and country charm makes it a top tourist spot for everyone from grey nomads winding their way across the Western Downs to families looking for a tree change holiday.

“One thing that Wandoan has that no other finalist can replicate is the amazing local community that goes out of its way to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences, warm welcomes, and a friendly ‘g’day’ no matter where you’re from.”

15/3/2012. Generic images of Wondoan. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Ms Maguire encouraged people to get their votes in.

“We’re calling on all Western Downs locals to help Wandoan be crowned 2024’s Top Tiny Tourism Town by visiting the QTIC website and voting for Wandoan,” she said.

“We know that ‘it’s the people that make it’ on the Western Downs, so be sure to get your vote in before the 17th of May and help Wandoan be recognised as the wonderful town and fantastic tourism destination that it is.“

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Brett Fraser echoed this.

“We are calling on the public to recognise their best-loved destinations by voting for who they think should be crowned a Queensland Top Tourism Town,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity for locals and Queenslanders alike to reward their favourite regional destinations for providing an amazing visitor experience.

“It is not just the homegrown attractions that drive guests to our regional holiday hotspots. It is the local communities that rally together to provide visitors with an unforgettable and welcoming experience that really put a destination on the map of travellers. The awards celebrate these communities.

“Congratulations to this year’s finalists for working together in making holiday-makers feel welcome, and for demonstrating that you do not need to travel far in our Sunshine State to enjoy an incredible experience.”

If Wandoan is voted the Top Tiny Town in Queensland, it will go on to represent the state at the national awards later this year.

Voting closes May 17 and the three Top Tourism Towns will be announced on June 7 at an awards ceremony in Brisbane.

Voting can be made here.