North Stradbroke Island and a water sports equipment rental service in Cleveland have taken centre stage at the 40th annual Queensland Tourism Awards, with local operators recognised among the state’s best in a record-breaking year for the industry.
In the Tour and Transport Operators category, Stradbroke Island Tours received a Highly Commended, cementing its reputation as one of Queensland’s standout visitor experiences.
And in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category, Bay Island Lifestyle located in Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland was named CATEGORY WINNER for its inclusive, water-based activities that use specialised, fit-for-purpose equipment to ensure “everyone, regardless of ability, can safely experience the joy of the ocean”.
Bay Island Lifestyle’s success reflects not only its accessibility-first philosophy but also the passion of owners Karen Robertson and Ashley, whose personal stories have shaped the business into one of the region’s most welcoming tourism offerings.
Robertson, who grew up on Wales’ Gower Coast — the first place in the UK designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — said her childhood was defined by family beach days and water-based adventures.
“Our days were filled with water-based adventures… my true love was kayaking,” she said.
After moving to Brisbane with her family 14 years ago, she discovered the Redlands Coast and its “crystal blue waters of southern Moreton Bay”.
“I am living my Aussie dream as a part owner of Bay Island Lifestyle,” she said.
“We share coffee and chats, creating the Bay Island family, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Her business partner Ashley brings a very different journey to the shoreline.
Originally from Tasmania, he left home at 16 “with just a backpack and a surfboard”, later working his way up to managing a gold mine in Kalgoorlie before deciding to embrace a new lifestyle on the east coast.
“I am living my dream, owning Bay Island Lifestyle,” he said.
“I love going to work on the beach and sharing my love of the beautiful Southern Moreton Bay waterways… My mission is to welcome everyone into the ‘Bay Island Family’.”
Their partnership forms the backbone of an award-winning operation at one of Queensland’s calmest and most accessible beach launch points, a key factor recognised by judges this year.
Their success came as leaders from across the state gathered to celebrate a booming year for Queensland tourism, with the State Government using the awards to highlight its “fresh start” for the sector and its long-term plan to drive growth through to 2045.
The State Government confirmed Queensland’s position as the nation’s “home of the holiday” as the awards recognised winners across 31 categories, spanning events, ecotourism, cultural tourism, accommodation, and accessible tourism.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the 40-year milestone for the awards capped off an industry-defining year, pointing to a record $6.8 billion international visitor spend to June 2025 and a record $1 billion tourism budget over four years.
“Queensland is getting warmed up in the lead up to 2032 and the Queensland Tourism Awards is a testament to the industry’s strength,” Minister Powell said.
“With Destination 2045 as our roadmap, we’ve set ambitious goals – from becoming the events capital of Australia and a world-leader in ecotourism – and we’re already well on our journey.
“Our top tourism businesses – including Abbey Medieval Festival in Caboolture (Major Festivals and Events winner) and Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures Brisbane (Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism winner) – are shining examples of what Queensland’s tourism industry has to offer the world.
“From capturing the serenity of our rainforests or glistening blue seas, to the hustle and bustle of our vibrant cities – Queensland’s 65,000 tourism businesses capture the State’s spirit, something that can’t be felt or found anywhere else.”
The government has also streamlined the awards submission process — a change now being adopted nationally — which it says reflects Queensland’s leadership in the sector.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler said the awards celebrated not just excellence, but the hard work behind it.
“The Queensland Tourism Awards represent more than a single night of celebration – they’re the end point of a journey that starts months earlier,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Tourism is one of Queensland’s most important economic pillars – supporting more than 260,000 jobs and contribution billion to the state’s economy each year.
“It’s important to recognize and strengthen the talent that underpins our success in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The Queensland Tourism Awards are supported by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.
