Whitsunday Escape has been awarded Gold in the Unique Accommodation category at the 2026 Queensland Tourism Awards, presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, November 6.
The win makes it back-to-back state Gold for the Airlie Beach bareboat charter company, who took top honours in the same category in 2025. It also caps a remarkable fortnight for the team, coming just two weeks after claiming a Gold win for Bareboating at The Whitsundays Tourism Awards.
Managing Director Jaclyn Watson and Operations Director Rhys Bradford attended the Queensland ceremony and accepted the award on behalf of the company.
“Two Golds in two weeks. We are over the moon! To be named the best in Queensland two years running is something our whole team can be incredibly proud of. Queensland is home to some incredible tourism experiences, so to be recognised among them is a true honour. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists, and thank you to our crew, who put their hearts into every charter,” Ms Watson said.
An award-winning fleet
Whitsunday Escape prides itself on a fleet of modern sail and power catamarans that are perfect for exploring the world-famous Whitsunday Islands at the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.
Vessels are built with comfort in mind and equipped with extra touches such as air conditioning, water makers, and large solar arrays, all designed to let guests stay out longer, island hopping through paradise while still surrounded by the comforts of home.
“Between each charter, our team goes over every boat with a fine-toothed comb, and that care is what guests feel the moment they step aboard, and what makes Whitsunday Escape a gold-standard fleet,” Mr Bradford said.
Your own boat, your own pace
A bareboat charter with Whitsunday Escape entails skippering a catamaran through the World-Heritage-Listed Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with no boat licence required.
Every charter begins with a thorough pre-departure briefing and a personalised vessel handover, plus daily radio support for the rest of the trip.
“Many of our guests have boating experience but are new to bareboating, and that’s exactly who we’re here for. Our crew live and breathe these waters, so guests are in good hands from the moment they arrive, and we’re only ever a radio call away,” Mr Bradford said.
Looking ahead
As a Gold winner, Whitsunday Escape will now represent Queensland at the Australian Tourism Awards in Geelong, Victoria, on February 19, 2027.
The company has a long track record at the state awards, winning Gold in 2013, 2018, 2025 and now 2026, as well as Bronze in 2021. On a national level, Whitsunday Escape was awarded Silver at the 2018 Australian Tourism Awards.
“Our sights now turn to the next Australian Tourism Awards, and we can’t wait to fly the flag for Queensland and the Whitsundays,” Ms Watson said.
“If you’ve ever thought about bareboating, now is the time. We’re already taking bookings through to 2028, so it’s a holiday you can plan well ahead and we’d love to share the magic with you.”
For more information or to book, visit www.whitsundayescape.com.
