As global headlines compete for attention, there are a wealth of stories unfolding in our own backyard.
From New South Wales’ top tourism town to the Queensland icons receiving a funding boost, these are local news stories shaping Australia’s tourism scene.
Gulgong named NSW Top Small Tourism Town
Gulgong has been named NSW’s Top Small Tourism Town at the 2026 Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference.
The historic gold rush town sits in the heart of New South Wales’ Mudgee Region, an area with a national reputation for heritage, arts, nature and food and wine.
Gulgong is now set to represent NSW at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, to be held in Canberra on 15 September.
Chief marketing officer of Mudgee Region Tourism Beau Kassas said the recognition reflects how Australians are choosing to travel.
“Gulgong proves that small regions drive big impact – and this award is a testament to exactly why slow travel is on the rise.
“From food and wine to the vibrant heritage, arts and the great outdoors, Gulgong delivers the kind of experience people are genuinely seeking right now. Real, considered, and completely its own,” he said.
The Mackay Disney deal reshaping regional tourism
Mackay will be the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to host an official Disney exhibition.
The partnership to host ‘Disney: The Exhibiton – A Century Of Magic’ was a proactive initiative from Mackay Regional Council to drive incremental tourism to the region.
The exhibition is slated for 4 December 2026 to 4 May 2027 and is expected to generate $14.5 million in additional visitor spending.
It is also forecast to provide a significant seasonal boost across accommodation, hospitality and retail with more than 38,000 additional domestic day visitors.
Councils drive push to grow NSW visitor economy
The 2026 Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference wrapped last week in Maitland.
Council representatives from across the state gathered to explore the critical role of tourism tourism in driving economic growth, supporting local jobs and strengthening communities.
President of LGNSW Mayor Darcy Byrne said the conference was a resounding success, showcasing the value of local councils in growing the visitor economy.
“Tourism helps build stronger, more resilient communities. This conference has shown the value of local leadership in turning ambition into action and creating lasting opportunities for communities across the state,” he said.
Delegates engaged in a mix of panel discussions, workshops and site visits, sharing insights on emerging trends, global marketing strategies and the key policy issues shaping the sector.
The 2027 LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference will be held in Coffs Harbour.
$25.5m boost for QLD’s tourism icons
Eight recipients of Round 1 of the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) have been announced.
The Big Pineapple is set for a major rejuvenation, with upgrades planned to help attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.
The upgrade is set to revitalise the Sunshine Coast icon with a new family-friendly microbrewery, cafés, retail, restaurant and function spaces.
Other highlights include the revitalisation of Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bistro, the creation of a transformative Lakes Precinct at Longreach’s Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a new wave pool and surf lagoon at the Gold Coast’s Palm Valley and a new flying fox adventure experience for the Brisbane River.
Applications for Round 2 of the TIIF open soon.
The Whale Narooma reopens
Merivale is reopening The Whale, an 18-key boutique hotel in the seaside town of Narooma in New South Wales, on 19 June 226 following an extensive three year full-property renovation.
The property was reimagined by the Merivale Design Studio, with a nod to 1970s coastal design and paired with contemporary finishes.
The Whale Narooma officially reopens following three-year renovation
