Queensland's Walkabout Cultural Adventures was named the national winner of the 2026 National First Nations Tourism Excellence Awards, announced at the recent Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference gala dinner in Perth / Boorloo.
The inaugural awards recognise outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism businesses from across Australia, celebrating excellence in cultural tourism, visitor experiences and First Nations-led enterprise.
WAITOC chief executive Robert Taylor said the awards highlighted the strength of First Nations tourism across Australia.
"These awards celebrate the incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism businesses sharing culture, Country and stories with visitors every day," he said.
Walkabout Cultural Adventures took out the top national honour, recognised for its strong Kuku Yalanji cultural experiences, Aboriginal ownership and exceptional visitor reviews and experience.
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism from Victoria was named runner-up, with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures from Western Australia and Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours from the Northern Territory recognised as equal third-place national finalists.
"Walkabout Cultural Adventures is a fantastic example of a strong First Nations-owned tourism business delivering an outstanding cultural experience," Mr Taylor said.
"Congratulations to all of our finalists and regional winners. Together they demonstrate the strength and diversity of First Nations tourism across Australia."
The awards also recognised leading First Nations tourism businesses from each state, territory and the Torres Strait Islands.
• Queensland: Walkabout Cultural Adventures
• New South Wales: Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation
• Northern Territory: Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours
• Victoria: Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism
• Western Australia: Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures
• South Australia: Bookabee Australia
• Tasmania: Wukalina Walk
• Australian Capital Territory: Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Tours
• Torres Strait Islands: Island Stars Cultural Experience
The awards were announced at AITC 2026, Australia's national gathering of First Nations tourism operators, industry, government and tourism organisations.
