Toogoolawah takes silver for Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town

Published on 15 September 2026

	Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt with Toogoolawah’s silver award outside Parliament House in Canberra.

A TINY town in Queensland’s Somerset region has received a major national tourism accolade, with Toogoolawah coming in second place for Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town for 2026.

Toogoolawah was awarded silver at the Australian Tourism Industry Council’s ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra this morning, standing out in a strong field of finalists including Victoria’s Portsea (gold), Tasmania’s Port Arthur (bronze), New South Wales’ Broke, Western Australia’s Kalbarri and South Australia’s Melrose.

With a population of just over 1,200 people, Toogoolawah’s tourism profile is on the rise, with a slower pace, stunning scenery and blossoming small batch food scene proving popular with visitors.

The national accolade follows Toogoolawah being named Queensland’s Top Tiny Tourism Town by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council earlier this year.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the national recognition reflected Toogoolawah’s growing appeal as a tourism destination.

“Toogoolawah might be a tiny town, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing to visitors,” Cr Wendt said.

“We’re seeing more and more people looking to step away from the pace of city life, reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures – fresh air, good food and great people.

“Toogoolawah offers that in spades. It’s a place where visitors can take their time, explore the countryside, meet local people and experience the genuine warmth and character that makes our region so special.”

Cr Wendt said the silver award was testament to the local businesses, tourism operators and community members who have nurtured Toogoolawah’s tourism offering.

“This award is recognition of the people who have worked so hard to put Toogoolawah on the tourism map and share what makes our region so special,” Cr Wendt said.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Toogoolawah recognised on a national stage and awarded silver in Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards."

Located just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Toogoolawah offers visitors a quintessential Queensland Country escape where a slower pace and local connections are celebrated.

The town sits alongside the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, providing opportunities for cycling, walking and exploring the surrounding countryside, while adventure seekers can take to the skies with skydiving experiences over the picturesque Brisbane Valley.

Beyond the town itself, Toogoolawah provides a gateway to the broader Somerset region, where visitors can discover more country towns and villages, lakes and waterways, scenic landscapes and a blossoming food tourism scene.

The national accolade is expected to further raise the profile of Toogoolawah and the Somerset region as a destination for short breaks and country escapes from Brisbane and South East Queensland.

For more information about Toogoolawah and the Somerset region, visit experiencesomerset.com.au