The Scenic Rim takes gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards
Published on 17 November 2025
The Scenic Rim has continued its winning streak at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards with a Gold Award for Excellence in Food Tourism for the region's Eat Local Movement last night.
The culmination of Tourism Week 2025, the glittering presentation at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre reaffirmed the Scenic Rim's reputation as a leading destination for food tourism, with last night's win adding to its Silver Award in 2022 and Bronze Awards in 2023 and 2024 in the same category.
Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said the gold award was a testament to the vision and dedication of the many producers, farmers, brewers, distillers, wine makers, restaurants and cafes behind the Eat Local Movement which has not only won a string of awards but also national and international recognition for the region.
"Scenic Rim Regional Council is proud to accept this latest award on behalf of all those whose efforts over many years have placed our region squarely on the food tourism map," he said.
"This award is another shining example of what can be achieved when a local community comes together to connect visitors to food, culture and country."
The Queensland Tourism Awards are Queensland's premier tourism accolade, recognising outstanding achievements in the State's tourism industry, including individuals, businesses, and events.
Presented in 31 categories, the awards include attractions, events, tours and transport, accommodation, restaurants, culture and marketing from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
The Scenic Rim's entry in the Excellence in Food Tourism category for its Eat Local Movement included Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, Farm Gate Trail, Scenic Rim Farm Box, Council's Scenic Rim Food Ambassadors and the fostering of year-round, educational, immersive and DIY experiences. It also encompassed public relations and marketing campaigns and social media activation, support for Destination Scenic Rim and the mentoring and capability development of the region's agri-tourism operators and food producers.
"The Scenic Rim's Eat Local brand has evolved from a unique collaboration between Council, our community and agribusinesses in a mix of tourism products, experiences and events showcasing our region as Queensland’s most authentic food tourism destination," Cr Sharp said.
The Scenic Rim's Eat Local movement grew out of the disaster of the 2011 floods which destroyed farmland and infrastructure and ruined crops.
The first Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, a program of just 10 events, was launched by Council and the community to encourage the purchase of seasonal produce and was stepped up following the floods to support the region's agricultural and tourism sectors.
The ever increasing success of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week saw the event extended in 2023 to become a month-long celebration of the region and its farmers, growers, producers, artisans, chefs and quality food and beverages.
Now a smorgasbord of more than 120 events, with a focus on authentic paddock-to-plate food and farming experiences, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month culminates in the Winter Harvest Festival over the last weekend in June.
"Eat Local has become more than just one event, growing into a movement that brings people together from across our region, creating lasting connections between our visitors and regional producers by inspiring and educating consumers seeking authentic experiences," Cr Sharp said.
"A blend of passion for food and quality produce in immersive experiences, unforgettable events and mouth-watering products has been our region's recipe for success."
Scenic Rim's Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders said Council was honoured to share the award with all those from the region's agritourism community who were at the heart of the Eat Local Movement.
"Building our region's brand, achieving national and international recognition, has been a collaborative effort that continues to be rewarded," she said.
"It was wonderful to see so many of our operators also represented in the individual awards categories and Council is grateful for the acknowledgement, once again, of our region in the Queensland Tourism Awards."
Scenic Rim's nominees in the awards included O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, Treetop Challenge and Pat's Farm and there were three winners in the individual categories.
Tamborine Mountain Glades won a Bronze Award in the Business Events Venues category and also the RACQ People's Choice Gold Award for Accommodation.
Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay at Boyland won the Silver Award for Hosted Accommodation.
Attached image: Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp accepts the Gold Award for Excellence in Food Tourism with (from left) Council's Manager Economic Development and Tourism Julie Schmidt, Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders and Senior Regional Events and Marketing Officer Emily Barry.