Maranoa receives recognition in Best of Queensland Experiences Program

Published on 01 July 2026

Maranoa Regional Council is excited to announce that a number of Council and local tourism locations or providers have been recognised in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program for their exceptional offerings to the tourism industry.

Amongst some of Queensland’s best, three of The Big Rig’s tourism attractions have been awarded Teal tier recognition in the 2026 Program.

The victorious attractions were A Day and Night at The Big Rig, The Big Rig Tower & Tree Walk and Oil Patch Museum and The Big Rig Night Show.

Furthermore, the Roma Saleyards Val Harms Interactive Centre was also awarded Teal tier recognition.

In addition to Council’s facilities, 10 local operators around the Maranoa region, and at Carnarvon Gorge just to the north, were recognised by the program with Gold, Silver and Teal awards.

Boobook Explore, Great Artesian Spa, Motel Carnarvon, Roma Central Motel, Roma Explorers Inn, Wallaroo Outback Retreat, Western Queensland Spirit, Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, Sandstone Park Carnarvon Gorge and BIG4 Carnarvon Gorge Holiday Park were all recognised across a number of product categories in the program.

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program is led by Tourism and Events Queensland and is delivered in partnership with Queensland’s Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

With three tiers of recognition available in the Program, businesses listed on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) are assessed annually against criteria including online consumer reviews, online/social media presence, membership with their Regional Tourism Organisation and accreditations and certifications.

Council is proud of these achievements - they reinforce how valuable and memorable the experiences within the Maranoa are.

For more information about the program, please call Council on 1300 007 662.