The Savannahlander, one of Far North Queensland’s most iconic rail experiences, has been crowned Queensland’s top tourist attraction following a major statewide public vote. The historic train journey secured first place in the Tourism Attraction category of the 2026 “All The Best” Queensland Day Awards, beating several well-known destinations and attractions from across the state.
The annual awards invited Queenslanders to vote for their favourite attractions, businesses, and destinations across 15 categories. Organisers reported that almost 75,000 votes were cast during the competition, highlighting strong community engagement and support for local tourism operators. The Savannahlander emerged as the clear winner in the tourism attraction category, demonstrating its enduring popularity among travellers and residents alike.
Operating from Cairns into Queensland’s rugged Gulf Savannah region, the Savannahlander offers a unique heritage rail experience that showcases some of Australia’s most spectacular remote landscapes. Often referred to as the “Silver Bullet,” the train travels through historic towns, volcanic formations, cattle country, and scenic outback terrain, providing visitors with a memorable glimpse into regional Queensland’s history and natural beauty.
Tourism operators and supporters celebrated the achievement, noting that the award recognises not only the train itself but also the communities and tourism businesses that contribute to the visitor experience along the route. Throughout the voting campaign, local residents, tourism advocates, and rail enthusiasts rallied behind the attraction, encouraging Queenslanders to support one of the state’s most distinctive travel experiences.
The victory is particularly significant given the strong competition. According to the official results, the Savannahlander finished ahead of internationally recognised attractions including Australia Zoo and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, which secured second and third places respectively in the Tourism Attraction category.
Industry representatives believe the award will help attract even more visitors to Far North Queensland and the Gulf Savannah region. Tourism remains a vital economic driver for regional communities, and recognition through statewide awards often results in increased publicity, visitor interest, and economic benefits for local operators.
The success of the Savannahlander also reflects growing interest in experiential travel, where visitors seek authentic and immersive journeys rather than traditional sightseeing alone. Heritage rail experiences have gained popularity among domestic travellers looking to explore Australia’s regional landscapes while learning about local history and culture.
As Queensland continues to promote regional tourism opportunities, the Savannahlander’s latest achievement reinforces its reputation as one of the state's most treasured attractions. The award serves as recognition of decades of dedication from staff, volunteers, tourism partners, and local communities who have helped preserve and promote this unique rail journey.
With statewide recognition now secured, tourism officials expect the award-winning attraction to remain a major drawcard for visitors seeking an unforgettable Queensland adventure through some of the country's most remarkable outback scenery.
