The market that began with three stalls in 1979 takes gold in Major Festivals and Events
Saturday 7 November 2026: Eumundi Markets has won its first Queensland Tourism Award, taking gold in the Major Festivals and Events category at the 41st Queensland Tourism Awards on the Gold Coast last night. The win sends the markets to the Australian Tourism Awards in Geelong in February 2027, the first time they will compete nationally.
The award, sponsored by The Star Entertainment Group, was presented at a black-tie gala at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, where more than 900 industry representatives gathered to close Queensland Tourism Week 2026.
The recognition is shared by the Original Eumundi Markets and I Love Eumundi Markets, along with the stallholders, volunteers and community groups who make every market day happen.
From three stalls in 1979, Eumundi Markets has grown to host up to 600 stalls every Wednesday and Saturday. The markets draw around 1.2 million visitors a year, generate more than $54 million in visitor expenditure, support more than 1,300 jobs and return around $7.5 million a year to community organisations, local initiatives and services.
Experience Eumundi General Manager Mark Cameron said the win had been a long time coming.
“This is a first for Eumundi and it means a great deal to a lot of people. Some of the volunteers behind these markets have given 30 years to them, and last night’s award is as much theirs as anyone’s,” Mr Cameron said.
“Most major events happen once a year. The stallholders, volunteers and market operators here deliver one twice a week, every week, in a small hinterland town. To be named the best in Queensland says a lot about what they’ve built together.”
The Awards, delivered by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), follow months of mentoring, benchmarking and independent assessment.
“Now we get to take Eumundi to Geelong and show the rest of the country what this community has created,” Mr Cameron said.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler said gold winners had earned their place among the best in the country.
“Our gold winners now take Queensland to the national stage, and I have no doubt they will make the State proud,” Ms Wheeler said.
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
About Experience Eumundi
Experience Eumundi is the collective voice and connector for the township of Eumundi. A not-for-profit organisation made up of local not-for-profits and community groups, it brings together the markets, businesses and experiences that define the town. Experience Eumundi leads destination marketing, visitor and community education, and advocacy – working to ensure Eumundi’s growth reflects the values, wellbeing and long-term prosperity of its community.