The best of Queensland has been revealed as the State celebrates its 166th birthday today (June 6).
Premier David Crisafulli said more than 61,000 people voted in a special “All the Best” campaign to praise local businesses, attractions, places to visit, food, and drink, while individuals were honoured through the Queensland Greats Awards and a new Local Legends initiative.
Premier Crisafulli said the five Local Legends demonstrated the spirit, values, and pride of Queensland through volunteering, community involvement, or acts of kindness.
“Queensland Day is a day to honour our State and to celebrate who we are as Queenslanders and all the things that make it such a great place to live.
“It’s an opportunity to recognise the people who do so much for our communities and celebrate everything that makes our State the best place to call home.”
Here is the best of Queensland:
2025 Queensland Greats:
- Professor Jeffrey Dunn: World cancer leader, researcher and advocate.
- David Elliott: Co-founder – Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History.
- James Frizelle: Business pioneer and altruistic philanthropist.
- Professor Mark Kendall: Global health technology pioneer.
- Sarina Russo: Global entrepreneur and advocate for women’s employment and education.
- The Lady Musgrave Trust (Institution recipient): Has been Housing Queensland women safely since 1885.
- Sir Frank Moore (posthumous): Father of Queensland tourism.
2025 Local Legends:
- Adam Ballard: “The heart of Longreach” for his volunteer work across many different areas.
- Carina Chesson: A teacher who was “a lifeline for her community” during the Ingham floods in February.
- Hannah Johnston: An agricultural scientist who raised $75,000 for the Gympie District Show as her way to give back.
- Aunty Jenny Springham: “A local Bundaberg Legend” who volunteers her time in Domestic and Family Violence prevention.
- Martin Shaw: President of Wounded Heroes Australia and “has worked 7 days/week since 2011” supporting veterans and their families.
2025 All The Best:
Fish and chips
Winner:
- Bird’s Fish Bar, Bowen.
Finalists:
- Migaloos Seafood and Ice Creamery, Hervey Bay.
- Fish Boy, Hawthorne.
- The Jetty, Southbank.
Ice cream
Winner:
- Rad Rolled Ice Cream, Hervey Bay.
Finalists
- Tinaberries, Bundaberg.
- Cold Rock Ice Creamery, Aspley.
- 1770 Gelato Co, Agnes Waters.
Event
Winner:
- India Fest, Townsville.
Finalists:
- Ekka, Brisbane.
- Alpha Races, Alpha.
- Paniyiri Greek Festival, South Brisbane.
Coffee
Winner:
- The Coffee Commune, Bowen Hills.
Finalists:
- Blackbutt Bakery, Blackbutt.
- Cloud129, Maryborough.
- Qroasters, Stafford.
Natural attraction
Winner:
- Great Barrier Reef.
Finalists:
- Bunya Mountains.
- Carnarvon Gorge, Injune.
- Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast.
Landmark
Winner:
- The Story Bridge, Brisbane.
Finalists:
- Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island.
- Southbank Parklands, Brisbane.
- Castle Hill, Townsville
Big Thing
Winner:
- Big Mango, Bowen.
Finalists:
- Big Pineapple, Nambour.
- Bundaberg Rum Bottle, Bundaberg.
- Golden Gumboot, Tully
Pub
Winner:
- Slipstream Brewery Co, Yeerongpilly.
Finalists:
- Red Dog Brewery, Mackay.
- The Walloon Hotel, Walloon.
- Rocklea Hotel, Rocklea.
Beach
Winner:
- Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast.
Finalists:
- Mooloolabah Beach, Sunshine Coast.
- Horseshoe Bay, Bowen.
- Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays.
Burger
Winner:
- Mr Jeebus, Tingalpa.
Finalists:
- Grubbies Burgers Hawaiian BBQ, Strathpine.
- Smashhh Burger, Underwood.
- Rick’s Garage, Palmwoods
Cafe
Winner:
- Dorneys Cake Shop, Chinchilla.
Finalists:
- Castaway Coffee Bar, Surfers Paradise.
- The Coffee Commune, Bowen Hills.
- Fat Frog, Cannonvale
Beer
Winner:
- Queensland Pale Ale, Archer Brewing.
Finalists:
- Billy Cart Pale Ale, Slipstream Brewing Company.
- XXXX Gold, Milton.
- Horizon Hazy Pale Ale, Hiker Brewing Co.
Bahn Mi
Winner:
- My Street Food, Woolloongabba.
Finalists:
- Little Uncle Bakery, Ferny Grove.
- Bahn Mi Factory, Zillmere.
- Mr Bills, Carina.
Parmi:
Winner:
- Botany, Newstead.
Finalists:
- Rocklea Hotel, Rocklea.
- Rosewood Hotel, Rosewood.
- Trader Dukes, Caboolture.
Meat pie
Winner:
- Blackbutt Bakery, Blackbutt.
Finalists:
- J Jaks Family Pies, Toowoomba.
- Yatala Pie Shop, Yatala.
- Baker D North, Townsville
