Red Cat Adventures’ Rosie Bullen named finalist in 2026 Queensland Top Tour Guide Awards

SeaLink Marine & Tourism is proud to announce Red Cat Adventures guide Rosie Bullen has been named a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Top Tour Guide Awards, presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

The recognition comes as Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays continue to attract national attention following the region again being named among Queensland’s top tourism destinations.

A certified Master Reef Guide, Rosie is known for her infectious energy, engaging storytelling and genuine passion for sharing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands with guests from around the world.

Working onboard Red Cat Adventures’ award-winning tours, Rosie combines reef education, environmental advocacy, and guest connection to create memorable experiences that leave visitors with a deeper appreciation of the Whitsundays and the importance of protecting the reef. Through her guiding, Rosie also helps highlight the important role tourism operators, local communities, and visitors all play in supporting reef conservation and protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Red Cat Adventures Business Development Manager, Julie Telford said Rosie’s recognition reflected both her passion for guiding and the calibre of experiences delivered across the Whitsundays tourism industry.

“Rosie absolutely loves what she does, and you can see it reflected in every tour she runs. She brings so much positivity, care, and knowledge to our guests, and she’s such an important part of our team,” Ms Telford said.

“Rosie works incredibly hard behind the scenes and genuinely wants every guest to leave with brilliant memories of the Whitsundays. We are all incredibly proud to see her well-deserved recognition as one of Queensland’s top tour guides.”

Originally from Cornwall in the United Kingdom, Rosie began guiding in the Whitsundays in 2021 and has since become one of the region’s most recognisable tourism personalities.

Alongside guiding, Rosie is actively involved in reef conservation initiatives including Eye on the Reef citizen science programs, coral nurturing activities and environmental education experiences. She is also preparing to complete the prestigious Savannah Guides Field School later this year, which would make her one of only two guides in Australia to hold both Master Reef Guide and Savannah Guide certifications.

Rosie Bullen said the nomination was both humbling and incredibly special.

“I genuinely love sharing this part of the world with people. Seeing guests experience the reef, Whitehaven Beach or snorkelling for the first time never gets old,” Ms Bullen said.

“If I can help someone leave with a stronger connection to the reef and a greater appreciation for how special this environment is, then I feel like I’ve done my job.”

The QTIC Top Tour Guide Awards recognise exceptional guides across Queensland who consistently deliver outstanding visitor experiences and make a positive contribution to the tourism industry.

Rosie will now progress to the next stage of judging later this month.

Red Cat Adventures also congratulated Airlie Beach on again being recognised in the Queensland Top Small Tourism Town Awards.

For more information visit:

• Red Cat Adventures, www.redcatadventures.com.au
• Whitsundays Jetski Tours, www.jetskitours.com.au
• SeaLink Whitsundays, www.sealink.com.