Watson was named Young Australian of the Year in recognition of her solo circumnavigation and role as a youth role model.
On 26 January 2011, as part of the Australia Day honours, Jessica Watson was named Young Australian of the Year, one of the nation's most prestigious awards recognizing outstanding young Australians for their achievements and contribution to the community.
The award celebrated not only her remarkable solo circumnavigation completed the previous year, but also her emergence as a role model for young people across Australia, demonstrating determination, resilience, and the pursuit of ambitious goals despite public doubt and criticism. Watson used the platform that came with the award to speak publicly about goal-setting, perseverance, and encouraging young Australians to pursue their own adventurous ambitions.
This recognition placed her among a distinguished group of young Australians honored for achievements across sport, science, activism, and public service. It cemented her status as a national icon following her voyage and provided her with an ongoing public platform from which to advocate for youth empowerment and maritime adventure.
The award remains one of the most significant formal recognitions of her historic voyage, alongside her later Medal of the Order of Australia.