Watson received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for services to sailing and youth.
On 26 January 2012, as part of the Australia Day Honours, Jessica Watson was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her service to the sport of sailing and to young Australians as an inspirational figure and role model.
This honor formally recognized both her historic 2010 solo circumnavigation voyage and her continued public engagement afterward, including her mentorship work with young sailors, motivational speaking, and writing. The Order of Australia is one of the country's highest forms of civilian recognition, and receiving it while still in her late teens/early twenties underscored the exceptional and enduring impact of her achievements.
The OAM added to a growing list of national honors bestowed upon Watson, including her earlier Young Australian of the Year title, cementing her legacy as one of Australia's most celebrated young adventurers. It also reflected broader societal recognition of the value of youth achievement and the importance of resilience, courage, and perseverance as qualities worth publicly celebrating and rewarding.
The award remains a lasting formal acknowledgment of her contribution to Australian sailing and to inspiring young people nationally and internationally.