Three outstanding Victorian tourism towns have been named among the nation’s best destinations in Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards, announced today by Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell. 

Ballarat and Aireys Inlet took the silver prize in the Top Tourism Town and Tiny Tourism Town categories respectively, with Sorrento receiving bronze for the Small Tourism Town category.  Victoria was the only state to win awards in each of the three categories.  

Victoria Tourism Industry Council Acting Chief Executive Chris Porter said the awards confirmed some of the best travel spots in the country were right in our backyard.

“We’re so thrilled to see Ballarat recognised one of the best tourism towns in Australia. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, it’s an ideal short-stay destination for art and architecture lovers, natureseekers, foodies and families,” Porter said. 

“Aireys Inlet, a stunning hamlet nestled on the Great Ocean Road, took silver in the Tiny Tourism Town category. We’re so proud to see this community continue to build its reputation as a must-visit destination.   

“After more than a century offering visitors the quintessential seaside getaway, it’s great to see the iconic and historical township of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula recognised as one of the nation’s top three Small Tourism Towns.” 

Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and are sponsored by Tourism Australia and Qantas. Winners are determined by a state and national level voting process combining people’s choice votes and an industry judging panel. 

Mandurah in Western Australia won the major national award of Top Tourism Town, with Queenstown in Tasmania taking out the gold for Top Small Tourism Town and Dwellingup (WA) winning the Top Tiny Tourism Town category. 

Chris Porter said all three of Victoria's finalists brought an award home.  

“Congratulations to the dedicated teams from Ballarat, Sorrento and Aireys Inlet.  This national recognition is well-deserved and we’re all so proud of you,” he said. 

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our regional towns and centres across Victoria. These awards celebrate destinations that are delivering the very best experiences, creating magical memories for their visitors to cherish. It is great to see the effort of our winners recognised as they continue to build their reputations as some the best destinations in Australia.” 

Chris Porter
Acting Chief Executive, VTIC