From the wave-kissed shores of Warrnambool to the alpine energy of Mount Beauty and the artsy charm of Trentham, these towns aren’t just pretty postcards—they’re immersive experiences waiting to be lived.
Top Tourism Town Winner (Population 5,000+)
Set along the famous Great Ocean Road and fringed by the untamed Southern Ocean, Warrnambool is a town that doesn’t just show you the coast—it makes you feel it. Known for being a front-row seat to the Southern Right Whale migration, the town invites travellers to tune into nature’s grand performances from May to October each year.
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| Warrnambool VIC |
Logan’s Beach Whale Nursery is a must-visit, where families and wildlife photographers line up at dawn hoping for a glimpse of breaching giants.
But this beachside beauty isn’t just about nature. Warrnambool pulses with energy, from the Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground—one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere—to its bustling shopping precinct dotted with quirky boutiques and seaside cafes.
Retreat to the Deep Blue Hot Springs, where geothermal pools offer blissful serenity.
With its fusion of sea spray, adrenaline, and heritage, Warrnambool has become a base for weeklong coastal exploration, inviting road-trippers to linger longer than planned.
Top Small Tourism Town Winner (Population 1,500–5,000)
Nestled beneath the towering peak of Mount Bogong, Victoria’s tallest mountain, Mount Beauty is no longer just a gateway to the snow. It’s a destination in its own right—one that blends alpine adrenaline with laid-back charm.
Four hours from Melbourne, this Kiewa Valley gem offers a full suite of adventure options: hiking, snowboarding, trout fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, and even gliding. Whether you’re carving snowy slopes in winter or racing through forested trails in summer, Mount Beauty delivers thrills with a side of spectacular views.
And when the adventure winds down? That’s when the town really shines. Locally owned craft breweries, cosy wine bars, and relaxed eateries welcome you with firelit corners, hearty meals, and regional wines. Visitors can hire gear, book guided tours, and still have time to curl up with a hot chocolate before a sunset stroll.
Mount Beauty may be small, but its sense of welcome is vast—and its name, entirely deserved.
Top Tiny Tourism Town Winner (Population under 1,500)
A weekend in Trentham feels like stepping inside a beautifully illustrated storybook—one filled with lush forest trails, misty mornings, artisan bread, and friendly locals who greet you by name.
Located just over an hour northwest of Melbourne, this Central Highlands hamlet charms visitors with its goldrush-era streetscape, vibrant art galleries, and top-notch produce-driven dining. Whether you’re browsing boutique stores for handcrafted gifts or sipping wine beside open fires, there’s an unhurried rhythm here that invites reflection and indulgence.
Nature-lovers flock to Trentham Falls, Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall, or cycle the picturesque Domino Rail Trail through Wombat State Forest. The surrounding landscape holds rich stories of Dja Dja Wurrung Country, whose connection to land infuses the region with cultural depth and spiritual resonance.
It’s the kind of town where you book a night and end up staying three, where slow travel meets soulful discovery.
Why These Towns Shine Bright
Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) celebrated this year’s winners during its summit at Shepparton’s Museum of Vehicle Evolution. The awards, supported by partners including Airbnb, Tourism Australia, and Time Out, recognized 25 finalists across three categories, judged on the quality of visitor experiences and community vibrancy.
Chris Porter, Acting VTIC Chief Executive, noted that towns further afield from Melbourne had stepped up as compelling travel destinations, with visitors more likely to extend their stays thanks to strong local offerings.
“These winners showcase the strength of regional Victoria and the powerful role tourism plays in fostering local economies and community pride.”
Each of the gold medal winners—Warrnambool, Mount Beauty, and Trentham—will now go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, with national winners announced this September at Parliament House in Canberra.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re a city dweller chasing fresh air or an international traveller yearning for the real Australia, these towns offer more than photo ops—they offer connection. To country, to culture, and to communities that know how to welcome with warmth.
So map your next escape. Lace your boots, pack your curiosity, and drive toward the unexpected.
Victoria’s Top Tourism Towns of 2025 aren’t just destinations—they’re invitations to come alive.
