East Gippsland may not have taken home a trophy at this year's Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards - held in Shepparton on Wednesday night - but being named a finalist in all three categories is a significant achievement. It proudly reflects the region's rich character, community spirit, and uncapped tourism potential.
Presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), these prestigious awards celebrate towns that offer outstanding visitor experiences and promote collaboration across tourism operators and local businesses.
The 2025 East Gippsland finalists included:
- Lakes Entrance - Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000). Won by Warrnambool.
- Paynesville - Top Small Tourism Town (population 1,500-5,000). Won by Mount Beauty.
- Marlo - Top Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500). Won by Trentham.
While the titles went elsewhere on the night, being recognised as finalists placed these three towns on the state-wide stage, offering a unique opportunity to showcase their strengths and share their charm with new audiences.
We warmly congratulate this year's deserving winners for their inspiring achievements. A full list of winners is available at: vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/winners
The finalist status is a testament to the tireless work of our communities, who came together to celebrate their towns and highlight what makes them so special. From passionate tourism operators and local businesses to volunteers and residents, it has been a whole-of-community effort, and one that has delivered lasting recognition for our region.
East Gippsland offers visitors an incredible diversity of experiences: lakeside adventures, pristine beaches, lush national parks, wildlife encounters, and warm country hospitality. We invite everyone to come and see for themselves what made these towns stand out to judges and the public alike.
This is just the beginning. With strong foundations and growing recognition, East Gippsland continues to shine as one of Victoria's most remarkable tourism destinations.
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