Campaspe Shire Council is celebrating national tourism success after Echuca was awarded a bronze medal at the 2026 Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra this morning.
The result follows Echuca's Gold Award victory at the Victorian awards earlier this year and further cements the town's reputation as one of Australia's leading regional destinations.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell said the national recognition was a tremendous achievement for Echuca and the entire Campaspe region.
"To be recognised as one of Australia's leading tourism destinations is an incredible honour and a proud moment for our community.
"This award reflects the passion, dedication and collaboration of our tourism operators, accommodation providers, local businesses, event organisers, volunteers and community groups who help make Echuca such a special place to visit."
Cr Mackrell said the award would help further elevate Echuca's profile nationally.
"This recognition places Echuca among the very best tourism destinations in the country and provides valuable exposure for our region.
"Visitors are increasingly looking for authentic regional experiences, and this award highlights the exceptional experiences available here on the Murray," said the mayor.
The awards recognise destinations that deliver outstanding visitor experiences, demonstrate tourism excellence and work collaboratively to grow visitation to their region. Echuca competed against finalists from across Australia after winning Victoria's Top Tourism Town title in August.
Cr Mackrell acknowledged the collective effort behind the achievement.
"Awards like this are never won by one organisation alone.
"This recognition belongs to everyone who contributes to our visitor economy and helps showcase the very best of Echuca and the wider Campaspe region.
"I would also like to congratulate Council's Tourism Team for preparing an outstanding submission and for their continued work promoting our region on state and national stages."
CEO of Murray Regional Tourism, Mr Cameron Sutton echoed the mayor's sentiments saying,
"A national bronze places Echuca among Australia's best tourism towns, and that is something the whole community can be proud of. It is a credit to the partnership between the Campaspe Shire team and local tourism operators, and their shared commitment to creating a great visitor experience.
"It shows what can be achieved when council and industry are pulling in the same direction, with a shared focus on the visitor and creating a great experience from the moment they arrive. For The Murray, it is wonderful to see one of our towns representing the region on a national stage and putting the spotlight on what makes Echuca Moama and the wider Murray such a great place to visit. Murray Regional Tourism warmly congratulates everyone involved," Mr Sutton said.
Cr Mackrell said the award would help create new opportunities for visitation, investment and economic growth across Campaspe Shire.
"Tourism is a vital part of our economy, supporting local jobs, businesses and community events.
"This achievement gives us a fantastic platform to continue building on that success and welcoming even more visitors to our region."
