Keen for a weekend getaway? If you need some ideas, the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) just announced the awards for best regional towns for tourism. These awards celebrate the towns that strive to become the best destination it can be, by collaborating with local businesses, the community and tourism operators, and offering wonderful experiences for visitors. 22 finalists competed for the top spots. The Victorian Top Tourism Towns for 2026 are: Echuca, Portarlington and Portsea. These three winners will go on to compete for the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town in their respective categories.
Victorian Top Tourism Towns 2026
Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000)
After winning the bronze last year, Echuca took home the gold for Top Tourism Town. This river town, less than 3 hours away from Melbourne, was celebrated for its history as an inland port, filled with peaceful paddlesteamers, as well as its selection of outdoor activities, natural sights and thriving calendar of events.
Bendigo won the silver award, and Ballarat received the bronze.
Top Small Tourism Town (population between 1,500 and 5,000)
Portarlington, the mussel capital of Australia, was named as the Top Small Tourism Town. Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, just 90 minutes away from Melbourne, this coastal spot was celebrated for its food and drink scene, with mussel tour cruises, restaurants by the water and wineries nearby. It’s got a grand hotel for relaxed staycations, and other fun stuff to keep you busy, like swimming, golf and even a miniature railway for the kids.
Meanwhile, Port Fairy took home the silver, and Camperdown got the bronze.
Top Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500)
Finally, Portsea, at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, was named as the best Tiny Tourism Town in Victoria. So close to Melbourne, this little town offers a fantastic coastal escape, with outdoor adventures like swimming, snorkelling and access to Point Nepean National Park. When you’re not exploring the great outdoors, stay in the village and unwind in the cafes and bars, or pop into one of the boutique shops.
Glenrowan received the silver award, and Port Campbell won the bronze.
To see the full list of winners and finalists, click here.
