The Q Train celebrate state awards win

BELLARINE business operators The Q Train have been lauded for their tourism excellence and received top honours at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards.

The unique hospitality experience was awarded with the gold medal in the Restaurant and Catering Services category.

The Victorian Tourism Awards annually showcase the state’s leaders in tourism excellence, innovation, professionalism and collaboration.

Winners were announced last Thursday evening at a black-tie gala dinner in Melbourne.

The Q Train is regarded as Australia’s premier rail restaurant, according to TripAdvisor.

Guests are taken on a journey through the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, while enjoying five courses of delicious produce sourced from Geelong, Bellarine and the Otways.

The Q Train offers ticketholders a variety of package options, including first class with private dining or open carriage shared dining.

Group chief executive officer Marie-Clare Trotter said it was a mammoth effort to win the award.

“To enter the awards with the 10,000-word submission and even be a finalist was huge. To win it in our first year entering is crazy. I’m still on cloud nine.

“For us, it’s all about slow and considered progress. We make considered decisions and well-researched progress we are confident of.

“It’s humbling to know we are making good choices.”

The Greater Geelong and Bellarine area as a collective also enjoyed great success on the evening.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine clinched gold in the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns Category, Hop It won Tour and Transport Operators and Port Phillip Ferries were awarded gold for Major Tour and Transport Operators.

Silver and bronze awards were presented to Adventure Park, Higher Mark, Liberty Balloons, Geelong Arts Centre and Accessible Accommodation in Barwon Heads.

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive officer Murray Rance said his team were over the moon to secure their respective category.

“This award is a testament to the high-quality service we provide, transporting thousands of passengers each year between Melbourne and the Bellarine region, including Geelong on weekends.”

Category winners are automatically entered into the 2025 Australian Tourism Awards in March.