Tourism finalists named in 2025 awards

FIVE businesses across the Bellarine have been named finalists in the 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards.

Run by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, the annual awards showcase the industry’s leaders, and encourage businesses to meet and exceed industry standards.

The finalists on the Bellarine are BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon, Benambra Boutique Accommodation Queenscliff, Hop It, Port Phillip Ferries, and The Q Train.

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter said watching the thriving tourism destination evolve has been a thrill and having so many finalists in the region is exciting.

“Tourism has become an increasingly important part of local communities,” she said.

“The economic impact of having a viable, year-round sector that provides jobs is the most obvious, but it relates to the sense of identity, place and pride we have in our region.

“And many of the businesses supported by tourism are loved by locals too.”

The list of Bellarine finalists joins several other award contenders across Geelong and the Surf Coast.

The winners will be announced at the official awards ceremony on November 27 in Melbourne.

For more information and to view the full list of finalists, head to vtic.com.au