Back-to-back tourism accolade on offer

BENDIGONIANS are invited to cast their votes in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Bendigo has been shortlisted in its population over 5000 people category for the fifth consecutive year.

The other towns shortlisted are Ballarat, Echuca, Lakes Entrance, Mildura, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Warrnambool and Werribee.

Every voter is eligible to win a Melbourne getaway for two, including two nights at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins and $500 in dining vouchers redeemable at restaurants including Chin Chin, Grill Americano and Hawker Hall.

Last year Bendigo won gold and went on to compete at a national level, taking home silver at Australia’s Top Tourism Awards behind Devonport, Tasmania.

This year, all invested parties are hoping to go one better.

Entrants to the awards are scored across three components – independent judge assessment 70 per cent, online reputation 20 per cent and public vote 10 per cent.

The online reputation component aggregates online reviews from platforms such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Google Reviews over the past year.

City of Greater Bendigo acting manager economy and experience, Glenn Harvey, said the city’s increasing acclaims, as well as its burgeoning reputation as a well-worthwhile place to visit, are due to its ability to evolve, combined with several distinct points of difference.

“Bendigo has reinvented itself as a cultural destination over the past 20 years with events, exhibitions, experiences, investment and extra transport options,” he said.

“It’s led to a growth of an additional million people visiting Bendigo over the past 10 years alone.

“We have over 100 major events and exhibitions each year, which drives a huge amount of visitation, many people visiting for the first time.

“The other great thing is that we aren’t known for just one thing, there is so much to discover that invites people back.

“People love our beautiful heritage buildings and parklands that have been reinvented with contemporary experiences of arts and culture, retail, hospitality and attractions.

“Our cultural and heritage attractions are so diverse.

“You can visit the largest Buddhist temple in the western world, see a world class exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery, explore the richness of Djaara culture, and meet the world’s longest and oldest Chinese dragons.

“You can also see a performance in a former gaol, learn about our war history, go underground in a real gold mine and explore the city in a vintage tram all while you’re here.

“More recently, you can taste Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, a recognition of our hospitality, producers and community.”

Mr Harvey said the City would love people to get behind the campaign.

“We all have visiting friends and relatives that come here and many of us like to show off and are proud of Bendigo,” he said.

“Now’s your chance to vote and help give it the acknowledgement that it deserves.”

Votes can be submitted via the Victoria Tourism Industry Council website before 5pm on Friday 27 June at vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/2025finalists.