Vote for Heathcote and Bendigo in Top Tourism Town Awards

HEATHCOTE and Bendigo have been shortlisted as category finalists in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for the fifth year in a row.

Bendigo has been shortlisted in the ‘top tourism town’ category, with Heathcote being shortlisted in the ‘small tourism town’ category.

Members of the public can now add their vote.

“Heathcote’s a great town, with picturesque scenery, fantastic wineries and a welcoming community,” said Heathcote Visitor Centre’s visitor services officer Trudy Jenkins.

In 2024, Bendigo scooped gold and Heathcote won bronze at the Victorian Awards.

Bendigo went on to compete at national level and won silver in the Top Tourism Town category of the Australia Top Tourism Awards.

City of Greater Bendigo manager economy and experience James Myatt said it was fantastic news for the Greater Bendigo region to be recognised again as finalists in these prestigious awards.

“We are very excited that Bendigo and Heathcote are finalists for the fifth year in a row, recognising them as must-see visitor destinations that deliver amazing and memorable experiences,” Mr Myatt said.

“We are hoping to bring home the gold again with the public vote now open until Friday 27 June.

“The final result is a combination of public voting, user reviews, a video promotion and suggested itineraries, so it means so much for Bendigo and Heathcote to be recognised in this way.

“We have an incredibly passionate tourism industry, including attractions, accommodation, retail and hospitality providers who offer unique experiences for people of all ages and interests.

“To be named the top tourism town or small tourism town, we need our community to vote.”

Visit vtic.com.au/toptourismtown, click ‘vote now’ and select Bendigo and Heathcote. Enter details to go into the draw to win a prize.

To make a vote count, and be entered into the prize draw, vote by 5pm on Friday 27 June.