Aireys Inlet a Top Tourism Town finalist

AIREYS Inelt is one of the 17 finalists in this year’s Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Hosted by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the awards showcase the regional towns and centres offering exceptional and unique visitor experiences across Victoria.

Aireys Inlet is one of five finalists in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category, for towns with a population below 1,500.

The awards website describes Aireys Inlet as “an intimate seaside hamlet ‘hidden in clear view’ on the world-renowned Great Ocean Road” that tourists can enjoy at their own pace as they “explore earthy adventures with an array of outdoor pursuits and iconic coastal landscapes to discover”.

“Nestled between the drama of Victoria’s Surf Coast and the majesty of the Great Otway National Park, Aireys Inlet is committed to its natural ‘ocean meets bush’ lifestyle”.

VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said the awards were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the most captivating destinations the state has to offer.

“The past few years have shown many of us that we don’t need to leave Victoria for a great getaway. It’s renewed our love for our stunning backyard.

This year, the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards also count on the support of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as the new naming partner for the awards.

“The awards showcase the value of tourism to our towns and communities and celebrate the diversity of our regional destinations. We are thrilled to now have TAC’s support in recognising the towns that are going above and beyond to create a great experience for travellers,” Ms Mariani said.

TAC acting chief executive officer Tony Dudley said the TAC’s sponsorship of the awards provided an important opportunity to promote road safety through tourism.

“This partnership empowers Victorian towns to champion safe travel on their roads by proactively communicating with visitors, especially when it comes to the dangers of fatigue and educating travellers on where they can take a pause from the road during their journey.”

Finalists are now in the consumer voting element of the awards, giving the public a chance to vote for their favourite Victorian destinations.

Voting is open until June 22.

Individuals who cast a vote for their favourite Victorian tourism towns will go into the draw to win a Melbourne Getaway for two, sponsored by Time Out and Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The prize includes a two-night stay at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, two dining vouchers to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants, and tickets to THE LUME Melbourne.

“We’re calling on every Victorian to cast their vote and show their support for our domestic tourism industry,” Ms Mariani said.

The three Victorian winners will then progress on to the nationals for a chance to be named Australia’s Top Tourism Towns.

The Victorian finalists are:

Top Tourism Towns

• Ballarat
• Bendigo
• Echuca
• Frankston
• Lakes Entrance
• Mildura
• Warrnambool
• Werribee

Top Small Tourism Towns

• Heathcote
• Koroit
• Sorrento
• Woodend

Top Tiny Tourism Towns

• Aireys Inlet
• Jamieson
• Murchison
• Noojee
• Red Hill South

This year’s Victorian Top Tourism Town partners are TAC, the Department of Transport and Planning, Storytowns, Time Out, Tourism Australia and Victoria University.

To cast your vote for your favourite part of Victoria, head to vtic.com.au/toptourismtown

Winners will be announced at the end of July.