These Bellarine towns need your vote now

Ocean Grove and Portarlington are both in the running to win prestigious state awards but they need your help to get over the line.

Voting for this year’s Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards opened at 9am today and both coastal Bellarine towns are shortlisted in their respective categories.

Ocean Grove is a finalist in the Top Tourism Town (population more than 5,000) category and this is the first time Ocean Grove has contested the awards.

Portarlington is a Small Tourism Town (population between 1,500 and 5,000) finalist and returns for its second year after winning bronze in 2025.

The towns were nominated for the awards by Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine, which lauded their many attractions, including beaches, the foreshore, fishing, boating, wildlife and walking trails, restaurants, growers and makers, wineries, festivals, and golf.

“Your vote will help support the local businesses that make Portarlington and Ocean Grove so wonderful to live in and visit,” Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine spokesperson Jarred Parsons said.

“Recognition through these awards would bring our region into focus and help our coastal communities continue to thrive year-round.”

Run by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding regional destinations.

The winners are decided in part by popular vote, so a strong show of local spirit could secure both towns gold medals and a chance to proceed to the national awards.

Taking out the title elevates a town’s profile and reputation by highlighting its distinctive local character and tourism experiences.

It drives visitor numbers which supports local businesses, helping them to remain viable for local residents to enjoy year-round.

Winning gold is a marketing engine, credibility stamp, and economic driver for the region.

“Having two of our wonderful towns listed as finalists in these prestigious awards sends a strong message that our region is well and truly on the map as a popular destination for visitors,” City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“I encourage everyone to cast their votes to help us bring home gold this year.”

Voting closes 5pm on 26 June. Votes can be cast by heading to vtic.com.au/toptourismtown and clicking the “vote now” button.