Portarlington has been crowned Victoria’s Best Small Tourism Town, taking home Gold at the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards in Traralgon!
This award belongs to the entire Portarlington community and is a well-deserved recognition of the businesses, tourism operators and community members who work together to create memorable visitor experiences. Watch this space as the winner’s trophy heads out on its victory lap of Portarlington in the coming weeks!
Portarlington continues to grow as a destination of choice, offering visitors exceptional food and wine, unique experiences, beautiful coastal scenery and genuine local hospitality.
The win doesn’t just bring bragging rights. It also secures Portarlington a place on the national stage, with the town now in the running for the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra on 15 September.
Geelong and The Bellarine was represented in two categories at the awards, and we’re so proud to have also had Ocean Grove as a finalist in the Top Tourism Town Award. Public voting is part of the judging process, so thanks to everyone who voted, shared and supported Portarlington and Ocean Grove.
Another Reason to Celebrate
The good news kept coming, with June O’Brien taking home Bronze in the Victorian Tour Guide Awards.
As a tour guide with Epic Taste Experiences, June is known for bringing the region to life through unforgettable food, wine and tourism experiences. Her passion, knowledge and energy have made her one of the region’s most respected tourism ambassadors.
Congratulations to June on this wonderful achievement.
A Big Win for the Region
The dual successes highlight the strength of the Greater Geelong and The Bellarine visitor economy and the passionate people who continue to elevate the region’s reputation.
Presented by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the Top Tourism Town and Tour Guide Awards celebrate the destinations and individuals helping visitors discover the very best of Victoria.
For Portarlington, it’s proof that this little coastal town continues to deliver big reasons to visit.
