The Victorian Tourism Awards has celebrated the sector’s brightest stars from iconic attractions to innovative regional experiences that showcased the vision, creativity, and excellence that make Victoria a must-visit destination.
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground claimed gold in the Major Tourist Attractions category, triumphing over fellow Victorian legends Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne Park, who secured silver and bronze.
In a showcase of consistency and world-class delivery, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre achieved a historic milestone – winning Gold for the third consecutive year in Business Events and earning a coveted place in the Hall of Fame.
Family-owned Go Adventure Nagambie stole the spotlight with an extraordinary triple triumph: inducted into the Hall of Fame in two categories – Tourism Retail, Hire & Services and Adventure Tourism – and clinching gold for Tour & Transport Operator.
From Sovereign Hill’s commitment to accessible tourism to Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, which dazzled over 200,000 visitors, and the Island Whale Festival celebrating regional vibrancy, the night was a testament to Victoria’s diverse and dynamic tourism and events offering.
With 99 finalists across 29 categories, winners now advance to the Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle on 6 March 2026 – ready to showcase Victoria’s brilliance on the national stage.
“Victoria’s tourism operators are the heartbeat of our visitor economy,” Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief executive officer Lisa Patroni said. “These awards celebrate the innovators and experience-makers whose pursuit of excellence turns every visit into a story worth sharing. Their passion and creativity are what position Victoria as a global destination of choice.”
“It’s a privilege to join Victoria’s tourism industry in celebrating the businesses and operators who showcase the very best of our state and inspire visitors from across Australia and around the world,” Minister for tourism, sport, and major events Steve Dimopoulos said.
“I want to congratulate all involved – your dedication, creativity and resilience continue to drive Victoria’s reputation as a world-class destination, boosting our economy and enriching the fabric of our cultural life.”
