News

29 May 26

Vote #1 Ballarat as Victoria’s Top Tourism Town

Ballarat's Hop Lane

We won bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025 – can we take home the gold this year?!

Ballarat is in the running to be named Victoria's 2026 Top Tourism Town and we need your help to nab the crown!

Vote for Ballarat your chance to win a luxurious Melbourne escape for two.

Avoca's Blue Pyrenees Estate

And make sure you also vote for our Pyrenees neighbour Avoca, which is chasing the title of Top Tiny Tourism Town.

Voting closes Friday 26 June at 5pm.

An initiative of VTIC, the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the state's diverse regional destinations across three categories:

  • Top Tourism Town (population over 5000 people)
  • Top Small Tourism Town (population between 1500-5000)
  • Top Tiny Tourism Town (population below 1500)

Winners will be announced at the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards Ceremony in Morwell on Wednesday 12 August.

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.


©️ 2026 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.