Image Credit: Ash Hughes

Geelong and the Bellarine locals urged to vote for Ocean Grove and Portarlington in state tourism awards

Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards pinpoints two Bellarine spots for excellence.

The coast is calling for community support, with Ocean Grove and Portarlington named finalists in the prestigious Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Locals across Geelong and The Bellarine are now being encouraged to cast their votes and help shine a statewide spotlight on two of the region’s most beloved seaside destinations.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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Celebrating Victoria’s standout regional towns, the annual awards recognise destinations that deliver exceptional visitor experiences while championing local character, hospitality and community spirit. Winners are determined in part by public vote, meaning strong local backing could see both towns take home gold and progress to the national awards.

Voting opens at 9am on Friday 29 May and closes at 5pm on Friday 26 June. Votes can be lodged via the Victorian Tourism Industry Council website by clicking the ‘Vote Now’ button.

For Ocean Grove, this marks its first appearance as a finalist in the category for towns with populations over 5,000. Portarlington returns for a second year in the 1,500 to 5,000 population category after securing bronze in 2025.

From windswept beaches and calm bay waters to bustling cafes, cellar doors, growers, makers and coastal festivals, both towns offer the kind of relaxed lifestyle and authentic experiences that continue to draw visitors year-round. Whether it’s fishing off the pier, walking the foreshore trails, teeing off by the coast or lingering over long lunches and local wine, Ocean Grove and Portarlington embody the best of The Bellarine.

Beyond the recognition, success in the awards delivers a significant boost for local tourism operators and small businesses, strengthening the region’s reputation while helping sustain thriving communities outside peak holiday periods.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said having two local towns recognised as finalists reinforced the region’s growing reputation as a sought-after visitor destination.

“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,” he said.

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

Tourism Geelong Bellarine spokesperson Jarred Parsons said community support could help amplify the region’s profile even further.

“Your vote will help support the local businesses that make Portarlington and Ocean Grove so wonderful to live in and visit,” he said.

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

The other incredibly worth towns on the list are:

TOP TOURISM TOWN (population over 5,000)
Ballarat
Bendigo
Echuca
Mildura
Ocean Grove
Swan Hill

SMALL TOURISM TOWN (population between 1,500 and 5,000)
Alexandra
Camperdown
Cape Woolamai
Port Fairy
Portarlington
Rochester
Rutherglen
Warburton

TINY TOURISM TOWN (population under 1,500)
Avoca
Dunkeld
Glenrowan
Marlo
Ouyen
Port Campbell
Portsea
Whitfield

Each one of the towns offer their own charm and appeal with attractions, hospitality, and natural landscapes that make them perfect daytrips, getaways, and spots for locals to live.

The Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards are presented by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, with Ocean Grove and Portarlington nominated by Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.

If you want to help get Ocean Grove and Portarlington to the top, head here.