Celebrating the best in Victorian tourism

News
Published: 2 December 2025

The best of Victoria’s tourism businesses were recognised at the 39th annual Victorian Tourism Awards, held on 27 November 2025.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) won gold in the coveted Major Tourism Attraction category. As Australia’s largest and most iconic stadium, the MCG continues to be recognised as a global sporting landmark uniting millions of people.

The MCG team with their Victorian Tourism Award.

It’s been a big year for the MCG. The stadium drew record crowds for the Australia–India Test match and welcomed more than 3.1 million AFL fans across 521 games.

The lauded ground also hosted the Wallabies versus the British and Irish Lions in July and rocked out during the recent AC/DC concerts.

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) took out another big win on the night. Winning gold in the Business Event Venue Category for the third consecutive year, MCEC earned a place in the Hall of Fame.

THE MCEC team posing with their Victorian Tourism Award.

Congratulations to the other exceptional winners backed by our programs and support:

  • Melbourne Park took home bronze in the Major Tourism Attraction category. The sporting and major events precinct supports businesses and brings visitors to our state.
  • All Seasons Holiday Park won gold in the Caravan & Holidays Parks category. We're supporting the Mildura destination to upgrade its accommodation and improve accessibility.
  • All Seasons Houseboats claimed gold in Unique Accommodation category. With our support, they launched Australia’s first supported accessibility houseboat in Mildura.
  • Sovereign Hill Museums Association struck gold in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category. Winning for the second year in a row, we're helping to grow their accommodation and experiences through current support.
  • Mount William Station took top spot in the 5 Star Accommodation category. We're currently supporting the Bluestone Stables upgrade at the Grampians luxury boutique hotel.
  • Avalon Australian International Airshow took top honours in the Hallmark Events category. The event is sponsored by the Victorian Government and is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • City of Greater Bendigo took home gold in the Local Government Award for Tourism. Our $21 million Bendigo Art Gallery upgrade starts next year. The major redevelopment will make the tourism draw-card an even bigger regional attraction.
  • Camp Manyung on the Morning Peninsula, operated by YMCA Victoria won the 3-3.5 Star Accommodation category. The adventure camp offers programs and activities for schools, groups, families and organisations.
  • Destination Phillip Island won gold for the Island Whale Festival in the Festival and Events category. In its eighth year, the festival is Australia's only island-based whale celebration.

The awards are presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). They recognise winners in 28 business categories and 3 individual categories. Gold winners go on to compete in the Australian Tourism Awards.

These businesses all contribute to Victoria’s $43.7 billion visitor economy, which supports 288,000 jobs across the state. They also make a significant contribution to Victoria’s overall success.

For the full list of winners, visit the VTIC website.