Cape Woolamai misses out in 'Top Tourism Town' awards
Cape Woolamai was a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, but came away from the glittering awards night, at the Morwell Convention and Reception Centre, as the centrepiece of the Victorian Tourism Conference on Wednesday, August 12, empty handed.
CAPE Woolamai was a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, but came away from the glittering awards night, at the Morwell Convention and Reception Centre, as the centrepiece of the Victorian Tourism Conference on Wednesday, August 12, empty handed.
The winners were:
Top Tourism Town
- Gold - Echuca (Campaspe Shire Council)
- Silver — Bendigo (City of Greater Bendigo)
- Bronze — Ballarat (Botanical Gardens Information Centre)
Small Tourism Town
- Gold — Portarlington (Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine)
- Silver — Port Fairy (Port Fairy & Region Visitor Information Centre)
- Bronze — Camperdown (Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre)
Tiny Tourism Town
- Gold — Portsea (Mornington Peninsula Shire Council)
- Silver — Glenrowan (Ned Kelly Discovery Hub)
- Bronze — Port Campbell (Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre)
The criteria for the awards was as follows:
“The Top Tourism Town Awards aim to recognise and reward towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to tourism and to increasing visitation to the destination, that offer an excellent visitor experience, and exhibit collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community to make their town the best destination it can be.”
In Cape Woolamai’s submission, authorities highlighted that the location is home to the state’s only National Surfing Reserve “its beaches attracting experienced surfers seeking powerful, world-class conditions”, sweeping ocean views, the iconic Pinnacles, and abundant wildlife, including Phillip Island’s largest Short-tailed Shearwater colony.
“With its blend of outdoor adventure, natural beauty and relaxed village atmosphere, Cape Woolamai is the perfect destination to explore, unwind and reconnect by the coast.”
As small tourism towns go, what’s not to like?
However, while Cape Woolamai didn’t get a gong this year, authorities say the location garnered useful visitor publicity during the process.
Destination Phillip Island has been contacted for comment.
