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We don't need reminding that Victoria is a top-tier place to visit (ICYMI, Melbourne was recently named the best city in the whole world), but it’s always nice when we get an extra nod on the national stage. This week, our tourism gems picked up a remarkable 16 trophies at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle – including six coveted Gold Awards that highlight just how beloved the state’s visitor experiences have become.
Held inside the atmospheric walls of Fremantle Prison, the ceremony celebrated the best of the country’s tourism sector for 2025 across 26 categories. Victoria’s haul marks one of the state’s strongest showings in the awards’ 41-year history, underscoring the creativity, innovation and resilience driving the state's visitor economy right now.
Among the biggest winners was Go Adventure Nagambie, which scored an impressive double Gold. The regional operator triumphed in both the Adventure Tourism category and Tourism Retail, Hire and Services – a nod to the growing appetite for hands-on outdoor experiences in the state’s regional pockets.
Melbourne’s heavyweight venues also had their moment in the spotlight, with the sprawling Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre taking home Gold for Business Event Venues. Meanwhile, one of the city’s most meaningful landmarks was recognised for its cultural significance. The Shrine of Remembrance earned Gold in the Cultural Tourism category, highlighting the powerful role heritage sites play in helping visitors connect with Australia’s rich stories and history.
In the accommodation categories, Victoria’s boutique and luxury stays shone particularly bright. Nook on the Hill claimed Gold for Self-Contained Accommodation, while the sweeping pastoral property Mount William Station secured top honours in the 5-Star Luxury Accommodation category.
Beyond the Gold winners, a further ten Victorian operators were recognised with Silver and Bronze awards. Silver honours went to operators including Wild Adventures Melbourne for Ecotourism and the Q Train in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category – the latter transforming a scenic rail journey along the Bellarine Peninsula into a magical dining experience. Other Silver winners included Harman Wines, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, All Seasons Houseboats, Sovereign Park Motor Inn and Cherry Hill Orchards.
Two Victorian icons also earned Bronze recognition: the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground for Major Tourist Attractions and Camp Manyung, operated by the Y Australia, in the 3–3.5 Star Accommodation category.
And the celebrations aren’t over just yet. In a fitting full-circle moment, the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards will return to Victoria in 2026 for the first time in more than a decade. The event will be hosted at the striking new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, where industry leaders from across the country will gather to celebrate the next wave of tourism excellence.
If this year’s results are anything to go by, Victoria will have plenty to celebrate when the national spotlight lands back on home turf. You can check out the full list of finalists and winners over here.
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