Gold-rush history helps Bendigo secure silver medal in Australia's Top Tourism Towns Awards
Goldfields-region gem Bendigo has been named one of Australia’s best tourist towns at the annual Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards.
The awards, presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council and supported by Tourism Australia, Qantas and Storytowns, were announced at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on September 10.
Bendigo claimed the second-placed award behind Devonport, Tasmania, with the podium being rounded out by Roma, Queensland, which received the bronze award.
In awarding Bendigo the silver medal, judges praised the city’s opulent gold rush heritage architecture to its bustling arts precinct boasting modern street art and galleries, First-Nations tourism experiences. Judges also praised the quality of international exhibitions at Bendigo Art Gallery – including their recent Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925, and next year’s exclusive Frida Kahlo: In her own image, both part of the Victorian Government-supported Bendigo International Collections series.
They recognised Bendigo’s unique designation as Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and a food scene that celebrates a paddock-to-plate philosophy that sees businesses using local produce and wine to create unique food experiences.
The recognition for Bendigo comes after neighbour Ballarat claimed the silver medal in the awards last year.
Bendigo wasn’t the only Victorian town recognised through the awards – Daylesford was also awarded the silver medal in the Small Tourism Town category, with judges singling out the town’s abundance of health and wellbeing tourist attractions, and the town’s spas.
Each category is measured by population size along with attractions, amenities, and the infrastructure designed to host guests, with award winners being determined by industry panel judges and a public vote.
For more information on this year’s winners, visit toptourismtowns.com.au.
