Vote to make Woodend a winner in tourism awards

Last updated on 01 June 2023

Residents and visitors can help cement Woodend’s status as Victoria’s most liveable regional town by voting in the 2023 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Woodend has been announced as a finalist in the Top Small Town category of the annual awards – for townships with a population from 1,000 to 5,000 – alongside Heathcote, Koroit and Sorrento.

The awards recognise and reward Victorian towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to tourism, offer an excellent visitor experience, and show strong collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community. Winners at state level then represent Victoria in national awards.

Mayor Annette Death encouraged everyone to show their support and vote for Woodend in this year’s awards.

“Awards like these help get the word out about our beautiful region and attract more visitors, who ultimately end up supporting our local businesses by buying products, dining in our cafes and restaurants, or staying in local accommodation,” she said.

“Woodend’s chance to win is based on a public vote and voting only takes a matter of minutes – we’d love to see it come out on top among some impressive competition.”

As an extra incentive, governing body Victorian Tourism Industry Council is offering voters to go into the draw to win a luxurious weekend for two in Melbourne, including accommodation and dining.

Woodend was named most liveable regional town in Victoria earlier this year in a study conducted by PwC, with the analysis citing a range of liveability metrics including a mix of entertainment, family amenity, jobs and transport links.

Mayor Death said Woodend had many elements that made it a top tourist destination, as both a relatively easy day trip from Melbourne and an equally great destination for a longer stay, to better experience more of what the area has to offer.

“Woodend has a beautiful natural environment with views of Mount Macedon, the iconic Hanging Rock just a stone’s throw away, delicious local produce, amazing cafes and restaurants, an award-winning brewery and amazing wineries close by,” she said.

“There is always something to see and do too, such as regular markets and the annual Woodend Winter Arts Festival, coming up again soon from 9-12 June.”

Woodend’s nomination comes a year after Mount Macedon won the Victorian Top Tiny Town award for 2022, followed by bronze at the national awards.

Voting is open from now until 22 June, with state winners to be announced on 26 July.

Visit Woodend’s page and vote, with public voting competition terms and conditions also on the VTIC website.