Portarlington named finalist for 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Award

A Bellarine town has been named a finalist as one of the state’s best tourism town, but not all locals are convinced.

A Bellarine town has been named a finalist for the state’s best tourist town.

Portarlington is one of seven finalists up for the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards small tourism town category, which includes destinations between 1500 and 2500 people.

The seaside town welcomed 677,000 visitors in 2024, an increase of 36 per cent on the year prior.

Portarlington Mussel Tours owners Lance Wiffen and Lizzie Franklin on-board "Valerie". Picture: Alison Wynd

But not all locals are convinced.

Geelong resident Jade Dillon said the news was “shocking”.

“There is not much going on down there,” Ms Dillon said.

“I don’t have any beef with Portarlington, there is more value in Torquay, Ocean Grove. Lorne and Anglesea are beautiful.”

Michael Peterson’s review of the town was more positive.

Portarlington Mussel Festival. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“It’s amazing,” Mr Peterson said.

“We love the mussel festival.

“It’s got a good atmosphere.

“It’s a shame Daniel’s Donuts closed as it’s only 20 minutes from us and we would go down there.

“I like to take the jetski down there, it’s very family friendly.”

Other’s had less of an opinion.

Portarlington Grand Hotel

“That’s cool, I haven’t been there in years,” Geelong resident Magnus Koolmatrie said.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj celebrated the victory as a “proud moment for the entire Greater Geelong community”.

“Famous for its fresh mussels, cool climate wineries and beautiful bayside walks, Portarlington has long been one of our region’s most beloved coastal destinations and its reputation among discerning foodies is only growing,” Mr Kontelj said.

“A hatted chef has opened two restaurants by the water, a grand hotel is gleaming following a multimillion dollar restoration and the country’s only boutique mussel tour is based right here in Portarlington – this beautiful part of the world is becoming impossible to keep secret.

“I encourage the entire community to get behind Portarlington and vote so we can help it claim the title it deserves.”

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter

encouraged residents to support the region by voting for Portarlington.

“When you cast a vote for Portarlington, you’re casting a vote for the barista who

makes your morning coffee, the retail staff who greet every customer with a

smile, the tour guides who bring to life the story of our proud little town and

everyone else who contributes to making Portarlington the friendly, welcoming

place it is,” Ms Carter said

The winner of the award will go on to represent Victoria at the national tourism awards.

Voting closes on June 27.

Originally published as Portarlington named finalist for 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Award