General News
6 June, 2026
Vote of confidence
WE all know what a special place Avoca is. From its wide main street to top wineries and magnificent mountain views, Avoca is pretty special. And others across Victoria agree, with Avoca reaching the finals of Victoria’s Top Tourism Awards.
Avoca is in the running to be crowned Victoria's top Tiny Tourism Town and local residents are urged to cast their vote.
The awards recognise towns that offer outstanding visitor experiences while demonstrating a strong commitment to tourism, community engagement and local storytelling.
Competing in the Tiny Tourism Town category for communities with a population of fewer than 1,500 people, Avoca is vying for the title against Dunkeld, Glenrowan, Mallacoota, Ouyen, Port Campbell, Portsea and Whitfield.
Advance Avoca Executive Officer Alana Burges said becoming a finalist was a positive outcome for the region.
“Tourism is at a difficult time with fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures and things like that, so any sort of recognition would be of benefit to the region. Something like this, to become a finalist and be able to get this publicity, can only bring good things,” she said.
“I think we are in a really good position. We've got a lot of things that draw people to the area.”
Pyrenees Shire Deputy Mayor and Avoca Ward Councillor Bec Wardlaw said the recognition aligned with the shire's focus on growing tourism.
“It could be one of the best things for us, because we are putting a lot of focus on tourism now,” Cr Wardlaw said.
“We've realised that for growth in the shire, tourism is our best option.”
She said the region's wineries, family-friendly attractions and natural landscapes offered something for everyone.
“You don't realise how much is actually here,” she said.
“We can work on things like accommodation. It's a really big plan, but if we can get our name out there now, it'll really help going forward.”
Cr Wardlaw said growing tourism would help strengthen the broader community and hopes locals will jump on board and vote for their own Tiny Town,
“I really think it would be a well-deserved thing for Avoca to get that little stamp on the tiny towns. It would be very exciting.”
Public voting is now open and closes at 5pm on Friday, June 26th. Visit www.vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/2026-finalists to cast your vote – and make sure it is for Avoca!
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