Zoe Moffatt
Woodend has taken out third place at this year’s TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for top small tourism town.
The winners were revealed at a presentation on Wednesday, July 26, with Sorrento winning first place and Heathcote taking silver.
Macedon Ranges council mayor Annette Death said Woodend has so much to offer visitors and residents alike.
“It is fantastic to see the township of Woodend in the spotlight once again through this award, but not surprising given it ticks all of the category’s boxes,” Cr Death said.
“Combine everything the town has to offer from a tourism perspective with award-winning wineries, eateries, boutique shops and convenient transport options.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for Woodend in the awards.”
Daylesford Macedon Tourism chief executive Steve Wroe said third place is a great achievement and shows the town is a great place to visit as well as live.
“It’s really exciting and it goes to show that there’s so much happening there at the moment,” Mr Wroe said.
“There’s gin, wine bars opening up and it’s got a really exciting energy at the moment… it was awarded the most livable town in regional Victoria [earlier in the year].
“I think it’s worth acknowledging the efforts from Macedon Ranges council, Tourism Macedon Ranges, [and] the ongoing support from Visit Victoria to promote the region.”
Mr Wroe said Woodend is also a good launching pad for the other tourism in the region.
“We often use Woodend as the base to explore some of the other tourism assets in the region, such as wineries and Hanging Rock,” he said.
“We love going to Kuzu the restaurant, and my kids love the ice cream shop there…. that’s a real highlight.”
This award comes a year after Mount Macedon won gold in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town category for 2022, followed by bronze at the national awards.
The top small tourism town category celebrates towns with 1500 to 5000 people that show commitment to tourism, offer excellent visitor experience, and show strong collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community.
