We are thrilled to have not one or two, but three iconic East Gippsland towns named as finalists in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Lakes Entrance, Paynesville and Marlo were announced this week – and now they need your vote to take out the top prize.

The awards, presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), shine a spotlight on towns that showcase the best of what regional Victoria has to offer – from stunning natural beauty and vibrant visitor experiences to strong collaboration between local tourism operators, businesses and the wider community.

Public voting is now open and runs from Friday 6 June to Friday 27 June with the final 10% of the judging criteria determined by public vote – and your support could make all the difference.

To encourage community participation, VTIC is also offering a prize incentive to voters, so now is the time to support your favourite town and be in the running to win.  

The Top Tourism Town Awards recognise towns in three categories based on population size:

• Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000) – Lakes Entrance

• Top Small Tourism Town (population 1,500–5,000) – Paynesville

• Top Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500) – Marlo

Introducing the finalists: A beloved holiday hotspot and gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance is famed for its sweeping ocean beaches, iconic footbridge, and vibrant esplanade. With fresh seafood, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of coastal charm, it’s easy to see why Lakes Entrance is a favourite for generations of holidaymakers.  

Over in Paynesville, a Top Small Tourism Town finalist, visitors discover a peaceful waterfront haven on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes. Known as the boating capital of Victoria, Paynesville offers tranquil beauty, a thriving sailing culture, and local wildlife, including the famed koalas of Raymond Island.  

And where the Snowy River meets the sea lies Marlo, a Top Tiny Tourism Town finalist. This quiet village is a nature lover’s paradise, with unspoiled beaches, scenic trails, and a relaxed, laidback vibe. Whether you're paddling the estuary, casting a line, or watching the sunset from the pub deck, Marlo invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature.

These awards celebrate the value of tourism to Victorian towns and highlight the efforts of communities working together to create incredible visitor experiences.

Now it’s time for us to get behind our East Gippsland finalists and help showcase their unique stories to the rest of the state and the country.

To cast your vote and help put East Gippsland on the map, visit: vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/2025finalists

‍