As the Olympic Games kick off, another equally cut-throat competition has come to an end.
The winners of the 2024 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards are in, and it’s good news for Shepparton and Dookie.
While the two towns may not have taken home the gold this year, they definitely put up a fight, both landing a spot as two of 17 finalists.
The success of being named a finalist is an acknowledgement of the communities’ efforts to promote and enrich their towns’ culture and tourist appeal, and as much of an incentive as any to keep visitors coming.
The itineraries, which formed the basis of assessments, are available for viewing on the ‘Shepparton and Goulburn Valley’ website.
Shepparton’s itinerary was packed with four days and three nights worth of exciting experiences, while Dookie’s featured the perfect schedule for a relaxing two-day, one-night stay.
Itineraries cover accommodation, eateries and unmissable experiences, alongside art to discover.
The awards featured three sections: The Tiny Tourism Town category, for towns with a population under 1500, the Small Tourism Town category, for towns with a population of 1500-5000, and the Top Tourism Town category for towns with a population of over 5000.
Timboon claimed the crown for the best Tiny Tourism Town, and Daylesford took home gold for the Small Tourism Town award.
In the Top Tourism Town category, Bendigo received gold, Warrnambool silver and Ballarat bronze.
The first-place winners will go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali congratulated the winning destinations, acknowledging Dookie and Shepparton’s tourism industry and community for their amazing work in welcoming visitors and promoting their town.
“It was wonderful seeing the community getting excited about the awards, voting, promoting the region with friends and family and connecting with each other,” he said.
“These awards are an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of Shepparton and Dookie as tourist destinations, both to the rest of Victoria and to our own community.
“We know visitors are always surprised by what the region has to offer and are keen to discover more.
“We invite everyone to look into the itineraries available, and come and explore.”
Greater Shepparton City Council acknowledged the businesses and artists who assisted in the application process of the awards through their innovation, collaboration and contribution.
Council extended special thanks to:
Addison Motor Inn
Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery
Dookie Emporium
Dookie Hideaway
Dookie General Store
Dunyak Moira Fishing Lagoons
Elsewhere at SAM
Kaiela Arts
L’Barza Apartments
Little Lipari
Milestone Café
Museum of Vehicle Evolution
Mustafa’s Gozlome
Night Owl Productions
Parklake
Pho Viet
Quest Apartments Shepparton
Rye at Tallis
Shepparton Art Museum
Shepparton Australian Botanic Gardens
Stanley’s Café
The Carrington
The Chocolate Apple Factory
The Flats Aboriginal Historic Walk
The Gladstone Hotel
Vaughan and Fryers St Food Strips
Wyndhamere
Zaika
As well as artists who have contributed to street art and Moooving Art.