Trentham has taken out top honours in the Tiny Tourism Town category (population under 1,500) of the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards—an outstanding achievement for the town and a win for the wider Hepburn Shire region.
The annual awards, coordinated by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), celebrate towns that offer an exceptional visitor experience and strong community engagement in tourism. Entries are judged by a panel of tourism professionals and industry leaders, and the public is also invited to vote, giving locals and visitors alike a chance to show their support.
Trentham’s success was attributed to its distinctive charm, community spirit, and compelling visitor appeal. The town’s entry—prepared by Daylesford Macedon Tourism (DMT) in collaboration with Hepburn Shire Council—highlighted its thriving local businesses, natural attractions, and warm hospitality. A key part of the submission was a promotional video featuring beloved local spots and personalities, which impressed both the judges and the public.
Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, welcomed the win as a well-deserved recognition of what makes Trentham such a special place.
“I would like to extend a big thank you to Steve Wroe and the dedicated team at Daylesford Macedon Tourism, whose outstanding work in preparing the award submission, in collaboration with Council’s Economic Development team, played a pivotal role in this success,” Cr Henderson said.
“The video beautifully captures the essence of our tiny treasure, Trentham. We would also like to thank the amazing local businesses featured in the video, helping to showcase exactly what makes the town so special. And of course, to everyone who voted and supported our campaign. We invite everyone to come and experience Trentham for yourselves.”
Steve Wroe, CEO of Daylesford Macedon Tourism, said, “When you have such great towns in your region it gives you a head start, but thanks to the DMT team for their amazing work on the submission. And as always, a huge thank you to the team at Hepburn Shire Council. Their unwavering support and commitment to sustainably growing the visitor economy makes all the difference.”
As the winner in the Tiny Tourism Town category (for towns with populations under 1,500), Trentham will now represent Victoria in the national awards to be judged by the Australian Tourism Industry Council later this year.
In addition to Trentham, several other towns across Victoria were recognised in their respective categories:
- Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000): Ballarat
A perennial favourite, Ballarat impressed judges with its rich heritage, vibrant events calendar, and renewed energy in hospitality and arts. - Small Tourism Town (population 1,500–5,000): Port Fairy
Port Fairy charmed judges with its coastal beauty, historical character, and strong community-driven tourism initiatives.
These awards not only celebrate the towns themselves, but also the local tourism operators, volunteers, and community members who contribute to creating memorable visitor experiences.
Daylesford won the Victorian Small Tourism Town (population 1,500-5,000) last year and went on to win Silver in the Australian awards.
For more information about the Top Tourism Town Awards and to view the videos from each of the winners, visit vtic.com.au.
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
