Victoria’s Best Small Tourism Town is Just a Ferry Ride Away

It’s official! Portarlington has been crowned Victoria’s Best Small Tourism Town, taking home Gold at the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

And if you haven’t visited yet, there’s never been a better excuse to jump aboard Port Phillip Ferries and discover what all the fuss is about.

Just over an hour from Docklands, Portarlington feels a world away from the city. Cruise across Port Phillip Bay, step off the ferry right in town and spend the day discovering beautiful coastal scenery, fantastic local food and wine, boutique shopping and the relaxed Bellarine hospitality that helped earn Portarlington its new title.

Enjoy fresh local mussels overlooking the bay, wander the foreshore, settle in for lunch at the historic Portarlington Grand Hotel or simply slow down and enjoy a town that does a seaside escape particularly well.

Best of all, Port Phillip Ferries makes getting there part of the experience. Forget the long drive, traffic and finding somewhere to park. Sit back, grab a coffee or something from the licensed café onboard and enjoy the views as you cruise across the bay.

The award recognises the local businesses, tourism operators, volunteers and community who have helped make Portarlington such a special place to visit. After taking Bronze last year and now stepping up to Gold, this little Bellarine town is certainly making its mark.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what makes Portarlington so special, come and see for yourself.

Jump aboard from Docklands and spend a day exploring Victoria’s Best Small Tourism Town.