Bendigo has been named the “best town” in the great state of Victoria by tourism website www.traveller.com.au.
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While the distinction will come as no surprise to most proud residents, some might baulk at the labelling of the thriving regional city as a mere “town”.
But the City of Greater Bendigo’s executive tourism manager Kathryn Mackenzie was not complaining.
“I think it’s a really positive thing that we’re being seen as a town, it’s got that endearing relationship thing,” she said.
“One of the things I will say about Bendigo people, and I hear it time and time again, is what a friendly city we are, what a welcoming and inviting city.
“I think that sits synonymously with ‘town’.”
Bendigo edged out Port Fairy as the state’s top town, with the website gushing over its gold rush-era opulence.
“Central Victoria's jewel is a grand old lady with an opulence born of a world-dominating gold rush,” it reads.
“Today, a giddying array of splendid buildings, elegant boulevards, atmospheric laneways and gracious gardens remain.”
Ms Mackenzie cited the city’s status as a cultural and arts destination as evidenced by the success of the Bendigo Art Gallery with works like the current Forever Marilyn installation.
“I think that we’ve just got this gorgeous European city that’s pretty liveable and I think that whole liveability that we talk about for a regional destination I think we just hit the mark,” she said.
“The other thing that I've absolutely also found is that a lot of people, especially a lot of young people, are investing in cafes and bars, there’s a whole lot of new tourism experiences out there.”
Ms Mackenzie said Bendigo had come a long way over the past decade, which was reflected in increased tourism, including from overseas.
“We’re happy to see Traveller actually putting us up there because 10 years ago I don’t think we would have been there but I think all the hard work that’s gone on in the intervening time has put us in that spot,” she said.
“I think 10 years ago people really didn't know where we are but I think now people know Bendigo for what it stands for.”
Ms Mackenzie said 2.9 million people visited Bendigo each year based on the most recent figures, with the city likely netting the lion’s share of the region’s tourism.
“Visitor numbers for the Christmas period were really good, they were above last year,” she said.
“We’re certainly growing in that space.
“On our Facebook [page] we get fantastic reviews and comments.”
Traveller is published by Fairfax Media, owner of the Bendigo Advertiser.