The museum won the Major Tourist Attractions award for the third consecutive year, earning itself Hall of Fame status. 

It also came away with the People’s Choice for Favourite Regional Attraction Experience for the second year running, along with silver in the Major Festivals and Events category. 

Chief executive officer Jeremy Johnson said it was the quality and diversity of the experience that was behind its success, from the school education program and interactive activities to Christmas in July.

“We’re thrilled with the recognition and it’s a tribute to our staff and volunteers for the great team effort they put into making the place come to life. It’s a living history museum so it needs that people connection to make it work,” he said.

“With Christmas in July, we brought 95,000 visitors to Ballarat in the middle of winter – the coldest time of the year – so it was an extremely successful event.”

Victorian Tourism Industry Council acting chief executive Kristina Burke said to be admitted into the Hall of Fame was an “outstanding effort”.

“The number and calibre of entrants affirms Victoria as a leading tourist destination with quality attractions,” she said.

“They’re a drawcard for visitors from interstate, locally and from overseas, and it will certainly hold us in good stead for the Australian Tourism Awards next year.”