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Revealed: This coastal Qld town is one of the most welcoming on Earth

Credit: Mark Fitz

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
Australians pride themselves on being an easy-going bunch. But there are some places where the locals just welcome you with open arms.

It’s hard to be grumpy when the sun is shining and the soporific sound of waves can lull you into a snooze at any time of day – it’s why so many family holidays or solo getaways involve the beach. So it shouldn’t be a shock, then, that a coastal Queensland town has made Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards , coming in the top 10 Most Welcoming Towns/Cities list.

And the Most Welcoming Town is…

welcoming towns booking.com
It’s hard not to be friendly with views like this. (Credit: Mark Fitz)

Decided by more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers globally, the awards celebrate the partners who consistently deliver standout hospitality. Most Welcoming Places on Earth categories highlight destinations where the guest experience feels personal, authentic and genuine. And those millions of reviewers place Noosa Heads in the Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth.

We’ll admit, it’s a little confusing, considering Noosa Heads is generally considered a town. But it has the big punch of a city and sits on the Top 10 list with the likes of Montepulciano in Italy and Takayama in Japan – so we know it deserves its place.

“Being named one of the World’s 10 Most Welcoming Towns is a proud moment for Noosa and a reflection of the values we hold as a community," said Tourism Noosa CEO, Sharon Raguse.

“Noosa has long been known for its openness, warmth and respect for visitors, and this recognition acknowledges the effort our industry makes to ensure every guest feels welcome, valued and connected to place. It’s a meaningful endorsement of a destination that leads with care, community and a genuine love of hosting people from around the world."

Alongside the Most Welcoming Cities on Earth list came the announcement of this year’s Most Welcoming Places in Australia. Margaret River Town in Western Australia made the top 10, as did Daylesford in Victoria and St Helens in Tasmania.

What we love about Noosa Heads

welcoming towns booking.com
Kayak the Noosa Everglades. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

What’s not to love about Noosa Heads? We’ve already ticked off the unbeatable hospitality of locals, and there are plenty more reasons. Hikers and nature lovers can explore the beauty of Noosa National Park, offering coastal trails, pristine beaches, and littoral rainforest, while kayakers will love the famous Noosa Everglades. Of course, if you prefer your beach days and nature immersions without the walk, there are plenty of places around town for you as well. Arrive between June and November, and you’ll likely spot the yearly migration of humpback whales as they make their way along the coast.

Those looking to unwind will find a range of bathhouses and spas that will have them forgetting they were ever stressed in the first place. While foodies can dine their way through the many restaurants and cafes that make the Noosa Heads food scene so memorable.

The full list of winners

Noosa Park Little Cove welcoming towns booking.com
Noosa Heads has been named one of the Most Welcoming Towns in the World. (Credit: Mark Fitz)

2026’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth:

  • Noosa Heads, Australia
  • Montepulciano, Italy
  • Magong, Taiwan
  • San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
  • Harrogate, United Kingdom
  • Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
  • Pirenópolis, Brazil
  • Swakopmund, Namibia
  • Takayama, Japan
  • Klaipeda, Lithuania

2026’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia:

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Victoria’s most memorable guided tours to book now

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
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    Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.

    Walk the Great Ocean Road

    forest walk along the Great Ocean Road
    Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.

    The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.

    Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads

    dolphins swimming in Port Phillip Head Marine Park
    Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.

    Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.

    Get your ghost on in the Grampians

    For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.

    Paddle along the mighty Murray

    a woman on a stand-up paddle board along the Murray
    Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.

    Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle . This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife. From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.

    Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley

    cyclists exploring Yarra Valley
    Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.

    Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.

    Dig for gold in Bendigo

    Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.

    Cruise around Wilsons Promontory

    the Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom
    Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)

    It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures ’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.

    Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges

    a llama in the Macedon Ranges
    Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.

    If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.

    Go underground in the Grampians

    a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines
    Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)

    Oenophiles and cave-lovers alike will enjoy going underground at Seppelt’s ‘Drives’ . The largest underground cellar in Australia, The Drives were dug by local goldminers in 1868 and meander for three-kilometres – keeping wine treasures at a temperate 16-degrees year-round. A 50-minute tour through the heritage-listed granite tunnels happily conclude with a tasting of the label’s celebrated sparkling wines.

    Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula

    a guided tour of French Island
    Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.

    Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours . Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach. Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.

    seals in Wilsons Prom
    The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)