It’s the state known for its laid-back beach lifestyle.
But now an Aussie spot has been named not just the most welcoming place in the nation, but in the whole world.
Experts reckon Noosa Heads, on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane, outranks anywhere else for friendliness.
READ MORE: ‘All the things I bought for my toddler on a long-haul flight – and what she actually used’
Booking.com named the area, known for its beaches and national parks as well as its shops and restaurants top on both its Aussie and global ‘most welcoming’ places.
It’s based on the number of hotels and apartments and other accommodation options on the sites landing a Traveller Review Award, because of their great reviews.
READ MORE: Planning to travel in 2026? Here’s your guide to every new travel requirement Aussies need to know
Queensland’s top secluded beaches to seek out
“From hosts who remember the small details to local partners who help travellers feel instantly at home, it’s often these human moments that define a truly great trip,” Todd Lacey, Regional Manager, Oceania at Booking.com said.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Noosa Heads recognised as one of the world’s most welcoming cities this year, alongside the record number of Australian partners being acknowledged.”
READ MORE: The best Aussie ‘hidden gem’ places you may never have heard of
READ MORE: Virgin Australia’s tough new baggage rules amid carry-on crackdown
Noosa Heads as well as neighbouring Sunshine Beach and Noosaville have long been a holiday hit for both families as well as couples.
And it’s no wonder the locals are happy to welcome visitors, as they live in such an idyllic location.
Travellers can also sail down the Noosa River, surf or swim at one of the expansive beaches, or shop at farmers markets.
It’s also home to swanky Hastings Street, with fancy boutiques and upmarket restaurants.
Queensland’s most underrated beaches you’ve never heard of
Of course tourism bosses are thrilled, with Tourism Noosa CEO, Sharon Raguse, calling it a “proud moment”.
The travel booking website said the type of accommodation most impressing holidaymakers to leave great reviews were apartments, followed by holiday homes and then hotels.
There are more on the way too in the area – Noosa is going to get the newest branch of the acclaimed Calile hotel, and also has the newly unveiled Elysium Noosa Resort.
READ MORE: Virgin Australia’s tough new baggage rules amid carry-on crackdown
Not far away from Noosa and locals in Montville, Queensland also got a mention for their warmth.
It’s in the middle of Kondalilla National Park and boasts waterfalls, galleries and shops and restaurants to discover.
The hinterland town – not too far from The Big Pineapple – ranked second on the list.
And it might have become a big tourist hub but Margaret River in Western Australia landed third when it came to the kindness of locals.
The area is known for its wineries, beaches and has just won a big accolade for hiking.
Here is the full list:
The Most Welcoming Cities in Australia for 2026:
- Noosa Heads, Queensland
- Montville, Queensland
- Margaret River, Western Australia
- Port Campbell, Victoria
- Maleny, Queensland
- Port Lincoln, South Australia
- Bicheno, Tasmania
- Ocean Grove, Victoria
- Daylesford, Victoria
- St Helens, Tasmania
READ MORE: Tourists are getting duped by ‘super wrong’ travel advice – what to watch out for
The Most Welcoming Cities in the world for 2026
Meanwhile, if you want locals who are happy to see you in the rest of the world, there are plenty of options.
The best place outside Australia to go for a greeting with a smile is Montepulciano in the Tuscany region of Italy.
It’s a classic medieval town like you’d dream of visiting.
Maybe something to do with its popularity is the fact has some of the worlds best vineyards, according to tourism bosses.
Film fans may also love the fact it featured in the second Twilight movie, New Moon.
- Noosa Heads, Australia
- Montepulciano, Italy
- Magong, Taiwan
- San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
- Harrogate, UK
- Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
- Pirenópolis, Brazil
- Swakopmund, Namibia
- Takayama, Japan
- Klaipeda, Lithuania
10 Aussie destinations travellers couldn’t get enough of in 2025
