The coastal town of Noosa Heads has been named among the world’s top 10 most welcoming destinations – a title unlikely to surprise anyone who knows it well.
The ranking was revealed by Booking.com at its 2026 Traveller Review Awards, following analysis of more than 370 million reviews from verified visitors worldwide.
The annual list celebrates destinations that consistently deliver guest experiences described as personal, authentic and genuinely caring – places where hospitality feels instinctive rather than paid for.
Noosa Heads appeared alongside the likes of the historic hilltop town of Montepulciano, England’s elegant spa town of Harrogate, and Takayama, famed for its preserved Edo-period streets.
According to travellers, these destinations leave a lasting impression thanks to thoughtful touches, warm interactions and hosts who consistently go the extra mile.
Set between golden beaches and lush hinterland on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa has long been celebrated for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, pristine national parks, and thriving boutique and dining scene.
Its inclusion on the 2026 list reflects the ongoing efforts of local hosts, operators and businesses to preserve the welcoming atmosphere the town is known for, even as its global profile continues to grow.
It comes as tourism in Noosa gains serious momentum, with new openings including Elysium Resort, Allawah Resort, Italian restaurant Cibaria and Colombo Foodies – a Sri Lankan street-food concept.
The coastal town of Noosa Heads has been named among the world’s top 10 most welcoming destinations – a title unlikely to surprise anyone who knows it well
Set between golden beaches and lush hinterland on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa has long been celebrated for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, pristine national parks, and thriving boutique and dining scene
While Hastings Street remains its most famous drawcard, Noosa offers countless off-the-beaten-track experiences along the river and beyond.
That blend of natural beauty, evolving tourism experiences and easygoing coastal charm made it a clear contender for one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.
That said, many hope the town can retain its defining spirit as visitor numbers inevitably rise – a delicate balance.
‘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,’ Tourism Noosa CEO, Sharon Raguse, said.
‘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.’
‘We’re incredibly proud to see Noosa Heads recognised this year, alongside the record number of Australian partners being acknowledged,’ Todd Lacey, Regional Manager Oceania at Booking.com, added.
Rounding out the global top 10 were Montepulciano, Magong, San Martín de los Andes, Harrogate, Fredericksburg, Pirenópolis, Swakopmund, Takayama and Klaipėda.
Its inclusion on the 2026 list reflects the ongoing efforts of local hosts, operators and businesses to preserve the welcoming atmosphere the town is known for, even as its global profile continues to grow
While Hastings Street (pictured right behind the oceanfront buildings) remains its most famous drawcard, Noosa offers countless off-the-beaten-track experiences along the river and beyond
There were also nine other Australian towns recognised as the country’s friendliest; none were located in NSW, the Northern Territory or the ACT:
1. Montville, Queensland
This small town is also on the Sunshine Coast, 50 minutes southwest of Noosa Heads. It’s not the first time Montville has been named among the ‘most welcoming’ in Australia, with the charming spot famed for its waterfalls, excellent restaurants, famed ‘Clock Shop’, Baroon Pocket Dam and buzzing cafe culture.
Montville is also on the Sunshine Coast, 50 minutes southwest of Noosa Heads. It has been named ‘most welcoming’ several times over the years
2. Margaret River, Western Australia
Famous for producing world-class wines, this quaint town south of Perth makes for an idyllic getaway. Beyond its stunning vineyards, Margaret River offers craft breweries and stylish boutiques, with natural beauty found in its pristine beaches, limestone caves, and breathtaking cliffs.
Famous for producing world-class wines, Margaret River town offers craft breweries and stylish boutiques, with natural beauty found in its pristine beaches, caves and cliffs
3. Port Campbell, Victoria
Situated on the world-famous Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell may have a tiny population of 478, yet it welcomes thousands of visitors each day drawn by the nearby Twelve Apostles. The seaside village is packed with cafes, restaurants, and a jetty set against dramatic cliffs and immaculate beaches.
Situated on the world-famous Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell may have a tiny population of 478, yet it welcomes thousands of visitors each day drawn by the nearby Twelve Apostles
4. Maleny, Queensland
Maleny also sits in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region – but it’s a longer way to the beach from this rural town. Famed for its lush hinterland, this inland spot has a laidback village atmosphere and features well-regarded cafes, acclaimed restaurants, famed chocolate store and excellent local produce, particularly dairy goods.
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Maleny also sits in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region – but it’s a longer way to the beach from this rural escape, which was a ‘timber town’ until the early 1920s
5. Port Lincoln, South Australia
Set on the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln is unmissable for seafood aficionados. Renowned for its thriving fishing and seafood industry and steeped in maritime history, it’s also surrounded by national parks – Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Park – offering wildlife encounters from sea lions to sharks.
Set on the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln is unmissable for seafood aficionados
6. Bicheno, Tasmania
Making Tassie’s debut on the list, Bicheno is a relaxed fishing town on the island’s east coast, around 185km from Hobart. Known for its temperate climate, dazzling white-sand beaches and fresh seafood, highlights here include guided fairy penguin tours and the dramatic Bicheno Blowhole.
Bicheno is a relaxed fishing town on the island’s east coast, around 185km from Hobart
7. Ocean Grove, Victoria
The largest town on the Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove is a 25-minute drive from Geelong and perfectly suited to water enthusiasts. With surf beaches lining the Bass Strait and access to the scenic Barwon River, its jetty and boat ramp attract locals and visitors alike.
The largest town on the Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove is a 25-minute drive from Geelong and perfectly suited to water enthusiast
8. Daylesford, Victoria
One of the most renowned entries, Daylesford sits in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. The town offers everything for a laidback escape – award-winning restaurants, excellent wineries, natural mineral springs and spas, all set against a backdrop of rolling green hills.
One of the most renowned entries, Daylesford sits in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just an hour’s drive from Melbourne
9. St Helens, Tasmania
Rounding off the list, Tassie’s St Helens is perched on Georges Bay and serves as an ideal base for exploring the translucent waters of the Bay of Fires. The town caters to adventure lovers with biking and fishing, while those seeking relaxation can linger on the beautiful beaches and indulge in superb local seafood.
Rounding off the list, Tassie’s St Helens is perched on Georges Bay and serves as an ideal base for exploring the translucent waters of the Bay of Fires
