The coastal town of Noosa Heads on Queensland's Sunshine Coast has secured a prestigious position among the world's top ten most welcoming destinations, according to the 2026 Traveller Review Awards from Booking.com. This recognition, based on analysis of over 370 million verified guest reviews globally, celebrates locations where hospitality feels instinctive and genuinely caring.
A Celebration of Authentic Hospitality
The annual list aims to honour destinations that consistently provide personal, authentic, and warm guest experiences. Noosa Heads finds itself in esteemed company, alongside historic and cultural gems such as Montepulciano in Italy, Harrogate in England, and Takayama in Japan. Travellers reported that these destinations leave lasting impressions through thoughtful touches, warm interactions, and hosts who consistently go the extra mile.
Noosa's Enduring Appeal
Nestled between golden beaches and lush hinterland, Noosa has long been celebrated for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, pristine national parks, and thriving boutique shopping and dining scene. Its inclusion on the 2026 list reflects the dedicated efforts of local hosts, tourism operators, and businesses to maintain the town's renowned welcoming atmosphere, even as its international profile expands.
Tourism in Noosa is currently experiencing significant momentum, with several new openings enhancing its appeal. Notable additions include the Elysium Resort, Allawah Resort, the Italian restaurant Cibaria, and Colombo Foodies, a Sri Lankan street-food concept. While the famous Hastings Street remains a primary draw, Noosa offers countless off-the-beaten-track experiences along the Noosa River and throughout its surrounding natural landscapes.
Community Pride and Industry Recognition
Sharon Raguse, CEO of Tourism Noosa, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, '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.' She emphasised that the recognition acknowledges the industry's commitment to ensuring every guest feels welcome, valued, and connected to the place.
Todd Lacey, Regional Manager for Oceania at Booking.com, added, 'We're incredibly proud to see Noosa Heads recognised this year, alongside the record number of Australian partners being acknowledged.' The blend of natural beauty, evolving tourism offerings, and easygoing coastal charm solidified Noosa's place as a top contender for this global hospitality accolade.
The Global Top Ten and Australian Honours
The complete global top ten most welcoming destinations for 2026, as determined by Booking.com, are: Noosa Heads (Australia); Montepulciano (Italy); Magong (Taiwan); San Martín de los Andes (Argentina); Harrogate (United Kingdom); Fredericksburg, Texas (USA); Pirenópolis (Brazil); Swakopmund (Namibia); Takayama (Japan); and Klaipėda (Lithuania).
Furthermore, nine other Australian towns were recognised as the country's friendliest, with none located in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, or the Australian Capital Territory. The list showcases the diverse hospitality offerings across the nation:
- Montville, Queensland: A charming Sunshine Coast town famed for waterfalls, restaurants, the 'Clock Shop', Baroon Pocket Dam, and a vibrant cafe culture.
- Margaret River, Western Australia: Renowned for world-class wines, this town also offers craft breweries, stylish boutiques, pristine beaches, limestone caves, and dramatic cliffs.
- Port Campbell, Victoria: A tiny seaside village on the Great Ocean Road that welcomes thousands drawn to the Twelve Apostles, featuring cafes and a jetty against dramatic coastal scenery.
- Maleny, Queensland: A laidback hinterland town on the Sunshine Coast, celebrated for its lush landscapes, acclaimed eateries, a famed chocolate store, and excellent local produce.
- Port Lincoln, South Australia: A seafood haven on the Eyre Peninsula, steeped in maritime history and surrounded by national parks offering wildlife encounters.
- Bicheno, Tasmania: A relaxed east coast fishing town known for its temperate climate, white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, penguin tours, and the Bicheno Blowhole.
- Ocean Grove, Victoria: The largest town on the Bellarine Peninsula, perfect for water enthusiasts with surf beaches and access to the Barwon River.
- Daylesford, Victoria: A renowned escape near Melbourne offering award-winning restaurants, wineries, natural mineral springs, and spas amidst rolling hills.
- St Helens, Tasmania: Perched on Georges Bay, this town is an ideal base for exploring the Bay of Fires, catering to adventure lovers and those seeking relaxation on beautiful beaches.
As Noosa's visitor numbers are expected to rise, a key challenge for the community will be balancing growth with the preservation of the defining, easygoing spirit that earned it this prestigious global recognition. The award serves as a meaningful endorsement of a destination that leads with care, community, and a genuine love for hosting people from around the world.
