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.

It shouldn’t be a shock, then, that a coastal Queensland town has made Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards, being named among the world’s top 10 most welcoming towns and cities.

Noosa Heads is also a shopping and dining hub, centred on Hastings Street. Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz

The most welcoming town is …

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 visitor experience feels personal, authentic and genuine.

And those millions of reviewers have put Noosa Heads in the top 10 of Booking.com’s most welcoming cities.

We’ll admit, it’s a little confusing, considering Noosa Heads – with a population of less than 60,000 – is generally considered a town. But it has the big punch of a city and sits in the top 10 with the likes of Montepulciano in Italy (home to 13,000 people) and Takayama in Japan (population 88,000) – 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,” 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.”

Alongside the most welcoming cities on Earth came the announcement from Booking.com 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

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 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 bathhouses and spas that will have them forgetting they were ever stressed in the first place.

Meanwhile, foodies can dine their way through the many restaurants and cafes that make the Noosa Heads food scene so memorable.

Republished from Australian Traveller