Noosa Heads Just Made Booking.com’s Most Welcoming Cities List

Noosa Heads just pulled off a genuinely rare flex. In the latest Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, it’s been named one of the Most Welcoming Cities on Earth for 2026, landing in a global top ten alongside places like Montepulciano, Takayama and Klaipeda. The verdict is based on more than 370 million verified traveller reviews, which is hospitality feedback at an almost absurd scale.

Announced on 4th February, 2026, the awards spotlight the partners who consistently deliver the details people remember. The smile at check-in. The local tip that changes your weekend. The host who actually nails the “welcome” part of welcoming.

Noosa’s global moment

Between the beaches, hinterland, national parks and that effortless restaurant-and-boutique rhythm, Noosa Heads has long been a favourite for Australians who want a short break that feels like a reset. This recognition is less about the scenery and more about the way the town hosts. According to the release, it reflects the work of local operators and businesses who keep the experience warm, personal and genuinely cared for.

And it’s not just Noosa having a moment. Australia had a record 30,786 travel partners recognised this year, which is a serious tally of places doing hospitality properly.

The most welcoming cities in Australia for 2026

If you needed an excuse to plan your next long weekend, this list is basically a choose-your-own-adventure of good vibes:

• Noosa Heads, Queensland
• Montville, Queensland
• Margaret River Town, Western Australia
• Port Campbell, Victoria
• Maleny, Queensland
• Port Lincoln, South Australia
• Bicheno, Tasmania
• Ocean Grove, Victoria
• Daylesford, Victoria
• St Helens, Tasmania

From Great Ocean Road drama to spa-town softness and coastal Tasmania’s salt-air charm, it’s a line-up that feels both aspirational and actually doable.

The world’s most welcoming cities for 2026

Noosa sits alongside a beautifully eclectic global crew: Montepulciano (Italy), Magong (Taiwan), San Martín de los Andes (Argentina), Harrogate (UK), Fredericksburg (Texas), Pirenópolis (Brazil), Swakopmund (Namibia), Takayama (Japan) and Klaipeda (Lithuania).

So yes, Noosa just joined some very good company. And, honestly, it tracks.

What travellers are choosing when they book

Interestingly, holiday homes and apartments continue to dominate the awards, with more than 21,000 Australian properties recognised — 11,686 holiday homes and 9,961 apartments — a sign that travellers are leaning into privacy, flexibility and that “home but better” feeling.

If your travel plans need a spark, start here. These are the stays guests keep reviewing, rebooking and recommending for all the right reasons. And for those who like the finer detail: Booking.com calculates award scores using guest reviews published between 1st December 2022 and 30th November 2025, with final scores confirmed on 1st December 2025. Craving more inspiration? Explore our favourite retro motels and island escapes across Australia.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

4 February 2026

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.