Australians pride themselves on being an easy-going bunch. But there are some places where the locals just welcome you with open arms.
If you love travelling regional Australia, you’re probably already familiar with our list of Australia’s top towns but have you ever wondered which towns lay claim to the title of most welcoming?
Well, look no further because Booking.com has released the 10 most welcoming regions on Earth for 2025. And one Australian state has topped the list.
The most welcoming region on Earth
South Australia has been named the most welcoming region on Earth. (Image: Booking.com/Getty Images)
Drumroll, please… the wonderful South Australia has been named the most welcoming region on Earth! Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, this accolade cements South Australia’s reputation as a destination of unparalleled hospitality and warmth.
South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison believes the accolade is no surprise to locals who experience the state’s daily hospitality.
The region’s friendly locals, breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned wine regions all contribute to its appeal. The acknowledgment highlights the exceptional efforts of hospitality providers, from luxury accommodations to boutique holiday homes and family-run stays.
Port Lincoln was voted the seventh most welcoming city in Australia. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Port Lincoln on SA’s Eyre Peninsula, also secured a spot among the most welcoming cities in Australia list for 2025, coming in at seventh place. Known for its pristine coastline and unique wildlife encounters, Port Lincoln is a testament to South Australia’s ability to combine natural beauty with world-class hospitality.
Booking.com regional manager for Oceania Todd Lacey said that Booking.com’s partners go above and beyond to help create memorable travel moments.
“We’re thrilled to see South Australia recognised on the global stage this year and look forward to continuing to support our local partners as they welcome visitors to the state’s world-class events, wine regions and scenic landscapes," Todd shared.
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Who else made the list?
Montville was voted Australia’s most welcoming town. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
In the list of the most welcoming regions on Earth, South Australia joined the esteemed company alongside Osijek-Baranja in Croatia, Kakheti in Georgia, Madeira in Portugal, and Misiones in Argentina.
Joining Port Lincoln among the top 10 most welcoming cities in Australia were Montville and Maleny in Queensland coming in first and second place respectively, and Margaret River Town in Western Australia rounding out the top three. Mudgee and Orange in Central West NSW came in fourth and 10th place, Ocean Grove, Halls Gap and Daylesford represented Victoria in fifth, eighth and ninth place, while Bicheno in Tasmania placed sixth.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.
Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.
Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.
Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.
Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions
Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)
If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.
The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.
Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.
Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.
Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee
Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)
As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.
Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.
The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po, where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.
Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed, the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.
Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee
Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)
Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.
Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell, which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.
The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.
And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.
Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee
Meet the locals at Border Inn.
As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.
The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.
The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green.For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.
A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.
Wimmera Mallee accommodation
Escape to Fulham Homestead.
If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest.After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge, also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.
For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.
The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.
If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.
Annual events
Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.
You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.
Each year, the Lake Chelegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.
Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show, which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj, a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.
