Daylesford named as one of the most welcoming places on earth - Travel Australia

Feb 01, 2024

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne you'll find Australia's friendliest town.

Well this is nice! The picturesque town of Daylesford, Victoria, has been named the fourth most welcoming destination in the world. The super sweet accolade comes after Booking.com’s 12th annual Traveller Review Awards, in which the regional township was the only Australian destination to be recognised.

The travel website released the ten most welcoming destinations by collating over 309 million reviews, ranking the cities with the highest number of properties that received exceptional hospitality reviews.

Known for its mineral springs and vibrant art scene, Daylesford is located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, about 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The traditional land of the Dja Dja Wurrung clan, the town is situated around Lake Daylesford and is famous for its Swiss-Italian architecture, striking natural beauty, great restaurants and, of course, very welcoming citizens.

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Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Brian Hood said the award, voted by accommodation website Booking.com, “reflected exceptionally well” on the Daylesford community.

“It’s quite an incredible accolade to be recognised not only as a great destination but as a welcoming one,” Cr Hood said.

“In this day and age, with everything else that’s going on worldwide, it’s pretty significant and notable that we’ve got such a friendly, welcoming community.”

When asked what made the town so welcoming, Cr Hood said it was just in the locals’ nature.

Lake Daylesford source: VisitVic