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For social butterflies, the biggest appeal of travel is the chance to meet new people. Whether you’re chatting with lovely locals or swapping stories with fellow travellers, these connections make your time in a new place so much more memorable.
Hand in hand with our breathtaking scenery, Australia’s reputation as a friendly nation makes a real difference for newcomers or those just passing through. Some places go above and beyond when welcoming visitors – and World Atlas has just spotlighted the ten friendliest little towns in Australia doing just that. Save this list for your next long weekend!
1. Montville, QLD
Home to around 1,000 friendly locals, Montville is the perfect short break from Brisbane via a scenic 90-minute drive. This hinterland village was named Australia’s most welcoming place in 2025, and after visiting last year, I can confirm it’s every bit as lovely as it looks. Go for the old-school architecture, quirky antique stores and cosy cafés, but stay for the warm, laid-back vibe.
2. Berry, NSW
Berry has long been considered one of NSW’s cutest towns, but it’s also one of its friendliest. The well-preserved Victorian town charms visitors with its heritage shopfronts, leafy streets and wildly impressive curation of bakeries, boutiques and top-tier seasonal eateries. Berry’s appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed: it was named NSW’s top Small Tourism Town for three years running (2022–2024), cementing its status as a fave weekend escape for city dwellers.
3. Bicheno, TAS
Tucked just 30 minutes south of the iconic Freycinet National Park, this tiny fishing village is a firm favourite with most Tasmanians. Head here for a relaxing sea change, and stay for the warm coastal hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere. Bicheno Beams – the town's free, annual winter light festival – is another fabulous time to visit.
4. Huskisson, NSW
Affectionately known as Huski, this beautiful village offers a quieter escape compared with the world-famous white-sand beaches of Jervis Bay just next door. Spend your days swimming in the sheltered waters, make friends at the local holiday park or join the free Saturday parkrun along Moona Moona Creek.
5. Hahndorf, SA
Located just 30 minutes from Adelaide, this wholesome German village is one of my favourite places in all of Australia. Its main strip couldn’t be more adorable, especially in autumn when the leaves turn fiery shades of orange and red. Cosy up in traditional German pubs, pick strawberries fresh from the local farm and meet the local makers in the many gift shops.
6. Portarlington, VIC
Portarlington is a picturesque seaside town that’s well worth a stopover when doing the Great Ocean Road. It claims the title of the ‘Mussel Capital of Victoria’, supplying more than half of Australia’s national harvest. While the town loves welcoming visitors each January for the annual Portarlington Mussel Festival, visiting any other month offers an uncrowded, uncomplicated getaway.
7. Yamba, NSW
Yamba is a gem in NSW’s Northern Rivers region, where you’ll be welcomed by a community of beach-loving sunshine enthusiasts and a pod of dolphins often spotted moving gracefully up and down the coast. Come here to enjoy its beautifully unspoiled beaches, explore its historic lighthouse and eat your way through its rapidly developing dining scene.
8. Bermagui, NSW
This Sapphire Coast treasure is best known for the Bermagui Blue Pool. Carved into the rock shelf, the pool has been a community gathering place for generations. After a swim there, you might want to fish or kayak at Wallaga Lake, bushwalk along Middle Lagoon Walking Track, pop into a local gallery or tour Montreal Goldfield, Australia’s only seaside goldfield.
9. Tathra, NSW
Also on NSW’s Sapphire Coast, Tathra loves welcoming visitors for its packed calendar of ocean swims, trail runs and mountain bike events. The warm and welcoming Tathra Hotel is great for a post-race feed, with plenty of cute bush cottages or pet-friendly holiday parks to extend your stay.
10. Port Fairy, VIC
Port Fairy is our Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn’s ultimate happy place in Australia. The best time to visit is during the town’s annual folk festival, which has been running for almost 50 years. You’re bound to make plenty of friends as you jam to folk, roots and world music from more than 100 artists. Outside festival time, you'll find a little coastal village with a good beach and very little else. Great if you're after some forced relaxation.