Booking.com has announced the recipients of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards, revealing two NSW destinations among 2025’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia: Mudgee and Orange.
Based on more than 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards honour travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service.
In 2025, a record-breaking 1.71 million partners are being recognised, a 16 per cent increase compared to the year prior. This includes 1,711,539 accommodations, 1329 rental car companies and 124 taxi providers.
Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in a city, this year’s Most Welcoming Cities In Australia list showcases the country's diverse charm and hospitality, inspiring unforgettable adventures for the year ahead.
Located just three and a half hours from Sydney, both towns offer world-class visitor experiences including fine food and wine, agritourism and exhilarating adventure sports, set against a backdrop of stunning country landscapes.
.jpg?rect=0,1,1800,1198&w=320&h=213&auto=format)
2025’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia
- Orange, NSW
- Mudgee, NSW
- Montville, Queensland
- Maleny, Queensland
- Margaret River Town, Western Australia
- Ocean Grove, Victoria
- Bicheno, Tasmania
- Port Lincoln, South Australia
- Halls Gap, Victoria
- Daylesford, Victoria
Booking.com Regional Manager, Oceania Todd Lacey said: “Our Booking.com partners go above and beyond to help create memorable travel moments.
"The annual Traveller Review Awards are just one way that we can spotlight these dedicated hospitality heroes, saying thank you not just from Booking.com, but from the hundreds of millions of travellers who use Booking.com to experience the world.
Booking.com reported that holiday homes continue leading the way for accommodation. Apartments continue to lead as the most-awarded accommodation type for the eighth consecutive year (847,627 awards). Holiday homes (259,105) maintain their second place, outperforming hotels (190,670) for the third year running.
In Australia, awards for holiday homes and other unique properties increased by 25 per cent, which Booking.com said reflected travellers' continuing enthusiasm for a variety of stays that offer distinctive hospitality and memorable experiences.