Hinterland towns awarded top spots in Traveller Review awards
By Sonia Isaacs
MONTVILLE and Maleny have topped the list of Australia’s ‘Most Welcoming Cities’ in the 13th annual Traveller Review Awards.
The 2025 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, based on over 360 million customer reviews globally—including more than five million in Australia—highlight the region’s exceptional hospitality.
According to Booking.com’s Area Manager for Australia, Joanne Whitby-Lee, the recognition highlights the consistent high ratings provided by visitors.
“Maleny and Montville make for idyllic welcoming destinations year-round. For those seeking variety, this region has it all from beautiful green landscapes offering stunning views complimented by its scenic walks, exquisite art culture, famous Maleny dairy farms and fine dining,” Ms Whitby-Lee said.
“For Maleny and Montville to feature, it means they have had a high number of top traveller reviews across the past year.
“With a wealth of accommodations dotting the hinterland and coast, travellers can easily experience this region’s world-class hospitality. This is reflected in the popularity of holiday homes in the region.”
Hinterland Tourism President Kerry Brown said she was pleased to see the Hinterland towns of Montville and Maleny once again recognised in the top 10 list of most welcoming places in Australia. She said to take out the two top spots was even better!
“It’s great to share the love for our incredible region however it’s also an important recognition of the people who own and operate the amazing businesses in Maleny and Montville that make our region so welcoming,” she said.
“They are the very reason this region continually ranks so high in the bookings.com listing and I’m incredibly proud of every single one of them.”
According to Booking.com, searches for Maleny and Montville on the platform increased by 20% in February compared to the previous year.
The demand for holiday homes has been particularly strong, with this accommodation type
receiving the most accolades in the Traveller Review Awards.
Among the award-winning properties is Treetops Seaview in Montville, which exemplifies the region’s outstanding hospitality and scenic charm. With a growing number of travellers looking for unique and immersive experiences, Montville and Maleny and continue to establish themselves as premier destinations for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in Queensland’s hinterland.