Australia and Australians are famed around the world for their friendly and welcoming natures, and this is consistently emphasised by various studies and surveys.
In the latest,  conducted by travel experts Conde Nast, Sydney was named as the second friendliest city in the world, after Charleston in the US but ahead of the likes of Dublin in Ireland and Queenstown in New Zealand.
Of course, what these sorts of studies tend to focus on are the major international tourism destinations rather than the ‘real’ heart of a country. Most would probably agree that country hospitality outstrips that of the more impersonal metropolitan centres.
Of course, many Conde Nast readers would tend to put more emphasis on top hotels, restaurants and facilities to spend extended amounts of time in the Outback. But, if they were towing a caravan, would a trip to the likes of Julia Creek in Queensland or Bulahdelah in New South Wales be enough to persuade them to catapult those grey nomad friendly towns ahead of Sydney and even Charleston.
Almost certainly.
Notwithstanding the complaints about caravan park prices and sometimes the lack of free camping, there are not many grey nomads who would argue with the fact that they are both fortunate and privileged to travel in this amazing country. And, while they may have reason for the odd gripe as they interact with less than friendly people, most would agree that they are generally warmly welcomed and their contribution to communities, both in terms of the local economy and the social vibrancy is hugely valued.
So, it is time to pay tribute to those genuinely friendly places and those wonderful friendly people who have most touched your hearts as you have travelled the highways and byways.
Comment below to tell us where you think the most friendly place in Australia is and why.
For us it has to be Texas Qld. A great free camp on the river not far out of town, rubbish bins supplied and the area well maintained. In town we have free hot showers. The thing that we noticed every time we went into town was how welcoming and friendly the people were,from the op shop to the pub, the butcher and super market, Jenny (swmbo) says the hairdresser was the best and cheap too. I remember the Nrma guy who came to help me with a flat battery, who did more than required by giving me a lift into town and back again Thank you Texas
Winton Qld has our vote. Free Wi Fi at library, great meals at the pubs, very friendly Caravan Park Great Free Camp out at the waterhole.
Their new hospital is second to none – had occasion to be ambulanced in to there with minor heart attack.
Beachport S A has my vote quiet friendly caravan park on the beach close to shops and pub
How about the South Burnett Council area in SE Qld? it has 13 free campsites with toilets and showers.