Looking for a happiness fix? Why not try relocating to Wagga, Australia's own happiest place on earth?

In a survey released by Deakin University, it found that residents of Wagga and the wider Riverina are extremely happy people whose contentment is not derived from material possessions nor an ounce of dark chocolate nor fleeting highs.

Professor Robert Cummins, the survey's proponent, said Wagga residents are happy because they have a very strong positive sense of themselves.

A person to be counted as "happy" in the Australian average should rate at 75 out of a 100-point system. But Wagga residents are at 79.5, solidifying Wagga as the happiest city in Australia, Cummins said.

The survey was conducted by phone across the nation. Participants were questioned their satisfaction rate over their standard of living, health, relationships, personal safety and other criteria.

The professor likewise pointed out that people in rural areas are happier and nicer probably due to simpler lifestyles.

"I think people in rural areas do better because they are nicer people who have a strong sense of community and they connect with others," he told the Daily Advertiser.

"We generally find the areas in Australia that do well are those that have a strong regional centre, are as far from Melbourne and Sydney as you can get, and have people living in a rural setting or rural large town or small city."

Cummins went to Wagga to film a story on happiness for "60 Minutes." The professor said he was greatly impressed with Wagga, and its beaches, as well as the city layout and features.