A Guide To Australia’s Biggest Cities
Australia has a weird reputation overseas. Some people are super obsessed with visiting, some people have 0 interest, some people have watched too much The Crocodile Hunter and think we all live in the outback slicing up snakes with a machete.
Whatever your opinions about Australia, if you haven’t visited or if you’re planning to, I thought I’d give you a rundown of some of the biggest cities in Australia. You know, so you can plan your itinerary THE RIGHT WAY.
Let's take a quick tour through the top 5 biggest Australian cities, exploring what makes each one a must-visit destination on your travel bucket list.
1. Sydney
Location: New South Wales
Population: 4,627,345
Climate: Summer averages 26°C (78°F), Winter averages 16°C (60°F)
Main Industry: Finance, Manufacturing, and Tourism
The Sydney Opera House looks like a stack of Pringles. THERE, I SAID IT. Anyway, when you hear “Australia” you probably hear “Sydney” which is fine. But it’s also—IN MY HUMBLE OPINION—while Syd is the biggest city, it’s not the best city in Aus.
There are some great parts of Sydney—Manly, the Botanic Gardens, the Bondi to Bronte walk, and the Sydney Harbour are all great spots.
If you can, check out the Opera On The Harbour (you will not regret it). And I also loved the BridgeClimb when I did it (only if you’re not afraid of heights!). The guides are v knowledgeable and if you go on a nice, clear sunny day, the views are breathtaking.
I was coerced into this pose, pls help.
Hunter Valley is also excellent if you like your vino. And you can find some good food in Sydney, it’s just that it’s often overpriced. Also, beach parking in Sydney and surrounding areas is criminal. But it does have stuff going for it. I just don’t think it’s as good as Melbourne, SORRY NOT SORRY.
It is a better-looking city than Melbourne though, I’ll give it that.
2. Melbourne
Location: Victoria
Population: 4,246,375
Climate: Summer averages 25°C (77°F), Winter averages 14°C (57°F)
Main Industry: Finance, IT, and Education
I LOVE MELBOURNE—it’s my favourite city in Australia so prepare to be biased.
Best coffee in Australia, hands down, I don’t care what anyone says. CBD is not that interesting unless you want to pop in the State Library, visit some of the laneways, or do some shopping. And there are a few cool CBD restaurants. One thing you SHOULD DO is visit the NGV. Because the NGV rules.
The NGV ruuulesss, I love the NGV!
But mostly you’ll want to go off the beaten path and check out surrounding areas. Every single one of Melbourne’s neighbourhoods has a cool history, great coffee, nice shops, great parks.
In terms of the southside, do not expect Sydney-level beaches here—St Kilda is a vibe but it still has its dodgy bits. Visit The Espy if you can! And then hit the northside for all the spots. Places like Collingwood, Abbotsford, Fitzroy (though it is a bit overrated at this point) and Brunswick are where it’s at.
I used to live in Carlton North, so the little strip on Lygon St where you get Readings, Cinema Nova and Pidapipo is my favourite spot in Melbourne, hands down.
3. Brisbane
Location: Queensland
Population: 2,189,878
Climate: Summer averages 30°C (86°F), Winter averages 21°C (69°F)
Main Industry: Mining, Finance, and IT
I used to really hate Brisbane (and it’s not just because my ex and his entire family live there). But as I’ve lived just an hour away from it for the last 4 years, it’s *sort of* grown on me, in a weird way. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t *love* Brisbane, and I honestly don’t think I ever will.
But it’s got it’s charms—Fortitude Valley (or The Valley as the locals call it) is NOT one of them. If you have more than 2 brain cells, I would avoid it.
Howard Smith Wharves. Southbank. Agnes Bakery. Red Hill and Paddington. Mount Coot-tha. Lone Pine Sanctuary (hot tip: Queensland is the only place in Australia where you can cuddle a koala). Brisbane has its moments. It’s just so dang hot all the time. And the Brisbane River (aka The BROWN SNAKE??? *vomit emoji*) is horrific and gross. Soz, Brissie.
4. Perth
Location: Western Australia
Population: 1,896,548
Climate: Summer averages 31°C (88°F), Winter averages 18°C (64°F)
Main Industry: Mining, Tourism, and Energy
I think Perth is underrated!!! I actually really like Perth and it has a lot going for itself. It does NOT get enough credit. If you’re ever fortunate to visit Western Australia, I definitely recommend a quick trip to Perth.
Nice beaches, really good food, epic weather. Oh and Fremantle is epic. Do not skip it.
5. Adelaide
Location: South Australia
Population: 1,225,235
Climate: Summer averages 29°C (84°F), Winter averages 15°C (59°F)
Main Industry: Health Care, Social Assistance, and Manufacturing
I have never been to Adelaide, so I can’t say anything about it. But I have friends who were born in Adelaide and the main thing they always love to mention are the beaches. Apparently, South Australia has some pretty impressive beaches! But don’t take it from me, because I’ve never been to Adelaide.
Adelaide looks pretty cool? Please tell me your thoughts if you’ve ever been.
There’s also Barossa Valley for stellar wine, the cute Central Market aaaand…that’s all I know about Adelaide. It’s on my list! But if you get there first, please write to me and report back on everything you’ve seen. Cheers!
