Thinking about exploring Australian cities? Get ready to discover urban destinations that combine dreamy beaches, vibrant culture, and wild nature just minutes from the city center.
From the iconic Sidney Opera House to the street murals of Melbourne, the golden beaches of the Gold Coast and the vineyards of Adelaida, this continent-country offers experiences as varied as they are unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Best cities in Australia
In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Australia's top urban destinations so you can plan the trip of a lifetime.
Sydney: Australia's cosmopolitan gem
Sydney is that city that you recognize instantly even if you've never set foot in its streets. Its skyline, dominated by the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, is so photogenic it looks like something out of a movie.
But this metropolis of more than 5 million inhabitants is much more than postcards: it is morning surfing at Bondi Beach, walks through the historic neighborhood of The Rocks and sunsets that will leave you speechless from one of its viewpoints.
The Sydney Opera House is a must-see for your itinerary. You can take a guided tour or, better yet, get tickets to a show and experience it from the inside.
The Harbour Bridge allows you to walk across it for free or, if you dare, climb to its top on the BridgeClimb experience (expensive but epic).
Don't limit yourself to the city center: Bondi Beach is the epicenter of Australian surfing, while Manly Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is reached by ferry with spectacular views of the bay.
The Rocks transports you back to colonial times with its sandstone buildings, weekend markets, and historic pubs where you can enjoy a craft beer.
Where to stay in Sydney
- The CBD (financial district) puts you close to everything but can be expensive.
- Darling Harbour is more touristy but with a guaranteed nightlife.
- If you're looking for something more authentic and youthful, Surry Hills or Newtown are bohemian neighborhoods with great cafes and more reasonable prices.
- Beach lovers should consider staying in Bondi or Manly, even though they are further from the city center.
Best time to go to Sydney
Sydney shines especially between October and April, when the weather is warm and perfect for enjoying its beaches.
December-February is Australian summer: temperatures of 25-30°C, lots of people and higher prices.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, September-November or March-April are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
Tasmania: That great unknown
Although Tasmania doesn't get as much attention as other parts of Australia, it's well worth exploring.
With a high concentration of iconic Australian nature and wildlife, this island is an exceptional destination in its own right.
The western part is filled with green mountains and highland lakes, while the east is characterized by huge cliffs and beaches that rival the best on mainland Australia.
Its capital, Hobart, has a historic feel, more like a European city than one on the Australian continent. And its cuisine? Some of the best in Australia, with a thriving culinary scene, award-winning whisky distilleries, and a spate of new restaurants.
Tasmania is all about experiential travel, so what I'd really like to share here are some of the best quintessentially Tasmanian experiences you could plan your trip around.
They range from cultural tours and wild coastal hiking trails to exploring the island's convict history and some of the best wildlife viewing I've ever had.
Melbourne: Cultural and Gastronomic Capital
If Sydney is the pretty face, Melbourne is the creative soul of Australia. This city slowly wins you over: with its world-class art scene, its obsession with coffee (espresso is taken more seriously here than in Italy), and those secret alleyways filled with murals that look like open-air galleries.
laneways are Melbourne's alternative heart. Hosier Lane is constantly changing with new graffiti and is a free urban museum. Centre Place will surprise you with tiny cafes serving the best flat white of your life. The food scene is so diverse that you could eat at a different restaurant every day for a year without repeating a dish.
Melbourne is obsessed with events. The Australian Open (tennis in January), the Formula 1 Grand Prix (March), the Melbourne Comedy Festival (March-April) and the Melbourne Cup (horse racing in November) make the city a cultural hotbed all year round. Check the calendar before booking: accommodation prices skyrocket during these events.
The Great Ocean Road is arguably the most spectacular coastal road trip on the planet. The Twelve Apostles (rock formations in the ocean) alone justify the three-hour trip from Melbourne. You can do it on a day tour from Melbourne or, better yet, in two days to enjoy it at your leisure, stopping in beach towns like Lorne or Apollo Bay.
Brisbane: Gateway to Queensland
Brisbane is that city that many underestimate and that ends up surprising everyone. Less hectic than Sydney, sunnier than Melbourne, with a river that winds through the center and a subtropical atmosphere that invites you to always be outdoors.
South Bank is the perfect urban park: an artificial beach with real sand (yes, a beach right in the city center), botanical gardens, weekend markets, and a giant Ferris wheel with panoramic views.
The climate allows for outdoor activities almost year-round, from climbing Story Bridge to cruising the Brisbane River on the free ferries.
The true magic of Brisbane lies in its strategic location. To the south, the Gold Coast awaits you with endless beaches and perfect waves just an hour away. To the north, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa offer a more relaxed and natural atmosphere. And if you have time, the paradise islands of Fraser Island or Moreton Island are just a stone's throw away.
Perth: The city of Western Australia
The city of Perth is the great forgotten in many itineraries (it is literally at the other end of the country), but those who come here discover a relaxed gem with some of the best urban beaches in the world and an enviable lifestyle.
Cottesloe Beach is the ultimate sunset spot. Rottnest Island, a 30-minute ferry ride away, lets you meet quokkas (the most photogenic animals on the planet) and cycle along deserted beaches with turquoise water. Kings Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, with spectacular views of the city and the Swan River.
Northbridge is the epicenter of bars and restaurants, while Fremantle combines a harborside atmosphere with artisan markets and colonial architecture. Perth has a thriving craft beer scene and exceptional wines in the nearby Swan Valley.
Other notable cities in Australia
Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Base
Cairns exists primarily for you to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Diving, snorkeling, island paradises... and also the Daintree Rainforest just to the north. It's not the prettiest city, but no one comes here for the city, but for what surrounds it.
Adelaide – Wines and Culture
Adelaide is Australia's wine capital, surrounded by some of the country's most prestigious wine-growing regions such as Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. A laid-back city, it's perfect if you're looking for something less crowded, with top-notch cultural festivals and a surprising food scene.
Canberra – The federal capital
Canberra suffers from undeserved bad press. Yes, it was designed from the ground up as an administrative capital, but it's home to fascinating national museums (all free), the Parliament Building, and is surrounded by nature. It's perfect for a 2-3 day stopover if you're traveling between Sydney and Melbourne.
Darwin – Gateway to the Tropical North
Darwin is extreme heat, crocodiles, Asian night markets and access to Kakadu National Park, one of Australia's most impressive national parks. It's completely different from the rest of the country, with a strong Asian influence and a relaxed, big-town atmosphere.
About the author: In Where to Travel, you'll find comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides designed to help you discover the world's most fascinating destinations. We offer practical information, useful tips, and authentic recommendations to make your next adventure unforgettable.
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