Australia is one of the most desirable countries in the world to live and it is easy to see why with the modern cities, beautiful beaches, friendly people and warm climate.
If you want to plan a trip for tourism Down Under or you like the idea of going to work in Australia, check out our guide to the top cities in Australia to visit or live.
Some cities are world famous locations you will of probably heard of, but others are lesser known and offer a really unique way to experience a less touristy side to Australia.
1. Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s oldest city, and is simply spectacular. The harbour is impressive and is blessed with the great beaches and friendly individuals inhabiting this sun kissed city.
Sydney is hectic yet relaxed, with a refreshing mix of a mature and fresh energy, with delicious restaurants, world class museums and plenty to see and do. Sydney is sparkling with attractions with landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, never failing to amaze.
When to visit:
With hundreds of sunny days a year, Sydney is a great place to visit all year round. In the peak of Australian summer the weather is hot and can reach temperatures of up to 40oC, but if you stick to the spring or autumn months the temperatures drop to something like 25oC.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne is home to around 3.5 million people, set on the beautiful banks of the Yarra River and the shoreline of the breathtaking Port Phillip Bay.
Melbourne is diverse, stylish and multicultural. With its grand and vibrant ambience, Melbourne is perfectly suited to home Australia’s major sporting events. Visitors in their thousands flock to see the Australia Formula One Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup Horse Race and Australian Tennis Open.
The restaurants, nightlife, cafes, bars, and shops are all enviable, with a real sense of passion escaping into the Melbournian atmosphere. A place you will always find something to keep you engrossed.
When to visit:
This is an amazing place to visit all year round, with the blooming gardens and quirky nature areas away from the city. In the summer and spring months bask in the lovely sunshine or opt for the autumnal months and stroll through the crisp gardens and parks
3. Perth
Perth is nestling between the Indian Ocean and the ancient Darling Ranges, with the most wonderful beaches peeping out from behind the modern city centres skyscrapers.
Perth is effervescent and diverse; noticeably unusual is the isolation from the rest of the country, which gives Perth a sense of intrigue. A sunny city with many must do activities, including the weekend markets and outdoor cafes.
When to visit:
Due to its curious Mediterranean climate, Perth is mainly sunny and fine for most of the year with warm temperatures, giving a real sense of al fresco living.
4. Adelaide
Adelaide is an extensive and dignified Australian city, and one of the top places to see in South Australia. It is pleasing to the eye with the colonial stone architecture and the beautiful River Torrens flowing through the city.
Adelaide is flat and compressed making this cultural city effortless to explore. Enjoy the fine wine and food, with some of Australia’s finest beaches and beautiful hills, all within easy reach.
When to visit:
Renowned for hosting many cultural events, it is an ideal opportunity to visit this ‘Festival City’ during the Adelaide Fringe Festival. The festival is on for several weeks during the months of February to March and is a unique opportunity to see artists producing a wide variety of interesting works.
5. Brisbane
Brisbane is one of Australia’s largest cities, oozing a casual and relaxed air of charm. Originally a convict settlement in the early 1820’s and now home for more than 1.6 million people.
Brisbane has amazing tropical landscape, combined with the meandering Brisbane River; it is a truly attractive city. It is an ideal place to explore Queensland’s finest galleries, museums, sanctuaries, theatres and night life.
When to visit:
Just 768 kilometres south of the Tropic of Capricorn, Brisbane has a hot and humid climate with the summer months reaching temperatures in excess of 30oC. If you prefer it cooler, the winter months are mild and pleasurable averaging a sunny 15oC.
6. Cairns
Cairns is such a colourful and exciting city, with its glitzy lagoons and pristine Pier Marketplace. It boasts modernism and cosmopolitanism and is so massively popular with travellers.
Cairns is brimming with energy, with its stunning dining locations, markets, accommodation and seaside ambience. It is an ideal base to explore the highlights of the east coast of Australia including attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, Atherton Tableland and beyond.
When to visit:
The city is positively booming all year round, with peak season from June to October when the rainfall is smallest and temperatures pleasantly hot. November is great for good deals on accommodation, with the sunshine still glowing yet the hordes of tourists subsiding.
7. Hobart
Hobart is Australia’s southernmost city, oozing charm and elegance with its old colonial architecture. This charming city boasts a beautiful bustling harbour with a stunning mountain backdrop.
Hobart is a peaceful city, with a thriving festival scene. You can feel a great sense of history seeping through into the atmosphere. It is an ideal base to explore the stunning surrounding countryside.
When to visit:
The hustle and bustle of the docks is truly exhilarating, especially in December to January with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Hobart Summer Festival. Temperatures on average are in the very pleasant mid 20oC’s during the summer months.
8. Darwin
Darwin is the capital of Northern Australia, seeping diversity and vibrancy amongst the small population. It is a resilient city, having survived the bombings of World War II and the tropical twisters that struck in 1897 and 1974; it is a truly fascinating city to see.
Darwin boats a vast array of multicultural eating places and nightlife, greatly influenced by its Northern neighbour: Asia. With its lush landscape and tropical atmosphere beaming through, Darwin is an enticing city to visit.
When to visit:
Tourists are enchanted with this diverse city and its alluring tropical climate. Visit Darwin from May to September for hot and dry conditions, or if you prefer it slightly cooler go in December to March although this is the rainy season.
If our guide has made you want to book a flight to Australia set up a dream trip today. On Gap Year World you can find working holidays, Australia gap year jobs and also adventure tours where you can see the highlights of the country.