Australia is a country in Oceania that is gradually becoming one of the most favourable travel destinations for education, leisure and socioeconomic opportunities. If you have ever been wondering what are the best cities in Australia, I have simplified this task by presenting in this article the best 15 top cities to visit and live in Australia.
Australia is by far the largest city in the Pacific Region and it is the sixth-largest country in the world by land mass. It lies between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Australia is a country with a highly developed economy. And, these Australian physical and socio-economic characteristics mean one thing.
It means that Australia will have many large cities facing an ocean (or sea) with several amazing beachfront, recreation and hospitality facilities. And this is exactly one of the physical attributes of Oz that draws people massively to this beautiful southern country.
Australia as a huge “island-continent” country has a good number of interesting cities – many are highly developed and some retain a “town-feel” whilst maintaining the natural character of any Aussie city.
Several Australian cities have consistently featured within the top 10 ranks of the World’s Most Livable Cities list curated annually by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU). Some of these Aussie cities have many times been ranked as the number one Most Livable Cities in the World!
In this post, I will be presenting some of these best cities to visit or live in Australia in more detail as a kind of round-up from my post on an in-depth review and analysis of the best cities to visit and live in Australia.
From amazing sandy beaches to an abundance of natural charms, museums and historic centres, high-rise filled urban settings, authentic Oz wineries, unique culinary flavours, and rich Aussie ambience and characters, here are the top fifteen (15) cities to visit and live in Australia.
Top 15 Cities to Visit and Live in Australia
1. Sunshine Coast, Queensland [Map]
Sunshine Coast is not the largest city in Australia or the most economically vibrant but the city ranks highest in terms of quality of life, affordability, safety, and health care among other criteria. This makes the Queensland City of Sunshine Coast ranks at the top of the best cities to visit and live in Australia.
Sunshine Coast, as the name suggests, is one of the very “beachy” Australian cities. The city is located in South East Queensland and about 100km north of the state capital, Brisbane.
The Sunshine Coast is not exactly a city. It is a peri-urban region along the South Pacific coast of Australia that features great landscapes (mountains and forests), white sandy beaches, sunshine throughout the year and sprawling urban settlements.
On the Sunshine Coast, you will find cities and towns such as Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Coolum, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Maroochydore, Rainbow Beach and Marcoola. Noosa Heads, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Coolum are the four most popular cities on the Sunshine Coast.
Life is generally slow-paced, calm and relaxed on the Sunshine Coast. The region is the most affordable urbanized location in Australia. The Sunshine Coast is characterized by beachfront residences and accommodations, beautiful beaches, golf courses, snorkelling spots, markets, cultural and dining centres, and a vibrant CBD.
The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most expensive properties in the Australian state of Queensland. If you are looking for a great place to live and revel on the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Beach, Noosa Heads and Mooloolaba top the list.
[External Link: Visit Sunshine Coast]
2. Sydney, New South Wales [Map]
With a population of over 5.2 million, Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales (NSW). The city is also the financial and economic powerhouse of the country which makes it one of the best cities to visit and live in Australia.
The city of Sydney is the number one choice for job seekers and business people visiting or moving to Australia.
Sydney is built around a harbour. The harbour is the most popular area in Sydney, who hasn’t heard of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Sydney Opera House? The Sydney Harbour is not just popular for its attractions, it is also a great cruise location. Cruising along the harbour with views of the Sydney cityscape is very common among visiting tourists to the city – and even the locals!
We cannot talk about Sydney without mentioning its beaches. Sydney’s Bondi and Manly beaches are the two most famous beaches in Australia. These beaches are also world-known.
There are quite several great places to live in Sydney for all categories of interest and budget. According to Movehub Arncliffe and Croydon Park are the most affordable places to live in Sydney characterized by cheap property prices; Waverly and Terrey Hills are good areas for green spaces; Carlingford and Baulkham Hills for schools or schooling; the Central Business District (CBD) and Newtown are best areas for culture; for foodies, Surry Hills and Potts Points are the best places; and Darlinghurst and Darling Harbour are great for nightlife.
For luxury lovers, the eastern suburb of Sydney has the most expensive streets and neighbourhoods. And on top of the list of the best most expensive (luxury) areas to live in Sydney are Tamarama, Darling Point, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Centennial Park, Woolwich, Rose Bay, Dover Bay, and Mosman [Source].
Sydney is a major city which stands at par with any major city across the world, be it New York, London, or Tokyo. Therefore, the consequential effects of its urban status are its high cost of living and traffic congestion.
Sydney is a great city and the best in Australia for economic and financial considerations.
3. Melbourne, Victoria [Map]
Melbourne is the capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The city is home to over 4 million people. Melbourne is undoubtedly the most multicultural city in the whole of Australia, one of the reasons the city is indisputably regarded as the cultural capital of Australia.
Melbourne is an excellent city for education (especially for international students), and the Oz Centre of Arts and Culture.
As one of the best cities to visit and live in Australia, Melbourne has in the past consistently ranked as the most livable city in the world and not just in Australia. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s global livability rankings, the city was ranked as the world’s most livable city for seven years in a row – from 2011 to 2017. In 2022, Melbourne was the most livable city in Australia and it ranks at number ten (10) globally, a position it jointly held with Osaka, Japan.
If you are a tennis lover, you would have probably easily recognized Melbourne for its role as the host of the first major tennis tournament every year – the Australian Open! Aside from being the sports capital of Australia, Melbourne abounds with other great attractions and activities that keep any tourist or visitor refreshed and entertained throughout a visit.
Some of Melbourne’s city attractions are the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Melbourne Zoo, Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV International, the Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Skydeck, the Federation Square, and the Melbourne laneways and arcades.
For the affluent tourist or visitor to Melbourne, the areas you can’t afford to miss (best for luxury lifestyle) in Melbourne are Toorak, East Melbourne, Brighton, Kooyong, Canterbury, Balwyn, Malvern, Kew, Middle Park and Camberwell [Source].
And if you are on a budget, you can consider suburbs such as Melton, Dallas, Hoppers Crossing, Pakenham, Carlton, Werribee, Coolaroo, Abbotsford and Tarneit which are much more affordable.
Melbourne is an all-round city and it has been successful in accommodating different classes of people from different cultural and economic backgrounds.
4. Perth, Western Australia [Map]
Perth is the capital of Western Australia. The city of Perth is the fourth largest in Australia, it has a population of about 2 million people.
The city is reputed as the most distanced city in Australia – it is the farthest from any other capital city in the country!
Perth is built around the Swan River and the city sits where the river meets the Oz southwest coast. The quality of life in Perth is Very High and the city is much more affordable than other eastern capital cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne. This is one of the top cities to visit and live in Australia if affordability with a very high quality of life entices you.
Perth is the sunniest city in Australia. It receives more sunlight than any other capital city in the country. The city is a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern urban life. Perth is a very family-friendly city. Its suburbs are lined with beautiful sandy beaches stretched along the Australian Indian Ocean coast.
Visit the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens and savour the charm of nature. The Park also provides a great view of the city. Other interesting sites and attractions in Perth include the Perth Mint, Swan River, The Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, Scitech and the State War Memorial.
You can also take a tour to Rottnest Island, Margaret Rivers, Penguin Islands, Fremantle (make sure to explore the markets in Fremantle), Rockingham, Cottesloe, Pinnacles Desert, Round House and cruise along the Swan River.
Some of the “cool” areas to live or stay in Perth according to a Western Australian local are West Leederville, North Fremantle, Northbridge, Scarborough, Mount Lawley, South Perth, Nedlands, and Victoria Park [Source].
Like any other major Oz city, Perth is not in any way short of the affluent. Dalkeith is the most affluent and most expensive area to live and stay in Perth. This is like the “A-Residence” in Perth! Other affluential areas to check out in Perth are Peppermint Grove, Cottesloe, City Beach, Eagle Bay, Swanbourne, Mosman Park, Nedlands, Trigg and Bajup [Source].
[External Link: Destination Perth – The Official Travel Website]
5. Brisbane, Queensland [Map]
The capital of the Australian State of Queensland, Brisbane is the third largest city in the country and it sits on the eponymous river – the River Brisbane. Brisbane is inhabited by about 2.4 million people.
The capital of the “Sunshine State” is filled with natural free spaces, parks and access to beaches in nearby regions like Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
Brisbane on its own is a popular tourist destination. South Bank is the most popular area in Brisbane. The city is adorned with landmarks and attractions such as the Queensland Museum, the City Botanic Gardens, Sciencentre, South Bank Parklands, King George Square, the Story Bridge, the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, the City Hall, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Some of the best places to live in Brisbane are the Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, Chermside, Spring Hill, St. Lucia, Ashgrove, and West End. While Teneriffe is the most upscale neighbourhood in Brisbane, other suburbs such as Chandler, New Farm, Ascot, Hamilton, Bulimba, Pullanvale, Fig Tree Pocket and Hawthorne are some of the best places for any luxury lovers visiting or moving to Brisbane.
[External Link: Visit Brisbane]
6. Canberra, ACT [Map]
Canberra is the capital city of Australia and the seat of the Australian National Government. Canberra is the largest inland (landlocked) city in Australia and it is the eighth largest city in the country. There are roughly 450,000 residents in Canberra.
The city is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and is the host to the Australian Parliament, the National Library of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy (the Old Parliament House), the Australian National Gallery, the Royal Australian Mint, the National Zoo and Aquarium, and the Australian National University.
Approximately 70% of the ACT is dedicated to nature parks and reserves and Canberra is particularly well-known as a 100% renewable energy city.
As the seat of the national government, activities in Canberra revolve around government institutions and education or related establishments and services.
Central to the city’s attractions is the Lake Burley Griffin. Other great sights and attractions to visit in Canberra are the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Questacon, Mount Majura Vineyard, the Black Mountain, Floriade, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Namadji National Park and Mount Ainslie Lookout.
Canberra is the second safest city in Australia after Sunshine Coast. The city has one of the lowest crime rates among the major Australian cities. This is one of the major reasons why Canberra is among the best cities to visit and live in Australia.
If you want to live in one of the upscale neighbourhoods (suburbs) in Canberra, Deakin and Forrest are the two most posh suburbs in the city. Other great neighbourhoods you may also consider are Yarralumla, Red Hill, Manuka, O’Malley, Griffith, Turner, and Braddon. Most of these neighbourhoods are almost entirely located in Canberra’s Inner South region. Deakin is the favourite of the wealthiest in the city.
[External Link: Welcome to Canberra]
7. Adelaide, South Australia [Map]
Adelaide is the cosmopolitan coastal capital city of the Oz state of South Australia. The population of Adelaide is around 1.3 million and it is the fifth most populous city in Australia. The city has a good number of parklands set around the River Torrens.
The city of Adelaide is known for its great foods, wines, shopping, beaches, fine arts, festivals, wildlife and nature space.
In Adelaide, you can wander through the city’s Botanical Garden, go for Strawberry picking at Beerenberg, Shop for fresh food (such as fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, etc.) at the Adelaide Central Market, take a tour of the galleries and museums in North Terrace, explore the Adelaide Zoo, relax at the Cleland Conservation Park, and go for a River Walk.
Other attraction of this culturally diverse Oz city includes the National Wine Centre, SkyCity Adelaide, Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval, Himeji Gardens, the Street Art Walking trail, the Mr Lofty Botanic Gardens, and the Belair National Park.
This very “green” South Australian city has topped the list of the World’s Most Livable City by the EIU, especially in 2021, and the city has featured within the top ten (10) ranks in the list for a couple of years which explains why Adelaide is a prominent city and listed among the top cities to visit and live in Australia.
Adelaide as a coastal city has some livable “beachy” residential neighbourhoods (suburbs). If you are looking for the best areas to live in Adelaide considering factors such as costs, North Brighton is number one. Other reputable livable neighbourhoods/suburbs in Adelaide are Henley Beach South, Kensington, Glenelg North, North Adelaide, Black Forest, Prospect, Bowden and Salisbury.
However, if cost is not a problem to you and opulence is your thing, the two most expensive neighbourhoods (suburbs) where you will find the wealthiest in the city are Unley Park and Toorak Gardens. Other upscale suburbs in Adelaide are Malvern, College Park, Medindie, Fitzroy, Millswood, Kingswood and Dulwich.
Adelaide is a very great city to visit and live in. Aside from its culinary and oenology prowess, Adelaide is an Aussie city where nature meets a free urban lifestyle.
Image Credit: Wei Zhang/Pixabay
8. Gold Coast, Queensland [Map]
Gold Coast is the second most populous city in Queensland after Brisbane and the sixth in the whole of Australia. The city is inhabited by more than 670,000 people and it is located about 66 kilometres (11 miles) southeast of Brisbane. Gold Coast is the largest non-capital city in Australia.
In the Gold Coast neighbourhood (suburb) of Southport, you will find the city’s Central Business District (CBD) which is the favourite location of most of the corporate offices in the city.
The most developed (urbanized) part of the Gold Coast is along its coast stretching for about 60 kilometres along the Australian South Pacific Coast. This is where you will find the most high-rises in the city.
Gold Coast as a whole is one of the major coastal tourist destinations as well as one of the best cities to visit and live in Australia. The city is characteristically famous for its world-class surfing beaches, theme parks, high-rises, nightlife and forested hinterland.
A visit to Gold Coast will not be complete without experiencing the city’s Surfers Paradise Beach, Sea World, SkyPoint Climb, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Coolangatta Beach, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, SkyPoint Climb, the Tamborine Mountain and Warner Bros. Movie World.
Aside from the city’s vibrant urban life, one of the prominent reasons why Gold Coast is famous is its beaches. Snapper Rocks, Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise, Rainbow Bay and Kirra Beach are some of the amazing beaches you can explore on the Gold Coast.
Palm Beach, Coombabah, Currumbin Waters, Labrador, Broadbeach Waters, Bundall, Mudgeeraba and Biggera Waters are some of the best neighbourhoods (suburbs) to live in Gold Coast.
Locals in Gold Coast usually refer to the really expensive neighbourhoods of the city as the “Million Dollar Suburbs”. The poshest among these million-dollar suburbs are the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach, Clear Island and the Paradise Point. This is where you will find most of Gold Coast’s luxury apartments and residences.
9. Darwin, Northern Territory [Map]
Darwin, the capital of the Australian State of Northern Territory. The city accommodates the majority of the residents of the sparsely populated state. The estimated population of Darwin is a little over 148,000.
The city of Darwin is built around a harbour, Port Darwin, on a low peninsula facing the Timor Sea. The city receives more rainfall than any other city in Australia.
Economic activities in Darwin revolve around government businesses, fruit growing, the military, oil exploration, bricks and tiles making and some form of export of pearls, cattle and uranium.
Darwin as one of the capital cities of Australia and the most developed centre in Australia’s Top End deserves a place on your “to-visit” list. It is one of the best cities to visit and live in Australia. Darwin can be divided into four (4) regions – Inner Darwin (Lyons Ward), North Darwin (Richardson Ward), East Darwin (Waters Ward) and West Darwin (Chan Ward).
In Darwin, you can relax at the Darwin Waterfront, book a cruise along the Darwin Harbour, watch the sunset at one of Darwin’s iconic beaches (Casuarina, Nightcliff and Mandil are some of the beaches in the city), watch a movie in the city’s Deckchair Cinema, wander through the Darwin Botanic Gardens, shop at any of the Darwin Markets (e.g. the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and the Parap Village Markets), swim with the crocodiles (crocs) at the Crocosaurus Cove (you should try out the “Cage of Death”), and explore the collections in any of the Darwin Museums [Source].
According to ratings by Darwin locals on Homely, Farrar, Wulagi, Rosebery, Larrakeyah, Humpty Doo, Stuart Park, Anula, Parap, Fannie Bay and Karama are some of the best areas (suburbs) to live in Darwin. Generally, the coastal (waterfront) neighbourhoods (suburbs) of Darwin are the best consideration for accommodation, apartments or residences in Darwin. Some of the most luxurious suburbs not included among the ones already mentioned but worth mentioning are Bayview, Nightcliff, Marrara, Rapid Creek, Jingli, Lyons and Leanyer.
10. Hobart, Tasmania [Map]
Hobart, located in the south-eastern part of the Australian island state of Tasmania sits on the River Derwent. It is the capital and largest city in Tasmania – almost half of the people in Tasmania live in Hobart!
The two most significant features of Hobart are Hobart Harbour (the second-deepest harbour in the world) and Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) which dominates the city’s scenery.
Hobart is inhabited by about 230,000 people.
Some of the best things to do and places you can visit in Hobart are the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the Farm Gate Markets, Salamanca Markets, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart Museum and Art Gallery, Mount Wellington, the Port Arthur historic site, and you can also take a cruise on the River Derwent or book a food tour in Hobart or during a visit to the Bruny Island.
In Hobart, it is normal and very common for visitors or tourists to experience some of the city’s native wildlife and one of the best ways to do this is to pay a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you will see genuine native Tasmanian faunas such as the Tasmanian Devil, Koalas and Wombats.
Battery Point and Sandy Bay are two of the most luxurious neighbourhoods (suburbs) in Hobart. Others include Hobart City (to be differentiated from Greater Hobart), Dynnyrne, Otago, Action Park, Glebe, North Hobart, Mount Nelson, and Taroona [Source].
And if you are a person that doesn’t care much about opulence, is on a budget or has strong consideration towards costs, properties and accommodations are much more affordable in neighbourhoods (suburbs) like, New Norfolk (the most affordable suburb in Hobart), Bridgewater, Rokeby, Dodges Ferry, Brighton, Claremont, Glenorchy, Midway Point, Old Beach and Sorell [Source].
Hobart is one of the best cities to visit and live in Australia for affordability and a relaxed laid-back island vibe.
11. Newcastle, New South Wales [Map]
Newcastle is a city built around a major harbour in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW). Newcastle is roughly 159.2 kilometres northeast of Sydney (the capital of New South Wales) and it’s about a 2.5-hour drive between the two cities. Approximately 480,000 people are living in Newcastle. The city is the second most populated in the state after Sydney.
Newcastle is mostly renowned for its coal exporting business. The city is the largest coal-exporting harbour in the world.
This harbour city is worth a visit as it provides access to many great sandy beaches ideal for surfers and families alike.
The Newcastle Memorial Walk, Fort Scratchley, the New Castle Museum, Blackbutt Reserve, Nobbys Beach, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Nobbys Head and Lighthouse, Stockton Beach and the Bogey Hole are some of the most popular attractions in Newcastle.
By far, Merewether is the most affluent neighbourhood in Newcastle closely followed by Bar Beach and Junction. Generally, areas closer to the city’s CBD and beaches are more expensive and affluent. Considering affordability, New Lambton, Adamstown Heights, Eleebana, Valentine, Warners Bay and Kotara are some of the cheapest places (suburbs) to live in Newcastle.
12. Townsville, Queensland [Map]
If you are looking for one of the best cities to experience some Australian marine life in its purest form, Townsville is probably a good place to start.
Townsville is a coastal city and a major port in northeastern Queensland at the mouth of Ross Creek on Cleveland Bay of the Coral Sea. The city has a population of 196,800 (Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimates, 2020).
It is a fantastic holiday destination with picture-worthy beaches, abundant of sunshine and closeness to the Great Barrier Reef. There are regular day trips from Townsville to the Great Barrier Reef throughout the week where you can enjoy diving and snorkelling amidst exotic marine floras and faunas.
With refreshing coastal winds, colourful streets and friendly locals, some of the best places to visit in Townsville are the Billabong Sanctuary, the Palmetum, the Reef Headquarters Aquarium, Riverway, Queens Garden, Maritime Museum of Townsville, Anderson Park, Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery, and Cape Pallarenda Conservational Park. [Source]
The Strand, Magnetic Island, Annandale, Mount Margaret, South Townsville, North Ward, Fairfield Waters and Bushland Beach are some of the most favourable neighbourhoods (suburbs) for residents and for visitors to stay in Townsville. However, Castle Hill is by far the most affluential suburb to live or stay in the city – it is the only million-dollar suburb in Townsville!
13. Geelong, Victoria [Map]
Geelong is a coastal city and a port in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. With a population of approximately 270,000, Geelong can be found 75km southwest of Melbourne the capital of Victoria.
The city of Geelong is one of the most livable cities in Victoria. With a laidback relaxed lifestyle and about an hour’s drive away from Melbourne, Geelong is close to amazing beaches and countryside – a perfect balance between coastal relaxation and rural escape!
The Geelong Waterfront and the Eastern Beach Reserve are two of the most popular natural attractions of the city. Other attractions are the Geelong Botanical Gardens, Geelong Gallery, Steampacket Gardens, the Adventure Park (reputed as the first and biggest theme park in the state of Victoria), the National Wool Museum, Cunningham Pier, Serendip Sanctuary, and the Geelong Wine Region. [Source] [External Link: 51 of the hottest things to do in Geelong]
Pakington Street nestled between Geelong West and Newton is a popular shopping centre in Geelong. This a great place in Geelong to shop locally for up-to-date fashions and homewares.
Geelong is not only great for its beaches, countryside and town feel, it is also a good place for golfing. The 13th Beach Golf Links is a dominant golfing venue in Geelong.
According to Soho Australia, the best neighbourhoods to live or stay in Geelong are Geelong West, Bell Park, Hamlyn Heights, North Geelong, Corio, South Geelong and Herne Hill.
14. Wollongong, NSW [Map]
Located along the Grand Pacific Drive, Wollongong is a coastal city about 80km (roughly an hour drive) south of Sydney in the Aussie state of New South Wales (NSW).
Colloquially called “The Gong”, Wollongong is located on the coast of the Tasman Sea in the Illawarra region of NSW. There are about 300,000 residents living in metro Wollongong which makes the city the third most populous city in NSW after Sydney and Newcastle.
Some of the most popular attractions in Wollongong are the Grand Pacific Drive, Wollongong Botanical Gardens, Nan Tien Temple, Port Kembla Beach, Wollongong Head Lighthouse, Wattamolla Beach, and the Wollongong Art Gallery.
In Wollongong, you can take a walk on the Illawarra Fly Tree, swim at the Macquarie Pass Jump Rock Waterfall, have a spectacular view of the Tasman Sea at the Stanwell Tops, check out the Sri Venkateswara Temple, and explore the Symbio Zoo where you can cuddle a Koala, pat a Kangaroo and get near red pandas, cheetahs or meerkats.
Wollongong is a remarkable Oz city much noted for its port activities, surf beaches, and relatively heavy industry. The city has for many times been one of the most expensive places to live in Australia and, in 2015 it was reported that houses in Wollongong were more expensive than in New York.
Cordeaux Heights, Kembla Grange, Mount Kembla, Shell Cove, Calderwood and Mount Keira are some of the best neighbourhoods (suburbs) to live or stay in Wollongong. Other more affordable suburbs include Albion Park, Warilla, Barrack Heights, Lake Illawarra, Windang and Oak Flats.
15. Cairns, Queensland, Australia [Map]
Any time the name “Cairns” is mentioned, the next thing that often follows or easily comes to mind is “the gateway to the Australian Great Barrier Reef”! Cairns is a city located on the tropical northeastern coast of Far North Queensland. The official 2021 population of the Cairns region is 169,312.
Cairns is the closest and easiest access to the Australian Great Barrier Reef and this is one of the primary attributes of this Aussie city sited over 1.6km away from Brisbane the capital of Queensland.
Every year several people from around the world flock to Cairns mainly to experience the Reef – the world’s largest reef system, where they can sail, swim, dive and snorkel amidst over 1,500 unique, colourful and exotic marine faunas and floras that inhabit the reef.
Aside from the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is not in any way short of every other characteristic feature of an authentic Oz city. In Cairns, you will find several excellent cafes, restaurants, markets, resorts and sufficient beaches to keep you relaxed and refreshed all day.
Cairns as a tropical city is the home to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. You can book an adventurous tour through the forest and just wander amidst this green natural marvel.
You can take a helicopter tour, explore the forests, take a bite at some of the local foods, visit the Cairns Botanical Gardens, the Cairns Aquarium, the City’s Esplanade, stroll through the Palm Cove, shop at one of the local markets, swim at the Crystal Cascades and touch-down at the Village of Kuranda.
Cairns is the perfect getaway for any outdoor and nature-loving tourist, visitor or traveller.
If you are wondering where to stay in Cairns, the beachfront neighbourhoods (suburbs) are the best and most affluent areas to stay or live in Cairns. Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Mowbray, Clifton Beach, Whitfield, Edge Hill, Redlynch, Smithfield and Freshwater are some of the great suburbs to live in Cairns. Overall, Palm Cove is the most upscale neighbourhood (suburb) to stay or live in the city.
Summary
If you are considering visiting or relocating to Australia, you will not be making the wrong choice as Australia is a very accommodating country and perhaps this is one of the reasons why immigration to Australia has skyrocketed within the past few years.
The top 15 cities to visit and live in Australia as presented in this post are summarized below with what they are mostly known for:
- Sunshine Coast – known for its affordability, safety, beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle. The best overall city to live in Australia.
- Sydney – the largest city in Australia and the financial and economic powerhouse of the country. The best city for employment and economic opportunities.
- Melbourne – the cultural capital of Australia. The Oz most multicultural city, great for new immigrants and one of the best cities for education in Australia.
- Perth – the sunniest city in Australia. Very High quality of life and is the only Aussie major city along the country’s Indian Ocean Coast.
- Brisbane – the capital of the “Sunshine State” – Queensland. Brisbane is known for its River Cruises, Botanic Gardens and Parks.
- Canberra – the Capital City of Australia and the largest inland Oz city. Has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.
- Adelaide – known for its beaches, great foods, festivals and parks.
- Gold Coast – the largest non-capital city in Australia and second largest in Queensland. Host to the Surfers Paradise a world-famous surfing hub!
- Darwin – the Southeast Asia-facing port capital of Oz Northern Territory. The wettest city in Australia and known for its native Crocs.
- Hobart – capital of the Australian Island state of Tasmania. A great place to see some of the native Australian wildlife such as the Tasmanian Devil, Koalas and Wombats.
- Newcastle – the second largest city in New South Wales. Known for having the largest coal-exporting harbour in the world.
- Townsville – a major port in northeastern Queensland. Known for picture-worthy beaches, abundant of sunshine and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Geelong – one of the most livable cities in Victoria. A city an hour’s drive from Melbourne known for its Waterfront and the Eastern Beach Reserve.
- Wollongong – is located on the coast of the Tasman Sea in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Known for its Grand Pacific Drive, Botanical Gardens, Beaches and Temples.
- Cairns – the gateway to the Australian Great Barrier Reef!
Conclusion
Australia is an amazing country with very pleasant and accommodating people. The country is great to visit, tour, explore and live in.
In recent years, Australia has been consistently attracting visitors who eventually settled in the country most especially from western states such as the United Kingdom (UK). This influx of immigrants has steadily increased, and they are not only from the UK but from across the world.
Cities in Australia vary in what opportunities and activities are available to visitors or tourists. A careful and objective review of your travel or visiting goals to Australia will assist in sorting out which city in the Land Down Under is the best for you to visit or live in.
From the expat-filled Perth in Western Australia to the multi-cultural city of Melbourne, the Top End “Crocs-filled” port city of Darwin, the high-energy and fast-paced Sydney and “gentle” Brisbane in the Oz Sunshine State of Queensland, Australian cities have some things in common – beaches, sunshine and green spaces! There are also unique and authentic Oz vibes and characters in any city you visit.
No matter which city in Australia you are in, there is always an “Aussie feel” in everything from the food, wines, streets, people and natural environment. This is perhaps one of the reasons why Australia is a unique country and conducive for any legitimate visiting goals or objectives – be it education, recreation, entertainment, sport, or economic and business opportunities, the Land Down Under is a heartwarming host!
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