There is no country that is generalized as much as Australia (thanks, Internet). The country is a huge desert, has a surfing culture, loves Vegemite, and everybody dresses like they’re going for a summer vacation. The list goes on.
The thing is, Australia is a sum of totally different parts. Each city has its own personality, culture, facade, climate, and charm.
So, which city suits you the most? We gathered the answers just for you.
Fun fact: Sydney isn’t Australia’s capital. That title belongs to Canberra.
However, it is undeniable that the home to the famous Harbour Bridge is the busiest city on the country, being its financial hub spot and the most popular relocation site for Aussies (everybody seems to want to move here). It is racially, culturally, and gender-diverse. It features the biggest LGBT parade in the country, the famous Sydney Mardi-Gras.
The city also houses world class universities, which makes it popular among students. And it frequents the lists of the most expensive cities in the world. But despite that, it can get really crowded, and the traffic can be congested. This city is not for the weak of heart.
Move here if you are: A city dweller. Loves the hustle and bustle. Doesn't mind the crowd.
If you prefer the urban atmosphere without the hustle and bustle, Melbourne is for you. It is brimming with culture and history, has a lively vibe, and packed with restaurants, café, and entertainment venues. The tram system is a great way to get around, and the streets and arcades are ornamented with masterful street arts.
The cultural diversity is surprising as well, as it is peopled mostly with Italian, Indian, Greek, and Chinese residents. Though when it comes to weather, you have to be adaptable, as Melbourne is known to have four seasons each day.
Overall, Melbourne has a European atmosphere (dubbed to be the most European city outside Europe) with its architecture, food, infrastructures, and high population of European residents.
Move here if you are: A young professional or a start-up owner. Loves the European vibe. Doesn’t mind mingling with other cultures.
Another fun fact: Canberra was chosen as the country’s capital as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, each one vying for the spot.
The city is home to the Parliament, as well as the country’s most significant buildings like the High Court, the Royal Australian Mint, National Library, and the Australian Institute of Sport. It also houses the Australian War Memorial, and the Royal Military College where the army's officer corps are being trained.
Compared with cities like Sydney and Adelaide, Canberra has a more professional feel to it, with majority of the people working for the government. The city is compact and mostly flat so people get around in bicycles.
Move here if you are: A retiree or old migrant who loves quietness. Or a professional who prefers peaceful and structured life.
Like Canberra, Adelaide is also for those who love a quiet and placid lifestyle. Their roads and streets rarely get congested, the hustle and bustle is nowhere to be found, and people are very friendly and respectful. So it’s easy to roam around and enjoy your peaceful private time. It has an amenable Mediterranean climate, perfect for getting around without too many layers of clothing bearing you down.
And unlike Canberra, Adelaide is closer to natural and cultural perks, such as the endless lengths of beaches and coastlines lining up the city. Also, the Barossa and Clare valleys, famous for their world class wineries and vineyards, can be found here. They offer tours and wine-tasting packages so residents and tourists alike can get a glimpse (and taste) of what they offer.
Move here if you are: An urban lover who’s tired of expensive living and crowded environments.
For a city with two million people, Brisbane is quite relaxed, rustic, and undemanding. And nothing says rustic than a man-made beach which can be found inside the city surrounded by restaurants, cultural buildings, and plush parklands all enclosed within a 17-hectare attraction called the South Bank.
Brisbane is quite flexible. Those who appreciate a busy vibe (keeps the creativity running) can go for the inner city areas, while retirees can opt for the bayside area for a quiet atmosphere and great façade, and those with children can openly roam and play in the western suburbs.
Houses here are more affordable than in Sydney and Melbourne and everything is within driving distance.
Move here if you are: Someone with a small family or just starting to have one. Or someone new to Australia who prefers a slow orientation to the country.
Darwin is everything the rest of the cities here on the list are not. The city is perhaps the most laid back in all of Australia. It is small and compact so you could get everywhere with less hassle. Plus, its population of just 100,000 makes the city crowd-free and the roads uncongested. The multicultural environment makes the city more welcoming, with a diverse group of people living there. Also, there are festivals and night markets that highlight the lifestyle here.
The tropical climate is the greatest challenge here, though, especially to the uninitiated. Daytime can be temperate and the night balmy. It is warm all year round and the climate is limited only to wet and dry seasons.
Move here if you are: A beach lover from a tropical country or wants to experience what it’s like to be in a tropical country.
Sydney might have the hustle and bustle while Canberra and Darwin might own the laidback lifestyle, but Gold Coast is where the fun happens.
The thriving cosmopolitan built on a beautiful coastline is famous for water sports events, sprawling theme parks, and exciting nightlife. Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Wet’n’Wild Water World, David Fleay Wildlife Park, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are all located here, along with other attractions fit for your thirst for adventure. Here, you can shop, dine, and head to the beach in just a matter of minutes
As with all cities where highly-prized attractions are located, properties here are quite pricey and continues to rise. A small price to pay when the coastline is right at your doorstep.
Move here if you are: A young professional who loves adventure, the nightlife, and the ambiance of an ultra-modern city.
If Australian cities were primary students, Perth would be the kid sitting on the back end of the classroom, away from everyone and staring at the window. And that’s geographically correct. The city is the most isolated one in the country, by relative and actual distance.
Because it gets more hours of sunshine compared to other cities, Perth is famous for its outdoor life. Not to mention, the boom in the mining industry is especially kind to the city of 1.25 million, as investments and infrastructure developments pour in.
However, due to the rising relative value of the city, property prices and cost of living started to soar, too. Though you may escape to the suburbs for more affordable alternatives.
Move here if you are: A fan of the outdoor lifestyle and loves the sun. Or just starting a family and prefers a quite urban life.