Many travelers dream of visiting Australia, whether it's to soak in the scenic landscapes or enjoy the many unique activities the country has to offer. Additionally, the Land Down Under is full of vibrant cultures, diverse cuisines, and a strong passion for cricket. Simply put, Australia offers a little bit of something for any traveler wishing to visit.
However, travelers planning their next trip to Australia may encounter a minor dilemma: should they go to Sydney or Melbourne? Despite the country’s unified love for cricket, both cities offer unique, yet different experiences for tourists. Upon planning a trip to Australia, travelers should decide where to visit based on their travel preferences and interests.
7 Melbourne Is A City Made for Art Lovers And History Buffs
For travelers seeking a mature cultural experience that is rich in art history and heritage, Melbourne is a perfect destination, which is proudly nicknamed the cultural capital of Australia. Melbourne is a city jam-packed with modern architecture, theatres, heritage sites, galleries, and fashion-forward locals.
From its vibrant street art to the world-famous Federation Square, the city is rich in culture meant for lovers of art and history. While walking, you can enjoy the colorful art murals and displays scattered along the streets within the hidden alleyways of the city. Tourists can enjoy some of Melbourne’s popular attractions, including Flinders Street Station, Shrine of Remembrance, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the State Library of Victoria.
6 Go To Sydney To Enjoy The Australian Beaches
Compared to Melbourne, Sydney’s pleasant weather pairs well with its beautiful beaches, attracting avid beachgoers, both locals and travelers alike. Bondi Beach is one of the most popular surfer havens in the region; in reality, Sydney is blessed with 70 unique beaches to attract surfers of all levels. Especially during the mild Winter months, Sydney is a great destination to hit the beach while still being a stone’s throw away from many activities the city has to offer.
5 Melbourne Is A Foodie Heaven
From fancy fare to cheap eats, there’s always a wide array of food options in Melbourne due to its vast multiculturalism. Additionally, lovingly dubbed as the brunch capital of the world, Melbourne is famous for its prominent coffee and brunch scene! Whether you’re craving a healthy açai bowl or a colorful slice of smashed avocado on toast, the city offers an array of restaurants to satiate any hungry traveler.
When it comes to coffee, locals claim that Melbourne coffee is simply the best (while some foreigners have mentioned the coffee is a little on the strong side), with international recognition.
4 Visit Sydney To See Australia’s Iconic Landmarks
When you’re asked to picture Australia, chances are, you’re picturing the Opera House along a harbor against a bright blue sky with a bridge situated right behind the skyline. It turns out that these iconic landmarks—the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—are both located in Sydney!
If you’re looking to sightsee popular landmarks in the country, Sydney is your best bet to cross off some items on your bucket list, while enjoying a variety of tourists attractions. Plan itineraries to visit the Taronga Zoo, Sydney’s Royal Botanical Garden, the Sydney Aquarium, Tower Eye, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, and Luna Park.
Additionally, Sydney has a variety of art galleries and museums, including the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and the Museum of Sydney.
3 Melbourne Has a Vibrant Night Life
While travelers have enjoyed the incredible evening views at Sydney’s Opera Bar, Melbourne is the place for travelers looking to party all night, whether it’s dancing at a club or grabbing some grub at 2:30 in the morning.
Melbourne is a city that rarely sleeps, offering patrons 24-hour public transportation and late-night restaurant service, which goes perfectly with the city’s numerous bars and nightclubs. If dancing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the nightlife at any of Melbourne’s karaoke bars, pool halls, bowling alleys, escape rooms, or laser tag tournaments.
2 Sydney Offers Pleasantly Predictable Weather
Sydney is blessed with warmer temperatures and on average, frequently more clear skies compared to Melbourne. On the other hand, Melbourne’s weather is more fickle and unpredictable, with occasional bouts of windy days. That’s why some may refer to Melbourne as a city capable of experiencing “four seasons in one day”. For beautiful weather and a chance to soak up a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun, consider visiting Sydney over Melbourne when visiting Australia. However, if you’re still keen on visiting Melbourne, pack a light jacket and keep an umbrella handy.
1 Visit Melbourne and Shop ’Til You Drop
Shopaholics may enjoy exploring Melbourne’s department stores and boutiques mores than Sydney. Since Melbourne is considered the hub for Australia’s fashion industry, tourists can find unique gifts and other treasures to bring back home.
Pay a visit to the Bourke Street Mall, a bustling, popular tourist destination for outdoor shopping and eating. Tourists also frequent Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market to find specialty items including produce, meat, and other delectables. Melbourne is also home to a number of large indoor malls, including Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne, and the Chadstone Shopping Centre (reportedly one of the biggest malls in the Southern Hemisphere)!