It is one of the oldest debates in Australia. Which of the country’s two biggest cities is best? Australia isn’t alone with this kind of fun banter among the population, Toronto vs. Vancouver and New York vs. San Francisco are a couple of international examples, but in Australia it is a topic that truly divides opinion. The arguments for and against each location are long and varied and the votes for each camp are split down the middle. Let’s take a look at both sides to see if we can choose a winner in this one.
Culture
Melbourne is famed as the arts and culture capital of Australia. It is blessed with galleries, museums and a diverse theater scene all fueled and supported by art & culture loving locals and visitors. Sydney also has a good cultural scene going. It is home to some unique performing arts venues and has hosted some impressive events like the Vivid Lights festival. However, its cultural richness and diversity is not as profound as Melbourne’s.
Scenery
Sydney is one of the most spectacular cities in the world thanks to its harbor. From Circular Quay to the Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs, Sydney is blessed with a stunning coastline, walks, cliffs and some incredible city beaches. Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay is a great urban backdrop, but no matter how you look at it, it is not as spectacular or appealing as Sydney’s.
Food
The culinary perspective tends to lead to heated debates. Melbourne is said to have the best coffee in the country and boasts a colorful range of ethnic foods thanks to the collection of migrant communities living in the city. From one suburb to the next, Melbourne’s street-food flavors change dramatically. Sydney on the other hand offers a more sophisticated variety of options.The top end dining range is arguably better, but even the mid-range restaurants are quite highly priced.
This list could go on forever, so in fairness let’s call it a tie. Besides, why compare when in reality there is no reason to choose? Visit both, experience them first hand, and enjoy everything they have to offer.
Thanks for sharing important articles . I love both city Melbourne and Sydney. I also love culture ,scenery and food of those 2 city.
This is great advice! I think I’d have to go with visiting Sydney first, but I’d want to visit Melbourne as well. Great read!
One of the things that makes me want to travel to a particular city is architecture or natural landscapes. I would choose Sydney, because it has famous architecture, that of Frank Ghery who built the Sydney Opera House there some years ago and other major landmarks. It also has the Royal National Park, which I find to be a jewel, any parks in a major city. It was also the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics, and its geology is beautiful with mountains and exposed rock all around the city. Melbourne is the site of the Victorian Gold Rush and the world’s most liveable city. I would not bat an eye at the chance to go visit someday.
Both cities seem amazing but from what I have read it seems like I would give Sydney the edge. It just seems like the more sophisticated city.
Melbourne sounds amazing! Would love to travel that way sometime. Some good coffee is something I need!