Sydney stands out when it comes to proximity to some of Australia’s other great tourist experiences, like Byron Bay and Northern NSW beaches.
Melbourne boasts stunning wine regions and hiking trails. There’s even an incredible koala sanctuary located here as well as Phillip Island where you can witness penguins in their natural habitat!
1. The beaches
Australia’s eastern coastline is an absolute beach lover’s dream, with Sydney beaches truly outstanding. Offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing or simply unwinding and taking in Australian culture – there is something here for everyone here.
Melbourne may lack beach appeal, but makes up for it with an incredible array of vineyards and wildlife experiences like Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island Penguin Colony. Additionally, Melbourne wins in terms of shopping thanks to numerous boutiques as well as Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre which provides discounts on top brands like Bonds, Lorna Jane, and Country Road products.
Melbourne remains one of the finest nightlife scenes in Australia despite recent violence and lockout laws, offering small bars, back-street pubs, and liberal liquor licensing laws to meet every taste.
2. The wildlife
Sydney is an ideal Australian vacation spot if you want to combine beaches and wildlife – from its legendary white-sand beaches listed by Guinness World Records, to Healesville Sanctuary where a colony of adorable penguins awaits your visit.
Melbourne boasts its own gorgeous coastline and is surrounded by famous wine regions, making it a premier sporting hub with numerous soccer, rugby union and Aussie Rules clubs.
Brisbane is also Australia’s cultural capital, boasting world-class museums, art galleries and theatres – with boutique shops and cafes packed into its inner city suburbs whose every corner tells a unique tale.
3. The nightlife
Sydney is an ideal destination for anyone hoping to experience Australia’s stunning beaches, iconic skyline and top restaurants – not forgetting its wide array of wildlife!
Melbourne, on the other hand, is famed for its bustling nightlife and hidden pubs. This city exudes European vibes and hosts numerous boutiques and shops as well as picturesque laneways adorned with street art that lead into historic arcades and malls. However, Melbourne can easily become overwhelming so to ensure that you find your way in this maze-like streets, it’s best to book a shopping tour led by a local who can guide your way through.
Sydney’s nightlife has been adversely impacted by lockout laws that limit venues in key areas such as Kings Cross. As a result, going out can become difficult without spending excessively or risking being denied by security guards.
4. The food
Melbourne has long been considered to have some of the finest food in Australia. It boasts an incredible variety of restaurants spanning fine-dining, casual fare and even some innovative fusion joints.
Sydney’s restaurant scene, on the other hand, is more traditional with numerous Italian and American eateries that don’t do much to elevate Sydney’s culinary culture; locals prefer creative meals at places such as Clam Bar that pair Vegemite with oysters and ginger chipolatas instead of more straightforward steakhouse fare like found in New York.
Melbourne boasts an exciting music scene and boasts liberal liquor laws that provide many backstreet bars. Don’t miss the chance to witness Australian football (a hybrid between soccer and rugby) or horse racing; two popular sporting activities that locals love to celebrate in style!
5. The culture
Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne each possess their own charms, qualities and lifestyles that set them apart. When planning a visit, relocation or just exploring them for curiosity sake, understanding their differences is vitally important.
Melbourne is often considered the culture capital of Australia due to its vibrant music and art scenes. Sydney, however, is quickly catching up; its vibrant music scene boasts world-class exhibitions while major events create an equally stunning cityscape as Melbourne.
