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We will likely only have time for one other city besides Sydney. Would you choose Melbourne or Brisbane and why? Thanks

lizF

You don't say when you are coming but I would choose Brisbane not because its a city but because there is a hell of a lot more beautiful areas to see around Brisbane than Melbourne. Its a very casual city and very different from the southern cities.

lizF

PS Tell people what time of year you are coming and where you are from as that helps us in replying.

DownUnder

Melbourne, no contest. Three and a half million people, the best shopping in Australia, the best Sports Events in Australia (MCG the greatest stadium), one of the best Botanical Gardens in the World, definitely some of the best restaurants in Australia, by far the best Art Galleries in Australia. An exciting, vibrant modern city with a European overlay. Also great attractions and scenery within an hour or two from the city e.g. Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsular, Phillip Is. and the Penguins, the Great Ocean Road, Ballarat, Daylesford and the Goldfields. Brisbane is a country town by comparison!

lizF

And it is because Melbourne is so wonderful that 1,500 people from there are leaving it to go and live in Brisbane and surrounds each week.

jillyf

I think that is not quite correct. How many people move back after it hasn't lived up to expectation?
I have lived in both cities and really agree with DownUnder that Melbourne wins, however may depend on where you live and what you enjoy while on holidays.
The nightlife in Melbourne is great after a visit to one of the many wonderful restaurants/ cafes.

Bokhara

I've lived in Melbourne, Brisbane & currently in Sydney. My vote would go to Melbourne, for it's "European" flavour and the proximity of a wide range of "out of town" experiences.

As you're planning to visit Sydney, I just think Melbourne would be a great counterpoint, albeit it's a larger, faster city than Brisbane.

I like Brisbane too, especially so in the years since it discovered it's own beauty with the Expo renovations ('85/6?)and with the excellent riverfront enhancements of more recent date. And, as others have said, it's smaller, more relaxed perhaps and has easy access to the coastal & hinterland areas.

I guess it depends on your taste & interests really. (Reads a bit like a 20 page legal opinion doesn't it? "On the one hand ..and on the other .." In the end you've read a pile of conflicting stuff & still have to figure it out for yourself (LOL). At least we won't bill you at Partner's rates for photocopies!)

Mucky

Brisbane and Melbourne are significantly different cities in significantly different parts of Australia, it is pretty impossible to compare them in the 'which one is better' way. It very much depends upon what you want to see and do.
If you like the European multicultural feel then Melbourne as a city is fabulous, there are great places in the area to visit too Ballarat, Bendigo, G.O.R plus all the great sporting events, the list goes on.

Brisbane has beautiful weather, beaches access to some wonderful islands etc etc etc..quite different and probably a more restful kind of holiday destination, if that's what you want.

I think Liz and Bokhara are both spot on; you need to confirm when you are planning to visit and what interests you before anyone can make a judgement of 'what is better' for you.

Good Luck

Muck

IWS

Whilst my Oz colleagues are vying for which is best - Melb or Brisbane - if time is short don't forget Canberra! Our nations capital. It is home of our parliament, there is also other great cultral attractions as well. Yes, we've learnt from the other cities and now have great restaurants and eateries and yes, significant nightlife. We are 3 hours by road from Sydney, close to other coastal areas which are brilliant and not far from the Snowy Mountains - great skiing in winter and good fun in summer. Ian