A new life in Australia – which city to choose?

Life is unpredictable. In the spur of the moment, opportunities might come and change you, your family and your surroundings. One of these opportunities may be relocating to a new country, which is the case for a lot of Germans who are presented with the option of moving “down under” to Australia. What if you are one of them? 

With an area of 7,692 square meters, Australia is a vast country and the sixth-largest in the world. Choosing where to live in such a big country is not an easy decision. Having the right information is essential, and so we would like to give you some key facts about the three biggest Australian cities: Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Melbourne

Also known as Australia’s southern “Garden City”, Melbourne is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities. It is home to several world-class universities, including Melbourne University, Monash, La Trobe, and Melbourne Business School; and it is Australia’s cultural hub.

Life is never boring here. Unlike in the rest of Australia, you can experience the four seasons in Melbourne, with mild and humid winters and hot-but-not-too-hot summers. Moreover, each of Melbourne’s neighborhood has a special, distinct flavor, so every expat can find “the ideal place to live”, fitting every taste and budget. 

Getting around Melbourne is easy, both by car and public transport, as the major roads are set out on a grid, and there is a good train, bus, and inner-city streetcar network. 

Check out our Melbourne guide

Sydney

What is special about Sydney is its multicultural environment, with its more than five million inhabitants coming from every corner of the world. 

From a tourist perspective, there are plenty of things to do and visit: the Opera House, sculpture gardens, the Sydney Harbour Bridge… the list is endless.

Newcomers are impressed by its beaches and bays - the city is surrounded by water - as well as by the worldwide cuisine options available in its restaurants and shops. The weather - Sydney enjoys warm summers and mild winters - is also a major plus for its residents.

Check our Sydney guide

Brisbane

A growing city, both for its increasing population and investment opportunities, Brisbane is a mix of British heritage, European style architecture and ever-aspiring skyline. 

An easy-going attitude and a huge sense of community are some of the most famous traits of Brisbanites – as the local inhabitants are known. This community sense has been partially developed as a response to extreme weather events which obligated the city to adopt a range of adaptation measures. 

One of the things newcomers appreciate the most of Brisbane is the combination of colorful history and the relaxed way of life. You can explore shopping and historic precincts, dine on Queensland seafood, soak in the culture at a museum or art gallery, or stroll through South Bank. Also, less than half an hour from the center of the city is Moreton Bay and its islands. 

Check our Brisbane guide