A country as large as Australia is bound to be packed with culture and diversity, and thanks to its gigantic size each and every region is totally different from the last.
You can go from a subtropical environment in the North to a dry, arid desert containing very little life and back to coastal towns where you can experience every season in a single day. Thanks to these amazing environmental differences, the vibe in each town is totally different too.
It seems like each city is totally unique, and acts as a gateway to a certain area of the country.
The Gateway Cities
Looking at a map of Australia will reveal that all the major towns and cities are located around the perimeter of the country- and rightly so.
Obviously the beaches and coastlines are stunning so of course, people want to live there, but there is also the hostile temperature and endless scrubland that presents itself the further inland you go, acting as an outward pressure moving people towards the more temperate coasts.
The location of these cities also means that each one is almost a key to the surrounding area. For anyone looking to travel in the country, you’ll find that most of the adventures to be had, start in these incredible cities, and make their way out into the wild to unlock the secrets of each area.
Your first experience of Australia will depend heavily on which city you first arrive in, with each one being totally different from the last. Each city has a distinct personality, and each one will strike you very differently.
So let’s take a look at the country’s most iconic major cities, and what they have to offer- starting with the big two; Melbourne and Sydney.
Melbourne
Whilst Sydney has glamour and glitz, Melbourne is the cultural hub of the east coast.
Amazing beach town vibes are pervasive throughout the city, and with the multitude of festivals, sporting events, food districts and all round good vibes Melbourne is one of the absolute best cities on the east coast. Explore Melbourne’s historic landmarks and hidden secrets with friends, or simply choose a spot and enjoy the good vibes.
Getting There
There is a relatively small international airport in the north west part of the city, and of course the east coast train links the city to the network.
It is also one of the few cities in that area that can be approached from several different directions by road, with Adelaide to the west, Sydney to the east and plenty of smaller towns to the north.
Iconic Sights
St. Kilda & The Blue Penguins
St. Kilda is one of the coolest neighbourhoods on the entire east coast. Youth culture thrives here, and so does amazing food, coffee and bars.
You can head down to the pier at sunset to see the incredibly cute Blue Penguins make their way into their rocky nests after a day of feeding, then walk into town mere minutes away.
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is a great way to spend an afternoon in the city centre. This eclectic market offers pretty much everything you could possibly imagine, and is spread across a vast area.
Covered by a Victorian market building, you can avoid all of Melbourne’s weather types in style as you shop for unique foods and locally made clothes.
Melbourne as a Gateway
Melbourne is located on the southernmost point of the country and has easy access to Adelaide, and is the closest point to the incredible Tasmania – a place that should be top of everyone’s list when visiting Australia.
Sydney
With a population of just over 4.5 million people, Sydney takes the crown as Australia’s most populous city.
Located a third of the way up the east coast Sydney is probably the most well known of Australia’s cities. It’s an incredible mix of gorgeous surfing beaches, stunning architecture, wonderful history and relaxed suburbs.
With amazing nightlife, world class food, dazzling harbours and stunning parks there really is something for everyone- it’s easy to see why people want to visit.
Getting There
Sydney has a major international airport that puts you within a short drive to the city centre. It’s also linked to the east coast railway that connects Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.
If you’re driving the M1 will actually take you right into the heart of the city whether you are approaching from the north or south. It’s a road that essentially links up the entire east coast.
Iconic Sights
Whilst you are in Sydney there are certain things that you absolutely must see- and they are so iconic you probably know what they are already…
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is likely one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Its unusual shape is instantly recognisable, and it really is incredible to see in person.
Jutting out towards the centre of the famous harbour it forces itself to become the centre of attention and look different from every angle.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Another iconic structure that seems to be seated impossibly high above the rest of the city. This marvel of engineering will really take your breath away- especially once you’ve climbed to the top of it!
Bondi Beach
Bondi is the ultimate symbol of Australian life. A gorgeous beach with an incredible swell allowing for the best surfers in the world to strut their stuff.
Sydney as a Gateway
From Sydney you’ll have amazing access to some pretty incredible scenery.
The coastal drives from here are genuinely unreal, and you’re never too far from that famous Australian outback.
The Blue Mountain National Park is a short drive inland and is one of the most stunning places in the whole country.
Cairns
Cairns is one of the most unique cities in the country. Located near the north east point of Australia, it is extremely close to the tropics and shares the traits of nearby Papua New Guinea.
Dense rainforests, incredible wildlife and impressive storms really set this area of the country apart from the rest. Particularly popular with outdoorsy types and adventurers, this area is a true gateway to fun.
Getting There
Getting to Cairns is slightly more difficult than some of Australia’s other cities. The train line stops at Brisbane which is a 19 hour drive away for most.
There are plenty of coaches available, and many tours will include Cairns on their trip because it really is worth the journey.
You can also fly, but be aware that internal flights in Australia are costly.
Iconic Sights
The Esplanade Swimming Lagoon
The 4,800 metre squared seaside pool is a truly awesome place to spend the day. Not just a lagoon, this complex includes events spaces, sports facilities, shower blocks, shops and cafes.
The Pier Boardwalk
The boardwalk is home to many of the city’s best restaurants, some very high profile shops and a fantastic art gallery for the culture vultures out there. It’s a great place to absorb the unique Cairns vibe.
Cairns as a Gateway
Cairns is arguably the best gateway of them all. The city essentially guards the entrance to the Great Barrier Reef- the world’s largest and most stunning natural wonder.
Cairns is actually the only city in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites overlap, the Great Barrier Reef actually connects with the Wet Tropics, described by Sir David Attenborough as the “most extraordinary place on Earth.”
From Cairns you can scuba dive, mountain bike, hike, camp, kayak, snorkel, and skydive – there really is a very long list of adventures.
Iconic Australia
Australia is home to some of the world’s most well known destinations, and is probably one of the most travelled places by explorers out there.
That being said, with a population of 26 million and a land area that can easily absorb Europe in its entirety, you’re pretty much guaranteed some peace and quiet at some point on your trip.
The country is full of wonders just waiting to be explored, and the cities listed above are just about the best starting points for any Australian adventure.
So get out there and experience everything that Australia has to offer.
