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The debate over which city is Australia’s best usually takes place between Sydney and Melbourne. They may be the biggest, but Brisbane is rising to take the crown as the best.
There’s an ongoing trend of Sydneysiders and Melbournians moving to Brisbane, namely families looking to invest in more affordable housing. But, there are many more reasons why the River City is no longer the ‘poor relative’ of Australia’s most famous cities. With the 2032 Olympic Games, Brisbane is taking centre stage.
Compared with Sydney and Melbourne, getting to and from work, schools and entertainment is a breeze in Brisbane. Drive, hop on a bus or train and expect an average commute time of under an hour from most suburbs. With a range of neighbourhoods centred around retail and service hubs, many locals get to work in less than 30 minutes.
In terms of lifestyle perks, Brisbane’s top inner city suburbs, like Dutton Park, Spring Hill and Kangaroo Point, shine. They’re spacious, green and located within a 15 minute drive to the CBD, schools, parks, shops and entertainment venues.
There’s no need to brace for cold weather in Brisbane, as the average winter temps hover between 11 and 22 degrees. Plus, the sun shines for most of the season, so staying indoors or dressing in endless layers isn’t a necessity.
There’s no longer any reason to choose Sydney or Melbourne over Brisbane, to find exciting dining options. With top restaurants such as Agnus in Fortitude Valley and Otto at South Bank leading the way, the city’s booming food scene is here to stay.
At every time of the year, Brisbane is alive with family-friendly fun, whether it’s at the cultural precinct of South Bank, in the Queen Street Mall, via interactive museum art, at child-friendly cafés, parks or wildlife reserves.
Winter temps hover between 11 and 22 degrees. Plus, the sun shines for most of the season.
Along with the beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, you can drive to Moreton Island and Fraser Island for quick getaways, from Brisbane. Pop the 4WD on the ferry and arrive to pristine white sand, turquoise seas and tropical scenes straight from a travel brochure, without the flight.
Brisbane is unique in that the city retains a relaxed, small town vibe, despite mass development and everything you’d expect from a thriving capital. Locals are friendly, ‘rush-hour’ isn’t frantic, road rage is minimal and work-life balance is a top priority.
Built around the Brisbane River, it makes sense that the city makes good use of the waterway. Terminals dot the riverbank, linking inner-city precincts and major attractions, via ferries. While a CityCat is a scenic way to get to work, it’s recreation that takes centre stage here. From the ambling Riverwalk, to river-side dining, kayaking, abseiling and sunset cruises, the glamorous ribbon of water is the beating heart of a city sure to capture yours.
The Australian and Queensland governments are funding infrastructure in the lead up to the world’s eyes on Brisbane for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes a $2.7 billion redevelopment of the Gabba and urban renewal of Woolloongabba delivering more houses and jobs. The $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena precinct is set to transform into an indoor entertainment venue after the games.
Why Brisbane is better than Sydney and Melbourne
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