Brisbane vs Melbourne: Which Australian City is better to visit?

Are you planning a trip to Australia and wondering which major city you should visit. In this guide we look at Brisbane vs Melbourne, and provide you with all the information you need before booking your next trip. From costs to attractions and everything in between, this is the ultimate guide to Brisbane vs Melbourne.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support

Brisbane vs Melbourne: Some background

Before we get into the whole Brisbane vs Melbourne debate, here is a bit of background on each city.

BRISBANE

Brisbane, or ‘Brissie’ as it is often called is the capital of Queensland. Located in the south eastern part of the state, Brisbane is the third biggest city in Australia. Brisbane is a river city, built around the aptly named Brisbane River which provides the backdrop to a lot of the cities attractions.

Wondering if Brisbane is worth visiting? Here is a handy guide.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, which is located in the south east of Australia. Melbourne is known for it’s thriving arts scene, coffee culture, and amazing food. It is the second most populated city in Australia after Sydney, and is often billed as Australia’s most liveable city.

Wondering if Melbourne is worth visiting? Here is a handy guide.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for accommodation

Planning your accommodation is a big thing when travelling. So is Brisbane or Melbourne better for accommodation options?

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a little less spread out than Melbourne, so when choosing your accommodation we recommend booking somewhere like the CBD or South Bank. You will find accommodation to suit most budgets, from backpackers to high end hotels.

For a 4 star hotel in the city centre you are looking at paying over $200 per night on average. This will go up and down depending on the time of year you book.

MELBOURNE

There are several accommodation options in Melbourne, with the most popular choice being the Melbourne CBD. This is the perfect location to stay for short visits to the city, as there are excellent transport links.

The CBD is the more expensive part of Melbourne, so if you want some cheaper options you could also stay in St Kilda which is near the beach or Fitzroy which is a trendier area.

Accommodation costs vary depending on where you decide to stay. Also keep in mind during school holidays and other peak travel times prices will go up.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Hotel costs for Brisbane and Melbourne and pretty on par. If anything Brisbane may be slightly cheaper, but that will depend on the time of year you book. Melbourne does have more options, and is slightly more spread out, so for this reason is our winner.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for attractions

You might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne has the better attractions. Here are the best things to see and do in each city to help you decide.

BRISBANE

Starting with Brisbane here are some of the best things to do.

For a more detailed Brisbane itinerary here is a handy article.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must if you want to get up close and personal with a kangaroo or a koala. You can also learn a lot about the unique Australian wildlife.

Climb the Story Bridge

Story Bridge is an iconic structure in the city. For some great views we recommend the Story Bridge Climb.

South Bank Parklands

Located on the banks of the Brisbane River you will find the South Bank Parklands. Sprawled out over 17 hectares of prime riverside land this inner city oasis is perfect for exploring, swimming, and eating. You can have a BBQ or dine at one of the many restaurants in the area. There is also a public swimming facility which resembles a beach with the stunning CBD as a backdrop.

You can also go on the Wheel of Brisbane to get some great views of the city. The cool thing about this is you can sip wine as you learn all about the city

The Cultural Precinct

If you are feeling a little bit more cultural, also located in South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural precinct. Here you can visit the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), The Queensland Museum and Science Centre, The State Library and the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

The Queensland Art Gallery is certainly worth a visit especially as a lot of the art work has a focus on Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. It is also a great place to see some Indigenous Art which is an important part of Australian history.

City Botanical Gardens

Located in the city centre the botanic gardens are heritage listed, and were originally planted by convicts in 1825 as a source of food to feed the prison colony. Not long after it became a public garden, with several rare botanic species located here.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

For some of the best views over Brisbane head to Mt Coot-tha. We loved visiting at night because you get to see the city all lit up, but visiting in the day is amazing too.

XXXX Brewery Tour

Right, so beer in Australia is a pretty big deal. And each state is quite competitive in producing their own local beer. Queensland’s contribution is XXXX (said 4 X). The tour is a great way to get to grips with how it is made, as well as how to pour a perfect beer. On top of that you do get to do some tasting which is always a bonus.

MELBOURNE

And onto Melbourne, here are a few of the highlights for things to see and do. For a more detailed Melbourne itinerary you can go here. Otherwise read on.

See Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Melbourne, and the busiest railway station in the country. You will know you are in the right places when you see its copper green dome and distinctive yellow archways and facade.

Visit St Kilda

If you are looking to escape to the beach on a hot day then you should make your way out to St Kilda. This seaside neighbourhood is full of historic buildings, cafes, beaches, and a pretty rocking nightlife too.

Luna Park

Luna Park is a popular amusement park that was built in 1912, and is still incredibly popular today. You will know you are in the right place when you come across the iconic clown like face at the entrance (apparently his name is Mr Moon).

Check out the street art

Street art in Melbourne is a pretty big deal, so do make sure you check it out, particularly in the CBD. Hosier Lane, is one of the more famous places to go to admire the street art. If you want to explore a bit more then you can also book guided tours in advance.

Relax at the Botanical Gardens

Most cities in Australia have botanical gardens, but there is something a little extra special about the gardens in Melbourne. You can go for a bit of a wander around before settling in at one of the cafes for a well earned treat afterwards.

Enjoy the views at the Eureka Skydeck

If you enjoy seeing cities from a height, then we recommend a visit to the Eureka Skydeck. Located on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower, the Skydeck offers you a panoramic view of Melbourne.

It is recommended that you book your tickets in advance as lines can get very long.

Visit the MCG

The MCG or the Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the most important sporting stadiums in the city. For starters it is one of the largest stadiums in the world with a capacity of 100,000. Sports fans should do a tour to explore this incredible spot. You can book tours online in advance.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

There is a lot to see in both Brisbane and Melbourne. Melbourne has a lot more attractions though, and is a bigger city so you will find a bigger range of things to do.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is more picturesque

If you are wondering which city is prettier in the Brisbane vs Melbourne debate, here we give our opinions. Although I probably do have to caveat this bit by saying I grew up in Brisbane so make of that what you will.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a really beautiful city with so many gorgeous vantage points, parks, and green spaces. The Brisbane River provides the perfect stunning backdrop to the city, and just adds to its beauty.

There are several beautiful spots in the city centre itself including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Bank Parklands, and even the city Botanic Gardens. You also have New Farm Park which is a beautiful spot to sit and have a picnic.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is also picturesque with grand architecture, particularly in the city centre. There are a number of parks in the city, with one of the best being the Botanic Gardens. You also have a stunning coastline, and beaches within reach of the city centre.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

This might be an incredibly controversial opinion, but I really do think Brisbane is the more picturesque city. There are so many stunning view points, and the fact that the Brisbane River snakes its way through only adds to the beauty. Sorry Melbourne, you are nice too, but Brisbane is just that little bit more special.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one has the better vibe

I know judging a city on vibe alone is a strange concept but hear us out.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is an incredibly laid back city. It has a very relaxed and carefree vibe. I don’t know if it is to do with the warmer weather, but people here are very welcoming with this kind of small town vibe. Obviously it is a big city, but you get the point.

Life in Brisbane happens at a much slower place than European or US cities that is for sure. Things also tend to close a lot earlier, for example restaurants close at around 9pm or 9.30pm.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne has a very different vibe than Brisbane. It’s much faster paced for starters, and has more of a big city mentality. People are generally still pretty laid back and welcoming but less so than Brisbane.

Melbourne also has this uber cool vibe. It’s big on art, fashion and culture, and you can see this straight away when you spend a bit of time in the city.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Brisbane and Melbourne have completely different vibes. If you want something very laid back head to Brisbane, but if you are more into art and culture head to Melbourne.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is easier to get to

You might be wondering in the battle of Brisbane vs Melbourne, which city is easier to get to? Here are our thoughts.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has two separate airports, the International Airport and the Domestic Airport. They are both connected to the Airtrain which will take you into the city centre, every 15 minutes in peak times and 30 minutes off peak. The Airtrain also takes you to the Gold Coast.

The Airtrain costs about $20 for an adult return ticket if purchased online, or $40 for a return ticket purchased at the station.

You can also get a taxi or Uber, from the airport. This will cost around $50 to get you to the city centre, although you can get a cheaper fare if you book an Uber.

MELBOURNE

Chances are your trip to Melbourne will be starting at the airport. There are a few airports in the city, but the main one is Melbourne Airport. This is where the majority of domestic and international flights land in Melbourne.

The airport is about 23km from the city centre, and from here you have a few options for getting into town.

If you are wanting to save money the best way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city centre is via the SkyBus. This is an express bus that runs from the airport to Southern Cross Station in the city. It will take around 20 minutes to get into town, with buses leaving every 15 minutes.

This will set you back around $20 per adult, and tickets can be easily purchased on the day at the airport. Buses run 7 days a week, between the hours of 4am-1am.

If you are travelling in a group, or you have quite a bit of luggage with you, then getting a taxi or an Uber might be a better option. The taxi fare sits around $60-$70, and the plus side is you get taken straight to the door of your accommodation. Ubers are slightly cheaper, depending on the time of day, but you can get an Uber starting at $50.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the winner here as it is definitely the easier city to get to. You have far more flights arriving at Melbourne Airport than Brisbane Airport, particularly for international options.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is easier to get around

Here we look at whether Brisbane or Melbourne is the easier city to get around.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is pretty easy to navigate. The CBD is very walkable and this tends to be where most of the main tourist attractions are located.

If you want to explore further out which includes places like Lone Pine, or New Farm Park, you will need to use public transport.

The bus, train, and ferry network are all linked, and you will need to purchase a ‘Go Card‘ to travel on them. You can go to any newsagent, to purchase the card and you can also add credit here as well. When you get on the bus, train, or ferry you just tap your card and you are off (don’t forget to tap off at the end).

MELBOURNE

We found Melbourne relatively easy to navigate. We walked a lot of the time in the CBD, but did use buses and trams to visit some of the further out attractions like Luna Park.

Trams in the city centre zone, are completely free. You hop on and there is no need to scan your card at all. You will hear an announcement telling you when you have left the city zone at which point you will need to scan your card.

To use public transport you will need to purchase a Myki Card. It’s essentially a pass which is the size of a credit card that you can top up throughout your time in Melbourne.

You can purchase and top the cards up at selected stores across Melbourne, but the easiest is to find a 7/11 or a newsagent. The card costs $6 and then any additional credit can be added on top.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Melbourne is our winner. It is a lot easier to get around in Melbourne, plus trams are free in the CBD!

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for beaches

If you are a beach lover you might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne is the city for you.

BRISBANE

If you are looking for beaches in Brisbane, you do need to travel a little further away from the city centre to experience these. The Gold Coast is about a 1.5 hour drive away, and the Sunshine Coast is around 2 hours drive.

You do have the inner city man made beaches of South Bank, but for real surf you do need to go further out.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne does have some pretty awesome beaches that you can visit. St Kilda is one of the most popular, with several bars and restaurants in the area. But you also have places like Brighton Beach, and Altona Beach to name but a few. They aren’t as spectacular as Queensland’s Gold or Sunshine Coast, but they are still perfect for a cool down on a hot day.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Considering Melbourne actually has beaches compared to Brisbane’s man made beach we have to crown it the winner here.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for food

If you think of yourself as a foodie, you might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne is the better holiday destination.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has really come into itself over the past few years as a foodie hotspot. There are so many incredible restaurants serving all kinds of food, that is reflective of the city’s multicultural identity.

For more casual al fresco style dining we recommend visiting South Bank. Or for something a bit more up market and fancy head to Eagle Street Pier. Here you will find everything from seafood restaurants and fine dining.

Another foodie favourite is West End. Located just on the outskirts of the city centre, here you will find some truly culturally diverse food from Vietnamese Bakeries to contemporary cuisine. It can feel a little rough around the edges but this just adds to the charm, and the food here is quite affordable.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is world famous for its food scene. You have everything from fancy nibbles and seafood at places like the Pearl Chablis and Oyster Bar in the CBD. Or Gimlet, for oysters and caviar paired with incredible wine.

You don’t need to spend a fortune though for decent food in Melbourne. In fact one of our favourite things about the city is the brunch scene. We especially recommend Higher Ground, which is honestly one of the best brunches we have ever had. The food is incredible. The ricotta pancakes are unbelievable, as is the crab eggs benedict. It’s one of those places that actually does live up to the hype so definitely give it a go.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Whilst Brisbane’s food scene is getting better all the time, Melbourne is the clear winner. It’s renowned for its culinary scene and is an absolute must visit for foodies everywhere.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for nightlife

If you are interested in nightlife you might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne has the better options.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has a decent nightlife scene. The CBD has a number of relaxed pubs, rooftop bars, and swanky cocktail lounges waiting to be explored.

For live music or nightclubs, you are best off visiting Fortitude Valley, an area just outside the CBD. This is where partiers young and old flock to particularly on a weekend.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a treasure trove of trendy bars. You’ve got chilled out dive style bars, fancy cocktail spots, and so much more.

It is fair to say that Melbourners take their nightlife very seriously. And with the warm weather outdoor drinking in beer gardens or rooftops are a big deal.

Music is also a big deal in Melbourne, with lots of incredible venues hosting amazing gigs and club nights.

No matter what your budget or your nightlife style you will find something to enjoy in Melbourne.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Both Brisbane and Melbourne have a great nightlife scene. Melbourne is a little more exciting though with some award winning bars and incredible live music scene, which is why it is our winner.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for culture

If you are a culture lover you might be wondering if Melbourne or Brisbane is the better choice.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has a thriving scene when it comes to arts and culture. You have places like the GAllery of Modern Art, The Queensland Museum, and even the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, all showcasing Queensland talent and history.

Brisbane also has some excellent cultural venues including a number of thriving live music and theatre halls, including the Brisbane Powerhouse.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne has often been referred to as the Australian capital of culture. It’s a very vibrant and creative city, and whether you are into the arts, design, fashion, live music, or even theatre Melbourne has something for you.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Melbourne is definitely the winner when it comes to culture. Considering it has earned the title of Australia’s capital of culture there isn’t much of a competition really.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for safety

Safety is an important factor when visiting a new city. So is Brisbane or Melbourne safer?

BRISBANE

As someone who grew up in Brisbane, I can honestly say that Brisbane is a relatively safe city. Even being out late at night, generally does feel safe particularly in or around the city centre. You should take normal precautions when visiting Brisbane, but as a whole tourists don’t usually encounter many issues.

From experience there are some parts of town that have issues with homelessness. Fortitude Valley is one of those places, but generally you will be left alone. It’s also worth noting that crime rates in Brisbane are a lot lower than Melbourne.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is also relatively safe. Particularly compared to some US or European cities crime rates here are pretty low. There are some neighbourhoods that are probably best avoided so do your research before you visit. If you are spending most of your time in the city centre or other touristy areas, you should be fine.

We noticed in the Melbourne CBD there was a lot of homelessness. This becomes more obvious at night. You might get homeless people shouting things at you from time to time, but generally you shouldn’t have any issues. It’s also nothing compared to homelessness in some US cities.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Whilst Brisbane and Melbourne are both relatively safe, Brisbane is the safer of the two and therefore our winner.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for couples

If you are travelling as a couple you may be wondering in the battle between Brisbane vs Melbourne, which city is more romantic.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a great place to visit for a couples break. There are lots of fun activities you can partake in like hand feeding Kangaroos, or having a romantic picnic at New Farm Park.

You’ve also got some great attractions around South Bank, that are perfect for date nights. You could ride the Wheel of Brisbane and sip wine, or enjoy some great views at a rooftop bar. Or our personal favourite, you can do a sunset cruise along the Brisbane River.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is also a great option if you are visiting as a couple. There are so many great date ideas in the city. You can head to Luna Park and enjoy the rides, or lounge around at St Kilda beach.

You also have an incredible selection of food and drink in Melbourne. From fine dining to street food, there is something here for everyone.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Honestly both cities are great for a couples break. Brisbane is fantastic if you want to enjoy the outdoors, or sip drinks at a rooftop bar. And Melbourne is great for good food, and high quality cocktail bars.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for families

If you are travelling as a family you might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne is the better place to visit. Here are our thoughts.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a good place to visit as a family. For starters it’s a very safe city, and many of the key attractions are close together.

There are some great things to do as a family in Brisbane. You have places like the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary that is perfect for kids. You also have South Bank, which has museums, galleries, the Wheel of Brisbane and a fun man made beach, again perfect for family days out.

There are also lots of day trips to places like the Gold Coast where you can spend time on the beach or visiting one of the popular theme parks.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is another city which is perfect for families. You can enjoy some of the cultural activities in the city, explore the Botanic Gardens, or even have an interactive experience at the top of the Melbourne Skydeck.

A day out at Luna Park is another great option for families. The theme park has a number of rides and is incredibly close to the beach where you can spend your afternoon.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Both cities are honestly great for a family break, and it just depends on what you want to do. Brisbane is perfect for a more outdoorsy vacation, and Melbourne is better if you want to inject some culture into your lives.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for solo travel

In the battle of Brisbane vs Melbourne you may be wondering which city is better for solo travel.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is safe, and relatively compact, making it a great place to visit solo. There is lots to see and do, and you can always join a number of group tours if you want some company.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is also safe, and easy to get around, again making it a good spot for solo travel. There is probably a little bit more to do in Melbourne, meaning you won’t get bored!

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Both Brisbane and Melbourne are safe cities, which in our opinion makes them great for solo travel. Melbourne definitely has a little bit more going on, so is the winner when it comes to solo travel.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is cheaper

Cost is an important factor when planning any trip, so here we look at whether Brisbane or Melbourne is cheaper.

BRISBANE

All in all, Australia can be a pretty expensive place to visit. That being said the cost of living in Brisbane is a lot lower than places like Melbourne or Sydney.

Costs will be dependant on what you plan to do when you get there, but on average, a meal for 2 in a standard restaurant will set you back about $50 -$100.

For a full week in Brisbane we recommend budgeting about $1000 per person, to cover costs like eating out, transport, and drinks. This can go up or down though depending on your spending habits.

Hotels are quite costly particularly in the city centre. For a 4 star hotel you should expect to pay around $200 per night. Although this will depend on the time of year you are visiting and how far in advance you book your accommodation.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne can be quite expensive, particularly in comparison to US standards. If you are staying for a week, you want to budget around $1200 – $1400 per person. This is not including accommodation costs.

Melbourne has a lot of really good food and drink options but these can be quite pricey, so keep this in mind when budgeting.

Accommodation costs are similar to Brisbane, although again this is dependant on the time of year you book. We found a really good deal on a 4 star hotel in the city centre, which cost $170 per night. This was off season though, so expect to pay around $250 during peak seasons.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the more expensive city especially when it comes to things like food and drink.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better for shopping

Are you wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne is better for a shopping holiday? Well, read on.

BRISBANE

There are some great shopping options in Brisbane. The Queen Street Mall is the best place to go for all your typical high street shops, department stores, and much more.

You also have some great shopping opportunities in suburbs such as Paddington. There are a ton of vintage stores you can checkout covering all different price ranges.

West End is also a great place to go for vintage and retro shopping. If you are more into boutique stores and one of a kind clothing pieces, then Fortitude Valley is your best bet.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a shopaholics dream. The CBD is one of the best places to do this particularly around Bourke Street. You have lots of large malls with so many great places to shop.

You also have these old shopping arcades like the Block Arcade, with luxury boutiques, and cafes, that are great to stroll through and even better to shop in.

If you head out into the suburbs you can find vintage boutique shops, and some great bargains too.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the better choice for shoppers. There is a lot more option, and the city prides itself on being the fashion capital of Australia so you know you will find something great.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better in summer

If you are visiting Australia in the summer months (December – February) you might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne is the better option.

BRISBANE

Summers in Brisbane are hot and humid. Thankfully the city is well prepared for this with most bars, restaurants, and even public transport being air conditioned. As the summer months coincide with school holidays accommodation gets booked quickly at this time of year and can be expensive.

Summer is also the rainy season, with the chance of tropical storms increasing. But despite this it is still prime time to visit Brisbane.

There are so many incredible things to do in the city over summer. The South Bank Parklands for starters are a great place to visit, where you can swim in some of the man made pools.

MELBOURNE

Summer in Melbourne is peak travel season, so accommodation costs can be high. You may also encounter crowds when visiting some of the city attractions.

The temperature ranges from 20-27 degrees Celsius. But honestly it can be really unpredictable. We visited in January and on one day I was wearing a cardigan because I was cold. Two days later it hit 38 degrees Celsius. One thing to consider though, is that there is far less humidity in Melbourne.

The good thing with Melbourne is that there are beaches close by that you can visit to cool down.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Both Brisbane and Melbourne are good options for visiting in the summer. If you want slightly cooler summer weather though we recommend visiting Melbourne. Brisbane has a more tropical climate, so it can be very humid and sticky at times. Melbourne has more of a dry heat which can feel a little more bearable.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is better in winter

If you are planning to visit Australia during the winter months of June – August, you might be wondering if Brisbane or Melbourne is better.

BRISBANE

Winters in Brisbane are relatively mild. Temperatures range between 10 and 22 degrees Celsius. It’s a great time of year to visit Brisbane, as the days are still sunny, and dry.

You rarely need a coat in winter in Brisbane, usually a jumper or a light jacket will suffice, especially during the day.

There are less tourists in Brisbane over the winter months, although in August visitor numbers pick up due to the Royal Brisbane Show or EKKA. This is the time of year when many people arrive from the country, to attend livestock shows. There are also rides, fireworks, and games. It’s basically a right of passage for Queenslanders.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a lot cooler in the winter months, with temperatures comparable to some European cities. On average temperatures are around 7 -16 degrees Celsius and rain is likely.

You will need a jacket or coat particularly at night, and umbrellas are also a must. Tourist numbers tend to drop in winter, but this is a great time to explore some of the museums, or get cosy in a trendy Melbourne bar.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Brisbane is the better option for winter months. The mild temperatures, and decreased chance of rain make it perfect for exploring the outdoors, or even enjoying some al fresco dining.

Brisbane vs Melbourne: which one is for me

Here is our final summary on the Brisbane vs Melbourne debate in case you haven’t yet decided which city is for you.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a warm, bustling city with lots to see and do. It’s definitely a lot smaller than Melbourne, which is a plus as a lot of the main attractions are in walking distance of the city centre.

Brisbane is a very laid back city, with fewer tourists, and it is also a lot cheaper than Melbourne.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia. It prides itself on its food and drink scene. It’s also a great place to experience the arts in Australia.

Melbourne is very fast paced, with milder temperatures. It also has a bit of everything including theme parks, world class restaurants, fantastic museums, and beaches.

BRISBANE OR MELBOURNE

Brisbane and Melbourne are both incredible places to visit in Australia. If you get the opportunity to visit both we highly recommend you do.

If you can only do one, as much as it pains me to say (as someone born and bred in Brisbane) Melbourne is your better option. It’s much more fast paced with more attractions, and a world class food and drink scene.

Hopefully this guide has helped you decide if you should visit Brisbane or Melbourne. If you are tossing up between any other Aussie cities, here is a guide to Brisbane vs Sydney and Melbourne vs Sydney that you might find useful. We also have a Brisbane vs Gold Coast guide.

You can pin this guide for later below.

Happy Travels!