Brisbane vs Sydney: Which one is better for my next vacation

Are you planning a trip to Australia and wondering if Brisbane or Sydney is the better holiday spot? In this guide we do a side by side comparison on everything you need to know including costs, attractions, safety, and much more. So here is a complete guide to Brisbane vs Sydney.

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Brisbane vs Sydney: Some background

Before we get into the battle of Brisbane vs Sydney, here is some background on each city.

BRISBANE

Brisbane, or Brissie as the locals call it, is the capital of the Australian state of Queensland. It is located in the south eastern part of the state, and is the third biggest city in the country. The population currently sits at around 2.2 million, making it less than half the size of Sydney.

Brisbane is located along the aptly named Brisbane River, which provides the perfect backdrop to a lot of the cities attractions.

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

SYDNEY

Sydney is the capital of the Australian state NSW. A common misconception is that it is the capital of Australia which is incorrect. But it is one of the largest cities in the country, and the finance and entertainment capital.

Sydney is a very multicultural city, home to over 5 million people. Between these people there are over 250 different languages spoken. In fact over a third of the population were born overseas.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for accommodation

Deciding on where to stay is a big deal for any trip. Here we look at Brisbane vs Sydney when it comes to accommodation.

BRISBANE

When looking for accommodation in Brisbane you want to choose somewhere like the CBD or South Bank. This is where most of the main tourist attractions are and it will be easy to walk around between them.

You will also, 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.

SYDNEY

If you are in Sydney for a short time, or even for the first time, you want to base yourself in the CBD or around Circular Quay. Transport links are excellent and you are close to the main attractions.

If you have been to Sydney several times, or are wanting more of a relaxed beach style holiday then staying around Bondi or Manly might be your best option.

Accommodation costs average at around $230 per night for a 4 star hotel, although this does change depending on the time of year you book.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

There are more accommodation choices in Sydney, but in Brisbane you get a little bit more bang for your buck. City centre accommodation tends to be cheaper, and you get some great views for a lot less.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for attractions

Wondering if Brisbane or Sydney has the better tourist attractions? This is the section for you. Here we look at some of the top things to do in each city.

BRISBANE

Here are some of the best things to do in Brisbane.

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.

SYDNEY

Now here are some of the best things to do in Sydney.

See the Opera House

One of the most recognisable buildings in Sydney has to be the Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Opera House is a must. You can attend a show, or even do a tour of the Opera House to delve deeper into the buildings interior.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The other iconic Sydney structure aside from the Opera House is of course the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Construction began in 1923, and was designed to connect the northern and southern shores of Sydney’s harbour.

Get the Ferry from Circular Quay

If you want to see likes of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or the Opera House from a different perspective we highly recommend getting a ferry from Circular Quay and checking out the sights. The best ferry route is to Manly. Along the way you get excellent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Alternatively if you want to get a bit closer to the Bridge you need to go in the opposite direction and get the ferry to Milson’s Point.

Manly

Manly is a suburb North East of the Sydney CBD. The ferry route from Circular Quay has been named the world’s most scenic commute, and honestly it isn’t hard to see why. So even if you don’t spend a heap of time in Manly it is definitely worth a visit.

There are several beaches and coastal walks that you can do here, and it is very different in atmosphere to the tourist centric Circular Quay. There are also some fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy during your time here.

Visit Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is arguably one of the most famous beaches in the world, and certainly the most iconic in Australia. The golden sand, and ultra trendy setting makes it a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. It is hugely popular with surfers, and you can even take a lesson if you want to tick surfing at Bondi off your Sydney bucket list.

Relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens

Located just next to Circular Quay are the Sydney Botanical Gardens. It’s a 30 hectare site, that is also heritage listed. Entry to the gardens is completely free.

Visit Luna Park

Luna Park is located just across from Circular Quay. It’s a heritage listed amusement park with some pretty amazing views.

Even if you aren’t into theme parks we recommend getting a ferry out here. The views are stunning, and you get to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a completely different perspective.

Experience the views from the Sydney Tower

For a birds eye view of the city head to Sydney Tower. It’s the tallest structure in Sydney but also the second tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. From the viewing platform you get a 360 degree view of Sydney which is really beautiful.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Obviously there is a lot more to do in Sydney than in Brisbane. Brisbane is certainly a lot more low key, but Sydney has the famous tourist attractions.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is more picturesque

Wondering if Brisbane or Sydney is the more picturesque city. Here are our thoughts.

BRISBANE

Ok I know I’m biased here, having grown up in Brisbane, but it really is a beautiful city. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, there are so many picturesque spots where you can go to escape. Some of our favourites are New Farm Park, South Bank, and even Eagle Street Pier.

SYDNEY

Sydney is also a beautiful city. Although it’s picturesque spots are definitely more famous than Brisbane’s. One of the most beautiful spots in Sydney apart from Bondi or Manly has to be Circular Quay. Here you can photograph the stunning city skyline alongside the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. A top tip, is to head to the Botanic Gardens at sunset and admire the stunning views over the Opera House.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

This is a really tough call because both Brisbane and Sydney are incredibly beautiful. Sydney is probably slightly more picturesque, especially because it has the Opera House and Sydney Harbour bridge, which are both incredibly photogenic. But don’t write Brisbane off, there are so many beautiful spots in the city.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one has the better vibe

I know it’s strange measuring a city by its ‘vibe’. But here are our thoughts on Brisbane vs Sydney.

BRISBANE

The vibe in Brisbane is incredibly laid back and carefree. It’s obviously incredibly warm and you get a lot of casual outdoor dining.

People are pretty welcoming and it kind of has this town vibe, despite being a big city. Things are slow in Brisbane, which might be a shock especially for those coming from the US or Europe. Things close early especially restaurants, that usually do last orders at 9pm.

SYDNEY

Sydney has a pretty chilled out vibe as well. There is a bit more seriousness in Sydney though compared to Brisbane. This is particularly as it has positioned itself as the business capital of Australia.

There is also a surfer vibe going on in parts of Sydney, around Bondi and Manly for instance. So you can definitely relax on the beach and watch the world go by.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Brisbane and Sydney both have a laid back vibe, although this is more evident in Brisbane. Brisbane is also a bit friendlier so it’s our winner.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is more touristy

Wondering if Brisbane or Sydney has more tourists? Here we have a look at both cities to decide.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a touristy city with people coming here from all over the world. It’s a big student city as well with three big universities and a number of colleges and Higher Education Institutes. Peak tourist season in Brisbane is in the summer months where you get a lot of people coming for the warm sunny weather.

SYDNEY

Sydney is very touristy. It’s worse in the summer months where you often find yourself having to line up for long periods of time for certain attractions. Circular Quay is also brimming with tourists, so it can be a little bit overwhelming at times.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Sydney is way more touristy than Brisbane. This is both good and bad. It means that getting around the city is easy, and there are more things to do, but it also means things can be very overcrowded.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is easier to get to

Getting to a destination will of course be a major factor in deciding to visit. So is Brisbane or Sydney easier to get to?

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.

It costs around $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.

SYDNEY

Changes are your trip to Sydney will be starting at Sydney Airport. Sydney Airport is the busiest airport in the country, with several flights arriving from around the country and the world. In fact you get a really good choice of international airlines flying in and out of Sydney.

The simplest, way to get to the CBD from the airport is via a taxi or Uber. It’s a 20 minute drive and will set you back somewhere around $45-$60.

There is also the option to get a train, which will get you to the city in about 13 minutes. This should take you to all the main stations like Circular Quay. If you are venturing out into the suburbs you may need to change trains along the way.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Both cities are relatively easy to get to. Sydney definitely has more options when it comes to international flights though so is the easier one to get to.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is easier to get around

In the battle of Brisbane vs Sydney you might be wondering which city is easier to get around. Here we look at both places to determine which one has better public transport options.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a very easy city to get around. The CBD is pretty walkable, and this is where a lot of the main attractions are located. Or at least near here anyway.

If you are planning to go out further to spots like Lone Pine, or New Farm for instance, you will need to rely on 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).

SYDNEY

Public transport is incredibly easy to use in Sydney. It’s also one of the best ways to get around. For a short trip to Sydney you are probably only really going to need to use the ferry and train.

Both services are easy to use. You can either get an Opal Card, which you can buy at selected newsagents across Sydney. You will need to top it up as you go. Alternatively you can just scan your credit card as you hop on and off the transport.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Public transport in Sydney is a lot easier to use. You can tap on and off with a credit card, whereas the last time we were in Brisbane this wasn’t possible. You had to have the particular ‘Go Card’.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for beaches

Any trip to Australia conjures up these images of spending time at the beach and relaxing. So is Brisbane or Sydney better for this?

BRISBANE

Brisbane doesn’t really have any beaches in the city itself. There are some on the outskirts, but if you want to make the most of the sunshine and sand you need to drive out a bit further. The Gold Coast is about 1.5 hours drive from the centre of Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast is about 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.

SYDNEY

One of the most famous beaches in Sydney and Australia for that matter has to be Bondi Beach. People flock here from all around the world to experience the sun sand and surf Sydney has to offer. But it isn’t the only beach option in Sydney you also have Manly Beach which is a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Considering you do need to get out of Brisbane to experience the beaches, Sydney is the better option for sun sand and surf.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for food

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie, you might be wondering if Brisbane or Sydney is the better option when it comes to eating.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has started to become a real foodie hotspot. The city has such a multicultural identity which is very much reflected in the food scene.

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.

SYDNEY

Sydney is also a great place to go for food. Because of its multicultural population like Brisbane this is very much reflected in the food scene.

Whilst Sydney isn’t as good as Melbourne when it comes to food there is a lot of choice when eating in the city. From your independent coffee shops to your high class restaurants there is a little something for everyone.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Honestly Brisbane and Sydney in our opinion are pretty on par when it comes to food. Melbourne is Australia’s top quality food destination, and Brisbane and Sydney are both a bit behind in comparison.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for nightlife

If you are interested in nightlife you might be wondering if Brisbane or Sydney 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.

SYDNEY

Sydney has an incredible nightlife scene, particularly if you are into nightclubs. Some of the best clubbing spots are in places like King’s Cross, Oxford Street, and Darling Harbour.

If you prefer cocktails, we recommend visiting one of the amazing bars in Sydney’s CBD. Some of our favourites are the award winning Maybe Sammy near the Rocks, and Cantina OK in the city centre.

Basically whatever you are into when it comes to nightlife Sydney will have something for you.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Sydney definitely has a bigger and slightly better nightlife scene in comparison to Brisbane. There is a lot more choice, especially when it comes to nightclubs, and cocktail lounges.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for culture

If you are a culture lover you might be wondering if Brisbane or Sydney 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.

SYDNEY

Sydney is a great place for culture. For starters, it’s very culturally diverse with people from all over the world now calling the city home.

It also has a very vibrant arts scene, which probably doesn’t come as a big surprise considering it is home to a world heritage listed opera house.

Another big part of the culture in Sydney is based around beach and surf. There are many beaches in Sydney which means that locals are used to visiting and spending a lot of time outdoors.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Both cities are great for culture, but Sydney is a little bit bigger and just that bit better when it comes to museums, arts, and theatre.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for safety

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

BRISBANE

As someone who grew up in Brisbane, I can honestly say that Brisbane is a 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 Sydney.

SYDNEY

As someone who has spent a lot of time in Sydney, I can honestly say I have never felt unsafe in the city. And overall according to the ‘Safe Cities Index’ Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world. That isn’t to say that you don’t get issues in Sydney. You do. But like any city in the world you just need to take precautions.

Always keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid walking home late at night. There are some neighbourhoods in Sydney that you should avoid, so if you are venturing out of the CBD make sure you do your research. Overall though as a tourist in Sydney you should generally be ok.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Brisbane is the safer city, although as a whole Australia is a pretty safe place. You shouldn’t have any major issues in Brisbane or Sydney, especially if you are sticking to the tourist spots.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for couples

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

BRISBANE

There is a lot to do as a couple when visiting Brisbane. From watching the sun set at Mount Cootha, to having a picnic at New Farm Park, there are so many beautiful moments to share in this city.

One of our favourite places when it comes to date night ideas has be South Bank. You can ride the Wheel of Brisbane and sip wine, or enjoy some views from a rooftop bar. Or our personal favourite, you can do a sunset cruise along the Brisbane River.

SYDNEY

Sydney is a great option for couples. There are so many incredible experiences that you can share like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or cruising around Circular Quay, or even having a romantic picnic for 2 on a secret beach.

On top of that there are so many romantic restaurants and cosy bars, that you can enjoy for your date nights.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Both cities are great for couples, so in the battle of Brisbane vs Sydney for a couples holiday we would say it is a tie.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for families

If you are travelling as a family you might be wondering if Brisbane or Sydney 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.

SYDNEY

Sydney is also an excellent option for families. There are so many amazing things to do. From spending time at one of the beaches, to checking out the rides at Luna Park.

You also have a lot of family friendly attractions around Darling Harbour such as the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Maritime Museum, and even Madame Tussauds.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

We have to declare this one a tie. Both cities have amazing options for a family holiday. In Brisbane you have South Bank and Lone Pine, which are perfect places to spend time with the kids. On the other hand Sydney has museums, beaches and Luna Park.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for solo travel

In the battle of Brisbane vs Sydney 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.

SYDNEY

Like Brisbane, Sydney is incredibly safe, and therefore a fantastic place to visit for solo travellers. There is also a lot to do so you won’t be bored travelling alone. On top of that there are several group tours you can book onto if you are wanting to meet other travellers.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Both Brisbane and Sydney are good choices for solo travellers. If we had to choose we would opt for Sydney because it just has that little bit more to do.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is cheaper

When it comes to the battle of Brisbane vs Sydney you might be wondering which city is cheaper. Here we go into detail on the travel costs for each city.

BRISBANE

Australia can be an expensive place to visit, although Brisbane has a lower cost of living in comparison to places like Sydney or Melbourne.

Costs will of course be dependant on what you want to do when you get to Brisbane. But for example to help you budget, a meal for 2 in a standard restaurant will cost somewhere between $50-$100.

You will probably need about $200 per person per day for a trip to Brisbane. This will include eating out, transport, and attractions. One of the good things about Brisbane is that a lot of the main attractions are within walking distance, so you won’t have to spend a fortune getting around.

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.

SYDNEY

Sydney is one of those places that is constantly making those ‘top 10 most expensive places in the world’ lists. And it makes sense. It’s a bustling city, and apparently it is the 12th most expensive city in the world when it comes to property prices.

If you are wondering how much to budget we would recommend around $300 per person per day on a trip to Sydney. This will include things like tours, transport and food and drink. You can obviously spend a lot more or a lot less depending on your travel style.

If you want to cut costs, avoid eating around places like Circular Quay, use public transport, and book your accommodation well in advance.

And speaking of accommodation, this can be pricey, particularly in the peak summer months. So make sure you book well in advance, and try to avoid Circular Quay.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Brisbane is a much cheaper city to visit than Sydney. Accommodation costs tend to be a lot cheaper, as is the general cost of living, which translates into food and drink costs for tourists.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for day trips

In the battle of Brisbane vs Sydney you may be wondering which city will give you better day trip options. Here are our thoughts.

BRISBANE

There are a number of fantastic day trip options from Brisbane. For starters you have the top quality beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coast that are about an hour to two hours drive respectively from Brisbane.

You also have a number of islands close to Brisbane like Bribie Island, Stradbroke Island, and much more.

SYDNEY

Sydney also has some great options when it comes to day trips. One of the best day trips from Sydney has to be the Blue Mountains. This gives you the option to explore some of the natural beauty of Australia at the famous mountain range.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Both Brisbane and Sydney have excellent options for day trips with incredible amounts of natural beauty in close proximity to each city.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for nature

If you want to get out and explore a bit of nature, you might be wondering if Brisbane or Sydney is the better choice.

BRISBANE

Brisbane does have a lot of great spots to visit and enjoy nature. One of the best in the city has to be Mount Cootha. It’s a suburb but also a popular bushland tourist spot. There are lots of hiking trails, picnic spots, and even a lookout point.

There is lots of green space in Brisbane itself but you can also venture out further towards the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast to explore some of the best nature spots Queensland has to offer.

SYDNEY

Sydney is a big city, so if you want to experience uninterrupted nature you do need to venture out. One of the best places to go has to be the Blue Mountains. It’s over an hours drive to get here, but definitely doable on a day trip from Sydney.

Closer to Sydney though I should add you do get some lovely beaches such as Bondi and Manly which are great for nature lovers, although they can be a little crowded.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Sydney is quite a built up city, so personally we would choose Brisbane if you want to experience nature at it’s finest. You probably will need a car to do so though, so keep that in mind.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better for shopping

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

BRISBANE

Brisbane has some great shopping options. One of the most obvious choices is the Queen Street Mall, where you will find lots of high street shops, and department stores.

If you venture out into some of the inner city suburbs you will also find some good shopping iptions. Paddington, West End, and Fortitude Valley, are all excellent options for vintage, stores, or one of a kind boutique pieces.

SYDNEY

Sydney is one of the shopping capitals of Australia. You will find everything from high end designer shops, to boutique Australian made brand stores.

The expansive CBD is a good place to start, particularly places like the Pitt Street Mall and World Square.

There are also tons of markets in Sydney. You get fruit and veg markets, vintage and secondhand markets like the one in Rozelle, and there is even a weekend market in The Rocks.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

While Brisbane has good shopping options Sydney is the winner here. There are a lot of shops, and you will find a lot more local designers and boutique stores.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is better in summer

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

BRISBANE

Summers in Brisbane are hot and humid. Temperatures creep up into the late 20’s/early 30s °C. There are also a lot of tropical storms at this time of year.

That being said, summer is a prime time to visit Brisbane. Bars and restaurants are prepared for the hot weather, and there is so much to see and do over the city. One of the best things to cool down in the city centre is to head to South Bank and take a dip in one of the pools overlooking the city skyline.

SYDNEY

Similar to Brisbane, Sydney is primed for tourism in the summer months. Temperatures range from 19-30°C, and it can get quite humid. But it is perfect if you are wanting to visit the beaches in the city, and make the most of the Australian Summer.

The downside of visiting in summer is that this is peak travel season. Kids are off school in December and January, and this also coincides with Christmas and New Years holidays. For this reason hotels can be quite expensive, and tourist attractions can be busy.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

It’s Australia, and it’s hot so both cities are perfect for visiting in the summer months.

Brisbane vs Sydney: 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 Sydney is better.

BRISBANE

Winters in Brisbane are pretty mild with temperatures ranging between 10 – 22°C. It’s also relatively dry and sunny at this time of year as well. For that reason it is a great time to visit the city.

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, but still plenty to see and do.

SYDNEY

Don’t let winter put you off from visiting Sydney. It’s actually a really lovely time to go. For starters it’s a lot quieter especially around the beaches. Because there are less people around hotel prices tend to be a bit cheaper too.

Winter in Sydney is June – August, and temperatures are actually pretty mild. It ranges from 9-20°C which is light jacket weather. Like Brisbane it’s pretty dry and sunny at this time of year with no shortage of things to do.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

Brisbane and Sydney in our opinion are both great options for visiting in the winter months. The weather is mild, tourist numbers are down, and best of all it’s dry and sunny.

Brisbane vs Sydney: which one is for me

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

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a relaxed city, with an authentically Australian feel. It’s somewhere you should visit if you want to do things at a slow pace. It’s incredibly friendly, and you will feel like home here in no time.

SYDNEY

Sydney is one of the most famous cities in the world. And whilst it is relatively laid back, there is a lot more hustle and bustle compared with Brisbane. It is popular with tourists but for good reason.

BRISBANE OR SYDNEY

If it is your first time visiting Australia then you kind of have to visit Sydney. I mean seeing the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour bridge are both once in a lifetime things. Sydney also has everything Brisbane has, but within closer proximity. You don’t have to drive an hour plus to visit the beaches, and there are a number of attractions for families all in the city centre.

On the other hand if you want a very relaxed holiday, or something a little more authentic you should visit Brisbane. This is where you will get to experience real life in Australia, and you can blend in with the locals whilst doing so.

Hopefully this guide has helped you decide on your next Australian city but if you are still tossing up here is a guide to Brisbane vs Gold Coast and Melbourne vs Sydney that might help you.

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Happy Travels!