I’ve roamed around in Australia for a year, and I’d like to share my experiences of each city. Each city has it’s own distinguishable traits, their own vibes and weather. It’s a biggggg country so every city has it’s own traits and personality. On my experience I loved every city! It’s hard to rate them in one standard, hence I’ll be rating through four categories: Weather, Nature, Nightlife, and City Vibe. When it comes to weather, it will be about how pleasant the weather is—sunny, too hot, rainy, etc. For nature, every place is absolutely gorgeous, therefore I should be rating them in a relative way. How many Beautiful sceneries and natural attractions there are and also how beautiful they are were regarded. For Nightlife, it was considered how easy it is to socialize and are there enough places to hang out. Last but not least, city vibe. The overall feel of the city, its size, facilities, and convenience.
Melbourne
Melbourne is often called “Europe in Australia,”.It’s full of antique buildings and sophisticated gardens. Especially during the Christmas season, the city is adorned with flashing lights and decorations in red and green, making it absolutely beautiful.
Weather: 1/5
The weather is unpredictable. Temperatures drop suddenly at night, and it’s often rainy and cloudy. During summer (December to February), average temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F), but it can get much hotter. In winter (June to August), temperatures drop to between 6°C and 14°C (43°F to 57°F). It’s often rainy and cloudy, and temperatures can drop suddenly at night.
Nature: 4/5
Melbourne is close to great natural spots like the Great Ocean Road, Puffing Billy, and St. Kilda. The proximity of such stunning nature from city is a big plus.
Nightlife: 5/5
Melbourne is a multicultural city with many international students and backpackers around the world, so it’s easy to make friends. There are countless nightlife spots, recommend Billboard as it has excellent playlist.The city also offers a variety of bars, pubs, and live music venues, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
City Vibe: 4/5
Melbourne has lovely gardens, antique buildings, and is a great place for shopping. There are many trendy stores, and on a sidenote, H&M store looks like a palace. The city is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and street art. The laneways are famous for their hidden cafes, boutique shops, and unique atmosphere. Melbourne’s public transport system, including trams, trains, and buses, is efficient and makes getting around the city convenient.
Byron Bay
Weather: 4/5
Byron Bay has mild weather with a pleasant sea breeze.In summer, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).In March, it was perfect for swimming even in the evening. Winter temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), still quite comfortable. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Nature: 4/5
Byron Bay is a small town but packed with natural attractions. From surfing and snorkeling to exploring unique tracking courses, there’s plenty to see and do. Cape Byron Lighthouse offers panoramic views and is a great spot for whale watching during migration season. The hinterland features lush rainforests and waterfalls, perfect for day trips. No wonder why it is one of the beloved holiday spots for Australians.
Nightlife: 2/5
There’s only one bar and club in town, but staying at a hostel makes it easy to meet other backpackers. The nightlife scene is more laid-back, focusing on beachside gatherings and live music rather than bustling clubs. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to socialize and make new friends.
City Vibe: 3/5
Byron Bay doesn’t have big shopping malls or public transport friendly. Most people bring their own cars to go surfing or camping. However, the restaurants are fancy, and the overall vibe is cool and chill. The town is known for its bohemian lifestyle, attracting artists, musicians, and free spirits. The markets, boutique shops, and organic cafes contribute to its unique charm.
Gold Coast
Weather: 4/5
The Gold Coast is sunny year-round. In summer, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Even in winter, temperatures drop only to around 9°C to 21°C (48°F to 70°F), making it perfect spot for surfing. The climate is ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
Nature: 3/5
The Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, especially Surfers Paradise. However, there aren’t many mountains or valleys nearby. Currumbin Cave is a nice spot but requires your own transport to get there. The hinterland offers beautiful rainforests and waterfalls, such as Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park, but these require some travel from the coast.
Nightlife: 4/5
Despite being a small city, the Gold Coast has a lot of clubs and bars. It has relatively a lot more bars compared to its city size. You might enter bar which is almost empty, or full of people. It’s hit and miss. Therefore bar hopping is common, so be prepared to collect stamps on your wrist! Popular nightlife areas include Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, where you can find a mix of bars, nightclubs, and live entertainment. The nightlife is lively and attracts both locals and tourists.
City Vibe: 4/5
The Gold Coast has a relaxed, beach-centric vibe, common holiday spot for Australians. The city is well-developed, with modern facilities, shopping centers, and a variety of dining options. Public transport includes buses and the G
light rail, which makes getting around convenient. The Gold Coast is also known for its theme parks, such as Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Dreamworld, which are popular attractions for families and thrill-seekers.
Brisbane
Weather: 4/5
Brisbane enjoys sunshine for about 300 days a year, making it one of the sunniest cities in Australia. During summer (December to February), average temperatures range from 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F), and it can get quite humid. In winter (June to August), temperatures range from 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F). Winter mornings and evenings can be chilly, but a light jacket is usually sufficient. Brisbane’s weather is ideal for those who love the sun but want to avoid extreme temperatures.
Nature: 3/5
While Brisbane itself doesn’t boast the dramatic natural landscapes found in other parts of Australia, it still has some notable natural attractions. The nearby Moreton Island is perfect for a day trip, offering beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and opportunities for snorkeling and dolphin watching. The Brisbane River, which winds through the city, provides picturesque views and riverside parks. Mount Coot-tha, located just outside the city, offers hiking trails and a lookout with stunning views of Brisbane and the surrounding areas. However, for those seeking more dramatic nature experiences, travel outside the city is necessary.
Nightlife: 3/5
Brisbane’s nightlife is concentrated in a few key areas, with Fortitude Valley being the most popular. Fortitude Valley is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with a mix of nightclubs, bars, and live music venues. The area attracts a lot of young people, especially backpackers, which makes it easy to meet new people. However, the transient nature of the backpacker crowd means it’s not always the best place for long-term connections. Other nightlife spots include South Bank, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its riverside bars and restaurants, and the CBD, where you can find stylish rooftop bars and pubs.
City Vibe: 4/5
Brisbane is a rapidly growing city with a laid-back yet vibrant vibe. The city has undergone significant development in recent years, with new infrastructure, cultural precincts, and shopping areas emerging. Queen Street Mall is the main shopping destination, featuring a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and popular retail chains. The South Bank Parklands, with its man-made beach, cultural institutions, and dining options, is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Cairns
Weather: 2/5
If you are visiting around February, which is mid-summer in Australia, keep in mind it can get too humid and hot. Average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). It gets cooler in the rainforest and mountains though. The best time to visit Cairns is July or November when temperatures are more comfortable, averaging between 17°C and 26°C (63°F to 79°F). Cairns experiences a wet season from November to May, with heavy rainfall and the risk of cyclones.
Nature: 5/5
Cairns is AMAZING for nature. I would like to give 10 out of 5. The rainforest and Great Barrier Reef are simply breathtaking. Sometimes, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, offers incredible biodiversity and unique experiences like crocodile spotting on the Daintree River. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perfect for snorkeling and diving, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and marine life. If you are nature lover, this place is for you.
Nightlife: 3/5
Cairns is small, but it doesn’t mean there’s no club. Popular nightlife spots include Gilligan’s and various bars along the Esplanade. The nightlife is lively but more laid-back compared to larger cities. As most of the people are backpackers, people tend to be chilled, so it’s easy to hang out with people. The hostels are particularly social.
City Vibe: 2/5
Cairns has a big shopping mall at Cairns Central, but it lacks a fancy vibe relatively to other cities. For Public transport, there’s no subway or tram, just a bus. People seem to use Uber as an alternative, usually costing less than $10 .The city is more of a gateway to natural attractions rather than a bustling urban center. Cairns has a relaxed, tropical atmosphere, with a focus on outdoor activities and adventure tourism.
Sydney
Weather: 3/5
Sydney has moderate weather. During summer, temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F), while in winter, they range from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F). It’s sometimes windy, but generally has moderate sunshine and rain without drastic changes. Sydney enjoys a temperate climate, making it comfortable year-round for outdoor activities.
Nature: 4/5
Despite being a big city, Sydney offers beautiful beaches, mountains, and valleys. Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Coogee Beach are iconic spots for surfing, swimming, and relaxing. The Royal National Park, located just outside the city, offers scenic coastal walks, waterfalls, and lush forests. The Blue Mountains, about a two-hour drive from Sydney, are perfect for hiking and exploring rugged landscapes.
Nightlife: 5/5
As a major city, Sydney has a vibrant nightlife with numerous events, clubs, and bars. The biggest club in Sydney is Ivy, which is famous for thursday night. There’s everything for everyone. The city has a diverse range of nightlife options, from trendy rooftop bars in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills to lively clubs in city center. Circular Quay and The Rocks offer a mix of historic pubs and modern venues with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
City Vibe: 5/5
Sydney is the biggest city in Australia. It boasts great facilities, excellent public transport, shopping, and impressive architecture. Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge contribute to its sophisticated atmosphere. The city has a dynamic arts scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and cultural events. Public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries, is efficient and makes exploring the city easy.