AUSTRALIA – 8 Popular Cities To Add To Your Travel Itinerary!

Australia might be the smallest continent, but it’s the world’s sixth-largest country, covering an area about 32 times that of the UK! With so many popular cities spread across such a huge country, deciding where to visit can be tricky. And getting there from London is an adventure in itself, with an average flight time of around 21 hours!

Australia is a vibrant, bucket-list destination, packed with iconic attractions like the Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, and Sydney Opera House. Add in its incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and diverse cities, and it’s easy to see why Australia is such a favourite among travellers. And, of course, growing up, I watched Steve Irwin, which put Australia on the map for me.

With so many amazing cities to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning your Australian adventure. There’s simply so much to explore, especially if you’re lucky enough to have more time with a working holiday visa.

In this blog, I’ll take you through 8 popular Australian cities, what makes each one worth visiting, how long I’d recommend staying, what to expect weather-wise and tourist-wise, a cool collection of fun activities, and stunning places to stay. Are you ready for an unforgettable journey down under?

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1. Canberra

Often overlooked in favour of Australia’s bigger, more famous cities, Canberra is Australia’s capital and a great addition to your itinerary. While it may not have the beaches or buzzing atmosphere of Sydney, Canberra offers something completely different, with impressive museums, galleries, national landmarks, beautiful green spaces, and plenty of history.

If you’re planning a multi-destination trip around Australia, I’d recommend spending at least two days in Canberra. It’s a great stop if you’re interested in Australian history, culture, and politics, and it’s an easy addition to a wider trip through southeastern Australia.

Whether you want to explore Parliament House, visit some of Australia’s best museums, relax around Lake Burley Gtiffin, or simply experience a quieter side of the country, Canberra is well worth considering for your Australian itinerary.

View of the capital city, Canberra. Credit: Steve (Adobe)

Quick Summary on Canberra

How long should you spend in Canberra? I’d recommend two days in Canberra, which gives you enough time to visit the main attractions without rushing. If you’re particularly interested in museums and galleries, you could easily spend longer exploring.

What’s the weather like? Canberra has a proper four-season climate. Summers are warm and generally dry, while winters can be cold, with spring and autumn offering milder temperatures that are great for exploring the city.

Is Canberra expensive? Canberra can be more affordable than Australia’s bigger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, especially when it comes to accomodation. That makes it a good option for adding a couple of nights to a longer trip to Australia.

Is Canberra worth visiting? If you’re interested in Australian history, culture, museums, and national landmarks, absolutely. Canberra offers a completely different experience from Australia’s coastal cities and makes a nice change of pace.

Who is Canberra best for? Canberra is a great choice for history lovers, families, couples, and anyone looking for a quieter city break away from the noise, with plenty of attractions to explore.

Best Areas To Stay in Canberra

📍City Centre – Best for: First-Time Visitors & Sightseeing

Staying in Canberra’s City Centre will keep you close to the main attractions and amenities. It’s a great option if you want to be close to Canberra’s cultural and political landmarks while exploring the city. If you want a central base without spending much time travelling, Canberra City Centre is perfect. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Hyatt Hotel Canberra – An unreal, elegant experience surrounded by gorgeous aesthetics.

📍Braddon – Best for: Food & Trendy Atmosphere

Braddon is one of Canberra’s livelier neighbourhoods, known for its independent cafes, bars, boutiques, and creative atmosphere. It’s just north of the city centre, making it a great option if you want more buzz while staying close to Canberra’s main attractions. If you want lots of places to eat and explore, Braddon is an exceptional choice. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Hotel Realm – A stylish, modern stay close to some of Canberra’s best dining and attractions.

📍Manuka & Kingston – Best for: Cafes & Relaxed Stay

Manuka and Kingston are great areas to stay if you prefer a more relaxed, upscale side of Canberra, with plenty to do. The area is known for its boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and lively atmosphere, while still being within easy reach of the city’s main sights. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 East Hotel & Apartments – For a modern, clean and stylish five-star holiday in a great location.

Fun Things To Do in Canberra

Canberra is packed with museums, galleries, national landmarks, and beautiful outdoor spaces, so there is plenty to keep you busy during a couple of days in the capital. You should definitely visit Australian Parliament House, where you can see some of Australia’s artwork or witness Question Time, and Lake Burley Giffon, where you can walk or cycle along the lake.

2. Sydney

Sydney is probably the city most people picture when they think of Australia, and for good reason. From the instantly recognisable Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach and a buzzing city centre, Sydney combines big-city energy with an incredible adventurous lifestyle.

Whether you’re visiting Australia for the first time or adding Sydney to a bigger multi-destination trip, it’s a city that’s easy to get excited about. You can spend your days exploring famous landmarks, relaxing on the beach, discovering the city’s food scene, or simply wandering around and taking in the views.

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Sydney to see some of the city’s biggest highlights without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one place to another. If you have longer, even better, there’s plenty more to explore beyond the main attractions.

At the UNESCO Blue Mountains in Sydney

Quick Summary on Sydney

How long should you spend in Sydney? I’d recommend at least three days in Sydney, but four days would be ideal. You’ll be able to see the city’s main attractions, visit a couple of beaches, and get a feel for some of its different neighbours. With anything longer than four days, you can explore at a much more relaxed pace.

What’s the weather like? Sydney has a warm, generally sunny climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer is great for enjoying the beaches, while spring and autumn can be particularly comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the city.

Is Sydney expensive? Straight up, yes. Sydney is one of Australia’s more expensive cities, particularly for accomodation and peak season. December-February is Australia’s high season, when increased demand can push up flight and hotel costs. That said, you can keep costs down by using public transport and staying outside of the city centre.

Is Sydney touristy? Definitely! But I guess that’s part of its appeal. Sydney is one of Australia’s most visited cities, so you’ll find plenty of tourists around the major attractions. That said, the city is large enough that it’s easy to escape the busiest areas and discover quieter beaches, neighbourhoods, and viewpoints.

Is Sydney worth visiting? Absolutely. Sydney has that rare combination of iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, incredible harbour views, and a huge variety of things to do, making it a natural highlight to any Australia itinerary; you’d be crazy to miss it!

Who is Sydney best for? Pretty much everyone. Sydney works well for first-time visitors, couples, families, solo travellers, mums and daughters, beach lovers, and anyone who wants a mix of sightseeing, city life, and outdoor experiences.

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!

Best Areas To Stay in Sydney

📍Sydney CBD – Best for: First-time Visitors & Sightseeing

Sydney CBD is one of the easiest places to stay if you’re visiting Sydney for the first time. You’ll be close to many of the city’s biggest attractions, including Darling Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. It’s also a convenient base for getting around the city, with plenty of nearby food spots and public transport options. If sightseeing is your main priority, the CBD is a great place to start. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Meriton Suites – A boujee, modern, stunning stay with top-class interiors and spacious rooms.

📍The Rocks – Best for: History & Harbour Views

The Rocks is one of Sydney’s most historic neighbourhoods and a great place to stay if you want old-world charm while still being in the city. You’ll be close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay, with plenty of bars and historic streets to explore. If you want those classic Sydney harbour views, The Rocks could be the perfect area for you. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Shangri-La Sydney – Super stunning hotel with upscale vibes and gorgeous harbour views.

📍Bondi – Best for: Beach & Relaxation

Bondi is the place to stay if you want to experience Sydney’s famous beach lifestyle. You’ll have Bondi Beach right on your doorstep, along with bars and independent shops. It’s a great option if you’d rather wake up near the beach than in the city, and the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk starts here too. Just keep in mind you’ll be further from Sydney’s City Centre. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Hotel Ravesis – A beautiful hotel with direct beachfront access and stunning sea views.

Fun Things To Do in Sydney

Sydney is packed with famous landmarks, beautiful beaches and unforgettable experiences, so you won’t be short of things to do. Be sure to visit key attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and explore Sydney’s other top activities.

3. Darwin

If you’re looking for a completely different side of Australia, Darwin is worth considering. In the country’s tropical Top End, Darwin feels worlds away from cities like Melbourne, with its relaxed atmosphere, wild landscapes, and multicultural food scene. Don’t forget to check out the Million Dollar Fish competition, which runs year-round.

Darwin is a great addition if you want a more tropical Australian vibe. It’s a great base for exploring the wider Northern Territory, with national parks, waterfalls, wildlife, and Aboriginal cultural experiences all within reach.

If you’re planning a bigger Australia adventure, I’d recommend adding at least two days in Darwin to experience the city itself. If you have more time, you can use it as a base to explore more of the Top End and add Kakadu and Litchfield to your extra days.

Darwin offers serenity and the best landscapes

Quick Summary on Darwin

How long should you spend in Darwin? I’d recommend two or three days in Darwin itself, but five to seven days if you want to use the city as a base for exploring Litchfield and Kakadu as well as the surrounding Northern Territory.

What’s the weather like? Darwin is a hot year-round destination, but it has a dramatic wet and dry season. May-October is generally the easiest time to visit, with lower humidity, while November-April is much wetter and more humid, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, but temperatures stay around the same.

Is Darwin expensive? Darwin can be more expensive than some other Australian cities, particularly during the busy dry season. It’s more a mid-range trip, although costs will depend heavily on accomodation and how many tours or trips into the national parks you do.

Is Darwin worth visiting? If you’re looking for a completely different side of Australia, yes. Darwin combines tropical scenery, Aboriginal culture, outdoor experiences, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere, while also giving you access to some of the Northern Territory’s incredible natural landscapes.

Who is Darwin best for? Darwin is best suited to travellers who love nature, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and experience off-the-beaten-track typical locations. It’s all about exploring beyond Australia’s major cities.

Best Areas To Stay in Darwin

📍Darwin Waterfront – Best for: Waterfront Views & Families

Darwin Waterfront is a great area to stay if you want to be close to the water, entertainment, and some of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s home to the Wave Lagoon, waterfront promenades, and great dining options, with Stokes Hill Wharf also nearby. Staying here is a convenient base with a more relaxed, holiday-style atmosphere while still being close to Darwin’s city centre. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Palms City Resort – Stunning rooms and villas surrounded by a big pool and lush green tropical gardens.

📍Darwin CBD – Best for: First-time Visitors & Convenience

Darwin CBD is one of the most convenient areas to stay if you’re visiting the city for the first time. You’ll be close to plenty of shops, bars, and food spots, with easy access to the waterfront and many of Darwin’s main attractions. It’s also a great base if you’re planning day trips outside Darwin. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Fremantle Boutique Accommodation – Boujee interior, a mosaic-floor infinity pool, and a gorgeous courtyard.

📍Mindil Beach & The Gardens – Best for: Resort Stays & Sunsets

Mindil Beach and The Gardens are a great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed, resort-style stay away from the busier city centre. You’ll be close to Mindil Beach and its famous sunsets, while still minutes from Darwin CBD. It’s the perfect location if you want to combine sightseeing with downtime, enjoying the beach, tropical surroundings, and resort during the day before heading to the markets and nightlife in the evening. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Mindil Beach & Casino Resort – Fabulous 5-star resort with entertainment, a private white-sand beach, and Darwin’s only swim-up bar.

Fun Things To Do in Darwin

Darwin might be smaller than some of Australia’s major cities, but there’s still plenty to see and do. From waterfront walks and sunset markets to museums, Aboriginal culture and wildlife experiences, Darwin is full of entertainment. Here are some of Darwin’s top activities.

4. Brisbane

Brisbane is Australia’s sunny, laid-back river city, with a great mix of city life, outdoor spaces, culture, and nearby beaches. It’s a little more relaxed than Sydney or Melbourne, but there’s still plenty to see and do, from exploring the South Bank area to enjoying the Brisbane River and discovering the buzzing city energy and food scene.

It’s a great destination to add to your Australian itinerary, whether you are visiting here individually or as part of a multi-destination trip. It’s also a great base for onward travel if you plan on exploring more of Queensland, with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast both within easy reach.

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Brisbane to experience the city’s main highlights without rushing. If you have longer, you can easily add a few day trips or spend more time exploring the surrounding areas.

Brisbane city and river views. Credit: Matt Murray (Adobe)

Quick Summary on Brisbane

How long should you spend in Brisbane? I’d recommend three days in Brisbane. Two days is enough to enjoy the main city sights, while the extra day gives you time to chill by the river or add a day trip to Queensland.

What’s the weather like? Brisbane has a subtropical climate, with warm to hot summers and mild, drier winters. Summers can be humid with occasional heavy rainfall, while winter is generally sunny and comfortable.

Is Brisbane expensive? Brisbane isn’t usually as expensive as Sydney, although accommodation and dining costs can still add up, particularly in popular areas. Booking accommodation ahead can help keep costs down.

Is Brisbane touristy? Brisbane is definitely popular with tourists, but it’s a comfortable level of tourism. The city neighbourhoods feel more local and have great attractions, nightlife and day-trip opportunities for tourists to explore.

Is Brisbane worth visiting? Yes! Brisbane is a great choice if you want a mix of city sightseeing, outdoor spaces, food, culture, and sunshine. It’s also a useful base for exploring more of Queensland.

Who is Brisbane best for? Brisbane suits first-time visitors to Australia, couples, families, solo travellers, and anyone who enjoys combining city attractions with outdoor adventures and day trips.

Best Areas To Stay in Brisbane

📍Brisbane City Centre (CBD) – Best for: Central & Convenience

Brisbane City Centre (CBD) is the heart of the city and one of the most convenient places to stay if you’re visiting Brisbane for the first time. You’ll be close to major attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transport, making it easy to explore the city without spending too much time travelling between places. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Meriton Suites – A cool self-contained accomodation 100 metres from the Brisbane River.

📍South Bank – Best for: River Views & Attractions

South Bank sits along the Brisbane River and is one of the city’s most popular areas for visitors. It’s home to beautiful riverside walks, food spots, green spaces, and attractions, and it’s just across the river from Brisbane’s CBD, which is within walking distance, making it a great place to chill. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Brisbane Skytower – For UNREAL city views and a premium stay.

📍South Bank – Best for: River-views & Attractions

Fortitude Valley, often called The Valley, is one of Brisbane’s liveliest neighbourhoods and a great choice if you want more than the typical sightseeing experience. The area is packed with bars, cafes, live music venues, boutiques and nightlife, giving it a much more energetic feel than the CBD. It’s also just a short distance from the CBD. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Soda Apartments – Clean, spacious spaces with stunning views and a rooftop pool.

Fun Things To Do in Brisbane

Brisbane has a great mix of city attractions, riverside spots, green spaces, and cultural experiences. Walking across the iconic Story Bridge and visiting wildlife sanctuaries to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s famous wildlife is a must. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or using the city as a base to explore Queensland, these highlights are worth adding to your itinerary.

5. Adelaide

Nicknamed the 20-minute city because so much of Adelaide is easily accessible within a short journey, from the airport and city centre to the beaches and surrounding suburbs, Adelaide is one of those Australian cities that deserves a little more attention.

Known for its excellent food and wine scene, beautiful beaches, lively festivals, and compact city centre, Adelaide feels much more relaxed than some of Australia’s bigger cities. It’s an easy city to explore without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one attraction to the next.

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Adelaide to experience the city itself, or longer if you want to venture into South Australia’s incredible wine regions and surrounding scenery.

Views across Adelaide. Credit: trappy76 (Adobe)

Quick Summary on Adelaide

How long should you spend in Adelaide? I’d recommend at least three days to explore the city itself, and an extra day or two if you want to visit the surrounding wine regions, beaches, and other South Australian attractions.

What’s the weather like? Adelaide has a Mediterranean-style climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Spring and autumn are generally comfortable times to explore the city and surrounding areas.

Is Adelaide expensive? I’d say Adelaide is generally more manageable than other cities like Sydney, though Australia as a whole isn’t a budget-friendly destination. However, one advantage of exploring Adelaide is that it is easy to do on foot, but prices do increase during major festivals and events.

Is Adelaide touristy? It gets plenty of visitors, but it doesn’t have the same intensity of foot traffic as other major cities, which makes it feel more relaxed. It’s relatively laid-back with enough to see and a handful of huge tourist attractions.

Is Adelaide worth visiting? Absolutely. Adelaide offers a great combination of food, wine, beaches, culture, and outdoor spaces, while its compact layout makes it easy to explore.

Who is Adelaide best for? Adelaide is a great choice for foodies, wine lovers, beach lovers, couples, solo travellers, mums and daughters, and anyone who wants a more relaxed travel style in Australia.

Best Areas To Stay in Adelaide

📍Adelaide CBD – Best for: First-Time Visitors & Sightseeing

Adelaide CBD (Central Business District) is one of the most convenient places to stay if you’re visiting Adelaide for the first time. You’ll be right in the heart of the city, with shops, parks, and many of Adelaide’s main attractions all within easy reach. Everything is right on your doorstep, so it’s a great base to choose for your stay in Adelaide. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Oval Hotel – An epic five-star stay with boujee, classy rooms overlooking Adelaide Oval.

📍North Adelaide – Best for: Charm & Quieter Vibes

North Adelaide offers a more relaxed alternative to staying in the CBD, with beautiful tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, boutique shops, and food spots. It’s still close enough to the city centre to make sightseeing easy, but it has a more residential, laid-back atmosphere. If you want somewhere with character whilst still being close to the action, North Adelaide is a great base. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Fire Station Inn – For a quirky, memorable stay in a converted historic fire station.

📍Glenelg – Best for: Beaches & Seaside Atmosphere

Glenelg is Adelaide’s most popular seaside suburb and a great choice if you’d rather stay by the beach than in the city centre. You’ll have a beautiful stretch of coastline, beachfront restaurants, shops, and plenty of opportunities to catch a gorgeous sunset. For beach-town vibes and trams to connect you to the city centre, Glenelg offers the best of both worlds. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Stamford Grand Adelaide – Chic, modern decor in grand rooms with world-class service.

Fun Things To Do in Adelaide

Adelaide has a lovely mix of city attractions, beaches, food, wine, and outdoor experiences. It’s also a great base for exploring South Australia, so don’t feel like you have to spend your entire trip within the city. Be sure to check out its iconic wines and the Central Market. Here are some of the best activities in Adelaide.

6. Hobart

Hobart is Tasmania’s charming capital, surrounded by mountains, coastline, and some seriously beautiful scenery. It’s smaller and slower-paced than Australia’s mainland cities, but that’s exactly what makes it such a lovely addition to any Australia itinerary.

In the 1830s, there was only one pub for every 200 people. Today, it’s home to great bars and festivities, including the Wooden Boat Festival and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Whether you’re there for the views or the vibes, Hobart is an incredible city not to miss on your travels.

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Hobart to explore the city and some of its surrounding highlights. If you have more time, you can use Hobart as a base to explore more of Tasmania’s incredible coastline, mountains, and national parks, which will leave you in awe.

Sunset views of Pinnacle Shelter in Hobart

Quick Summary on Hobart

How long should you spend in Hobart? I’d recommend two or three days in Hobart itself. The city is compact, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance, but stay longer if you want to use Hobart as a base to explore more of Tasmania.

What’s the weather like? Hobart is one of Australia’s cooler capital cities, with mild summers and cool winters. The weather can change quickly, especially around the mountains, so it’s worth packing layers whatever time of the year you visit. Winter can also bring snow to Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, making it an awesome cold-weather destination.

Is Hobart expensive? Hobart can be more expensive than some mainland Australian cities, especially for accommodation during busy periods. Booking ahead can help during popular events or peak travel seasons.

Is Hobart touristy? Although it’s a popular place to visit, it doesn’t feel hectic at all. It’s a small, laid-back city with an up-and-coming tourism scene, and its biggest draw is the combination of culture, food, and easy access to Tasmania. Visit Hobart before it turns into a tourist hotspot.

Is Hobart worth visiting? Absolutely. Hobart is a great choice if you want a combination of history, food, culture, and beautiful scenery, with Tasmania’s incredible landscapes easily accessible from the city.

Who is Hobart best for? Hobart is particularly suited to nature lovers, foodies, couples, solo travellers, and anyone who enjoys smaller cities with easy access to outdoor adventures.

Best Areas To Stay in Hobart

📍Hobart Waterfront – Best for: Harbour Views & Sightseeing

Hobart Waterfront, centred around Sullivan’s Cove, is one of the best places to stay if you’re visiting Hobart for the first time. You’ll be right beside the harbour, with historic buildings, restaurants, and some of the main attractions all within easy reach. If you want to wake up close to the water, Hobart Waterfront is a great base. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Lords Rest Apartments – For a comfortable stay with gorgeous mountain views.

📍Hobart Waterfront – Best for: Harbour Views & Sightseeing

Battery Point is one of Hobart’s most charming neighbourhoods, known for its historic cottages, heritage architecture, narrow streets and village-like atmosphere. It’s just a short walk from the waterfront, so you can enjoy a quieter and more relaxed base without being far from the action. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Moss Hotel – Gorgeous boutique stay with seriously good aesthetics.

📍North Hobart – Best for: Food & Nightlife

North Hobart is one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods and a great choice if food and nightlife are high on your list. Elizabeth Street is lined with bars and independent businesses, giving the area a more local and energetic atmosphere. It’s a good option if you’d rather stay somewhere with plenty happening in the evenings while still being within easy reach of the city centre. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 The Waggon Stables Boutique – Cute, modern rooms with a cool on-site restaurant and bar.

Fun Things To Do in Hobart

Hobart may be one of Australia’s smaller capitals, but there’s plenty to explore. From historic streets and waterfront markets to mountain views, galleries, and incredible food, here are some highlights I’d add to your Hobart itinerary.

How To Get Around Hobart

Getting around central Hobart is fairly easy, but if you’re planning to explore beyond the city, having your own transport can make a big difference. Tasmania’s attractions are spread out, so your best option will depend on how much of the island you want to see.

7. Melbourne

If you like your cities a little chaotic, a little creative, and very good at coffee, Melbourne is your kind of place. This city has hidden laneways, tiny cafes, colourful street art, rooftop bars, and neighbourhoods, each with its own personality.

Melbourne isn’t really about ticking off a long list of famous landmarks. It’s about wandering with no particular plan, stumbling across a ridiculously good coffee shop, finding a tucked-away bar, or spending an afternoon exploring somewhere completely different from where you started.

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Melbourne, but if you have additional time, there are beaches, wineries, coastal drives, and some seriously beautiful day trips on your doorstep.

Sunset over the Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia. Credit: Leonid Andronov (Adobe)

Quick Summary on Melbourne

How long should you spend in Melbourne? I’d recommend four or five days in Melbourne; three days gives you enough time to see the city’s main highlights, and the extra days let you chill or add a day trip to the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, or Phillip Island.

What’s the weather like? Melbourne is famous for its unpredictable weather; it’s a four-seasons-in-one-day type of destination. Summers are generally warm, while winters are cooler, with spring and autumn bringing more unpredictable conditions.

Is Melbourne expensive? Melbourne is pretty expensive, particularly when it comes to accommodation. It’s not somewhere I’d choose for a budget trip. You can keep costs down with excellent public transport, free attractions, parks, and markets.

Is Melbourne touristy? Yes, but it doesn’t necessarily feel touristy. Melbourne is a major visitor destination, but its appeal is spread across its neighbourhoods, so it’s less concentrated than in a compact city. Spring and summer are the city’s high seasons, so expect more tourists then, while winter is generally quieter.

Is Melbourne worth visiting? If you love food, coffee, street art, shopping, architecture, and plenty to explore, Melbourne is definitely worth its place on your Australia itinerary.

Best Areas To Stay in Melbourne

📍Melbourne CBD – Best for: Famous Landmarks & Action

Staying in Melbourne’s CBD is a good call if you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time. You’ll be surrounded by restaurants, shops, and plenty of the city’s main attractions, with Melbourne’s famous laneways and street art right on your doorstep. It’s a great central base, making it easy to get around the city. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Langham Melbourne – For a BEAUTIFUL five-star stay with top-class service and gorgeous rooms.

📍Southbank – Best for: Riverside Dining & Entertainment

Southbank sits just across the Yarra River from Melbourne CBD and is known for its riverside food spots, entertainment, and gorgeous skylines. You’ll also be close to the Arts Centre Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, and Crown Melbourne. It’s perfect if you want a slightly more relaxed base than the CBD while still being close to the city centre. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 WRAP on Southbank – A stylish, spacious apartment stay in a fantastic location.

📍Fitzroy – Best for: Nightlife & Creative Atmosphere

Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s coolest neighbourhoods and a great choice if you want to experience the city beyond the main tourist sights. You’ll find independent cafes, bars, vintage shops, boutiques, and street art throughout the area, giving it a more local, creative feel. It’s a little further from the CBD than Southbank, but you can easily get into the city by tram. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 The StandardX – Super cute, modern hotel with five-star upscale services.

Fun Things To Do in Melbourne

One of the best ways to experience Melbourne is simply to wander. The city is packed with colourful laneways covered in street art, tiny bars, and quirky shops. Hosier Lane is the most famous, but plenty of others are worth exploring. Federation Square is a great spot to begin exploring Melbourne, and here are some awesome activities not to miss:

How To Get Around Melbourne

Getting around Melbourne is pretty easy, especially if you’re staying in or around the city centre. The CBD is very walkable, while the city’s extensive tram, train, and bus network makes it simple to reach neighbourhoods further out. If you’re planning a trip outside the city, hiring a car can give you much more freedom.

8. Perth

Perth is one of Australia’s most underrated cities, with a gorgeous mix of sunshine, beaches, nature, and a relaxed city atmosphere. Sitting on Australia’s west coast, it’s a little more isolated than the country’s eastern cities, but that’s part of what makes it such an exciting place to visit.

From beautiful beaches and riverside walks to rooftop bars, colourful neighbourhoods and incredible day trips, Perth has plenty to keep you busy. It’s also a great base for exploring more of Western Australia, including the region’s famous landscapes and beaches.

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Perth to experience the city and its surrounding highlights. If you have longer, even better; there are some seriously beautiful places to explore beyond the city. Perth is a must for any Australian itinerary.

Cool bridge to visit in Perth. Credit: Bruce Aspley (Adobe)

Quick Summary on Perth

How long should you spend in Perth? Three days gives you enough time to explore the city, beaches and Fremantle, while four days gives you more breathing room for a day trip to Rottnest Island or the Swan Valley.

What’s the weather like? Perth has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summers are generally sunny and war, making it ideal for beach days, while spring and autumn are comfortable for sightseeing and exploring.

Is Perth expensive? I’d describe Perth as moderately expensive, rather than budget-friendly. It does depend on what type of traveller you are, but there is room to budget more efficiently here too. Plenty of free beaches, parks, and outdoor attractions can help keep your overall costs down.

Is Perth touristy? Perth gets plenty of visitors, but it still feels less hectic than cities like Sydney. Its attractions are spread out, so tourists feel more dispersed, although popular beaches and day-trip destinations can get busy during peak periods. Its relaxed atmosphere is part of the appeal.

Is Perth worth visiting? Yes, and a must for your itinerary! Perth offers a great combination of beaches, sunshine, nature, city life, and some seriously beautiful day trips, making it a very different experience from Australia’s east-coast cities.

Who is Perth best for? Perth suits beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, couples, solo travellers, and anyone who wants a relaxed city break with plenty of opportunities to explore nature.

Best Areas To Stay in Perth

📍Perth City Centre – Best for: First-Time Visitors & Getting Around

Perth City Centre is one of the easiest areas to stay if you’re exploring Perth for the first time. You’ll be close to the city’s main attractions, shopping, and entertainment, while having easy access to public transport for exploring further afield. It’s a great base if you want to stay central and have everything on your doorstep. Perth’s free central area buses also make getting around the city easy. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Citadines Terrace Perth – A cosy aparthotel with fabulous rooms and in a convenient location.

📍Northbridge – Best for: Nightlife, Food, & Culture

Northbridge is Perth’s lively entertainment and cultural hub, making it a great choice if you want plenty happening around you. The neighbourhood is packed with nightclubs, bars, theatres, galleries, and live entertainment, with the city centre just a short walk away. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Perth after dark. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 DoubleTree by Hilton – Gorgeous rooms and panoramic views across the city skyline.

📍Fremantle – Best for: Beaches & History

Often called Freo, Fremantle is a vibrant port city just outside Perth and a great alternative to staying in the city centre. It’s known for its historic architecture, colourful markets, independent shops, food spots, and nearby beaches. If you want a more relaxed, character-filled stay while still being close to Perth, it’s a great area to base yourself. Here is a hotel I’d pick:

🩵 Garde & Warders Hotel – A five-star minimalist hotel with clean, spacious rooms, in a great Fremantle location.

Best Things To Do in Perth

Perth has a great mix of city attractions, beautiful beaches, wildlife and outdoor experiences. It’s also surrounded by some seriously gorgeous places, so I’d recommend leaving some time in your itinerary to explore beyond the city centre. I recommend visiting Rottnest Island and watching a sunset at Cottesloe Beach, one of Perth’s most famous beaches. Here are also some of Perth’s best activities.

How To Get Around Perth

Getting around Perth is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re staying in the city centre. Public transport connects Perth with surrounding suburbs and popular destinations, while a car becomes more useful if you’re planning to explore further around Western Australia.

That’s A Wrap!

Australia is huge, and choosing which cities to add to your itinerary can feel overwhelming. From Sydney’s iconic landmarks and Melbourne’s creative energy to the laid-back charm of Perth, tropical Darwin, and the cooler beauty of Hobart, every city offers something completely different.

You don’t need to visit them all in one trip unless you plan to travel for a long time. Pack essentials for a long trip and allow enough time to actually enjoy each destination. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the major tourist hotspots; that’s where the real fun happens!

So, grab your sunnies, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the best of Australia. These eight cities aren’t just places to visit; they’re stories you’ll tell long after your travels! You ready?