As one of the largest countries in the world it might be a little overwhelming to try and narrow down exactly where you want to live in Australia.
When making your choice it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons and think about exactly what it is that you’re looking for in your dream location.
Sydney
With only approximately 23 days a year when the sun doesn’t shine, Sydney has an extremely sunny climate with mild winters.
It’s also known to be a very multicultural city with over one third of its population having been born overseas and some of the most common languages spoken, other than English, being Mandarin, Arabic and Cantonese.
You won’t be lacking in culture in terms of the arts, either, with the world famous Sydney Opera House on your doorstep.
It hosts over a thousand performances every year, including ballet, contemporary dance, opera and classical music.
And if these aren’t your cup of tea, there are also plans in the works for a new live music and performance precinct, so there should always be something happening to keep yourself entertained.
Melbourne
Whilst the weather isn’t as predictable, Melbourne boasts universities that conduct world-class research with researchers having made great strides in the battle against the pandemic.
Moreover, life expectancy, in general, is ranked one of the highest in the world in Melbourne thanks to the exceptional healthcare and hospitals, both public and private.
It is also another cultural city, especially for art lovers with the Australian Center for Contemporary Art and the National Gallery of Victoria, which has the world’s largest stained glass ceiling.
Not forgetting the first ever established digital art gallery in Australia, the LUME, is based there.
Focused on full immersion in art, the LUME offers visitors a full sensory experience through sound, sight, taste, and even aroma.
Its most current exhibition is of Vincent Van Gogh’s work, which will only be open for a limited period of time.
Perth
The capital of Western Australia, Perth, is exceptionally biodiverse and has over 12,000 km of coastline, and more than 100 national parks, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
You can even explore Rottnest Island, which is a protected nature reserve, to see the native quokka in the flesh.
For those wanting a more cosmopolitan experience, Perth’s Elizabeth Quay caters to this, offering a wide range of restaurants and bars where you can go to unwind after a long day at work.
With regard to entertainment, whether it’s a sporting event, or concert, Optus Stadium holds various events year-long, making it a venue that caters to a wide range of interests.
Adelaide
Also known as the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide is a great place for oenophiles and foodies.
The acclaimed Barossa Valley is around a 50 minute drive from the city, and if that doesn’t sate you, Adelaide also boasts the Epicurean Way road trip.
You’ll need around 4-5 days to explore the various wine regions, with over 500 wineries. Back in the main city, you can visit the Adelaide Central Market, a fresh produce market.
More than 70 traders operate there, meaning you’ll have your pick of local vegetables, fish, and cheese, amongst other staples.
In combination with the Mediterranean climate, longer days, and being located between the hills and the sea, Adelaide is brimming with choices for everyone.
Brisbane
In Brisbane you can try your hand at a wide range of activities and sports, both inside and outside of the city.
When you’re not kayaking down Brisbane river, or climbing Story Bridge, you can head out to the local islands.
North Stradbroke Island is known for its freshwater lakes, in particular Lake Kaboora, which holds considerable cultural significance to the Quandamooka people, so swimming should be avoided.
Alternatively, there’s Moreton Island, a popular spot for snorkeling to see the Tangalooma Wrecks, a total of 15 ships sunk between 1963 and the 1980s.
Coral and countless species of fish now inhabit in and around the wrecks, and you may even catch sight of an occasional dolphin.
Hobart
The capital of Tasmania is steadily becoming more and more appealing as a place to live for those wanting to buy a house and settle down, and so house prices have been on the rise.
A lot of this is thanks to its four very distinct seasons, and natural beauty.
Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, is only an hour’s drive from Hobart.
An easy 20 minute walk that’s also suitable for families, with no bushwalking experience required, will take you to the famed Russell Falls.
You can even wander this path at night to catch a glimpse of the glow worms in that area, following the handrail so as not to lose your way.
These are but a few examples of the many picturesque trips possible in a national park with waterfalls and glacial lakes in abundance.
Canberra
The largest inland city, and a young one at that, Canberra is the capital of Australia and where the Australian government is based.
This is a city that offers a cultural day of sightseeing and museum exploring, with the Australian War Memorial, the National Archives, and the National Gallery of Australia, which houses the extremely valuable collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
This aborignal history stretches further into the form of the Kalkajaka National Park, which you can also visit, though it is considered to be sacred to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, so visitors are asked to be respectful.
For avid skiers or hikers, the Snowy Mountains are only a 2 and a half-hour drive away, so there’s plenty to do for outdoor lovers year-round.
No one place will suit every person. It comes down to understanding what you can compromise on, and what is an absolute necessity for you in terms of amenities.
Perhaps you’re also uncertain about employment opportunities, at which point you can pop over to these guys to take a look at TEFL courses in Australia, to try to eliminate that obstacle.
It’s also never a bad idea to get a feel for a city by visiting first.
Ultimately, once you’ve taken the time to think it all over, the final decision rests with you.