ilustracion mapa australia

Main cities of Australia

If you’re thinking about living in Australia and you’re not sure which city to choose, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re thinking about which city to choose, keep reading or fill out the following form to receive personalized advice. In any case, we warn you: it won’t be easy to decide, but whichever you choose, you won’t regret it.

Would you like to study and live in Australia?

Write to us, and a Dingoos Guide will contact you within the next 24/48 hours to advise you personally.

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    Sydney

    Living in Sydney means living in one of the most cosmopolitan places on the planet. With people from all nationalities and with an exciting leisure and cultural atmosphere. You will encounter great neighborhoods, and you will know where to live as soon as you arrive in them because you will see if the neighborhood is what you are looking for instantly, just by the streets and the style of the neighbors.

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    Advantages

    • It is the perfect city for those who want to surf every day.
    • Sydney has more than 100 beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach.
    • It has a very efficient public transport network, consisting of buses, trains, trams, and ferries.
    • The climate is perfect, neither too cold nor too hot. In summer, the average temperature is 26°C and in winter, 16°C.
    • Many well-paid job opportunities in all sectors.
    • You can find a room in a shared flat at a reasonable price.
    • Many tourist attractions, such as museums, the famous Opera House, the Botanical Gardens…
    • It is surrounded by an incredible natural landscape, such as the majestic Blue Mountains.
    • It is located in a bay, in a super beautiful enclave.
    • It has the main airport in Australia, so you can travel to many other places in the world from there.
    • Wide variety of schools, English courses, and VET for all levels and tastes.
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    Disadvantages

    • It is the most expensive city in Australia, although salaries are also the highest.
    • There is usually a lot of traffic.

    Melbourne

    The city of bohemia and culture, Melbourne is an architectural beauty and a peaceful city to live in, despite its size.

    It’s a great city, and that’s why many international students choose to study in Melbourne. Practically, unemployment is low and finding a job is easy. You will have great neighborhoods to live in and to feel like a true Aussie or be the coolest person on the planet, you decide.

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    Advantages

    • Every day you will have appealing leisure options, some free.
    • Public transportation in Melbourne works very well, and you will almost always have a bus, train, or ferry at hand to get to your destination on time.
    • It is a city with a very lively job market, where you can find work as soon as you start looking for it.
    • The eastern area of the city has bike lanes that will take you directly to the center while exercising.
    • The cultural and nightlife scene is super cosmopolitan. Here you will always have a concert, an event, a restaurant, an exhibition, or a party to go to.
    • International sports events are held in the city such as the Motogp, Auspen, and Flemington.
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    Disadvantages

    • In Melbourne City, you can’t surf. The first beach suitable for surfing is Bells Beach, an hour from the city.
    • Melbourne is famous for experiencing the four seasons in one day, so you’ll always have to be prepared for everything.
    • Rents are quite high, and it can be difficult to find accommodation as landlords are very demanding.
    • Melbourne’s accent is quite difficult to understand.

    Gold Coast

    Gold Coast is one of the most easy-going cities in all of Australia. Lots of sun, spectacular beaches, outdoor plans, and a great educational offer are the keys to the success of the city where the H2O mermaid series was filmed and one of the surfing capitals par excellence.

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    Advantages

    • Gold Coast is one of the best enclaves in Australia for surfing.
    • The temperature is pleasant throughout the year.
    • It is not a very big city, so you will get used to it quickly.
    • There is a lot of tourism, so there are also many job opportunities in the service and recreation sectors.
    • It is only 70 km from Brisbane, so if you want a bigger city, you’ll be there in half an hour.
    • Wide variety of English and VET courses.
    • It is the perfect city for those who love the sea and going to the beach.
    • Surfers Paradise has a great nightlife, with numerous nightclubs.
    • Gold Coast has a large Hispanic and Brazilian community.
    • Possibility of getting a job even without a high level of English.
    • It is one of the most chosen cities by students from all over the world.
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    Disadvantages

    • The Latin and Brazilian community is so large that it may be a bit difficult to practice English in your daily life.
    • The tram works very well, but it does not cover the entire city, so it is almost essential to have a car to get around.
    • Being a city that lives mainly on tourism, if you come during the winter, it may be a bit more difficult to find work.
    • Usually rental contracts are for 6 months, so you may find yourself moving often if you plan to stay longer.
    • As a holiday destination, the rental price may be somewhat high.

    Brisbane

    If you want to study in Brisbane, you won’t have a problem finding what you’re looking for. It is a city that not many people initially think of living in, but once you get to know it, it hooks you. Not only because of its study and work possibilities, but also because of the quality of life in general. Its neighborhoods are very diverse, so whatever you like, you will find a good place to live in Brisbane. In addition, you will meet people from all over the world who will greatly enrich your experience.

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    Advantages

    • It is super well located, between Gold Coast and Noosa.
    • It is the city that receives the most international students every year.
    • The job market is very stable, and you can find work in the service sector throughout the year.
    • The winter temperature is very pleasant.
    • There are many cultural plans, such as concerts, exhibitions, museums…
    • It is very well connected through a large network of buses, trains, and ferries.
    • There are many affordable accommodation options for students.
    • Brisbane is possibly the city with the most variety of schools and English and VET courses in all of Australia.
    • It is surrounded by incredible natural attractions formed by the incredible subtropical vegetation of this part of Australia: lush rainforests, mountains, and deserted beaches.
    • In the center of Brisbane, there is an artificial beach where you can cool off between classes.
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    Disadvantages

    • It is difficult to find work outside unskilled sectors.
    • Brisbane is very humid.
    • The city atmosphere can be somewhat familiar and boring for some.

    Byron Bay

    It’s a bohemian town with an interesting mix of hippie and chill-out vibes. Despite its small size, it’s quite well-known, and international students come here to study English while enjoying a sabbatical. It has some pretty interesting places to live and more leisure activities than small towns usually offer, so you won’t be bored at all.

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    Advantages

    • It has stunning beaches enjoyed by fewer than 5000 inhabitants (plus tourists).
    • You can surf every day in Byron Bay.
    • If you want beach life all year round, in winter, you’ll have cold water, but you can still enjoy the sea and the best waves.
    • There are many options for healthy leisure activities. Here, you’ll enjoy practicing outdoor sports, climbing up the lighthouse to see the sunset, or surfing.
    • It’s full of cool restaurants where you can have brunch or grab an acai bowl.
    • The weather is perfect, almost always sunny, although with the occasional subtropical downpour.
    • Byron is surrounded by lush green nature, with many waterfalls and streams.
    • In the 60s, it was a hippie town and still retains its essence, although now with a slightly more sophisticated touch.
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    Disadvantages

    • Living in Byron is quite expensive, especially because it’s a bit difficult to find work if you don’t have a good level of English.
    • Despite all the hype, Byron is a small town, so it’s very quiet, and if you prefer the hustle and bustle of big cities, you might find it boring.
    • There isn’t much variety in study centers.

    Perth

    We’re heading to the other end of Australia to reach Perth, an innovative, dynamic city surrounded by spectacular nature. It’s the major capital of Western Australia and the reference city on the West Coast of Australia.

    Perth is dynamic and family-friendly. It’s not a city with a culture of receiving international students, and although this is changing, you can feel it in the atmosphere and its type of leisure activities. However, if you want to study in good schools, live in movie-like neighborhoods, and spend more time immersed in nature than in partying, Perth might be great for you.

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    Advantages

    • Both the mining and construction sectors generate thousands of jobs.
    • Its climate is very pleasant, similar to the Mediterranean.
    • The tourism sector is also well developed, so finding work in restaurants or hotels won’t be a problem.
    • Perth is surrounded by numerous natural parks, desert, and landscapes that seem to be from another world.
    • Perth’s beaches are spectacular. Its turquoise blue waters will captivate you.
    • If you like surfing, in Perth, you’ll find some of the best waves in the world.
    • It’s well connected through public transport, and you can even take the bus for free in the city center.
    • You won’t find many Spanish speakers in Perth, making it easier for you to improve your English quickly.
    • Nightlife ends early but is fun, with many bars offering live music and outdoor events.
    • People in Perth are particularly friendly and have an open-minded and very welcoming attitude towards foreigners.
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    Disadvantages

    • Perth is a bit isolated from the rest of the world.
    • Perth has a very quiet lifestyle, so if you’re looking for a bustling atmosphere, you might get bored here.

    Cairns

    We continue heading north until we reach Cairns. Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Great Barrier Reef? If so, you might be interested in considering living in Cairns, a town-sized city that, due to its location, is the city from which most excursions depart to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

    If you’d like to live in a place with a lot of aussie style, Cairns might be the place for you. You’ll have plenty of things to do, not only in the natural environment but also in terms of culture and partying. Regarding studies, you’ll find fewer options than in larger cities, but if your idea is to study english or specialize in something not too extravagant, you’ll surely find options

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    Advantages

    • In terms of nature, it’s amazing; you’ll be surprised. And if you like diving, you’ll cry with happiness.
    • The weather is warm all year round.
    • It’s one of the cheapest cities in Australia.
    • It’s a welcoming city with excellent neighborhoods to live in.
    • You have the option of taking a scenic flight to see the grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef.
    • There are many job opportunities related to marine biology.
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    Disadvantages

    • Being a small city, it may be a bit challenging to find work at first.
    • You can’t swim at most beaches due to highly venomous jellyfish and crocodiles.
    • Summers are very hot and humid.

    Noosa y Sunshine Coast

    We take a leap down to the east coast, to one of the areas with the best climate and beaches in Australia, Noosa and Sunshine Coast. We’re talking about these two cities together because of their geographical proximity and the similarities in the lifestyle of both cities located just 35 minutes away by car.

    They are located in a paradisiacal area, just as the word “paradise” comes to mind.

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    Advantages

    • In both cities, you’ll find fantastic beaches and a generally very holiday-like atmosphere.
    • Variety of job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
    • You’ll enjoy outdoor activities all year round, as the weather is magnificent.
    • Rents are quite affordable.
    • If you like surfing with a longboard, there are very good waves here for it.
    • Noosa and Sunshine Coast have over 100 kilometers of coastline where you can enjoy the sun and take a dip.
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    Disadvantages

    • Outside the high season, it may be a bit more difficult to find work.

    Adelaide

    We teleport back to the capital of South Australia; Adelaide. The fifth-largest city in Australia and one of the fastest-growing in recent years. Many of our students are attracted by job opportunities since the influx of immigrants to this city is lower than in others like Sydney or Melbourne.

    This city is a very good option if you’re thinking of staying in Australia long-term and want to explore the options for applying for permanent residency.

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    Advantages

    • It’s a coastal city bathed by the Indian Ocean.
    • Its climate is warm, very similar to the Mediterranean.
    • Adelaide has a high academic level and is home to prestigious educational institutions and universities.
    • It’s considered one of the cheapest cities to live in Australia.
    • It’s known for being a very quiet and artistic city.
    • Adelaide has a great cultural life. The city hosts music festivals, film festivals, art festivals…
    • Right next to Adelaide is the Fleurieu Peninsula, a paradise for nature lovers.
    • From Adelaide, you can visit incredible natural parks and numerous islands, including Kangaroo Island, the third-largest in Australia.
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    Disadvantages

    • If you don’t have a high level of English, you may find it very difficult to find work.
    • The atmosphere in Adelaide is quite family-oriented and calm, so if you enjoy partying, you might end up getting bored here, as there is little nightlife.
    • Depending on how you look at it, this can be an advantage, but in terms of feeling a bit more at home, there aren’t many international students or Spanish speakers in Adelaide.

    Darwin

    Darwin is located in northern Australia, right on the coast of the Timor Sea.

    With its 180,000 inhabitants, it is the most populous city in northern Australia. Its climate is dry tropical, which makes it quite hot in summer and very rainy in winter. Darwin is the perfect city for those with adventurous spirits, as it is one of the most unknown urban centers in the country.

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    Advantages

    • Darwin is wild. Here you can see crocodiles up close and go fishing in lakes populated by bird and fish species that will be completely new to you.
    • Darwin has a fairly lively nightlife, with many bars and places to grab a drink.
    • Numerous gastronomic, music, and beer festivals are held here…
    • It’s a very multicultural city, where you can enjoy the comforts of the city and the inhospitable nature.
    • You can make very fun plans, like crossing the desert in a 4×4.
    • It’s very close to Bali, Indonesia, a very popular destination among students and backpackers to spend a few weeks while renewing their visa.
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    Disadvantages

    • Being such a small city, finding work can be a bit difficult.

    Hobart

    Hobart is the oldest city in Australia, founded in the 19th century by Colonel David Collins. It is located in the state of Tasmania, at the mouth of the Demwert River.

    Hobart is able to combine the best of a modern city with the best of the wildest nature: beaches, forests, mountains, and nature reserves surround it, forming an impressive landscape in which, moreover, life is very good.

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    Advantages

    • It’s one of the cheapest cities in Australia.
    • Due to its relative proximity to Antarctica, Hobart has the lowest temperatures of all Australian cities, so it’s perfect for you if you can’t stand the heat.
    • The landscapes are wonderful, the air is very fresh, and there’s a very good atmosphere throughout the city.
    • Almost all the food consumed in the city is locally produced by farmers and fishermen, so the quality is exceptional.
    • You’ll be able to see the famous Tasmanian devil, as well as a number of kangaroos and wombats.
    • The people of Hobart are known for being very friendly and kind.
    • The cost of living is one of the lowest in all of Australia.
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    Disadvantages

    • Being a small city, you’ll have to make a lot of effort to find work.
    • Living in Hobart will require you to take a plane if you want to visit the rest of Australia.
    • The temperature in Hobart is cold all year round.

    Canberra

    To the surprise of many, Canberra is the capital of Australia. It was created to be so because the city that competed to be the capital of Australia, Sydney, was too close to the coast, making it more vulnerable to possible attacks.

    Canberra is the city where the Australian Parliament, the High Court of Australia, and many other ministries are located.

    If you’re thinking of coming to study and work in Australia for a while, don’t overlook Canberra. Living in this city has more advantages than disadvantages, and let’s see them below.

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    Advantages

    • Canberra is a quiet and family-friendly city.
    • It is very integrated and surrounded by nature, with green areas and wonderful landscapes.
    • There are not so many tourists and foreigners, so you can experience life in the true Aussie style.
    • You can do any bureaucratic procedure without leaving the city, as the institutions where you can do them are located in Canberra.
    • It has a low unemployment rate.
    • Canberra has reserves of native animals where you can meet Australian wildlife.
    • It has a great cultural offer.
    • Its climate is varied.
    • Being a new city, its transportation system connects different parts of the city quickly and efficiently.
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    Disadvantages

    • Being not a very touristy city, finding work in the tertiary sector is more difficult.
    • It doesn’t have a beach, and the nearest one is 2 hours away by car.
    • To access most job offers, you’ll need a medium-high level of English.
    • It doesn’t rain, but it can be cold.
    • The cost of housing is higher than in other Australian cities.
    Estudiar en Australia

    Discover everything you need to know to study in Australia.

    What factors influence choosing a city to study and work in Australia?

    It’s interesting to consider these factors:

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    Employment opportunities

    Depending on what you want to work in Australia, you’ll have more options to find work in some cities than in others.

    For example, many jobs for international students are linked to tourism, which is why a reference place is the Gold Coast, the quintessential tourist city of Australia.

    If, for example, you’re a mining engineer and want to end up working in your field in Australia, a good place to come would be Perth, where the mining sector is very relevant.

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    Leisure options

    Do you like surfing? Then you’ll have to come to a city with good nearby beaches to do it, like the Gold Coast, Sydney, or Perth. Are you a die-hard culture lover? Then maybe your ideal city is Melbourne…

    Or perhaps you prefer the quieter life you can lead in Hobart or Cairns. Nobody knows better than you!

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    Distance to other important cities in Australia

    Distances in Australia are immense. That’s why many people opt for the Pacific coast from Sydney to Cairns, cities to travel more comfortably to the surrounding areas.

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    Climate

    Although we often envision Australia as a warm country, because it’s so large, we can find a multitude of climates within it. If you come with the idea that you don’t want winter, in Melbourne or Hobart, for example, you will find it. Look at what the climate is like in Australia.

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    Quality study centers

    Although Australian schools generally have a high level, you may want to study something very specific or do a master’s degree at a prestigious university. This will be a key variable that will make you choose one city over another.

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    Cost of living

    If you’re going to work while studying, this shouldn’t worry you too much because salaries are closely linked to the cost of living. If your idea is not to work, cities like Brisbane or the Gold Coast are cheaper than Melbourne or Sydney.

    And with all this, we hope you already have a clearer idea of ​​what your ideal Australian city is. Ahhh, still have doubts? Well, tell us what they are and how you see yourself living in Australia, and we’ll recommend a city for you.

    Would you like to live in Australia?

    Write to us, and a Dingoos Guide will contact you within the next 24/48 hours.

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