Australia, a country known for beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures and its laid back attitude. It’s no wonder it has long been a destination of choice for those seeking new opportunities. With nearly one third of the population born overseas, Australia is a melting pot of cultures and communities, and a nation that welcomes migrants with open arms.
It’s no secret why Australia is such a popular choice for migrants. This country is synonymous with a great quality of life. High quality healthcare and a strong education system alongside beautiful beaches and bustling cities are just a few of the reasons why. But in a big country with plenty of desirable places to live, it can be hard to choose one! So if you’re thinking about moving to Australia, we’re here to help with a quick run-down of 5 top cities to migrate to.
Sydney, NSW
Often mistaken for Australia’s capital city (surprise, it’s Canberra!), Sydney is home to iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and plenty of gorgeous beaches. Sydneysiders are known for their enviable, outdoorsy lifestyle, part of the reason it frequents a top spot in ‘most liveable cities’ lists.
With nearly 40% of Greater Sydney residents born overseas, this city is known for multiculturalism. You can rest assured you’ll find a diverse community here that celebrates all kinds of cultures, languages and traditions, not to mention numerous organisations and existing infrastructure dedicated to supporting migrants.
Sydney’s robust economy has historically made it a safe bet for skilled migrants, offering a wide range of employment opportunities across finance, IT, healthcare, hospitality and construction. The strong job market boasts well paying jobs, which is important, seeing as it’s also Australia’s most expensive city. In fact, the rising cost of living here has resulted in shifting popularity for migration and given other Australian cities a chance to shine.
Melbourne, VIC
Hot on the heels of Sydney as Australia’s best known city is Melbourne. It’s a vibrant place with a thriving arts and culture scene. You’ll find delicious dining options in the city’s famous laneways and a serious dedication to coffee culture.
Nearly 40% of Melbourne’s population is born overseas. With numerous migrant and expat communities, it truly is a multicultural city. Melbourne has even ranked first as Australia’s most welcoming city for immigrants!
Melbourne’s layout as a grid-city coupled with an efficient public transport system make it one of Australia’s best connected cities. Alongside buses and trains, the extensive tram network allows new residents a novel way to navigate the city hassle free.
In Melbourne, you’ll find the cost of living more manageable than Sydney, but you won’t have to compromise on the feeling of being in a global city. With a skilled migration visa, there are plenty of employment opportunities in industries like professional services, retail, creative industries, technology and manufacturing.
Brisbane, QLD
As the capital city of Queensland, the ‘Sunshine State’, it’s no surprise Brisbane is renowned for its lifestyle and climate. This subtropical city has warm winters and hot summers, boasting approximately 283 days of sunshine per year. If you can cope with the humidity of the warmer months, outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, shopping and exploring the city can be enjoyed year-round. There are also many stunning beaches in close proximity.
Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city. With a population of around 2 million, it is friendly and welcoming but still has the modern feel of a big city. As a result, there is good availability of full-time and part-time jobs in education, retail, construction, food and accommodation sectors. It’s an enticing choice for job seekers who want to establish a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Adelaide, SA
Nestled between a rugged coastline and rolling hills, Adelaide is a charming city that offers a relaxed and balanced lifestyle. Renowned for its varied natural surroundings, wine regions and food festivals, this is a place where you’ll never struggle to find a cultural event or outdoor activity.
Adelaide has a diverse and welcoming community, making it an ideal city for migrants. Nearly 30% of the population is born overseas, contributing to a rich combination of cultures and communities. Thanks to South Australia’s Skilled and Business Migration program, migrants have a clear pathway for residing, working and setting up a business. Because it’s still deemed as regional, the visas for skilled migrants are priority processed!
Despite being Australia’s fifth-largest city, Adelaide has managed to retain the feeling of a small town. There’s a strong sense of community that appeals to many newcomers. The cost of living is lower than other major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Don’t be fooled though! You’ll still find all the convenience that a bigger city has to offer.
Perth, WA
Perth’s unique geographical location sets it apart from the other cities. It’s the most remote capital city in Australia and stands alone on the country’s west coast. Just over 4 hours by plane to Sydney or Melbourne, it’s actually faster to travel from Perth to parts of Asia than it is to other Australian capital cities! While it may seem far, this isolation has built a strong sense of community and identity among its residents.
Perth is both naturally beautiful and modern. Its picturesque beaches are known for white sand and clear blue water. Residents are offered a laid-back coastal lifestyle with opportunity for outdoor activities, in and outside the city.
Thanks to a comprehensive public transport system, Perth is well connected. This makes it easy for residents to navigate via buses, trains and ferries. While the city and suburbs are spread out, good infrastructure means newcomers can easily explore the neighbourhoods and surrounds. Job opportunities in mining, tourism, education and healthcare make Perth an attractive destination for skilled migrants who seek both career advancement and a great work-life balance.
As you can see, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Australia. If you’re after more information to inform your decision on where to migrate, check out the official government website of the cities we’ve discussed here.
Sydney: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/useful-links
Melbourne: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate
Brisbane: https://migration.qld.gov.au/
Adelaide: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/
Perth: https://migration.wa.gov.au/