Discover the 6 Largest Cities in Australia

Australia is a diverse and expansive country, full of unique ecosystems, wildlife, and cities. Australia is known for its beaches, wine country, and cultural experiences. If you’re heading to the sixth-largest country in the world, you may want to know some of the largest cities to check out!

Australia is made up of six states and two territories. A lot of the largest cities in the country are capitals of some of the states. Each state is special and contains its own culture and opportunities for exploration, so if you’re heading to Australia, try to hit a few spots!

The largest cities in Australia can be defined in a few different ways. This primary list will identify the largest cities by population and provide details about the land area and things to do. At the end of the article, you’ll find a breakdown of the largest cities by total area and economic impact, as well. Many of those cities also appear on this population list.

So let’s dive in!

What are the largest cities in Australia by population?

1. Sydney

The largest city in Australia by population is Sydney. With a population of 4,627,345 residents, Sydney is home to a substantial percentage of Australia’s total population. Sydney is the capital of the New South Wales territory. It has a rich and exciting history, making it a great destination.

Sydney sits directly on the Pacific Ocean, making it a great spot for folks interested in boating or beaching. This giant city and its metro area are home to about two-thirds of the population in New South Wales, making it a must-hit city if you want to meet some locals!

Sydney is home to some iconic spots, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. These feats of architecture excite travelers from all over the world, and if you’re musically inclined, make sure to see a show at the opera house. Note that Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so budget accordingly!

2. Melbourne

The second-largest city in Australia by population is Victoria’s capital, Melbourne. As of 2023, Melbourne had a population of 4,246,375 residents! Melbourne is another city with fantastic port access, so if you’re looking to explore the waters Australia has to offer, come on in!

Melbourne is home to some important Australian landmarks. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, for instance, is an epic, famous stadium. Come to Melbourne and be sure to check out a cricket match!

If you’re more interested in the arts the area has to offer than the sports, you’ll need to go to the National Gallery of Victoria. This museum was founded in 1861 and is the most visited art museum in Australia. Learn about art and history as you walk through the halls of the gallery.

3. Brisbane

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia by population. This city has just over half of the residents that the last two cities do, with a 2023 population of 2,189,878. Brisbane is also a capital city, this time of Queensland. It’s a busy business district, but has some great sights to see if you’re coming to visit!

The Brisbane River runs through the city, making for some amazing sights to see. It’s often full of boats to check out, but you’re also free to fish in the river. Catch a snapper or cod while you’re casting a line!

Brisbane is home to a long list of amazing museums. It’s impossible to visit them all, but be sure not to miss the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. This pair of museums offers a broad range of classical art, as well as more modern, cutting-edge work. Learn about the culture of Brisbane by touring these amazing facilities.

4. Perth

With a population of 1,896,548 residents, Perth is the fourth-largest city in Australia. Perth is the capital of the Western Australia state. The majority of Western Australia lives in Perth! It’s a beautiful city with lots of exciting things to explore.

The city was founded in 1829 and is home to some cool history. The state of Western Australia saw a gold rush in the late 19th century, which grew Perth’s population substantially. If you want to learn about Perth’s exciting history, check out the Museum of Perth. This museum houses some interactive exhibits that’ll help you understand where Perth came from!

5. Adelaide

Another capital, the fifth-largest city in Australia based on population is Adelaide. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and has a population of 1,225,235 residents. The city was founded in 1836 in honor of Queen Adelaide.

Adelaide is a great place to visit for foodies and wine snobs! The city is home to a long list of festivals to attend, as well. It’s a cultural epicenter for Australia. More than half of the wine produced in the entire country is produced in Adelaide, so be sure to head to a tasting room while you are in the city!

Adelaide also boasts a beautiful coastline and stunning, rolling hills. The best-known beach in Adelaide is Glenelg Beach, which is a long sandy beach directly on the ocean. Walk the boardwalk or dip your toes in the water as you explore Adelaide’s amazing ocean access.

6. Gold Coast

Gold Coast, located in Queensland, is the sixth-largest city in Australia based on population. It has about 600,000 residents as of 2023. This coastal city sits on the eastern shore of Australia and offers unmatched beach access.

This is the largest non-capital city in all of Australia. There’s a business district in town, but also some great opportunities for relaxation. The Surfers Paradise beach is one of the best-known beaches in the city. You can view the amazing city skyline while you swim in the Pacific!

If you’re looking for an opportunity to connect with Australian wildlife, go just south of the Gold Coast to Currumbin. Here, you’ll find the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to a giant variety of iconic Australian animals. Check out the koalas, the kangaroos, and the wallabies while you’re in town.

What are the largest cities in Australia by total area?

If you’re looking to understand the largest cities in Australia by total area, here’s your cheat sheet! You’ll notice there’s a lot of overlap between the largest cities in Australia by area and the largest cities by population. And good thing! All those residents need somewhere to live!

You’ll note that Darwin is the only city on this list that didn’t appear on the list of most populous cities. Darwin is located in the Northern Territory of Australia and has a population of about 132,000 residents. It’s the capital of the Northern Territory, but certainly doesn’t compete against the other cities in terms of population size!

What are the largest cities in Australia by economic impact?

While economic impact can be a difficult variable to measure, the easiest way to analyze economic impact is by looking at the gross domestic product (GDP) of a given area. GDP represents all goods and services sold within a market. It can be measured in a few different ways, but it gives a good indication of the overall health of an area.

Again, you’ll notice a significant amount of overlap between this list and the prior two lists. A lot of the cities on all three lists are capitals, which increases their chances of being economic hubs. Additionally, port cities will have a high economic impact due to their ease of trade.

Here’s a list of the largest cities in Australia by economic impact:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock.com