The rivalry is fierce on Australian soil between the two cities of Melbourne and Sydney. When you’re looking for work, it makes sense to head to one of Australia’s major cities, but it can be hard for backpackers to find an unbiased view of which place is best. Let us walk you through the best talking points of the two most popular cities in Oz.
Nightlife
Sydney’s pub and club scene has recently taken a bit of a hit thanks to the new lock-out laws. Long story short, to curb alcohol-related violence, the NSW government limited the times you can get into venues within certain zones. It’s affecting small venues and moving crowds of revellers to suburbs that can’t handle it. There are still good times and music to be had, but it was better before.
Melbourne on the other hand has small bars for days, a strong music scene, and clubs that cater to all of the subcultures. Roof top bars are aplenty. While each of the many different Melbourne suburbs offer their own taste of the hip Melbourne pub scene.
Winner: Melbourne
Accommodation
Due to Sydney’s spiralling rents, lots of backpackers choose to live in hostels rather than find a place to rent. In terms of price, you have to book quickly to find a cheap hostel in Sydney for this reason. In Melbourne you can find places for around the $25 mark, but due to popularity, Sydney prices tend to sit around $32 for a dorm bed.
Winner: Melbourne
Affordability
Getting around is a lot cheaper in Melbourne. The trams and trains are easy to get around on with a Myki travel card, and you can buy a daily fare and travel in your designated zone to your heart’s content.
Winner: Melbourne
Shopping
Melbourne offers fancy fashion and particular style, but Sydney is a little friendlier on the budget of a fashion-conscious backpacker. Check out Glebe and Rozelle Markets for vintage rummaging, head down to the Rocks markets for shopping with a view of the Harbour Bridge, and go to Paddy’s for affordable souvenirs.
Winner: Sydney
Food
There is no clear winner on the food front. Both cities have an awesome variety of offerings, from dumplings to yummy pub grub. Street food is big in both cities and there seems to be a trendy new food truck each week with awesome tasty treats that are reasonably priced.
Winner: Tie
Day trips from the city
Both Melbourne and Sydney will give you access to beautiful beaches with just an hour’s drive. Head to Lorne via the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne and get ready for some cold and crystal clear waters, or explore the unique rainforest in Melbourne’s nearby Dandenongs. From Sydney you can head north for more beautiful but slightly more populated beach towns, or check out the sub alpine sunsets of the Blue Mountains.
Melbourne wins by a whisker thanks to the Mornington Peninsula; wine country fringed by rugged coast.
Winner: Melbourne
Must-see sites
In terms of the landmarks and the checklists, Sydney definitely has more iconic sites. There’s the Opera House, Bondi Beach and the Harbour Bridge. Melbournites have the sporting mecca of the MCG and The Rod Laver Arena.
Winner: Sydney
Beaches
Melbourne has some scenic bays with calm water to offer. But if you want a beach with actual waves, Sydney has over 100 of them. Sydney smashes this one by a landslide. Sorry Melbourne, sorry St Kilda.
Winner: Sydney
Music Scene
Both Melbourne and Sydney are creative hubs and home to some incredibly talented musicians. However, Melbourne is the city that is equipped to handle a music scene. A Music Victoria study found the city hosted around 62,000 live concerts last year, which makes it one of the music capitals of the world! It’s easy to find live music in Melbourne. Most are free and can be enjoyed all over the city, throughout the week over a fine craft ale.
Winner: Melbourne
What do you think?
Let us know what you think through the comments below. Which is the better city; Melbourne or Sydney?
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