There’s no denying us Aussies know how to indulge in life’s little luxuries – from savouring spaghetti and a Spritz by the waterfront to sipping bubbly at happy hour or having a gelato-fuelled movie marathon. But we’re also big on breaking a sweat, be it on lush nature trails, beautiful bike paths, at beachside gyms and even in those $35 reformer pilates classes.
Earlier this year, Australia ranked among the top ten healthiest countries in the world for 2024. This was a victory shared by all our states and territories, but what happens when we look at the stats state by state? A new health risk report by insurance comparison website iSelect has done exactly that, ranking Australia’s states and territories from healthiest to unhealthiest.
Our team at Time Out Melbourne found it pretty surprising (and kinda amusing) that Victoria has been named the healthiest state in the country. The data looked at key factors like alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking and exercise, with Victoria tallying an overall score of 78.63 out of 100.
Victorians excelled in two particular areas; interestingly, they’re least likely to exceed alcohol guidelines and most likely to meet exercise guidelines. Must be all that coffee they consume giving them a pep in their step. Victoria also has the second-lowest percentage of adults who smoke daily.
The ACT and New South Wales were hot on Victoria’s heels, receiving health scores of 67.24 and 64.66, respectively. And taking the title of the state with the unhealthiest habits is Queensland, which boasts the highest percentage of daily smokers and the lowest percentage of people meeting their fruit and veggie intake.
On a city level ranking, Greater Sydney took the title of Australia’s healthiest city, with Greater Melbourne landing in second place. The research also showed that city-dwellers are more likely to be healthier than their regional neighbours, who have a higher percentage of alcohol use and smoking. The only category where non-capital regions did better in was vegetable consumption.
Feeling motivated to smash an acai bowl or go for a hike? Same – then we'll meet you for a cheeky bev. Because life's all about balance, right?
Here are the healthiest states and territories in Australia:
1. Victoria (78.63)
2. ACT (67.24)
3. New South Wales (64.66)
4. South Australia (58.00)
5. Western Australia (39.02)
6. Tasmania (37.91)
7. Northern Territory (28.97)
8. Queensland (23.92)
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.