As Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, people often tell me I have the coolest job in the world – and I’d have to agree. In the past 12 months, I’ve boarded 40-odd flights, touching down in every single Aussie state and territory more than once. I’m frequently asked what my favourite place in Australia is which, frankly, feels borderline offensive. How could I pick just one? But if we narrow it down to just the capital cities, the task becomes a little easier. So, here’s my honest review of every Australian capital city I was lucky enough to visit last year – ranked in alphabetical order.
Adelaide
Adelaide isn’t just top of the alphabet, it’s also top of my mind, given I just returned from a trip to the opening weekend of Adelaide Fringe. This is hands-down my favourite festival in Australia, and I love how the whole city comes out to play, with roving performers and restaurant diners spilling out onto the streets. Beyond the city’s stellar festival scene, Adelaide’s outdoor offerings are just as impressive. The city is home to the country’s biggest botanic garden and a huge 30-kilometre trail that winds along the River Torrens. If you’re planning an autumn getaway, Adelaide should be at the top of your list – especially with Garden Cycle, Australia’s first major outdoor exhibition by renowned American artist Dale Chihuly, currently on.
Brisbane
Given I have family in Brisbane, this city will always have a soft spot in my heart. I love the sunny weather and the top-tier bakeries, but I must admit that I do get a little restless here after more than two nights. That said, last year, I was lucky enough to watch Riverfire, the city’s biggest and most beloved fireworks spectacular, from the 100-metre-high Sky Deck at the brand-new Star Grand. And here’s a hot take: I thought it rivalled Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Canberra
People can hate on Canberra all they want, but it will forever be one of my favourite cities in Australia. Having spent four years as a student there, I know the capital inside-out. It’s the perfect spot for a long-weekend trip, with endless galleries and museums to explore (which are way more exciting as an adult than they were in year six), a dining scene that rivals those in Sydney and Melbourne, and epic hiking trails just 20 minutes from the CBD (so long, traffic). Could I live here long term? Probably not. But would I recommend it for a trip? Absolutely.
Darwin
I made friends with Darwin for the very first time last year, and it sure is unlike any other Aussie capital city. Life here feels a little untamed, but I kinda love that it’s less polished than the bigger cities. I agree that the sunsets here are the best in the country (shout-out to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market). I also appreciate how Indigenous culture is deeply integrated into everyday life. However, the food scene here didn’t blow me away, and I wasn’t sad to leave the heat behind.
Hobart
Hobart was my favourite capital city I visited in Australia last year. It’s a big call, but I’d say the city’s food scene is the most underrated in the country. I had the best degustation of my life at Aløft, a pan-Asian floating on the River Derwent, and I could spend hours trawling through fresh produce at the markets without getting bored. Beyond the food, I really think MONA lives up to the hype, and I can only imagine how much more I’d love Hobart if I’d been there to witness the Aurora Australis.
Melbourne
Ah, Melbourne. Is it better than Sydney? I’m not here to argue. While I live in Sydney, I’m not afraid to admit that I’m a big fan of the Victorian capital. It might not have our beautiful beaches, but it does host many of the coolest exhibitions and theatre shows in Australia (Yayoi, you’re on my radar), has an unbeatable café culture, and is the place to be for live sport. I’m jealous of Melbourne’s slightly better rental prices, but not its winter weather.
Sydney
Yes, I might be slightly biased since I call Sydney home, but I truly think it’s one of the greatest cities on Earth. We’re blessed with many of Australia’s best beaches (that’s according to the hard data, not just my opinion), and a harbourfront that’s surely the most beautiful in the world. My favourite thing to do on the weekends is to pretend to be a tourist. I could spend hours running along the foreshore, going on silly little ferry rides and getting lost in our incredible national parks. And don’t even get me started on Sydney’s restaurant scene… I need another 2,000 words to describe just how good it is.
Perth
Perth feels like a world away from Australia’s other capital cities, and in some ways, it is. The timezone shift takes a bit of getting used to, but once you’re on Perth time (which is very relaxed), you’re bound to have a good time. I must admit that the beaches here are perhaps even better than those on the east coast (sorry Bondi), and the weather is pretty much perfect year-round. That said, finding things to do after 8pm is a bit of a mission. It’s technically not part of the capital city, but being so close to Rottnest Island scores Perth bonus points, in my books.
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