• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

My Sydney Detour

Your Travel Guide to Sydney

  • Places to Visit
    • Weekend Getaways from Sydney
    • Romantic Things to Do in Sydney
    • Day Trips from Sydney
    • Things to do in Sydney
    • Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef
  • Landmarks
    • Sydney Observatory
    • Sydney Harbour Bridge
    • Australian Museum
    • Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
    • Customs House
  • Hotels
    • Best Pet-Friendly Hotels
  • Blog

Is Melbourne already bigger than Sydney?

July 8, 2023 by MySydneyDetour Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

  • Is Melbourne already bigger than Sydney?
  • The Physical Size
  • The Population
  • The Culture
  • The Verdict

Is Melbourne already bigger than Sydney?

Melbourne city skyline at twilight in Australia
Adam Calaitzis / Shutterstock

When it comes to comparing cities, size is often one of the first factors that comes to mind. But how do you measure a city? Where do you place the limits or draw the line?

Is it just about the physical area or the population? These are some of the questions that arise when comparing two of Australia’s largest cities – Melbourne and Sydney.

The Physical Size

Hardware Lane in Melbourne lined with cafes and tourists
Adam Calaitzis / Shutterstock

Melbourne CBD is a larger area than Sydney CBD. This is due to the fact that Melbourne’s grid system is more extensive, resulting in a larger central business district. However, when it comes to the metropolitan area, Sydney is still larger than Melbourne. Sydney’s environs cover an area of 12,367 square kilometers, while Melbourne’s environs cover an area of 9,993 square kilometers.

The Population

Light rail tram running through Melbourne streets
ArliftAtoz2205 / Shutterstock

Population is another important factor to consider when comparing cities. Melbourne‘s population is growing at a faster rate than Sydney’s, and it’s projected to overtake Sydney’s population by 2026. As of 2021, Melbourne’s population is approximately 5 million, while Sydney’s population is approximately 5.3 million. However, it’s important to note that population density is higher in Sydney than in Melbourne.

The Culture

While size and population are important factors, they don’t necessarily give us a complete picture of a city. Culture and lifestyle are also important considerations.

Melbourne is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and festivals throughout the year. The city is also famous for its coffee culture, with countless cafes and roasteries throughout the city.

Sydney, on the other hand, is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Bondi and Manly. Sydney has a more laid-back vibe compared to Melbourne, and is often associated with a beachy lifestyle.

See Related: Most Aesthetic Places in Sydney to Visit

The Verdict

So, is Melbourne already bigger than Sydney? It depends on how you define “bigger.” If you’re talking about physical size, Melbourne CBD is larger than Sydney CBD, but Sydney’s environs cover a larger area than Melbourne’s.

In terms of population, Melbourne is projected to overtake Sydney by 2026, but Sydney still has a higher population density. Ultimately, both cities have their own unique characteristics and attractions, making them both worth a visit.

Related Resources:

  • Which Sydney suburbs offer the best balance in terms of reasonable rent price, low crime, being pleasant and within 30 minutes commute to the centre?
  • When is the Best Time to Visit Sydney Australia?
  • Best Restaurants in Sydney, Australia

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Copyright MySydneyDetour© 2023