Australia is a popular destination for those wishing to move to a new country because of the lifestyle and opportunities on offer.
It has some of the least expensive cities in the first world, despite also being ranked as one of the top countries in the world for quality of life. So, which cities do those starting a new life in Australia choose to live in? And what do each of those cities have to offer?
Sydney, the largest city in Australia, is located on Australia s south eastern coast. It is a leading destination for immigrants despite being the costliest city in the country. It offers what you would expect from other first rate international cities a superb infrastructure, top class shopping malls and restaurants, major sporting and musical events, etc. It is also a hub of economic activity for the whole pacific region. It acts as the headquarters of virtually all of Australia s banks, at least half of Australia s top companies, and around 500 multinational corporations. Therefore, for most industries, there are more jobs to be found here than anywhere else in Australia.
Melbourne, the second most inhabited city in Australia, is the capital of the State of Victoria. Seen as Australia s sporting and cultural capital, it is also a centre for arts, commerce, education, industry and tourism, as is consistently ranked as one of the world s most livable cities. There has been substantial overseas investment in the city s industries and property market in recent years in response to its healthy employment and population growth.
Brisbane, one of the major business hubs in Australia, is the state capital of Queensland. Blue collar industries include metal working, petroleum refining and paper milling, and white collar ones include financial services, public sector administration and information technology. It is regarded as being a particularly multicultural city, with more than 20 of people living there being born overseas (South Africa, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom being the main contributors).
Adelaide, a costal city in the state of South Australia, has a history of attracting immigrants from countries where English is not the first language, which has contributed to it developing into a welcoming multicultural place. It is noted for its numerous sporting events and festivals, its food, wine and culture, and its beautiful beachfronts, and ranks as one of the world s most livable cities. The economy there is mainly based around Manufacturing, defense technology and research.
Perth, located in western Australia, is seen as the center for business and government for the whole of that side of the country. It is the fourth largest city in Australia, and has a growth rate consistently above the national average. British born residents are plentiful there, and it has also been a particularly popular destination for Chinese and South African immigrants . Lots of of employment opportunities are available there, but not so for manufacturing industries due to its distance (more than 1000 miles) from other populous Australian cities.
There are of course lots of other great cities in Australia, and many attractive rural areas too, but, for newcomers to Australia, these five cities are worth looking at first.