When it comes to weather, Sydney has the better reputation, with sunny hot days during the summer months and delightfully warm and mild in winter, where you can visit the beach up until May and starting September again! However, increasing temperatures worldwide has meant that during the summer months when a heatwave arrives it can be rather unpleasant, making it uncomfortable to do just about anything. Best times to visit, to be on the safe side would be Spring and Autumn!

Melbourne isn’t as predictable when it comes to its climate, you can experience all four seasons in one day! It is advisable to carry a jumper or lights jacket with you and an umbrella in case the heavens decide to open. It is also Australia’s very own windy city, and can be quite bitter during the winter months. Of course, you can have great temperate days in Melbourne, you just won’t know when they might arrive. Stay wishful and you might get lucky!

With regards to transportation and getting to and from the airport, Sydney’s offerings are a bit of a mish mash with regards to public transportation and even driving. The city is notorious for its tight one-way streets, causing confusion and anxiety to new arrivals. Buses, although frequent often get stuck in commuter traffic There is an easy access train running straight from the city centre to the airport, ensuring travellers never miss their flights!

Melbourne has a more thought out tram system and is often hailed as having Australia’s best public transport system. The trams are free to catch within the Central Business District area of the city which is a big plus! The grid system also helps newcomers navigate the streets, be it on foot or by driving.

The Nightlife in Melbourne is famous, in the CBD you’re surrounded by trendy rooftop bars, pubs, clubs, all offering superb cocktails and other concoctions. However, you don’t have to be in the city centre to enjoy a night out, close by suburbs offer a great experience, especially Brunswick, Fitzroy and St Kilda. Sydney used to have a great nightlife, violence in the city in recent years has caused it to have a seedy reputation. You can still enjoy a wine at the Opera House overlooking the harbour!

When it comes to outdoor activities, Sydney wins hands down, with its natural beauty making it an urban jungle. Great parks and green spaces intertwine with the city’s architecture. It’s existence around a beautiful natural harbour certainly boosts the opportunities to meander on the many beaches surrounding the shorelines. Melbourne has green spots and is lovely on a sunny day, when it’s raining, the river running through it becomes bleak and black and the city can become a bit lack lustre.

Which city is for you? The overall wow factor is often given to Sydney with its landmark sites, great outdoors and natural beauty. Whereas Melbourne offers more history and culture, a sporting capital, hipster art and music scenes and a varied nightlife. So which one will you visit?