Do you want to be happy and live beyond the norm? Go to Australia!
When it comes to the world’s most liveable cities, Europe often steals the spotlight. But this year, Australia is making a compelling case for attention – with not one, not two, but three of its cities landing in the top 10 of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Most Liveable Cities index.
For the first time, Adelaide joined Melbourne and Sydney in the prestigious global ranking, a recognition that locals say reflects what they’ve long known: life in Australia isn’t just about sunshine and beaches, it’s a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and a uniquely relaxed lifestyle.
Australia’s enviable quality of life stems from more than just good weather. It’s a cultural attitude, one where the outdoors, wellness, and work-life balance aren’t luxuries but everyday norms.
“Lunch breaks can be swims, weeknights mean open-air cinemas, and weekends are for farmers’ markets packed with produce so fresh it barely needs cooking,” says Andrea Seifert, a communications executive who recently relocated to Sydney from Europe and Asia. “That kind of access to nature and culture is rare.”
This easygoing rhythm of life isn’t an accident, it’s embedded in the national mindset. In cities like Adelaide, work-life balance is a serious matter.
“The lifestyle is just easier,” says Cheryl Monkhouse, an American transplant now working in the tourism sector in Adelaide. “Holidays are taken. Four weeks of annual leave is the norm, not the exception. People live first, and work fits around that.”
MelbournebMagnet and Sporting Powerhouse
Melbourne leads the Australian pack, ranked fourth globally, and with perfect scores in both education and healthcare. It also topped national rankings in culture and environment, making it a magnet for those seeking a dynamic, diverse, and richly textured city life.
“The people, the food, the lifestyle, Melbourne is so multicultural,” says local resident Dani Feludu. “My neighbours come from all corners of the world. You can walk 10 minutes and have your pick of cuisines from Turkish to Thai, Mexican to Filipino.”
But Melbourne isn’t just a cultural haven, it’s also a sports lover’s paradise. The city hosts marquee global events like the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix, all right in the heart of the city. And its local passion for Aussie Rules Football (AFL) is legendary.
Michael Rozenblit, founder of travel blog The World Was Here First, says that for anyone visiting Melbourne, catching an AFL match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a must. “The atmosphere is electric. It’s not just a game—it’s a cornerstone of Melbourne culture,” he says, noting that the stadium can host over 80,000 fans on game days.
Sydney Buzz Also Loves Coastal Calm
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, came in sixth on the global liveability index. Like Melbourne, it scored high in education, healthcare, and culture but it’s the blend of city energy and coastal calm that sets it apart.
“What I love most is the balance,” says Sydney resident Liam Duffy. “You’ve got world-class food, art, culture and jobs and within an hour you can be hiking a national park or relaxing at the beach. That kind of lifestyle is rare in big global cities.”
The Bondi neighbourhood, in particular, has gained international attention for its wellness culture. It’s not uncommon to find locals like Alice Moore, director at Élysée Collective, starting their day before sunrise with a full wellness routine.
“I’m often down at the beach by 5 a.m., running or training with friends, then a quick ocean dip, sauna, ice bath, and a coffee—all before 7 a.m.,” she says.
Visitors to Sydney can get a taste of this coastal lifestyle by walking the Bondi to Bronte coastal trail, a scenic 2.5-kilometre path that links Sydney’s best beaches and is lined with stylish cafes and bars.
Adelaide is Quietly Impressive
While Adelaide might be the least internationally known of the three, it’s quietly gaining fans for its affordability, charm, and laid-back lifestyle. Locals describe it as a smaller city with big heart, rich in food, festivals, and natural beauty.
“There’s a sense of space here,” says Monkhouse. “You can have a career, enjoy time with your family, and still make it to the beach for sunset.”
Across the three cities, certain threads keep emerging: a commitment to public health and education, urban planning that values green space and infrastructure, and a cultural ethos that prioritizes wellbeing over hustle.
While many global cities struggle with rising stress, shrinking personal time, and limited access to nature, Australian cities offer an alternative where outdoor swimming pools, national parks, community festivals, and multicultural food are seamlessly part of the daily rhythm.
