Comparison · Brisbane vs Melbourne · Australia
Brisbane vs Melbourne
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Brisbane for Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter; choose Melbourne for Laneway cafés, Street art and beaches. Brisbane is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,374 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,374 km
- Less expensive
- Brisbane
- Best time for Brisbane
- April–June and August–October
- Best time for Melbourne
- February–April and October–November
Side by side
| Brisbane | Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Known for | Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Laneway cafés, Street art and Trams |
| Best time to visit | April–June and August–October | February–April and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | June, 22°C (72°F) | June, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | St Kilda Beach |
| Airports | BNE | MEL, AVV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Brisbane for…
Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter. Brisbane, Meanjin, winds along a looping river in southeast Queensland, with a compact CBD on one bend and the South Bank cultural precinct facing it across the water. CityCat ferries link riverside neighbourhoods from New Farm to the University of…
Choose Melbourne for…
Laneway cafés, Street art and beaches. Melbourne is a grid-planned city on the Yarra River, known less for single landmarks than for laneway cafés, galleries, sport and food. The CBD's Hoddle Grid is covered by a free tram zone, and inner suburbs such as Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond and St Kilda…
Top sights compared
| # | Brisbane | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach | Federation Square and Flinders Street Station |
| 2 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) | Hosier Lane and the CBD laneways |
| 3 | Queensland Art Gallery | National Gallery of Victoria |
| 4 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa | Queen Victoria Market |
| 5 | Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Royal Botanic Gardens |
Food compared
| Brisbane | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Moreton Bay bugs | Specialty coffee and the 'magic' |
| Mud crab | Melbourne brunch |
| Tropical fruit | Dim sim |
| Lamington | Souvlaki |
Which is cheaper?
Brisbane is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $180–$320 in Melbourne (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Brisbane on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,374 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Brisbane or Melbourne cheaper?
Brisbane is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Brisbane or Melbourne better for a first trip?
Pick Brisbane for Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank, lower day-to-day costs and a milder winter, or Melbourne for Laneway cafés, Street art and beaches.
+How far is Brisbane from Melbourne?
About 1,374 km in a straight line.