Comparison · Brisbane vs Sydney · Australia
Brisbane vs Sydney
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 and lower day-to-day costs; choose Sydney for Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and beaches. Brisbane is generally less expensive, and the two are about 732 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 732 km
- Less expensive
- Brisbane
- Best time for Brisbane
- April–June and August–October
- Best time for Sydney
- March–April and September–November
Side by side
| Brisbane | Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Known for | Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach |
| Best time to visit | April–June and August–October | March–April and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | June, 22°C (72°F) | July, 17°C (63°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | Bondi Beach |
| Airports | BNE | SYD |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Brisbane for…
Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
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Choose Sydney for…
Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and beaches. Sydney wraps around a deep natural harbour, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge facing each other across Circular Quay and surf beaches strung along the ocean coast to the east and north. Most visitors base themselves between Circular Quay, the CBD…
Top sights compared
| # | Brisbane | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach | Sydney Opera House |
| 2 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) | Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| 3 | Queensland Art Gallery | Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair |
| 4 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa | The Rocks |
| 5 | Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Bondi Beach |
Food compared
| Brisbane | Sydney |
|---|---|
| Moreton Bay bugs | Sydney rock oysters |
| Mud crab | Meat pie |
| Tropical fruit | Flat white |
| Lamington | Smashed avocado and ricotta hotcakes |
Which is cheaper?
Brisbane is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $200–$350 in Sydney (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Brisbane on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 732 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Brisbane or Sydney cheaper?
Brisbane is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $200–$350 (estimates).
+Is Brisbane or Sydney better for a first trip?
Pick Brisbane for Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and lower day-to-day costs, or Sydney for Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and beaches.
+How far is Brisbane from Sydney?
About 732 km in a straight line.