5.5 Australian places

While a few Australians live on remote properties and farms, the vast majority of us live in either a town or a city. Life in cities and towns can be the same in a lot of ways, and very different in others.

It’s not just a question of size; there are other important differences. Cities can face unique challenges, such as the environmental impact of both the stable population and of any large events that take place there. Towns have their own issues, such as access to services and resources. Also, both towns and cities can be tourist destinations, but the impacts of tourism – both positive and negative – can be very different in the two kinds of places.

Source 5.11 The Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Source 5.11a St Paul’s cathedral in Melbourne, Victoria, which is Australia’s second-largest city behind Sydney

Source 5.11b Brisbane, Queensland, Australia’s third-largest city

Source 5.11c Perth, Western Australia, Australia’s fourth-largest city

Source 5.11d People gather to hear a free outdoor performance by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Adelaide, South Australia, is Australia’s fifth-largest city.

Source 5.11e The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia’s sixth-largest population centre

Source 5.11f Hobart is the largest city in Tasmania and the 11th largest city in Australia.