Last Updated: November 11, 2021
Melbourne vs Perth (East or West?)
If you’re planning on visiting or moving to Australia, or perhaps you already live there but are wondering if a change of scene would be a good idea, you might be trying to choose between two of the coolest cities in the country, ie. Melbourne vs Perth.
It’s hard to get a sense of these great towns without spending time in them and risking a vacation or a move on an unknown isn’t the easiest gamble to take, so some research is in order, and that’s what we are here for.
We have done the boring research work so you don’t have to and created this handy comparison of Melbourne vs Perth so you can make the right choice about where to go on vacation or which city might suit your next move best.
One thing we should get straight before we continue is that Perth and Melbourne are two big cities that are worlds apart geographically. Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is 3,406 kilometers west of Melbourne which is the capital of Victoria, the southern region of Australia. They are both great cities but their location does allow for different things, which we’ll discuss below.
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Things To Do
Perth
Sitting on the western coast of Australia, Perth kind of has it all to itself. Being the only major city in Western Australia and whether it’s city life you’re after or access to the stunning natural landscapes and ocean, Perth delivers in every aspect.
When it comes to things to do in the city, you are kind of spoilt for choice in Perth. If you’re looking to experience a dash of Aussie culture and history places like the Perth Mint which explains the history of mining in the region are a great place to visit.
You’ll also find the Perth Cultural Centre is a great day out too and it’s home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia with pieces dating back from 1829 that focus on art from Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim plus lots more.
There is a great zoo in Perth with animals from around the world. You can feed giraffes, walk through an Aussie bush and wetlands area with kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and Tasmanian devils and see lots more animals too, including elephants. The Perth Aquarium is also worth a visit which you’ll find at the stunning Hillarys Boat Harbour which is home to sharks, manta rays, and more.
There are botanical gardens, aviation museums, old cathedrals, and lots more to discover while you’re there. Perth also has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, and, it’s built around the Swan River and day trips to the nearby islands offshore are a favorite weekend excursion.
Melbourne
Melbourne has an awesome atmosphere and being in this big city is all about getting involved with the markets, food scene, got to art exhibitions, seeing a concert, and all the great shops too. When you’re walking around Melbourne, you can’t help but get caught up in the great vibes this city has.
In terms of things to do, like Perth, Melbourne also has an excellent zoo and aquarium which are a fun day out if you have kids or if the weather isn’t so great and staring at some awesome marine species sounds like a good idea. They are right in the city centre, or close enough, so easy to get to as well.
Another fun thing to do in Melbourne is to head to Eureka Tower where you’ll get an awesome 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the Botanical Gardens are a must-visit plus there are tonnes of Art Galleries large and small that are worth hopping to and from as you explore the city.
If there is one thing Melbourne is known for, it’s the city’s food markets, and the two you should spend some time at include Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market. They are a hub of activity all year round and a great place to go to try new flavors, but fresh produce, and have some lunch with mates on the weekends.
Like Pert, Melbourne is also home to some beautiful beaches and it’s not far from national parks either, so if you want easy access to nature while living in a city, it’s a great spot.
Verdict
When it comes to Perth vs Melbourne and things to do, they are equally great in my eyes. You’re never going to struggle to find something that you want to do on any given day between all the cultural sites and access to nature. Melbourne probably has more of a fun-loving encompassing atmosphere but that’s not to stay the vibe is great in Perth either.
What’s the food scene like?
Perth
Perth’s food scene used to be, well, basic. The order of the day was fish and chips, like every day, but in recent years we have seen Perths Gastro-vibes take a turn towards being some of the best cuisines you can find in Australia.
You find awesome restaurants such as Ficus which are all about farm-to-table, creating meals that are as healthy as they are delicious. Places like Shy John Brewery & Yum Cha are taking Cantonese food and creating their own twists by serving their specialist dumplings with Worcestershire sauce with a pairing of one of their craft beers.
For a refreshing take on Thai Street food from award-winning Australian chef David Thompson you can head to Long Chim in the CBD. Petition Kitchen is all about warming hearty food with a traditional countryside menu that is sure to warm your cobbles, and their morning pastries are a delight.
These are just some of the great spots to dine out in Perth and there are loads more, so if you’re a foodie, Perth will not disappoint.
Melbourne
Melbournes food scene is renowned in Australia and is full of different cuisines and the abundance of different states and flavors is only growing. Its food scene is on a par with Sydney and a little ahead of Perth, and it’s affordable too.
A great way to try out the food on offer in Melbourne is by taking to streets where you’ll find a ton of hip coffee shops which together claim to serve up the best coffee in the world, alongside some delicious treats too.
The restaurant scene is also great with Melbourne’s China Town, right in the city centre. It is a favorite once-a-week stop-off for the city’s residents. You’ll find food from all over Asia there including tastes from Vietnam, Thailand, China, and more plus it’s affordable.
As I already mentioned, a great place to have lunch during the week, and especially on the weekend is Queen Victoria Market. Crispy chilled white wine and fresh seafood are the order of the day in summer while in winter the market sends out hot toddies and heart stews to match the season.
You’ll also find your fair share of high-end restaurants in Melbourne, from French to Italian and Australian, so you’re always covered for a fancy night out too. Of course, Melbourne restaurant prices tend to be higher than Perths, but don’t let that stop you have a great night out!
Verdict
When it comes to Perth vs Melbourne and their food scenes, you are kind of spoilt for choice. The main difference I’d point out is that you might have to search to find the gems in Perth whereas in Melbourne it’s all in your face and very available, which is what comes when a city has a food scene for years, whereas Perth’s is just getting up to speed.
Nightlife
Perth
Perth has awesome night life and between the great weather and the great venues, it would be hard not to have a good time. Think outdoor beer gardens overlooking the Swan river, craft beers, rooftop bars with sunset views, live venues with great concerts, and a clubbing scene based on the UK’s which hosts international DJs all the time.
If you love to party on the weekends, then you can start on Friday and end at the traditional Sunday Sessions Perth loves so much, which is a way to have afternoon drinks on a Sunday and enjoy the weekend until the bitter end.
Yes, it is a little like a big country town – a very livable city indeed!
Melbourne
Melbourne’s night life mirrors its food scene as no matter where you go in Melbourne on the weekend, there are pumping bars with live music in pretty much every part of the city. It’s a great place to spend your Saturday afternoons catching up with mates while bar hopping and finishing it off with a dance at one of the many clubs if you still have the steam.
You’ll find every vibe you might want in Melbourne too whether it’s sitting outside in a beer garden or enjoying views across the sea from a rooftop while sipping cocktails and listening to DJs warming up the dance floor. The late-night clubs are great too, hosting international performers regularly.
Just keep in mind that next to Sydney, Melbourne has the highest cost of living in Australia. So, a night out is never going to be cheap!
Verdict
Melbourne vs Perth: which has the best nightlight?
It’s a bit of a draw when you look at Perth’s vs Melbourne’s nightlife. The venues are excellent, so are the vibes, and you have all the diversity you could ever want streaming out of both of them. These are both great cities to have a party in.
Outdoor Fun
Perth
Sitting on Western Australia’s coast and along the banks of the Swan River, there are a huge amount of ways to enjoy the outdoors around Perth.
The beaches around the city are stunning with white sands and clear seas and the great weather the city enjoys means you can spend your days there without getting chilly.
The beaches around Perth also see some great surf, and if you’re wanting to learn to surf, it’s a great place to start. If you already surf, then head to Trigg Point and Scarborough for the consistently awesome waves.
The fishing, sailing, and boating opportunities around Perth are also excellent and a favorite day trip for locals is heading to Rottnest Island to spend the day exploring.
If you go inland from Perth, you’ll be blessed with many state forests which are great for hiking and if you drive north, you can explore the wild Western Australian coastline.
Melbourne
Melbourne’s location is a little unique when it comes to Aussie cities as it sits on the shore of a huge protected lagoon called Port Phillip. If you look on a map, it kind of looks like Melbourne is on a lake that is joined by a little gap to the sea.
This makes the beaches around Melbourne very chilled out with minimal swell which is perfect for summertime swims, hanging out with the family, and using the bay for water sports like sailing, fishing, and boating.
The large bay does block the surf, but you’re never too far from a wave in Australia, and a short drive out of town will have you on some good surf breaks with ease.
Within the city, you have the Yarra River which is great for weekend walks, and you can splice in a few of the city’s parks at the same time. If you want to venture out of town for the weekend, you have three national parks to choose from, all of which are with a few hours of driving.
Verdict
Pick Perth if outdoor activities are very important to you. Perth’s trump those of Melbourne in terms of water activities.
But I’m a little biased. I like being in or on the sea as much as I can be, which Perth offers more conveniently in my eyes, as surfing is important and you have access to the bountiful west coast too.
That being said, there is a lot of fun to be had outside in and around Melbourne, so it comes down to your personal preferences at the end of the day. Outside cost of living of course!
The Weather
Perth vs Melbourne
Melbourne’s weather is nothing short of consistent. The winters are manageable with temps ranging from 7°C to 14°C and the summer is perfect with temps reaching between 16°C and 27°C. The rain is pretty predictable too with just 6 days a month on average.
Perth’s weather is a bit different with a rainy season and a dry season. Summer temps hit 17°C to 31°and you’ll have pretty much zero chance of rain. During winter you can expect 10-14 days of rain and temps around 10°C to 19°C.
Cost Of Living
Although Perth has caught up to Melbourne after the big resources boom out west, the cost of living in Melbourne is still quite a bit higher.
However, consumer prices in Perth tend to be a little higher. Maybe due to the large distance products have to travel?
Melbourne rent prices tend to be higher overall, although it depends whether you want to live close to the city centre or not?
All in all, I would not let the cost of living affect your decision too much as it tends to balance out in the end!
Perth vs Melbourne – The Verdict
Both Perth & Melbourne are great cities, as you can see, and no matter which one you choose, you’re going to have a great time. I’d suggest Perth in the summertime, and Melbourne in the winter if you’re going on holiday.
If you’re looking to move to Perth or Melbourne, Perth is better for the outdoors and Melbourne is better for the atmosphere.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
