Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Australia? Check Out the Prices in 6 Major Cities

Australia is the ultimate travel budget bucket list destination. Its thousands of glorious beaches, stunning natural landscapes and exotic animals attract millions of visitors yearly.

However, Australia’s vast size makes it impossible to see everything in one short vacation. To truly experience everything, you must live there — or own an Australian vacation home you can visit whenever you like. 

The Australian real estate market offers many options to potential buyers in each state. Houses are most affordable in Western Australia, while New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, which include the cities of Sydney and Canberra, are the most expensive.

Here’s a look at the biggest cities in Australia, the average home price and why you might consider buying there. 

• Average Home Price (AUD): $810,000

Located in southeast Australia, Melbourne is the country’s largest city. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere and shiny skyscrapers attract people from all over the globe, reflected in its multicultural population.

While you won’t find the beaches Australia is known for in Melbourne, it has a delightful seaside promenade with many cafes, restaurants and beer gardens that the locals enjoy on sunny days. While there, indulge in a cup of coffee, as Melbourne’s coffee culture ranks among the world’s best.

Other attractions include the Abbotsford Convent and Gardens, a 19th-century convent converted to include art galleries, studios, a bakery and a restaurant. If you enjoy movies, check out Art Deco Astor cinema, which regularly shows cult classics and new-release features. The cinema has an opulent style, including a grand foyer and plush seating.

• Average Home Price (AUD): $1,350,000

You’ll find the priciest Australian real estate in Sydney, approximately 550 miles northeast of Melbourne. Sydney is the city tourists most associate with Australia, as it has some of the country’s most famous beaches and attractions, including Bondi Beach and Gordons Bay, which are popular with surfers and snorkelers.

Other Sydney attractions include Taronga Zoo, which houses some of Australia’s native wildlife, and the Sydney Opera House, which hosts ballets, plays, symphonies and opera annually.

On sunny days, you can explore the Royal Botanic Garden, which covers 30 hectares of land and gardens and sits in the city’s heart. 

• Average Home Price (AUD): $842,000

Brisbane’s properties are similar in price to Melbourne’s but generally less expensive than Sydney’s. The city is located near Australia’s Gold Coast, about 560 miles north of Sydney.

While Brisbane lacks the beaches you’ll find in Sydney, there are plenty of things to do. Adventure-minded visitors can try kayaking, jetskiing or paddleboarding on Moreton Bay and Brisbane River. 

If you prefer a quieter holiday, visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, which includes an extensive collection of artworks from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

Or, spend your days trying out Brisbane’s numerous dining establishments, which include fine dining and internationally-inspired options.

The city also has a thriving nightlife scene, including dozens of cocktail bars, pubs and wineries, some of which offer rooftop bars and alfresco seating so you can enjoy the warm Brisbane evenings.

• Average Home Price (AUD): $700,000

Perth, the country’s fourth-largest city, is tucked into the southwestern corner of Australia. Home to over 2 million people, it offers a combination of white-sand beaches, cultural attractions and historic neighborhoods to explore.

Start with Bathers Beach, which offers sun umbrellas, beachside bars and cafes, and spend your day sunbathing and enjoying the calm waters. Vacationers may enjoy a day trip to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve where you can observe Australian wildlife, including the rabbit-like quokkas.

On a walking tour through King’s Park, you can explore the history and customs of Perth’s Noongar Aboriginal people and learn how they use native plants for food and medicine. Or, go on a winery tour of Swan Valley, just 25 minutes away from the city.

You may also spend a day in Fremantle, a historic fishing harbor with lots of eclectic street art and cafes.

• Average Home Price (AUD): $765,000

Known for its stunning white sand beaches and outstanding outdoor activities, Adelaide is a vacationer’s dream. Buying a property in the city means you can explore Adelaide at your leisure.

Start with a visit to the main city beach, Glenelg, which sits alongside numerous resorts and hotels and offers some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s got plenty of beachside restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand.

At Adelaide Central Market, you can explore numerous eateries that offer locally sourced produce, including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads and chocolates. Adelaide has quite a nightlife scene, with cocktail bars and speakeasies tucked into hidden lanes along the waterfront.

Just outside the city is Adelaide Hills, the city’s wine region, which offers plenty of wineries and farms to explore. You can also check out Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement. 

• Average Home Price (AUD): $951,800

Located just three hours from Sydney, Canberra is an inland city known for its vineyards, Ngunnawal cultural sites and museums. It has tons of natural beauty and hikers will find it particularly attractive for its numerous national parks and reserves.

Start at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where you can see native Australian animals in their natural habitats — including the extra-cute koala bear. The Reserve has plenty of challenging hiking paths to explore.

Canberra is Australia’s vineyard region, and you’ll find over 140 vineyards within a half-hour drive of the city. Some offer on-site resorts, so you can turn it into a weekend getaway.

Canberra has numerous opportunities to learn about Australia’s Aboriginal people, including a National Gallery that houses their artwork and frequent tours with guides to explore their culture.