Thats really, really hard to decide! I would go to Sydney though because it's one of the most popular cities. It's really clean and everything's there. I would feel I missed out on something if didn't go to Sydney. Brisbane is really nice too, but when I think of Australia I think of the Opera House and everything in Sydney. Good luck deciding!

Posted Oct 01, 2010

It depends on what you want to do and see. They're both lovely cities. Sydney is of course larger & more cosmopolitan, & would have more cultural attractions (such as the famous Opera House). It's a little closer to wine country. Both have access to great beaches. Brisbane is near Noosa National Park, where you might see a Koala in a tree by the beach. It's also home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you could actually hold a koala. The huge zoo Steve Irwin made famous is near there too. You're probably going to have to fly into Sydney either way, so you might consider doing both.

Posted Oct 01, 2010

It really depends on what you like and what your interests are.  Keep in mind that it's been 14 years since I was last in Brisbane, so my information is outdated.  To compare/contrast:

Sydney...is the largest city in Australia.  It's something of a cross between San Francisco (in terms of scenic beauty) and Los Angeles (in terms of "flashiness").  3-4 days would be just enough time to see the major sights.

Brisbane...is also a large city.  To me, it resembled Portland, OR, but in a TROPICAL setting.  It's more conservative than Sydney, and a bit smaller (I think Sydney is around 4 million, and Brisbane is just under 2 million people).  There aren't as many tourist sites in Brisbane as compared to Sydney.  However, many people combine a visit to Brisbane with one to the Gold Coast (think Waikiki or South Beach Miami) which is only about an hour away.

If you've never been to Australia before, I would hit Sydney before I hit Brisbane. 

Posted Oct 01, 2010

Melbourne actually but b/w the two I would lean towards Sydney

Posted Oct 01, 2010

I happen to live now in both...ex Coloradoan.  Everyhone wants to see SYD - at least once.  But after two days, you can catch a cheap domestic flight to Brisbane, about an hour in the air.

That said, you can go to the Gold Coast Airport for it's closer to the beach and hinterland, depending on your interests.  Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in OZ, but if you're not as interested in city culture, gourmet encounters or night life, the Gold Coast is known as Australia's playground - for good reason.  10 million visitors a year can't be wrong.

Posted Oct 01, 2010

I'm a city person and I would definitely say Sydney. I've been there 3 times and I still find new things to do there everytime I go back. I've only been to Brisbane once and I can't really say it compares to Sydney in any way.

Posted Oct 02, 2010

It really depends on wot you want to do.

Sydney or Melbourne would be your best bets for seeing city stuff and getting a good feel for the country. Brisbane is great if you are looking for some downtime and want to bum around the beach. That being said, Sydney is surrounded by fabulous beaches. I'd go with Sydney. Best of both worlds

Posted Oct 04, 2010

sydney is amazing.  you can do wonderful days trips to the blue mountains, and other great places.  i took a prop plane to cottage point, a gorgeous secluded lagoon where there is a 5 star restaurant, great hoking trails and only accessible by plane or boat.  owner said meal would be paced to allow 'relaxed conversation.'  it was amazing.  lunch took 3 hours.  also the rocks near sydney harbour is like soho in manhattan with galleries and lots of art. check out the 'hands of mandela' shop if still there.  also wondferful street fairs on weekend.  and climb sydney harbor bridge.  it's awesome.  so. to answer your questions -- i pick sydney.  love brissi, but sydney is the place.

Posted Oct 04, 2010

Sydney, without a doubt - the harbour, the bridge, the sophisticated but oh-so laid back beach life - get me there already! I totally agree with David that Melbourne should be considered too (sorry weather, but awesome culture and food). Without being too rude about it (I could, with all the "experiences" I had there a mere month ago), Brisbane definitely pales in comparison.

Posted Oct 05, 2010

sydney. if u like walking take the coastal hike between bondi and coogee beach. 

Posted Oct 26, 2010

So I know I'm a bit late on this, but I just made my first trip to Sydney last weekend, and I prefer Brisbane. It is much easier to get around, and I found it very easy to find interesting things to do. I also met lots of friendly people. In Sydney it was very difficult to get around, and by the end of the second day I felt that I had seen everything I wanted to.

Posted Nov 09, 2010

Both great cities but Sydney's weather is much better on average.  It rains a lot in Brisbane!

Posted Mar 22, 2011