20 Host City
The east coast with the interior of the country sparsely populated. The west coast of Australia features a cluster of larger cities, and north and south Australia have sizable coastal populations, as well. Spend some time examining Australia’s geography and city locations.
Whatever Australian city you call home next semester, you are sure to think it is the best by the time you leave. The five cities listed below each have unique qualities that will make your experience memorable.
Adelaide
Adelaide, a culturally diverse city of about 1.3 million people, is the capital of the State of South Australia. It is a major business and commercial center with efficient public transport, a thriving arts scene and a relatively low cost of living. Adelaide is known as one of Australia’s most livable cities.
Across the street from the University of Adelaide, the bustling cosmopolitan city offers significant museums, concert halls, interesting pubs and restaurants, an enormous fresh- food market and fine shopping. The other side of the campus opens to parks bordered by the river, lined by bicycle and jogging paths, adjacent to the neighborhoods of the four private residential colleges.
Students appreciate Adelaide’s dynamic city environment. They frequent pubs and cafes on a regular basis and take advantage of the nearby beaches. Students can catch the tram or bike into Glenelg Beach which is only 7.5 miles from the city. They also enjoy the renowned performing arts and music festivals that occur every March. Adelaide is also located in one of the largest wine regions in Australia, including Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley.
Canberra
Canberra, population 390,000, is the national center of government and capital of Australia. Surrounded on all sides by a wide expanse of beautiful bushland, the city’s design features sweeping vistas and wide boulevards. Canberra is a safe, clean city with friendly people. The stunning south coast beaches and the Snowy Mountain ski slopes are only a two-hour drive away, and if the big city lights are an attraction, then flights to Sydney take about 40 minutes.
ANU students have great access to public institutions such as the National Library, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Zoo and Aquarium, the Australian National Botanical Gardens, and the National Parliament.
Perth
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and Australia’s fourth largest city. Set on the shores of the Indian Ocean, it is the home of nearly 2.2 million people and is ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities. The cosmopolitan city offers students a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and a great home base for exploring both the Red Center outback and excellent nearby beaches (19 within the metro area!).
The absence of heavy industry means a virtually pollution free environment, and this coupled with warm dry summers, mild wet winters and more hours of sunshine than any other capital city in Australia, creates the perfect setting for an active, outdoors lifestyle. Surfing, hiking, climbing, biking, rafting—there is no limit to the outdoor activities available within easy distance of the university. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is close to campus and offers beautiful views of Swan River and is a popular spot for picnics, walks and cultural events.
The vibrant port city of Freemantle is just a 30-minute bus ride from campus and offers maritime, convict and colonial history. You can also hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island from Freemantle to explore their beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Wollongong
Wollongong, informally known as the “Gong,” is a culturally diverse city of 300,000 and as the ninth largest city in Australia, is the gateway to the miles of white and silver beaches of Australia’s Leisure Coast. It is 90 minutes south of Sydney by car, bus or train. Although Wollongong was once known as an industrial city, tourism is fast replacing steel as the area’s major industry. The city’s smoke stacks and mills are located some distance down the coast from both the university and the suburb where students are housed. Wollongong’s natural environment includes some of the most pristine beaches in Australia.
Some of the top sites in Wollongong include the Nan Tien Temple, 17 beaches in the area, and beautiful Mt. Keira. The city centre also includes a wide variety of shops, restaurants and attractions. Attractions are easily accessible by free busses.
Sydney
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales province and the largest city in Australia with more than 5.5 million inhabitants. As Australia’s oldest city, Sydney plays an important commercial and service role and is also the busiest port in Australia. Sydney is known for its beaches, shopping, nightlife, restaurants and 300 days of sunshine a year. The city is also Australia’s most culturally diverse city. Sydney was recently ranked the most livable city in the world.