Sydney vs Melbourne: The Population and Boundaries Debate in Australian Megacities

Current figures suggest that Sydney is the largest city in Australia, with a population of approximately 5.3 million people. However, the metropolitan boundaries and the criteria for determining which cities are considered part of the greater metropolitan area can be complex and evolving. As of January 2024, Melbourne boasts a slightly higher metropolitan population at 5,316,000, while Sydney's area remains larger at 12,369 km2.

Defining the Population and Boundaries

The concept of the largest city in Australia can vary depending on how one defines the boundaries of the city and its metropolitan area. Both Sydney and Melbourne have expanded over the years by absorbing neighboring areas that were once separate towns. This makes it challenging to determine a clear winner in terms of the largest city.

For instance, the City of Melbourne, while being part of the greater Melbourne metropolitan area, has a population of just 159,810 residents over an area of 37 square kilometers. Similarly, the City of Sydney has a population of 218,095 over just 26.68 square kilometers within its boundaries.

Sydney: The Largest City in Australia

Known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney is indeed the largest city in Australia. Located on the east coast of Australia, it serves as the capital city of the state of New South Wales. The greater Sydney statistical area covers a vast geographical area of 12,369 km2, making it the larger of the two when considering the total region.

Melbourne: The Emerging Metropolitan Powerhouse

According to the latest figures available, the greater Melbourne statistical area has a population of 5,316,000 as of January 2024. This slightly edges out greater Sydney's population of 5,184,896. However, the area of the greater Melbourne statistical area is smaller at 9,993 km2 compared to Sydney's 12,268 km2.

It is interesting to note that in 2021, media reports indicated that Melbourne's population had surpassed Sydney's at 4,875,400, giving it 18,700 more residents. Despite this, the growth and expansion of both cities continue, leading to issues like crowded roads, housing shortages, and longer wait times for elective surgeries.

Challenges and Perspectives

Both Sydney and Melbourne are currently dealing with significant challenges related to population growth, especially with the planned influx of 750,000 immigrants by the Federal Government. Neither city is eager to absorb such a large number of newcomers, which is expected to primarily impact Sydney and Melbourne, already facing infrastructure and service delivery constraints.

The decision on which city is the largest can thus be seen as a reflection of the ongoing debates about metropolitan definitions and urban planning. Whether Sydney retains its title as the largest city in Australia or Melbourne eventually surpasses it, both cities are likely to continue evolving and competing for dominance in terms of population and urban development.

Conclusion

While Sydney currently holds the title of the largest and most populous city in Australia, the boundaries and defining criteria are constantly changing. Melbourne's emergence as a formidable rival highlights the dynamic nature of urban demographics in Australia. As both cities continue to grow, the debate about which city is truly the largest and most populous will likely remain a topic of interest and debate among demographic and urban planners.