Australia has around 28 million people. The latest confirmed Australian Bureau of Statistics estimate recorded 27,724,744 residents at 30 September 2025, with the population continuing to grow. Most Australians live in major coastal cities, especially Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, while inland and remote regions are far more lightly populated.
Where Most Australians Live
Australia is one of the largest countries on earth by land area, but its population is relatively small and unevenly spread. Most people live close to the coast, where the climate, employment, transport, universities and services are concentrated.
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, followed closely by Melbourne. Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are also major population centres, while Canberra is the national capital. For travellers, this means many trips begin or end in a large city, even when the main reason for visiting is reef, rainforest, outback, wine country or coast.
If you’re planning a first visit, browsing Australia tours and holiday packages is a useful way to see how city stays connect with regional travel. A common route might pair Sydney with Queensland, or Melbourne with the Great Ocean Road and South Australia.
Why Australia Can Feel Spacious
Australia’s population density is low because the country is so vast. Large areas of the interior are desert, semi-arid country, cattle station land, national parks or remote Aboriginal land. This is part of what makes outback travel so different from a city break.
The contrast is clear in the Northern Territory, where Darwin, Kakadu, Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon sit across huge distances. You don’t need to drive every kilometre yourself, but you do need a sensible route, enough time between stops and a good feel for seasonal conditions.
What The Population Means For Travellers
In cities, expect strong public transport, busy dining precincts, major events and a wide choice of hotels. In regional and remote areas, planning matters more. Accommodation can book out during peak seasons, fuel stops may be far apart, and some routes need extra care during summer heat or the northern wet season.
For independent travellers, Australia road trips work best when the driving days are realistic. The Great Ocean Road Classic is a compact example, while Western Australia, the Top End and the Red Centre need more time. Rail can also be a smart way to cover long distances, especially on journeys such as The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin.