Melbourne beats Sydney in Holafly index as Adelaide rises as top family travel spot

Global eSIM provider Holafly released its Rivalry Index 2026, a data‑driven comparison of Australia’s two largest cities. Melbourne scored 94.3 points, edging out Sydney’s 89.6, and led in five of eight categories, including coffee, dining, dating, hotels and live events. Sydney performed better in nightlife, outdoor spaces and fitness, reflecting recent policy changes that extended venue hours.

A separate guide highlights Adelaide as a family‑friendly destination. The city’s compact layout offers easy access to parks, beaches and attractions such as the St Kilda Adventure Playground, Bonython Park’s flying fox, and Ambersun Alpacas, where visitors can feed baby alpacas. These experiences are marketed as affordable day trips within an hour of the CBD, positioning Adelaide as an emerging spot for kid‑focused travel.

Both pieces underscore a broader trend of Australian cities leveraging unique lifestyle offerings to attract tourists and residents alike.