Brisbane stands out as the world’s most family-friendly city, surpassing Sydney and Melbourne in a global ranking of 50 urban centers. Recent analysis evaluates green spaces per capita and safety metrics to determine the best places to raise children.

Brisbane Leads with Strong Scores

Brisbane achieves the highest overall score of 6.4 out of 10. Sydney secures fifth place, while Melbourne ranks seventh. The top five also include London, Auckland, and Helsinki.

Abundant Green Spaces Boost Ranking

Brisbane excels in parks and playgrounds, offering 84.89 per 100,000 residents—far ahead of Sydney’s 7.62, Melbourne’s 2.73, and London’s 30.49. James McCay, analyst at Compare the Market, highlights Brisbane’s parks, including the vibrant South Bank precinct, Roma Street Parklands, and two Botanic Gardens, as key attractions providing ample outdoor play for families.

Safety Edges Out Competitors

In safety assessments, drawn from resident surveys and police crime data, Brisbane scores 90, surpassed only by Helsinki’s 95. This strong performance underscores the city’s appeal for parents prioritizing security.

Activities for Kids Lag Behind Rivals

Brisbane offers 107 child-friendly activities, fewer than Sydney’s 246 and Melbourne’s 166, yet its overall balance propels it to the top spot.

Past Accolades Reinforce Brisbane’s Appeal

The Queensland capital builds on prior recognition as one of the world’s 50 most extraordinary destinations, among the top 20 friendliest cities, and home to the second-best cost of living globally. These factors combine to make Brisbane a prime choice for family life.