Brisbane, Australia

Capital City

Brisbane may boast a cosmopolitan veneer, but its sprawling suburbs and subtropical climate come with persistent headaches. With a population of 2,287,896, the city is Australia's third-largest, though its density of only 159 people per square kilometer means endless commutes. And while the weather is famously pleasant, Brisbane's location in the tropics brings regular flood risks, including major events in 2011, 2022, and 2025. Navigating the city's byzantine bureaucracy, from the consolidated Brisbane City Council to the state government, is another challenge for residents. Overall, Brisbane offers an appealing lifestyle for those who don't mind trading convenience for subtropical serenity - but it's no paradise.