Melbourne and Sydney are two iconic cities and stunning examples of urban excellence, but first-time Australia cruisers may not know the striking differences between them, or which one to visit on their next Australia cruise.

Sydney, Australia, stands 442 miles from Melbourne — and natives from either city are quick to tell you that they're very different places. That's because Sydney and Melbourne have been engaged in a long-standing (mostly friendly) rivalry, arguing over which city is best. Let’s settle the Melbourne vs. Sydney debate once and for all.

Melbourne - Hipster with class

Sydney - Surf obsession with historical highlights