Lexi Webster
Eastern Australia is more populated than the western region due to a combination of geographical, historical, and economic factors. The east coast is home to major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which have attracted people due to employment opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural amenities. The Great Dividing Range has influenced settlement patterns, with areas to its east being more fertile and having a climate that can support larger populations. The east coast, particularly the southeast, is the only part of the continent with sufficient water to sustain a large population, as the interior and west are semi-arid or desert regions. Additionally, during the 1850s gold rush, Victoria and New South Wales experienced rapid population growth, and the southeast coast's climate resembled that of Great Britain, making it favourable for British crops and livestock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of major cities and economic centres | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle |
| Fertile soil and water availability | Murray-Darling Basin |
| Climate | Humid subtropical, tropical, oceanic |
| Population density | 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020 |
| Migration | North Africans and Middle Easterners since the 1940s |
| Gold rush in the 1850s | Led to rapid development and a more complex economy |
| Similarity to British climate | SE coast provided a higher chance of success for settlers |
| Transport and infrastructure | Excellent harbours in Sydney and Melbourne |
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What You'll Learn
The presence of major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are three major cities in Eastern Australia, and their presence has had a significant impact on the region's population distribution.
Sydney, the most populous city in Australia and Oceania, has experienced substantial growth over the years. European settlement began in 1788, and by 1851, the population reached 39,000. Post-war immigration and a baby boom contributed to the population surge, with Sydney reaching 2 million residents by 1962. As of the 2021 census, Sydney's population stood at 5 million, with a median age of 37 years and an average household size of 2.7 members. The city's low-density planning, influenced by its historical land values and government decisions, has shaped its urban development. Sydney's cultural diversity is notable, with 43.2% of its population born overseas, and various migrant communities, including Lebanese, Fijian, Korean, and Nepalese.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is projected to become Australia's most populous city by 2032. Melbourne has long attracted a significant share of net overseas migration, influenced by past Victorian government policies. The city's population growth is driven by young adult migration, resulting in a higher natural increase (births minus deaths). Melbourne's population growth remained resilient during the pandemic, and it is regaining its position as the destination of choice for overseas and internal migrants.
Brisbane, founded by the Turrbal and Jagera people, experienced significant population growth during World War II when it became the headquarters of the Allied Powers in the South West Pacific. This influx of citizens and Allied troops spurred economic growth. Brisbane's population growth slowed after the war, but an urban renewal program, including the addition of a tram line, revitalized the city, attracting businesses and residents once again.
The presence of these three major cities in Eastern Australia has contributed to the region's higher population density compared to other parts of the country. Their role as economic, cultural, and historical centers has drawn people from across Australia and overseas, shaping the demographic landscape of Eastern Australia.
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Employment opportunities, infrastructure and cultural amenities
Eastern Australia is more populated than the west for several reasons, including the presence of major cities and economic centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These cities have historically attracted large numbers of people due to employment opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural amenities.
Employment Opportunities
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are major cities that offer diverse job markets and are hubs for various industries. Sydney, for instance, has a strong presence in finance, tourism, and professional services. Melbourne is known for its creative industries, healthcare, and research sectors. Brisbane, as the capital of Queensland, offers jobs in administration, tourism, and hospitality. These cities have historically attracted migrants from other parts of Australia and overseas due to their diverse and thriving economies.
Infrastructure
The eastern states of Australia have benefited from significant investments in infrastructure. For example, the federal capital, Canberra, is located in the east, and this has driven the development of transportation networks, utilities, and other essential services in the region. The eastern states are also home to major highways, such as the Eyre Highway, connecting them to Western Australia. Additionally, the eastern cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including buses and trains, and, in the case of Melbourne, an extensive tram network. These cities also have more extensive healthcare, educational, and cultural institutions, making them attractive destinations for people seeking a higher quality of life.
Cultural Amenities
Eastern Australia, particularly cities like Sydney and Melbourne, offer a wide range of cultural amenities. These cities are known for their vibrant arts scenes, including theatre, music, and visual arts. They host renowned festivals, such as the Sydney Festival and Melbourne International Arts Festival, which attract both local and international audiences. The eastern cities also have diverse culinary scenes, with restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to various tastes and cuisines. Additionally, the east coast's beaches and natural attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, provide recreational opportunities that enhance the overall lifestyle appeal of the region.
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Fertile soil and favourable weather
Eastern Australia is more populated than the west for several reasons, including the presence of major cities and economic centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which offer greater employment opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural amenities. The region also benefits from fertile soil and a favourable climate, making it ideal for agriculture.
The east coast of Australia, particularly the southeast, is the only part of the continent with enough water to sustain a large population. The climate in this region is typically humid and subtropical, in contrast to the arid and semi-arid conditions found in the interior and western parts of the country. The Great Dividing Range further influences the habitability of the region, as the areas to its east are the most fertile and have weather conditions that can support larger populations.
The fertile soil and favourable weather of eastern Australia have made it a prime location for agriculture. Two major rivers and the fertile soil of the Murray-Darling Basin attracted farmers to the region. The climate in eastern Australia, particularly in the southeast, is similar to that of Great Britain. This similarity allowed British crops and livestock to thrive, providing settlers with a greater chance of success and attracting more people from Britain.
The east coast of Australia is known for its lush landscapes and temperate climate, which has made it a desirable location for settlement. The region receives more rainfall than the centre and western parts of the country, which are largely desert or semi-arid. This water availability has been crucial for both agriculture and human habitation, supporting the growth of major cities and economic centres.
The combination of fertile soil and a mild climate has contributed to the success of various industries in eastern Australia, particularly agriculture and livestock farming. The region's natural resources and favourable weather conditions have drawn people from across the globe, contributing to the diverse ethnic makeup of the country.
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The gold rush in the 1850s
Before the gold rush, Australia was a remote colony, predominantly populated by British convicts. However, within months of the first gold discoveries in the early 1850s, Australia gained an international reputation, attracting gold seekers from around the world. The gold rush sparked an immigration boom, with people moving from elsewhere in Australia and overseas to areas where gold had been found. This influx of people led to a dramatic increase in Australia's population, which quadrupled from about 430,000 people in 1851 to 1.7 million by 1871.
The gold rush had a notable impact on the diversity of Australia's population. While the majority of immigrants during this period came from the British Isles, there was also a significant number of people from other parts of Europe, the United States, and China. The Chinese immigrants, however, faced discrimination and racism due to their physical appearance and the economic competition they posed to European colonists. This anti-Chinese sentiment eventually led to the White Australia Policy of 1901, which restricted Chinese immigration for decades.
The gold rush also had economic consequences, boosting Australia's economy and contributing to its modernisation. The influx of immigrants, known as "diggers," brought new skills and professions, and their spending contributed to the growth of local economies. The gold discoveries themselves were also economically significant, with the colonies accounting for more than 40% of the world's gold production during the 1850s. This abundance of gold helped create a wealthy society with a high standard of living.
The gold rush transformed the convict colonies into more progressive cities and led to the emergence of a unique national identity. It spurred the exploration and settlement of remote lands, particularly in Queensland and Western Australia. The gold rush also had some positive economic opportunities for Aboriginal Australians, who sold food and clothes to the diggers and sometimes found their own gold for trade. However, overall, the gold rush added to the challenges they had been facing since European colonization.
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Climate and geography
Australia is a massive island in the Pacific that covers an entire continent. The country is sparsely populated in the Northern Territory and elsewhere in the Outback, the interior of the country, due to large parts of the region being arid desert. About 35% of the Australian continent receives so little rain that it is effectively desert.
In contrast, Eastern Australia is dominated by a humid subtropical climate, with some areas having a tropical or oceanic climate. The east coast, particularly the southeast, is the only part of the continent with enough water to sustain a large population. The Great Dividing Range also has a significant impact on where Australians live. Areas to its east are the most fertile and have weather that can generally support large populations. The region known as the Murray-Darling Basin attracted farmers due to its two major rivers and fertile soil.
Eastern Australia includes the federal capital Canberra and Australia's three largest cities: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These cities have historically attracted large numbers of people due to employment opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural amenities. The population density in these cities is higher than in the rest of the country. As more people move into cities, more dwellings are erected, leading to the trading of green spaces for apartment buildings and houses.
The east coast was also the first point of landfall for ships arriving from England during the 1850s gold rush in NSW and Victoria, which caused a rapid increase in Australia's population and economic development. The southeast coast has a climate similar to that of Great Britain, which meant that British crops and livestock were likely to do well. This, coupled with the excellent harbors at Sydney and Melbourne, attracted more people from Britain.
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Frequently asked questions
Eastern Australia is home to the country's three largest cities: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These cities have historically attracted large numbers of people due to employment opportunities, infrastructure, and cultural amenities.
The population density of Australia as a whole is 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. However, in the biggest cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne, the population density increases.
More than 80% of Australians live within the coastal zone.
The climate in Eastern Australia is humid subtropical, with some tropical and oceanic climate zones. The region receives more rainfall than the interior and western parts of the country, which are mostly arid desert.
Living in a highly populated area in Eastern Australia can offer benefits such as increased job opportunities, better infrastructure, and instant access to a community of people.
