Oceania’s urban landscape blends dense Pacific capitals, Australian megacities and fast-growing regional hubs. From coastal ports to inland centers, population trends reflect migration, economic shifts and differing national census practices across island nations and territories.
There are 25 Largest Cities in Oceania by Population, ranging from Adelaide to Wollongong. Data are organized with Country,Population (people),Metric & year, and you’ll find below.
How current are the population figures, and what do they represent?
The dates and measurement type vary by source: some entries use the latest national census, others use official estimates or UN data — each row notes the Metric & year so you can see whether figures are census counts, mid-year estimates, or metropolitan totals.
Do these counts refer to the city proper or the wider metropolitan area?
It depends on the entry; some countries report city proper while others report greater urban agglomerations. Check the Metric column for each city to know whether the number covers administrative boundaries or the broader metro population.
Largest Cities in Oceania by Population
| City | Country | Population (people) | Metric & year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Australia | 5,450,496 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Melbourne | Australia | 5,207,133 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Brisbane | Australia | 2,706,966 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Perth | Australia | 2,309,338 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Auckland | New Zealand | 1,739,300 | Urban area – 2023 |
| Adelaide | Australia | 1,446,381 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Honolulu | United States | 995,638 | Metropolitan area – 2023 |
| Gold Coast | Australia | 735,368 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Newcastle | Australia | 532,490 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Canberra | Australia | 483,495 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Wellington | New Zealand | 434,500 | Urban area – 2023 |
| Port Moresby | Papua New Guinea | 410,954 | City estimate – 2023 |
| Christchurch | New Zealand | 396,700 | Urban area – 2023 |
| Sunshine Coast | Australia | 384,119 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Wollongong | Australia | 321,173 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Geelong | Australia | 294,628 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Hobart | Australia | 253,101 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Suva | Fiji | 224,533 | Urban agglomeration – 2023 |
| Hamilton | New Zealand | 185,300 | Urban area – 2023 |
| Nouméa | New Caledonia | 182,341 | Metropolitan area – 2019 |
| Townsville | Australia | 186,455 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Cairns | Australia | 158,542 | Significant Urban Area – 2023 |
| Darwin | Australia | 150,569 | Greater Capital City Statistical Area – 2023 |
| Papeete | French Polynesia | 136,771 | Urban area – 2017 |
| Honiara | Solomon Islands | 92,344 | City estimate – 2021 |
Images and Descriptions
Sydney
Australia’s largest and most famous city, known for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s a vibrant, multicultural hub for finance, culture, and tourism, built around one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours.
Melbourne
Often considered Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is famous for its dynamic arts scene, laneway cafes, live music, and major sporting events. It consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Brisbane
The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a rapidly growing, subtropical city built along the Brisbane River. It’s known for its sunny climate, relaxed outdoor lifestyle, and proximity to popular coastal destinations.
Perth
As the capital of Western Australia, Perth is one of the most isolated major cities in the world. It boasts stunning beaches, a modern city center, and a booming economy driven by the state’s vast mineral resources.
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a multicultural metropolis spread across a volcanic field. Known as the “City of Sails,” its two harbours are filled with boats, reflecting the residents’ love for the water.
Adelaide
The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is a planned city celebrated for its vibrant food and wine scene, numerous festivals, and easy access to famous wine regions like the Barossa Valley. It offers a relaxed yet cultured lifestyle.
Honolulu
The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a major Pacific hub for tourism and business. Located on the island of O’ahu, it’s famous for Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and its unique blend of American and Polynesian cultures.
Gold Coast
A major tourist destination on Australia’s east coast, the Gold Coast is famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots, and extensive system of inland canals. It’s a city built around sun, surf, and entertainment.
Newcastle
Located in New South Wales, Newcastle has transformed from a historic industrial port into a modern coastal city. It features beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a rich heritage rooted in its coal-exporting history.
Canberra
Australia’s purpose-built capital city, Canberra is home to the nation’s parliament, national museums, and galleries. It’s known for its spacious, planned layout, centered around the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin.
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital, Wellington is a compact and creative city known for its vibrant arts scene, cafe culture, and windy harbour. It’s the home of the country’s government and national museum, Te Papa.
Port Moresby
The capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby is the country’s economic and administrative heart. It’s a diverse and bustling hub situated on the Gulf of Papua with a rapidly growing population.
Christchurch
The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is known as the “Garden City.” It has shown incredible resilience and creativity while rebuilding after major earthquakes, blending heritage with innovative new architecture.
Sunshine Coast
A stunning coastal region in Queensland, north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is a collection of beachside towns and lush hinterland. It’s a popular lifestyle destination known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
Wollongong
Situated between a dramatic escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, Wollongong is a coastal city south of Sydney. It has a strong industrial heritage and is now a university city with stunning beaches and a growing technology sector.
Geelong
Located on Corio Bay, Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city. It has a rich industrial past and has reinvented itself with a stunning waterfront, a burgeoning arts scene, and proximity to the famous Great Ocean Road.
Hobart
The capital of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest capital, nestled at the foot of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. It’s celebrated for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and world-renowned MONA museum.
Suva
The capital of Fiji, Suva is a bustling, multicultural city and the largest urban center in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. It’s the region’s political, economic, and cultural hub.
Hamilton
Located on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. It is a key agricultural and educational hub, known for the stunning Hamilton Gardens and the nearby Waitomo Caves.
Nouméa
The capital of New Caledonia, Nouméa offers a unique blend of French and Melanesian cultures. Known as the “Paris of the Pacific,” it features Riviera-style beaches, chic boutiques, and French cuisine.
Townsville
The largest urban centre in northern Australia, Townsville is a major port and military base. It’s known for its tropical climate, the impressive Castle Hill lookout, and as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns
A stylish and popular tourist city in Far North Queensland, Cairns is the primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Its tropical climate and lush surroundings make it a magnet for visitors.
Darwin
The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is Australia’s northernmost capital, known for its tropical, multicultural vibe. It’s a resilient city that serves as a gateway to Kakadu National Park and Southeast Asia.
Papeete
The capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. Papeete is a vibrant port town with a lively market, a bustling harbour, and a distinct French flavour mixed with Tahitian hospitality.
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara is located on the island of Guadalcanal. It’s the country’s main port and commercial center, with a bustling central market and important World War II historical sites nearby.
