It's official – this is the happiest city in Australia

The state capital was the only Aussie city to rank in the global list of 30 happiest cities.

Aussies are generally a pretty happy bunch. I’d put it down to our laid-back lifestyle and appreciation for the simple things – a day at the beach, a weekend footy match or simply a coffee with mates. But according to the Institute for Quality of Life, there’s one part of Australia that’s even happier than the rest.

What is the happiest city in Australia?

The annual list is determined using the Happy City Index, which ranks cities around the world based on 82 indicators across six distinct criteria. And after extensive analysis, the Institute for Quality of Life has crowned Adelaide as the happiest city in the country, and 29th in the world.

Adelaide, South Australia — Adelaide is officially Australia’s happiest city. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

It may be unsurprising to some, considering South Australia was recently named the most welcoming region on Earth. But for those wondering how the capital scored its new title, Australian Traveller’s Managing Director Quentin Long says we’re about to see what Adelaidians have known all along.

“What is there not to love about Adelaide? It’s home to one of the most affordable five-star hotel markets in Australia. The event programming is consistent and world-class. It is accessible and easy to get around, and its cultural institutions are ready to bloom. They have great food and wine, too; every humble pub has a wine list that makes me drool," says Long.

The Austral pub in Adelaide, South Australia — The city’s burgeoning foodie scene is just one of its many drawcards. (Image: Michael Waterhouse Photography)

And it’s not a city that ever rests on its laurels. Adelaide is continuously evolving its offerings, whether that be unique experiences or innovative events. Where else can you enjoy a jam-packed festival calendar all year round? Watch a game of footy from atop a stadium? Drive 30 minutes out of the CBD and be in one of the country’s best wine regions?

Long adds that Adelaide has the most growth potential compared to any other city in Australia, and it’s been a city in waiting for too long.

“I expect that the moment has come for that growth potential to be unleashed. It always takes a series of events, a moment to coalesce, to make that remarkable growth happen – and I think it’s now."

Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, South Australia — Watch a sports game from above at Adelaide Oval. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

So why is it that the City of Churches is often underestimated? It could just be a case of needing to punch above its weight.

“Adelaide seems to fly under the radar due to its size and scale. Other Aussie cities have had both for a long time, attracting all the talent and the opportunities, but that’s changing," says Long.

Now, you can book a flight to Adelaide any time of the year and find yourself in the thick of a world-class festival or event.

“There’s the Tour Down Under in January, followed by the LIV Golf tournament in February. There’s the Adelaide Fringe and VAILO 500 in March, Gather Round in April – the list goes on."

How were the rankings determined?

Happiness is a subjective feeling, so to be as impartial as possible, the Happy City Index judges a city based on six main pillars: governance, environment, economy, mobility, citizens and health, with subcategories like education, safety, transport, pollution, nutrition and work-life balance.

Adelaide in South Australia — Adelaidians have seemingly perfected the work-life balance. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

“If you look at the indicators, Adelaide ticks almost every box," says Long. “Great cultures, education, governance, economic opportunity, transparency and a good work-life balance. It’s a place that loves to work hard and live well – Adelaidians value this lifestyle, so they work hard to maintain it, and that shows."

Of course, change is inevitable, so cities are monitored daily, and any new data is periodically reviewed to avoid outdated results. More than 200 global destinations were examined, creating a diverse and multicultural pool. Trends are investigated, residents interviewed, and 26 different areas of each city studied.

In short, a lot of research goes into the final result to reflect the most accurate picture possible. Overall, the SA capital scored 846 total points. For context, the top city got 1039 – that’s only a 193-point difference. And with 200 other cities also in the running, 29 is a pretty huge achievement.

What other cities made the list?

According to the Institute for Quality of Life, Copenhagen is officially the happiest city in the world. The Denmark capital was followed by Zurich in Switzerland and Singapore. In an incredible feat, another city in Denmark – Aarhus – took out fourth place, with Belgium’s Antwerp rounding out the top five.

Check out the full list of Happiest Cities in the World.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach

Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay

The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum

The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum

The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)

It’s official – this is the happiest city in Australia

The state capital was the only Aussie city to rank in the global list of 30 happiest cities.

What is the happiest city in Australia?

How were the rankings determined?

What other cities made the list?

This new bathhouse in Adelaide is focused on community

This new coastal walk connects two of Adelaide’s most popular beaches

The sky is the stage at Adelaide‘s epic one-night-only show

This epic new 100km walk loops all the way around Adelaide

The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland