For families immigrating to Australia, safety is a top priority. Here's how Australia's major cities actually compare on crime rates — and which areas within each city offer the most secure lifestyle.
How Safe Is Australia Compared to Other Countries?
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world by global standards. It consistently ranks in the top 15 on the Global Peace Index. For immigrants coming from South Africa, Brazil, or many parts of Africa and South America, Australia's crime environment will feel dramatically safer.
That said, Australian cities do differ in their crime profiles, and choosing the right neighbourhood within your chosen city matters significantly.
City-by-City Safety Comparison
Canberra (ACT) — Safest Overall
Canberra consistently records the lowest crime rates of any Australian capital city. It is a planned city with a high proportion of government employees, strong community infrastructure, and very low rates of violent crime.
Downside: Canberra is smaller and more limited in job market diversity than Sydney or Melbourne.
Hobart (Tasmania) — Second Safest
Hobart has traditionally been among Australia's safest capitals. The city is small, community-oriented, and relatively low in violent crime. Tasmania as a whole has low crime rates.
Downside: Very small city; limited job market.
Adelaide (South Australia)
Adelaide has a well-deserved reputation as a safe, family-friendly city. Crime rates are lower than Sydney or Melbourne, and many of Adelaide's suburbs are genuinely secure and community-focused.
Best suburban areas: Burnside, Norwood, Unley, Kensington.
Perth (Western Australia)
Perth is generally safe, with crime rates lower than Sydney or Melbourne. The city has a strong community feel and is popular with South African immigrants for good reason — the lifestyle parallels are strong. Some outer suburban areas have elevated property crime.
Best suburban areas: Cottesloe, Claremont, Applecross, City Beach.
Brisbane (Queensland)
Brisbane is generally safe, particularly in inner-city and suburban areas. Violent crime rates are lower than Sydney. The Gold Coast has some areas with elevated crime.
Best suburban areas: New Farm, Paddington, Ascot, Bulimba.
Sydney (New South Wales)
Sydney has moderate crime rates for a global city, though inner-city areas (Kings Cross/Potts Point) have historically had higher rates. The outer suburbs and North Shore are very safe.
Safest areas: Lower North Shore (Mosman, Neutral Bay), Northern Beaches, Inner West (Balmain, Glebe).
Melbourne (Victoria)
Melbourne has some areas of elevated crime (CBD late at night, some western and northern suburbs). But Melbourne's eastern, southeastern, and inner suburbs are safe and well-maintained.
Safest areas: Boroondara (Kew, Camberwell, Canterbury), Bayside, Stonnington.
What About South African Immigrants Specifically?
South Africans consistently say that Australia's safety environment feels like a dramatic improvement. The absence of high walls, electric fencing, and armed response on every street is noticeable from day one. Children play outdoors. Parks are safe. Walking the dog at dusk is routine.
The transition in mindset unlearning heightened security awareness can take 6–12 months, but virtually all South Africans say they would not go back.
Practical Safety Tips for New Arrivals
Research your specific suburb before committing to a rental
Use the Crime Statistics Australia website or state police statistics for current data
Join local community Facebook groups for neighbourhood-specific feedback
Trust your instincts when viewing properties — visit at different times of day