Why do most Australian cities settle on the coast?

Most Australian cities are settled on the coast primarily due to historical, economic, and climatic reasons. When European settlers first arrived in Australia, they came by sea and established their initial settlements along the coastline. This proximity to the ocean facilitated easier access to transportation and trade routes, which were vital for the exchange of goods and services with other parts of the world.

The coastal regions also tend to have more favorable climates, with milder temperatures and more rainfall compared to the often harsh and arid conditions found in Australia's interior. The resulting more hospitable living conditions made these areas more attractive for settlement and urban development.

Furthermore, the availability of resources like water and fertile land along the coast supported agriculture and sustained growing populations. Over time, as these initial settlements expanded and became more established, infrastructures such as ports, roads, and railways were developed to further support their growth. The concentration of population and infrastructure along the coast perpetuated a cycle where businesses and industries were drawn to these areas, thereby attracting more people to live and work there.

As a result, most Australian cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, are located on the coast, where the majority of the population resides, enjoying the economic opportunities and quality of life offered by coastal living.