Sydney’s leafy north has done it again. After being named the second safest suburb in Sydney last year, Lane Cove has officially been named the most liveable place in Australia, topping the 2025 Australian Liveability Census — a national study that measured how residents experience their neighbourhoods. Thanks to its safe, leafy streets, lush parks, breezy cafes, and strong sense of community, the Lower North Shore spot came out on top, not just in Sydney but all of Australia.
The local favourite suburb was lauded for being safe, green and easy to live in — with good schools, reliable transport and a strong local identity. The suburb also borders Lane Cove National Park, giving locals bush tracks and riverside walks on their doorstep, and easy access to the CBD.
The annual Australian Liveability Census surveyed more than 27,000 people across 15,000 neighbourhoods, asking residents to rate their area across 50 markers, from safety and access to parks to local shops, cafes, and community feel. The study measured liveability through residents’ personal experiences and perceptions rather than hard data like crime figures or economic indicators, offering a more people-focused view of what makes a suburb great to live in.
NSW dominated the national rankings of most liveable suburbs, and Sydney continues to set the standard, with the Inner West taking third place, followed by North Sydney at sixth, Willoughby at seventh, and Camden at ninth.
Australia’s top 10 most liveable suburbs for 2025
- Lane Cove (NSW)
- Vincent (WA)
- Inner West (NSW)
- Surf Coast (VIC)
- Hobart (TAS)
- North Sydney (NSW)
- Willoughby (NSW)
- Bayside (VIC)
- Camden (NSW)
- Joondalup (WA)
Read more here.