I'm just back from my first trip to MEL. Was in Sydney in 2004 for 6 days and loved it. This time I thought I'd try MEL (as well as a few days in SYD). I only had about a day in MEL, and spent the rest of the time in the Goldfields area (Bendigo, Daylesford).

MEL was nice, the Yarra was prettier than I expected. The outdoor cafes at Southbank and the bridges reminded me a little bit of the Thames in London (with much better weather). The city seemed a bit grittier and older than Sydney (I'm talking the shopping areas around Collins St., Flinders St. Station, Fed Square. The parks looked lovely.

Downtown MEL is a longer trek from the airport than SYD. The roads are all a mess with the Commonwealth Games about to start.

I'd definitely recommend getting out of the City, the Dandedongs were great, and the countryside of the Goldfields looked alot like Northern California foothills.

All that being said, Sydney is gorgeous to look at and if you like the water, the harbor can't be beat! I agree there are lots of "easy" attractions for tourists, with everything being easy to access from Circular Quay and the great transport system. Taronga Zoo is outstanding, and a trip to Manly cannot be missed.

I think it boils down to a matter of taste. I compare the 2 cities to LA vs. SF. Sydney is like So Cal and Melbourne maybe a little more Nor Cal. Just my humble opinion.......