Why are all the major cities in Australia on the coast?

Answer 1

Because that is the most convenient place to have a city. On a river near the ocean where shiping can be easily accesed. Non productive citys like Canbera can be put any where for instance. It must be kept in mind however that Australia has many important citys that are inland.

Answer 2

Approximately 44 percent of Australia's interior is desert, and is unable to support any industry. Another large percentage is semi-arid, populated sparsely by cattle and sheep properties. Apart from sheep and cattle, there are other large agricultural areas and crop land inland, particularly in the eastern states, parts of the south, and the southwestern corner of the continent. Again, these properties require large tracts of land in order to be economically viable.

Aside from this, the only other major industry that operates away from the coasts is mining, and there is a limit to how many people can be employed in such industries. Therefore, a great many people need to work in business, trades and professions that are concentrated in the cities and towns through the coastal areas of the continent.

Answer 3

Australia is a large continent which, for the most part, is flat and dry. Therefore, the best climate conditions are found on the coast, so people tend to naturally settle along the coastal strip. Inland is ideal for agriculture, but primary industries need more space and fewer people than other industries do.

In addition, like all countries, Australia relies on trade with other nations. Large ships need ports to come into, and obviously these ports can only be constructed in coastal areas. Cities tend to develop naturally around ports, as compass conduct their business close to the ports. Other businesses grow to meet other needs of these companies - and suburbs grow to meet he housing needs of the employees. And so the cycle continues.