Australia’s capital ranks among the world’s 5 greenest cities (with an elite air quality score)

You know that feeling of calm that washes over you when you go on a big bush walk or a relaxed stroll through a park? Time spent in nature is good for the body and great for the mind – it lowers stress, improves mood and boosts creativity. 

It’s little wonder then that nature-first travel is booming in 2026. According to Google Trends, searches for the 'greenest city in the world' have massively surged over the past year. Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer vibrant urban experiences as well as botanical gardens and city parks.

If you're dreaming of a nature-filled escape, a new Green City Index has just ranked the world’s most nature-rich cities – and two are right here in Australia.

The researchers evaluated cities around the globe on three key factors: the percentage of overall greenery, the share of accessible public green space and local air quality levels. After crunching the numbers, Canberra claimed the title of the fifth greenest city on Earth, earning an overall score of 58.7 and an elite air quality score of 11 – the third-best, behind Oslo (ranked first overall) and Helsinki (ranked third).

Often dubbed the 'Bush Capital', Canberra preserves around 45 per cent of its territory as protected national parks and reserves – so you're never far from a patch of grass or nature trail. Designed in 1913 as a garden city, it balances urban living with nature, centred around the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin. Visitors can cycle its pathways, go hiking through Black Mountain Peninsula or explore the National Arboretum, home to forests of rare and endangered trees. Even more impressively, Canberra is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s most sustainable capitals.

Close behind at number six is Sydney with 46 per cent of public park space, including the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Parklands, acting as its 'green lungs'. It proves Australia’s cities are leading the charge when it comes to greener, healthier urban living. You can see the top ten below, or read more here. 

The 10 greenest cities in the world for 2026

1. Oslo, Norway
2. Vilnius, Lithuania 
3. Helsinki, Finland
4. Vienna, Austria
5. Canberra, Australia
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Stockholm, Sweden
8. Singapore
9. Reading, UK
10. Munich, Germany

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