TTF Media Release
28/5/2023
VISITORS DRIVE RECOVERY OF AUSTRALIAN CITIES BUT WORKERS SLOWER TO RETURN
How are Australia’s CBDs faring post-Covid? New data shows Central Business Districts continue to recover, but some level of ‘working from home’ may be here to stay.
Nightlife and weekend events are leading the recovery of cities across Australia post-pandemic, countering the slower return of workers, according to new data released by the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said the total number of people in CBDs across Australia has improved significantly since last year, returning closer to pre-pandemic levels in all five capital cities measured, though weekends are still outperforming weekdays.
“Visitors, not workers, are driving this recovery. Their enthusiasm to explore and experience each city’s offerings is what’s propelling their revival,” Ms Osmond said.
“This data shows how important it is to keep investing in our arts, entertainment and hospitality industries, as well as supporting major events. These sectors play a pivotal role in revitalising our cities and contributing to their overall recovery.”
The latest DSpark report, commissioned by TTF, analysed anonymised and aggregated mobility data to examine the movement of the Australian adult population across the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth CBDs.
The report found the number of CBD workers in April 2023 is still below pre-pandemic levels nationally, despite increasing since last year.
“While the levels of CBD workers have indeed increased in every city, some level of remote work may be here to stay. This may be our new normal,” Ms Osmond said.
“If that’s the case, we need continued investment in industries beyond traditional office spaces to ensure a vibrant and thriving urban landscape, so CBD businesses don’t suffer.”
Percentage of people in CBDs in APRIL 2023 compared to pre-Covid levels (visitors vs workers)
| Total visitation = visitors + CBD workers | ||||
| Total visitation (% of pre-Covid levels) |
Change since July 2022 | CBD workers only (% of pre-Covid levels) | Change since July 2022 | |
| Sydney | 77% | +10% points | 64% | +12% points |
| Melbourne | 78% | +7% points | 65% | +9% points |
| Brisbane | 86% | +12% points | 74% | +15% points |
| Adelaide | 94% | +8% points | 82% | +14% points |
| Perth | 97% | +12% points | 87% | +16% points |
Percentage of people in CBDs in APRIL 2023 compared to pre-Covid levels (weekdays vs weekends)
| Average weekday visitation | Average weekend visitation | Most recovered times compared to pre-Covid | ||
| Weekdays | Weekends | |||
| Sydney | 80% | 100% | 3AM – 5AM (119%) | 4AM – 6AM (122%) |
| Melbourne | 75% | 101% | 9PM – 11PM (103%) | 9PM – 12AM (114%) |
| Brisbane | 88% | 89% | 5AM – 6AM (102%) | 5AM – 7AM (98%) |
| Adelaide | 93% | 104% | 10PM – 12AM (111%) | 10PM – 12AM (122%) |
| Perth | 94% | 109% | 3AM – 5AM (112%) | 9PM – 10PM (130%) |
Media contact: Olivia Leeming | oleeming@ttf.org.au