I've been asked to recommend one or the other to a Thai who wants to spend 6-12 months studying English in Australia.
I've been to Melbourne a couple of times but never Brisbane. I've also never met the Thai in question so I know little about her tastes.
I'd imagine that the Brisbane climate is better suited to Thais unless they like chily winters. I'd also think Melbourne is better is better suited to an urbanite and Brisbane to an outdoorsy type. Perhaps Brisbane is a bit cheaper too.
If it was me I'd choose Sydney but it's not an option apparently. Are there any other useful deciding city-based factors?