I'm an American who has lived in Sydney and Melbourne... many won't agree which city I think is better 'in every way'
Drew Mork, who has been living in Melbourne for seven months, said he'd spoken to more than 100 people and was shocked by how strongly locals felt about Sydney.
'They're like, "Oh Sydney's s***. Don't go there",' he said.
'A city is only as good as its people, and the Melburnians are bitter. No one wants to be happy - it's exhausting.'
Mr Mork said locals had told him the NSW capital had 'better beaches', but the residents were superficial, as they only cared about money and early-morning runs to look after their 'body and appearance'.
The American argued those were actually among the reasons he found Sydney so appealing.
'They're describing it to me like they hate it, but I'm like, that sounds freaking awesome,' he said.
'Sydney is unreal. It's just so much better in every way.'
Mr Mork said his experience visiting Sydney was overwhelmingly positive.
He said the people were 'so nice' and the iconic landmarks, like the Sydney Opera House, had to be seen to be believed.
'There's not a picture in the world that would do the Opera House justice,' he said.
Mr Mork claimed the rivalry between the two cities was one-sided, arguing people in Sydney were far more relaxed about Melbourne.
'If you ask someone in Sydney about Melbourne, they're like, "Oh Melbourne's actually nice, but we just like Sydney so much better".'
He said the appeal of each city came down to personal taste.
'If you're 19 and obsessed with drinking until 4am, you probably love Melbourne,' Mr Mork said.
'But if you're a business guy or you're a fitness person, hey, you've got to go to Sydney.'
Mr Mork told Daily Mail Australia he had experienced more direct confrontations with Victorians in the past as well.
The personal trainer said he'd given Melbourne a fair crack and had 'tried to make (it) work'.
'I love a lot of things about Melbourne, but I'd rather live somewhere where people aren't having a sook every day. Walking around in Melbourne as an American is like walking in a field of landmines,' he said.
'Everyone in Melbourne says Sydney folk are mean and judgemental but I believe they can't stand Sydney because people in Sydney are ambitious and tall poppy syndrome is peaking in Melbourne.
'When I went to Sydney, everyone was so welcoming and nice to me.'
Social media users were divided, with some saying there were benefits and downsides to both cities.
'As an Aussie, I see it like this: Sydney is a day city, Melbourne is a night city,' one argued.
'If you like running, swimming, surfing, coffee outside - basically anything near water in the sun - then Sydney. But, if you like trendy dinners, alleyways, art galleries, small gigs and cosy indoor coffee then go to Melbourne.
'Personally I think both are great.'
Some Melburnians were defensive about their city and suggested the American take a closer look at his own country.
'Calling Melbourne a s***hole, but forgetting how s*** your so-called country is. Go back there, nobody [is] stopping you,' one wrote.
Others defended Sydney, arguing Melburnians were just 'jealous'.
'Melbourne is so boring!' one wrote.
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Briefed on safety procedures and buckled into a lifejacket by the QF6 Mooloolaba Coast Guard, I'm aboard the powerful, distinctive bright yellow vessel Mooloolaba Rotary Rescue. Commander Paul Heath, Chaplain Sue Clarke and today's crew of highly trained and certified mariners are with me. They are not paid for their service. Staffed entirely by volunteers, this flotilla is funded by donations. We're clear to head out as there have been no urgent calls for Coast Guard assistance this morning. As we leave the harbour, flags are lowered to half mast. It's been a naval tradition and a symbol of mourning and respect since the early 17th century, said to make room for an invisible flag – the flag of death – to fly. We pass my sister waving from the end of the harbour wall. Prone to sea sickness, she prefers to stay grounded as we make our way to our destination, offshore from Alexandra Headland. I explained to our chaplain that John was not religious and asked if I could write and deliver my own service – a story of his lifelong relationship with the sea. Sue supported me in this request and is close by my side in case I'm unable to go on. Part-way through, I realise that everyone aboard has gathered around, genuinely interested. Fellow seafarers ask for a closer look at the photos, to admire his creations, so we pass his box around. John would be so proud – he is a real hit! Many hands help me lower the box of ashes overboard and we toss in the petals after. Mooloolaba Rotary Rescue motors in slow circles around the drifting petals before the flags are raised again. As we make our way back between the training walls and into the harbour, I'm elated. It took seven years, but I'm glad I waited to find the perfect way to see John off on his forever voyage. He would have loved every minute. 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