News How Cities and Health Are Shaping Australia’s Morning Economy Have you heard of the “morning economy”? It’s the new trend reshaping how Australians live, work, and move. The morning economy describes the growing wave of early-morning activity happening in our cities. From sunrise gym classes and walking groups, to bustling cafes, breakfast markets, and morning business meetups, more people are starting their days earlier than ever before. And cities are beginning to notice. This shift isn’t just about changing habits, it’s about rethinking how we design cities for healthier, more connected lives. What Is the Morning Economy? Traditionally, cities came alive mid-morning and stayed busy until after work hours. But today, there’s a new rhythm. People are waking up earlier to exercise, socialise, and work, and they’re looking for spaces that support that lifestyle. In Australia, we’re seeing: Earlier opening hours for cafes, gyms, and local markets 5am run clubs and the growth in morning fitness events and outdoor activities A cultural shift towards early starts for business and networking Post-pandemic, with flexible work and hybrid lifestyles, the morning economy is growing, and it’s creating opportunities for cities to rethink how public spaces and services are activated. If you want to dive deeper into this trend, SmartCompany recently explored what Australia’s morning economy could mean. Why Cities and Health Are at the Heart of the Morning Economy The morning economy isn’t just about business, it’s about wellbeing. People are choosing to prioritise their health early in the day, whether that’s walking in the park, grabbing a nutritious breakfast, or joining a group fitness class. But not every city is designed to make that easy. The connection between cities and health becomes clear: Urban environments that support early-morning activity, through safe streets, accessible parks, active transport options, and vibrant public spaces, are setting their communities up for healthier, happier lives. How Healthy Cities Australia Is Supporting the Shift At Healthy Cities Australia, we champion the idea that good health starts long before someone enters a hospital. It starts in the streets, parks, bike lanes, and public transport that people experience every day, especially in the early hours. We advocate for: Walkable, safe streets and cycling paths Accessible green spaces activated for morning use Community programs that encourage early-morning activity and social connection Policies that embed health into the planning of public spaces You can find examples of these programs, such as Play Illawarra, which promotes active, outdoor spaces for families, and our broader community wellbeing initiatives. A Healthier Future Starts Early The rise of the morning economy hints at an exciting possibility: health, wellbeing, and urban design could work together to create stronger, more vibrant cities. It’s not just about getting up earlier, it’s about creating cities that help people live better, from the moment they step out the door.