11 days in Cairns, Sydney & Melbourne Itinerary

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

On the 10th (Mon), meet the residents at Cairns Aquarium, then look for gifts at The Crystal Caves, and then look for gifts at Bones and Jones. On the 11th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To find more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Cairns road trip website.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Cairns. In February, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Bondi Beach, Queen Victoria Building and Australian Museum. There's much more to do: see a show at Sydney Opera House, take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, explore the world behind art at Art Gallery of New South Wales, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Manly Beach.

For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read Sydney travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Cairns to Sydney takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Cairns in February, with highs in Sydney at 31°C and lows at 23°C. You'll have a few hours on the 17th (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling to Melbourne.

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Your day by day itinerary now includes State Library Victoria, Queen Victoria Market and The Great Ocean Road. Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, don't miss a visit to Block Arcade, and enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Melbourne road trip tool.

Fly from Sydney to Melbourne in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Sydney in February since evenings lows in Melbourne dip to 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.