12 days in Cairns, Melbourne & Sydney 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Cairns: Hartley's Crocodile Adventures (in Wangetti), Port Douglas (With Sugar, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, &more) and Spas (in Palm Cove). There's still lots to do: see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, take in the exciting artwork at Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Cairns Aquarium, and get your game on at Cairns Kart Hire Track.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Cairns online itinerary planner.

Los Angeles, USA to Cairns is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. You'll lose 18 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Cairns due to the time zone difference. In June, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 66°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to travel to Melbourne.

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

Melbourne is known for museums, shopping, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, explore and take pictures at Fitzroy Gardens, and explore the world behind art at National Gallery of Victoria.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Melbourne trip itinerary planner.

You can fly from Cairns to Melbourne in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Cairns in June, with highs in Melbourne at 57°F and lows at 42°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) 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.

Sydney is known for nightlife, beaches, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, snap pictures at Sydney Harbour Bridge, and see the interesting displays at Australian National Maritime Museum.

To see ratings, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read Sydney online driving holiday planner.

Fly from Melbourne to Sydney in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Melbourne in June: high temperatures in Sydney hover around 65°F and lows are around 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to travel back home.