11 days in Sydney, Melbourne & Cairns Itinerary

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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Balmoral Beach, Mosman and Bondi Beach. And it doesn't end there: catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, kick back and relax at Bronte Beach, and observe the fascinating underwater world at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

To find other places to visit, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Sydney online driving holiday planner.

Toronto, Canada to Sydney is an approximately 25-hour flight. Traveling from Toronto to Sydney, you'll lose 15 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Toronto in January, things will get much hotter in Sydney: highs are around 32°C and lows about 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) to allow time 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.

Bring the kids along to ArtVo and Royal Botanic Gardens. Step off the beaten path and head to Eastern Beach Reserve and St. Patrick's Cathedral. It doesn't end there: admire the natural beauty at Fitzroy Gardens and enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck.

To see maps, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Melbourne attractions tool.

Traveling by flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Sydney in January, expect a bit cooler with lows of 17°C in Melbourne. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to travel to Cairns.

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.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Fri): admire the masterpieces at Samurai Gallery Australia and then enjoy the sand and surf at Nudey Beach.

To see other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Cairns route builder site.

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Melbourne in January; daily highs in Cairns reach 37°C and lows reach 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.