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.

Family-friendly places like Bondi Beach and Balmoral Beach, Mosman will thrill your kids. The adventure continues: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, kick back and relax at Manly Beach, and don't miss a visit to Sydney Opera House.

For maps, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Sydney route site .

Toronto, Canada to Sydney is an approximately 24-hour flight. You can also do a combination of ferry and flight; or do a combination of shuttle and flight. You'll lose 15 hours traveling from Toronto to Sydney due to the time zone difference. In January, Sydney is warmer than Toronto - with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (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.

Kids will enjoy Eureka Skydeck and Fitzroy Gardens. Discover out-of-the-way places like ArtVo and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Step out of Melbourne to go to Geelong and see Eastern Beach Reserve, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. The adventure continues: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens.

To see photos, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Melbourne online holiday planner .

Getting from Sydney to Melbourne by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Sydney in January, plan for little chillier nights in Melbourne, with lows around 17°C. 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.

On the 31st (Fri), explore the world behind art at Samurai Gallery Australia and then enjoy the sand and surf at Nudey Beach.

To find reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Cairns online itinerary planner .

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Melbourne in January, expect Cairns to be a bit warmer, temps between 37°C and 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can travel back home.