15 days in Australia Itinerary

A holiday in Port Douglas balances an activity-filled getaway with plenty of opportunities to relax, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and bustling beach life.

On the 15th (Sun), view the masterpieces at Ngarru Gallery and then trot along with a tour on horseback. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by With Sugar, then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Port Douglas road trip site .

Hyderabad, India to Port Douglas is an approximately 17-hour combination of flight and shuttle. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference moving from India Standard Time (IST) to Australian Eastern Standard Time (Queensland) (AEST) is 4 hours. Traveling from Hyderabad in December, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Port Douglas, with lows around 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to catcht the bus 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 17th (Tue): take a leisurely stroll along The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Keep things going the next day: trek along Esplanade Boardwalk, then kick back and relax at Trinity Beach, and then kick back and relax at Palm Cove Beach.

To find reviews, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read Cairns trip itinerary builder app .

You can take a bus from Port Douglas to Cairns in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a shuttle. December in Cairns sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 26°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) so you can travel to Gold Coast.

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Thu): find something for the whole family at Sea World Theme Park and then kick back and relax at Burleigh Heads Beach. Keep things going the next day: get to know the resident critters at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, find something for the whole family at Warner Bros. Movie World, and then find something for the whole family at Infinity Attraction.

For more things to do and tourist information, use the Gold Coast day trip planning website .

Traveling by flight from Cairns to Gold Coast takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Cairns in December; daily highs in Gold Coast reach 32°C and lows reach 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) 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.

Kids will enjoy Bondi Beach and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Manly Beach, get curious at Powerhouse Museum, catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, and take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read our Sydney tour planner.

You can fly from Gold Coast to Sydney in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In December, daily temperatures in Sydney can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) 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.

Kids will enjoy Melbourne Zoo and Old Melbourne Gaol. When in Melbourne, make a side trip to see Werribee Open Range Zoo in Werribee, approximately 42 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, make a trip to Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, enjoy unforgettable views with a balloon tour, and appreciate the history behind Shrine of Remembrance.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Melbourne travel route planner.

You can fly from Sydney to Melbourne in 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Sydney in December, Melbourne is slightly colder at night with lows of 14°C. On the 28th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.