10 days in Australia 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.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): trek along Esplanade Boardwalk, then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then walk around Anzac Park.

For traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Cairns travel route planner.

Charlotte, USA to Cairns is an approximately 25-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus, taxi, and flight; or do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Charlotte to Cairns, you'll lose 15 hours due to the time zone difference. In September, daily temperatures in Cairns can reach 83°F, while at night they dip to 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) to allow time to take a bus to Port Douglas.

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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Fri): see the vivid underwater world at Opal Reef, look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, and then meet the residents at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

For maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read our Port Douglas road trip planner.

Traveling by bus from Cairns to Port Douglas takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. In September in Port Douglas, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 66°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Sydney.

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 Balloon Rides as well as Melbourne Zoo. On the 5th (Sat), soar above the sights with a balloon tour and then take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Melbourne Museum, get to know the resident critters at Melbourne Zoo, and then make a trip to Fitzroy Gardens.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Melbourne trip planning site .

You can do a combination of shuttle and flight from Port Douglas to Melbourne in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In September, Melbourne is cooler than Port Douglas - with highs of 63°F and lows of 44°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) 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, trails, shopping, beaches, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Sydney Opera House, take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, kick back and relax at Clovelly Beach, and take a stroll through The Rocks.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Sydney day trip app .

You can fly from Melbourne to Sydney in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Melbourne in September: high temperatures in Sydney hover around 71°F and lows are around 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) to allow time to travel back home.