24 days in Australia Itinerary

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

When in Melbourne, make a side trip to see The Great Ocean Road in Torquay, approximately 1h 20 min away. There's still lots to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, get a sense of history and politics at Supreme Court of Victoria, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Melbourne Zoo, and take in panoramic vistas at Eureka Skydeck.

To see maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Melbourne day trip app .

Dublin, Ireland to Melbourne is an approximately 26-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of train and flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 10 hours traveling from Dublin to Melbourne. While traveling from Dublin, expect much warmer days and somewhat warmer nights in Melbourne, ranging from highs of 30°C to lows of 14°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Sydney side-trips: Everglades Historic House and Gardens (in Leura), The Three Sisters (in Katoomba) and Wentworth Falls (in Wentworth Falls). There's lots more to do: see a show at Sydney Opera House, hike along Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk, examine the collection at Australian National Maritime Museum, and get to know the fascinating history of The Rocks.

To find ratings, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Sydney online trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Melbourne to Sydney by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Traveling from Melbourne in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Sydney, with lows of 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Byron Bay.

Named after Lord Byron's grandfather, Byron Bay is not only famous as the easternmost point of Australia, but even more so as one of the liveliest vacation spots in the country.

On the 27th (Fri), paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour, enjoy the sea views from Cape Byron Lighthouse, and then trek along Cape Byron Walking Track. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: relax in the rural setting at The Farm Byron Bay, take in the exciting artwork at Jules Hunt Studio Gallery, then take a memorable tour with Tours, and finally sample the tasty concoctions at Stone & Wood Brewery and Tasting Room.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Byron Bay day trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and bus from Sydney to Byron Bay in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in December, and nighttime lows around 20°C. On the 29th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Fraser Island.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Seventy-Five Mile Beach, then head outdoors with The Pinnacles, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Eli Creek. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake McKenzie.

To find reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Fraser Island trip planner .

Traveling by combination of car and ferry from Byron Bay to Fraser Island takes 9.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, ferry, and car; or do a combination of bus, ferry, and car. In December, daytime highs in Fraser Island are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Airlie Beach.

Very much a town with an emphasis on the tropical lifestyle, Airlie Beach offers exotic surroundings with palm trees and charming, sandy beaches.

Change things up with a short trip to Daydream Island Living Reef in Daydream Island (about 34 minutes away). There's lots more to do: get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour, kick back and relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon, contemplate the waterfront views at Heart Reef, and zoom along the surf with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure.

For where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Airlie Beach holiday planner .

Do a combination of car and ferry from Fraser Island to Airlie Beach in 16.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car, ferry, and bus. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Airlie Beach when traveling from Fraser Island in December, with lows around 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Sat) to allow time for travel to Sydney.

To see reviews and more tourist information, read our Sydney tour itinerary builder site .

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Airlie Beach to Sydney takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and flight; or drive. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Airlie Beach in January since evenings lows in Sydney dip to 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.