17 days in Sydney & Melbourne 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Manly Scenic Walkway and Shelly Beach. Get in touch with nature at Bondi to Coogee Walk and Balmoral Beach, Mosman. Get out of town with these interesting Sydney side-trips: Nan Tien Temple (in Wollongong) and Kiama Blowhole (in Kiama). Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Coogee Beach, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, take in the views from Sydney Harbour Bridge, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Mary's Cathedral.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, use the Sydney journey maker website.

Lisbon, Portugal to Sydney is an approximately 26-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Western European Standard Time to Australian Eastern Standard Time is 10 hours. Expect much warmer temperatures when traveling from Lisbon in January; daily highs in Sydney reach 32°C and lows reach 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Melbourne.

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

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Eastern Beach Reserve and 13th Beach. Take a break from the city and head to Ballarat Wildlife Park and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Melbourne: Bells Beach (in Torquay), Ocean Beach (in Nelson) and McCrae Beach (in McCrae). Spend the 19th (Sat) exploring nature at Point Nepean National Park. Spend the 17th (Thu) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's lots more to do: admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck, appreciate the history behind Shrine of Remembrance, and stroll through Somers Beach.

For photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Melbourne trip maker.

You can fly from Sydney to Melbourne in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Sydney in January, expect slightly colder with lows of 17°C in Melbourne. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.