travelwithcat

Hello,

My boyfriend & I are planning a trip to Australia during the first two weeks of April 2017. We will be flying to Cairns from Hong Kong, then returning to Hong Kong from Melbourne. As it is our first time there, we would really appreciate any advice on our proposed itinerary!

Cairns - 3 days (snorkelling, sky diving)
Sydney - 3 days (bondi to coogee walk, sightseeing)
Tasmania - 5 days (open to any suggestions!)
Melbourne - 5 days (Yarra valley, Great Ocean Road)

Thanks

pgriffin

What I enjoyed most about Australia was driving through the countryside and stopping off at random sites (beaches, cliffs, scenery etc).

Would you consider renting a car or camper van?

If you cut Tasmania it would give you some time to do that.

Airlie Beach and Fraser Island are lovely destinations worth considering.

gemmapurcell

Your tour planning is awesome but just one suggestion
You can stay at 1 day in place of stay Tasmania 5 days (make it 4 days). That'll be best suggestion I can give you.

tripplanner001

I think you are trying to do too much. You would be better off extending your time in Australia or cutting back one destination.

Cairns / Far North Queensland is worth at least 5 nights to enjoy what the region has to offer; it's not just the Barrier Reef but Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands.

Sydney, IMO, is worth more time, but if by 3 days, you mean 4 nights, you are able to at least get a feel for the city and take in some key sights. Make sure you spend some time on the water.

With 5 days in Tasmania, I would suggest that you concentrate on one part of the island so that you are not moving around too much. There are flights into and out of Hobart and Launceston, so those cities may make the most sense as your bases.

5 days in Melbourne seems right.

michelhuebeli

About Tasmania: Don't cut back on your time there - if anything, add a few days, it is a great place and sooo different from anything you may be used to in and near Hong Kong. If you're at all a bit adventurous, this will provide you with long-lasting memories:

Fly into Hobart, visit Port Arthur (read the fabulous and important book "The Fatal Shore" by Robert Hughes before you go!).

Drive to Strathgordon - unbelievable nature along the way, and down there you are in a different world - see http://www.discovertasmania.com.au/a...h/strathgordon

Call the Pedder Wilderness Lodge at Gordon River Rd, Strathgordon TAS 7139, Australia, Phone: +61 3 6280 1166 as soon as possible.

Depending on how many days you have left, drive to Strahan for a rugged coastal environment, or head straight to Cradle Mountain for some good hiking in the hills.

Then check out Burnie-Penguin-Devonport and drive through the lush agricultural area to Launceston where you catch a flight back to the mainland.

There is much more to Tasmania, but this alone would be a great introduction.

theotherside

Try to avoid school holidays, check this site for details of school terms in each state NSW? although one state may not be too bad depending on where you are at the time.

http://www.australia.gov.au/about-au...ool-term-dates


How are you travelling between destinations? I assume flying?
are flight times included in the days you mentioned?

Also investigate stinger season and requirements, I am not sure if the Whitsundays may be a better option?

http://www.visitcairns.com.au/stingerseasoncairns.htm

http://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au...ormation/faq-s

RalphR

I would cut one destination with the time you have: quality over quantity and less time wasted getting from A to B.

Three days in North Queensland is very fleeting considering all there is to do and see, especially if you rent a car and can get out to explore.