You don't mean in that order do you? I would be inclined to leave Adelaide out as you are covering a large territory and you look like you are thinking of backtracking? I imagine you would do the Great Ocean Drive after Melbourne. You are covering a lot of ground. Will you be mostly flying? Maybe you would go across from thr Centre to Port Douglas etc and Canberra out of Sydney? Others may be of more help to you but I find it a bit complicated and entailing a lot of travel. As for winter weather,I am not sure where "up north" is but there will be a vast difference in the weather in the places you intend to cover.It will be late winter/early Spring and it will be considerably warmer in The Centre and Port Douglas than it will in the southern places. Good luck in your planning.

dubelaw, I find it very difficult to advise someone on their response to the wather as it is so individualistic. Have a look at www.bom.gov.au for statistics and compare that with some place you know.

Are you traveling by yourself or in company? What are your interests? Particularly tell me what you hope to find in north Queensland so I can give you directions.

Peteralan and AlanJG, if I go to all those spots then it probably would be more like

3 days in Melbourne
2 days Great Ocean Drive
2 days in Adelaide
4 days in Red center
6 days between Cairns / Daindree / cape tribulation / Port Douglas / Kuranda / Wooroonooran National Park
3 days in Canberra (though my though was to get there from Sydney so this can be in any time line once getting to Sydney
5 days in Sydney (including a day trip to Blue Mountains)

I am really not sure about Adelaide, but was not sure it would be better to continue there or to back track on the ocean drive to Melbourne.

I will be traveling myself, and my intention was to hire car for ocean drive, fly to red centre and take a camping tour there which also includes transport. Then fly to north Queensland to see that area, and then eventually fly to Sydney and take bus or train to Canberra. That said, still need to fill some days up so that is what I need help on. Also, although I will fly between places I would like do it on the cheapest route possible. So if it is cheaper to fly from Melbourne then Adelaide then for sure I would probably just drive back on ocean drive to Melbourne and skip Adelaide. This of course means I would have even more time to go elsewhere, but not sure where and logistics of that.

I am coming from Chicago so I am used to harsh winters. As for my interest I love exploring so pretty much want a taste of all Australia has to offer. Before I even get to Australia I will be in New Zealand for just over 2 weeks, and from Sydney I am headed to Hong Kong if that gives you any more ideas. I plan most likely to snorkel up by reef, but not sure scuba is for me.

Flights costs are regularly changing. I think that is something you should research yourself.

Reef trips out of Cairns are cheaper than from the resort places.

When in the far north don't forget the Atherton Tablelands as that is not only where one can see beautiful scenery but where the endemic wildlife is too.

If it were me, I'd cut the time spent in cities to spend more time in the places in between. It would be nice to have another day or two in the Red Center or more time on the Great Ocean Rd. You might even consider a loop including Melbourne, the Great Ocean Rd and the Grampians Ranges, which are supposed to be really good for wildlife and scenery.

Meant to add thanks for coming back. I find it annoying when people post questions and then don't seem to revisit the thread.

Coming from Chicago, you won't even know it's winter. The coldest weather you should encounter will be at the beginning of your trip in Melbourne. It could be chilly and rainy then, but you shouldn't need more than a light jacket and/or sweater. You might also run into some chilly nights in the Red Center but the days will be pleasant. Cairns, etc. will be summer-like and by the time you get to Sydney and Canberra, it will spring. In fact, the large spring flower festival, Floriade, takes place in Canberra just a few days after you leave Australia.

I know you say you are coming from Chicago but Melbourne is really quite cool in August - bring a coat - not necessarily the Arctic-style ones you know - but something that will keep you warm and dry. It's not unusual for temperatures to hover around the low teens at that time and coupled with rain that in my book warrants a sweater. Check the BOM website or www.weatherzone.com.au . September in Sydney is likewise frequently rainy, although temperatures are a bit milder than in Victoria. Bring an umbrella and rainproof shoes (probably sneakers would be a good packing compromise).

Lavandula

Once again thanks! I am going to research the flights between places and then I will be back depending on that with possibly more questions