Cairns. Even if you do three trips to the reef and spend a day going to Kuranda, that only uses four of the seven full days you have. What are you planning on doing the other days? Atherton Tablelands? Sit and read a book? I would be inclined to cut a couple of days off Cairns and add them to Melbourne but that really depends on what you want to do.

In addition to Port Douglas, did you check out accommodation in Palm Cove? It may not be any better than PD in terms of availability but (in my view) would be infinitely preferable to staying in Cairns itself.

For Melbourne, are you planning on getting out of the city? The Great Ocean Road? Yarra Valley? Up to Daylesford (the spa capital of Victoria) or Bendigo or Ballarat? For Melbourne, you have three full days which would allow you to explore the city, but doesn't really leave much time if you want to go further afield (Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley etc.)

Spend a day or two on the Atherton Tablelands so I can see the wonderful scenery and wildlife is the reply to the question from tt7.

At that time of year the seas are likely to be calm but as you have noted there will be around an extra 50 000 people in the district for the eclipse so I'd book my reef trips before hand which ever way you decide to go. Be prepared to get to the airport and the reef terminal early too as these people will also be wanting to see other things than the eclipse.

I see you'll be in Melbourne during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.. "The race that stops the nation". You'll be able to enjoy the atmosphere around town even if you are not in to horse racing.

If you're coming to Victoria then I would suggest you slice a couple of extra days from somewhere else so you can get out of the city & see some of the countryside.
Melbourne Cup day is actually a good day to go on a day trip because although it's a public holiday for the city, most of the rest of the state is still open & only shuts down for the 3 minutes of the race itself.

My goodness - that's quite a zig-zaggy trip! If you just reverse Cairns and Melbourne you wouldn't use up so much precious time in the air.

I agree with tt7 - cut some off Cairns and add to Melbourne.

And I agree with MissG and Anne - Melbourne Cup Day is rather fun. Everyone looks drop dead gorgeous in their hats and suits - all the cafes and restaurants are open and buzzing.

So this is now my final itinerary.
tt7 thanks for your advice, I lopped off a few days in Cairns and added to Melbourne. Which enabled me to take a two day trip to GOR and Grampian. I don't drive anymore, going with an organized tour works for me. Travel Zoo had a discount ticket to see the Penguins have included that in my sightseeing of Melbourne. I love Penguins and have seen many of them in different parts of the world, so that should be fun. Have also had the great fortune to hook up with friends of a friend who have offered to take me to places. Am so excited.

Another question do I really need to prebook a snorkeling trip to the outer reefs?

Sydney October 22- 29
Ayers Rock Oct 29 – 31
Brisbane Oct 31 – Nov 4
Melbourne Nov 4- Nov 11
Cairns Nov 11-16
Sydney 16-17 depart NYC

Glad you've got the itinerary sorted out - and that you can meet up with 'friends of a friend'. I'd offer to show you some of Melbourne but unfortunately we're going to be away when you're here.

I wouldn't think you need to pre-book a reef trip (other than the day before) but others can probably better advise. It's usually better to stay flexible (if your schedule permits, which it seems to do) depending on the weather forecast.