I think it's doable, but madly rushed. Everyone is different and go at differing paces I suppose. Think quality and not quantity.

We had a similar amount of time in Australia first visit. We had bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns. We used open Jaw flights too and flew between them. It worked well.

We also made provision for the beach part to be at the end after all the cities. It was a good rest.

Whatever you decide, hope you enjoy it, Australia is a fabulous place to visit.

Muck

I have just spent the past few months planning a similar trip. Once I realized the huge distances we would need to cover to see everything on our list, I had to make a few sacrifices, Uluru being one of them. We fly into Cairns and will be renting a car for the time we are in Queensland. Spending the first night at the Daintree Wild (they have their own zoo), then on to the Exotic Fruit Farm in Cape Tribulation for 2 nights where we will go out on Ocean Safari for snorkeling, the next day jungle surfing. A stop at the Discovery Center on our way to Port Douglas where we have rented a 2 bedroom apartment (there are 4 of us)for 5 nights. While in Port Douglas we are hoping to go out with Dan Irby, another snorkeling trip with Wavelength. Other possible trips during our stay: Kuranda/skyrail, Mossman Gorge, Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary. If you purchase a pass at the Discovery Center it is good for 7 days, so we may stop on the way to and from Cape Tribualtion. Drop off the car in Cairns and fly to Sydney for 6 nights. Staying in the Rocks area. Tentative plans: I'm Free Walking Tour, Bridge Walk that does not cost $250 per person, trip to Manly Beach, day trip to the Blue Mountains. Still researching a few other ideas. Lot's of information and good suggestions to sort through. Have fun.

We just said farewell to visitors from N America. They were here 2 weeks. They did the following;

Sydney : arrived W am. Went to Bondi, Lady Maquaries Chair, Milsons Pt, Balmoral, Manly.
Th: Art Gallery of NSW, QVB, Aquarium (it was raining)
Fri: Australian Reptile Park, evening bus to Canberra

Canberra Sat: Parliament houses, around city; Sunday: around country side towns and drove back to Sydney.

Sydney Mon: Blue Mtns: Leura, Katoomba, few other lookouts. Tues: The Rocks for sightseeing & shopping & lunch, circular quay, Opera House.

Tassie flew to Tassie W morning to Lanuceston, Thurs around N. Tassie, Fri drove to Hobart, Sat. went to market in Hobart, drove to airport to fly back to Sydney.

Lovely dinner at Ripples Milsons Pt.

Flew to Cairns Sunday mid day after short visit to Paddington. M,Tues in Cairns on reef and sightseeing around the areas.

They had a ball. So, lots an be achieved in only 2 weeks.

Sorry this is messy. In a hurry, but wanted to share.

Like others said, I have lived in Syd & Melbourne and think you would be better served visiting one of those cities and doing other things, like Great Barrier Reef & Ularu.

Just for your info.. I didn't know this when I moved to Sydney but you can walk across the harbour bridge for free, it just isn't over the arches. If you want a nice view, without the price tag, or scary heights if you are a bit scared it is still good.

I liked the Quarantine Station Ghost Tour. It's not scary. It's quite a fun way to see a part of Sydney History.

Don't forget to factor in some downtime due to jetlag for your first day or two.

There's a good deal on www.livingsocial.com at the moment.

Full day trip to the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves for $60.
Usually $125. Run by FJ Tours. I don't know any more than what's on the LivingSocial website, but if you're in Sydney & looking for a day trip, I'd think it would be a good deal.

Valid to 28th October, but you need to buy within the next 24 hours, I think.

FOES! Very freudian TinyDancer!! ;-) I'm the one in Australia who likes Canberra, but then I never go there except for shopping, Floriade and dog obedience.