Cairns or Melbourne? Trip Feedback
 

Hi,

Due to life we have had to cancel our perfectly planned nz/oz trip that was suppose to be 3 weeks in August.

We are now thinking of going during Christmas. It not ideal but it's the only option.

We are planning to do 5/6 in new zealand to see auckland and Queenstown. Then 5 days for Sydney including a day trip to the Blue Mountains. I'm unsure what to do for the remaining 4 days. Our options are Melbourne aka see the Great Ocean Road or Cairns or Whitsunday (which wasn't part of the original plan). Any advice?

Any new years advice? See it in Queenstown or Sydney? I know we'll have to book hotel asap either way

Thanks.

Start with looking for/booking those hotels and flights. It is the busiest time of the year for Down Under as we all go on our annual holiday. Availability of both may determine where you go.
Melbourne is closer so I'd go with that for the extra days.
You can fly from Queenstown to Sydney so that's an option.
It's a long way up to Cairns (you would have to fly)IMO it's crazy to consider it. You'll spend more time getting there than being there.

Sydney's NYE is spectacular - no doubt you've seen the pictures.

It's also, as tasmangirl says, the busiest & most expensive time to be here.

Your time coincides with the wet/cyclone/stinger season in FNQ. That's not to say don't go - but be aware of the possibilities.

On balance, with your timeline, I'd be tempted to say stay in the south. Melbourne / Sydney. Perhaps Kangaroo island if that appeals & the flights & $ work for you.

I would also vote for Melbourne given your time constraints but if you want to do the GOR, yes, you will need to be booking ahead.

My main problem with Cairns is that it will be hot with very high humidity at that time of the year. Unless, you are used to it you may well not find it enjoyable. Personally, I wouldn't consider going at that time of the year, but I'm more of a cold weather person - you may be the opposite.