Help with Australia Plans
 

My sister and I really want to go to Australia but is it worth going all that way for only 2 weeks. We would be coming from D.C. I know this is short notice,we want to go in October (all our trips are on short notice) what is the weather like there (Melbourn,Sydney and Cairns). Thanks for any information.

The weather should be good in all three places - Melbourne and Sydney will be in spring, and Cairns should be in high 20s C.

I have friends who came all the way over here just for 2 weeks. They spent one week in Sydney and one week diving in Qld. I think 2 weeks will be great provided you don't try and see too much. October weather is perfect - sunny spring weather.

My daughter just went to Australia for 2 weeks. She flew immediately to Cairns from Sydney when she landed and has just taken a 3 day cruise around some islands with 8 people, a private chef and captain. The feedback I have had from her is that they were told to forget about travelling back and forth to various cities by bus. They can get inexpensive flights that will same them hour and hours of travelling time.

I just spent 2 weeks in Cairns/Port Douglas, and would definitely say it was worth going all that way! The weather is 70's during the day and coolish at night. I expected more humidity and hotter temps. A friend and I split the time between reef and rainforest day trips. I highly recommend sleeping pills for the plane, as it makes the time go very quickly. I would not recommend trying to see much of the country in 2 weeks, but unless you are a diver, you will want to spend some time outside of Cairns/Port. Go for it!

Thanks for all the advice everyone has given. Unfortunatly we still haven't decided if we want to go to Australia or someplace else.

The Barrier Reef area is one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The areas around the north is magic and beautiful and there are World Heritage Listed areas there which should tell you that it's unique. I would go as this is the best time of year and it will be unforgetable. Forget Melbourne as you don't have the time. Sydney for 4 days ( still won't be long enough) and then the GBR for the rest - you won't regret it!