My wife and I are going to visit Australia for 13 nights in mid May. What would like to have three or four good cities to stay in for three to four nights each. We fly into Melbourne or Sydney and leave from the opposite city. We are willing to fly between Australian cities. Thanks for your help.

You mention that you want to stay in cities therefore what are your interests?
As it is the middle of winter at the time you are coming do you want to be in a cold or warm place?
More information please.

Bizdean, it really helps to have some context when one answers questions. Must you fly into and out of Melbourne? I see you're also asking questions about some South American cities in May. Is your visit to Australia part of a Round The World ticket or something? I don't mean to be nosey. It just helps to have the background info.

In May, I might suggest Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra. Much as I love Melbourne, I might not include it at all, because that's early winter there, and the weather can be on the wet, cool and windy side.

Also, I would not distribute the time equally amongst the cities. I'd give Cairns 5 nights, Brisbane 2 nights, Sydney 4 nights, and Canberra 2 nights.

If you must include Melbourne, because of RTW ticket requirements or something, then I would suggest only 3 cities -- Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne.

If you take the trouble to go to Melbourne, then spend at least 3 days in that vicinity. Spend 1 day sight seeing in central Melbourne and 2 days driving the Great Ocean Road from there. The Dandenong Ranges to the east of Melbourne are lovely, and they too deserve a day trip, but I don't know if you'd have time.

Well, I see Liz got in ahead of me, and we're saying some of the same things. But I have some supplementary questions, so I'll go ahead and post my message as it is.

I am trying to plan a similar trip. How did you decide on May? Is there any time of year that is suppose to be the best?!
I will watch this message board for more info too.

>>>>>>Must you fly into and out of Melbourne?<<<<<<

Meant to say Sydney and Melbourne.

MsODonnell, there really isn't any best time, because Australia encompasses such a range of climates from north to south and coast to inland. It depends on what part of the country you want to see. Do you have a tentative itinerary - e.g., are tropical north Queensland, or cool-temperate Tasmania part of your plans?

After reviewing weather averages and my Fodors guide to OZ, I thought about Sydney to Cairns in Sept. After reading some of the postings, I'm considering Melbourne too.
Its so difficult to plan when it seems there is so much to do and see, and so little time.
I am from California and this will be one of my first trips out of the country... I hope to make int'l travels a new hobby, and appreciate any help!

bizdean, I'd also like to hear what interests you about Australia before making too many suggestions.

All the major Australian cities are "good" in different ways, in fact very fine cities IMO, but what distinguishes Australia more than its cities are the surrounding natural environments. Adelaide (South Australia) and Hobart (Tasmania) are two other options, both within an hour's flight from Melbourne, and so is Canberra. You wouldn't go to Adelaide without exploring the nearby wine areas and Adelaide Hills, though, nor is there much point in going to Hobart without heading out of the city - and then you really need at least 4 days to do Tasmania any kind of justice.

If it's city attractions you're after (nightlife, entertainment, arts etc) then you can't do better than Sydney and Melbourne, although Canberra's national institutions, galleries, museums, botanical gardens etc. provide an excellent introduction to Australian history, culture and environments. While it will be getting cool in Canberra in May (inland, 600 metres elevation) the weather is more predictable than Melbourne's - most likely dry and sunny with crisp nights and colourful autumn foliage.

Whatever, with 13 days I'd definitely limit myself to 3 cities at most.

I apprecciate the replies. We are going in May as that is after the end of the semester. Like to go earlier but unable. Flying frequent flyer tickets so have to fly into or out of either Melbourne or Sydney on United. Don't like to pack and unpack so three cities would be fine.

What is the weather like in Melbourne in mid April?

Melbourne in mid-April is starting to get cold and windy and probably wet. In fact you can get 4 season in any given day in Melbourne.

What do you think of the weather in Cairns and GBR in June, July, or August? I know this is around their wintertime, but I was planning a trip in Sept. and do not want to wait that long.

MsOD: Cairns and the north in June, July and August are at their absolute best from a weather point of view. It is in the tropics and although it can get a little cool in the evenings it is really pleasant during the day as its not too hot nor humid but warm enough to enjoy the water.

Thank you for the info!
Knowing that Sydney is a bit cooler at that time of year, do you think that it would still be comfortable for walking around and site-seeing as well? Since it is winter at that time, do you think that the Botanical Gardens and countryside will be green and in bloom?

It does depend on whether it is June July or August but as most of Australia does not have much in the way of a winter in comparison to the USA then yes it will be warm enough to walk around, it will be green I would think but doubtful if it would be in bloom as it won't be spring.
Probably the temperature would be about 18 Celcius daytime, maybe warmer or cooler depending on the month.