We have a trip planned with four days in Sydney, two at Ayers Rock, three at GBR, and then back to Sydney to rent a car and go to Blue Mtns, Wineries,etc. for four days.<BR><BR>Is it worth it to squeeze Melbourne in at the end for two days?<BR><BR>If so, how long does it take to drive to Melbourne from Sydney?

Hi, Jim!<BR>There's nothing at all wrong with Melbourne, but, to be honest, I can't think of anything you would gain by adding it to your itinerary, and it is quite a long way (over 900 km from Sydney). Might I suggest that a better addition to your interesting itinerary would be Canberra, which is only 3 1/2 hours' drive from Sydney (so you could have two half-days and one night there, saving a bit of driving time by tacking it onto either the beginning or the end of your Blue Mountains sojurn.)<BR>I would also plump for a drive along the South Coast beaches instead of your Hunter Vallery wineries trip, but, of course, I guess that depends on your interests. But the wineries are quite spread out, and it's all a very &quot;touristy&quot; thing!<BR>

Hi,<BR>While Melbourne is a nice city, I wouldn't go out of my way for 2 days, even if by plane. If it were me, I'd add time at the GBR or Sydney. IMHO those places are much more special!<BR><BR>Debbie

Hi,<BR>I also agree its too far for 2 days.I love the hunter valley so you will enjoy it.the wineries arem't that spread around.You could also venture into the country and up to Barrington tops or to the central coast(lake Macquarie region)<BR>have fun!

Me again,<BR>are you talking about the Hunter Valley or the Mudgee Wineries(not too far from blue mountains.If its the Mudgeearea there are also lots of goldmining towns out there(eg Hills end)<BR>Very pretty country.

Hi Jim:<BR><BR>I liken most people's experience with Melbourne to most people's experience with Los Angeles (my hometown).<BR><BR>Now, before the lovely people of Melbourne blast me for comparing their city with what most feel is the most disappointing of cities (from a tourist point of view), let me explain. I think Melbourne is a lovely city, but you have to work a little harder to find the gems. It would help greatly to know someone who lives there, otherwise study the city, its history, and it's pride and joys in advance to enjoy it to the fullest. Melbourne isn't nearly as hard on tourist as L.A. is though...not by a longshot.<BR><BR>I see Sydney like a New York or Paris in the sense that its big draws are easier to spot. While highly touristed, its treats are no less entralling (the bridgeclimb, an evening stroll within view of the soft glow of the Opera House, etc). <BR><BR>It's just my opinion, but in this long winded answer, I agree with with the others...focus on whatcha got.

it takes a least a days drive to get to melbourne from sydney - with stops along the way. 2 days isn't long enough to go to melbourne - the reason being is that if your in melbourne it's a must to travel along the great ocean road. but i wouldn't go to canberra - boring! i'd stick to sydney.

I wouldn't add Melbourne - I'd be thinking of cutting more off Sydney at the end and staying longer in the GBR, there is so much to do and so much to see up there OR I would take out Ayers Rock for that matter because I don't think you can just &quot;do&quot; Ayers Rock for 2 days as it is either a longer time and more to see or not at all. Its a long way to go and costly for that amount of time. But then, thats what I think and I know that others think that the Rock is fantastic and a must see!