17 days in Australia Itinerary

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Palm Cove Beach and Trinity Beach. There's still lots to do: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, look for gifts at Annie's at the Beach, enjoy some diversion at Esplanade Lagoon Pool, and take in nature's colorful creations at Botanical Gardens.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Cairns driving holiday planning website .

Kolkata (Calcutta), India to Cairns is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 4 hours traveling from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Cairns due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Kolkata (Calcutta) in October, with highs in Cairns at 34°C and lows at 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a bus to Port Douglas.

A holiday in Port Douglas balances an activity-filled getaway with plenty of opportunities to relax, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and bustling beach life.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Four Mile Beach and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. There's still lots to do: see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, browse the exhibits of Ngarru Gallery, get great views at Flagstaff Hill Lookout, and look for gifts at With Sugar.

For reviews, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Port Douglas tour itinerary planner .

Traveling by bus from Cairns to Port Douglas takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. In October in Port Douglas, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 23°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Please note that visitors are no longer allowed to trek up Uluru.

Located right in the center of Australia, the national park boasts perhaps the country's most iconic natural symbol and a sacred place for the region's indigenous people--as well as Kata Tjuta, a collection of 36 red rocks forming an equally distinctive sight.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is known for nature, museums, outdoors, trails, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the striking landscape at Uluru, explore the activities along Mutitjulu Waterhole, admire the verdant scenery at Valley of the Winds, and head outdoors with Walpa Gorge.

Start your trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Getting from Port Douglas to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park by combination of shuttle and flight takes about 6 hours. Other options: drive. While traveling from Port Douglas, expect somewhat warmer days and little chillier nights in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, ranging from highs of 38°C to lows of 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) to allow time to travel to Melbourne.

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Step out of Melbourne to go to Torquay and see The Great Ocean Road, which is approximately 1h 20 min away. There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Melbourne Museum, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, admire all the interesting features of Royal Exhibition Building, and take in panoramic vistas at Eureka Skydeck.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Melbourne trip itinerary planner .

Traveling by flight from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Melbourne takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect cooler weather when traveling from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in October: highs in Melbourne hover around 24°C, while lows dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Kids will enjoy Bondi Beach and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. Next up on the itinerary: hike along Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, see the interesting displays at Australian National Maritime Museum, and catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House.

To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Sydney trip planner .

Traveling by flight from Melbourne to Sydney takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Melbourne in October; daily highs in Sydney reach 28°C and lows reach 17°C. You'll have a few hours on the 20th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling home.