11 days in Queensland Itinerary

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sat): look for all kinds of wild species at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, then take in nature's colorful creations at City Botanic Gardens, and then explore the activities along The Brisbane River. On your second day here, walk around South Bank Parklands and then take in nature's colorful creations at Roma Street Parkland.

To see where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, go to the Brisbane trip itinerary builder tool.

Melbourne to Brisbane is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Melbourne in December, Brisbane is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Noosa.

Known for its "green" development and north-facing beach, Noosa is a natural getaway.

Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba has been added to your itinerary. On the 26th (Mon), explore the striking landscape of Noosa National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Tue): get a new perspective on things with Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Ninderry, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Mooloolaba Beach.

For other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Noosa trip planner.

Drive from Brisbane to Noosa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Spend the 28th (Wed) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's much more to do: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, look for gifts at With Sugar, get great views at Flagstaff Hill Lookout, and do a tasting at Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery.

To see reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Port Douglas trip planner.

Getting from Noosa to Port Douglas by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in December, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Cairns.

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.

On the 31st (Sat), see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Here are some ideas for day two: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then hike along Esplanade Boardwalk, then sample the tasty concoctions at Blue Sky Brewery, and finally see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

To find reviews, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Cairns road trip planning app.

You can drive from Port Douglas to Cairns in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December in Cairns, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can travel to Airlie Beach.

Very much a town with an emphasis on the tropical lifestyle, Airlie Beach offers exotic surroundings with palm trees and charming, sandy beaches.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

For where to stay, reviews, maps, and tourist information, go to the Airlie Beach trip planner.

You can do a combination of flight and ferry from Cairns to Airlie Beach in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Airlie Beach can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon) early enough to catch the flight back home.