27 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.

Relax by the water at Palm Cove Beach and Yorkeys Knob Beach. Spend the 21st (Mon) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's much more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Trinity Beach, trek along Esplanade Boardwalk, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Monica's Cathedral.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read Cairns road trip tool .

London, UK to Cairns is an approximately 23.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Greenwich Mean Time to Australian Eastern Standard Time (Queensland) is 10 hours. Traveling from London in January, expect Cairns to be warmer, temps between 37°C and 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) early enough to travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

For quintessential Outback scenery and culture, you can't beat a holiday in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and then make a trip to Uluru.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, read Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Cairns to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 3.5 hours. Another option is to drive. When traveling from Cairns in January, plan for somewhat warmer days in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, with highs around 43°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 26°C. On the 25th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Melbourne.

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Shrine of Remembrance and Melbourne Museum. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Old Melbourne Gaol and Scots Church. Dedicate the 31st (Thu) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, tour the pleasant surroundings at Sandridge Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Half Moon Bay, and meet the residents at Melbourne Zoo.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Melbourne sightseeing planner.

Fly from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Melbourne in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in January; daily highs in Melbourne reach 32°C and lows reach 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) 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.

Popular historic sites such as The Rocks and Government House are in your itinerary. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. The adventure continues: see a show at Sydney Opera House, tour the pleasant surroundings at Coogee Beach, take in the views from Sydney Harbour Bridge, and contemplate the long history of Justice & Police Museum.

For maps, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Sydney driving holiday planner .

You can fly from Melbourne to Sydney in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Sydney when traveling from Melbourne in February, with lows around 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Fri) so you can travel to Lord Howe Island.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sat): kick back and relax at Lagoon Beach and then enjoy the sand and surf at Ned's Beach.

To find ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Lord Howe Island trip planner .

Traveling by flight from Sydney to Lord Howe Island takes 3.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to travel to Canberra.

A planned city with streets laid out in elaborate, geometric patterns and founded specifically to serve as the capital of the emerging Australian state, Canberra has a self-sufficient atmosphere.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Sun): get engrossed in the history at Australian War Memorial.

To find other places to visit, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Canberra trip planner .

You can fly from Lord Howe Island to Canberra in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus. In February, daytime highs in Canberra are 33°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Mon) so you can travel to Perth.

A modern metropolis of glassy skyscrapers, waterside boulevards, and lush residential neighborhoods, Perth sits on the edge of the Swan Coastal Plain.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach. Visit Fremantle Prison and St Patrick's Basilica for their historical value. When in Perth, make a side trip to see Talijancich Wines in Herne Hill, approximately 34 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: take in nature's colorful creations at Kings Park & Botanic Garden, enjoy the sand and surf at Trigg Beach, pause for some serene contemplation at St Matthew's Anglican Church, and steep yourself in history at The Bell Tower.

To find where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Perth trip planner .

Traveling by flight from Canberra to Perth takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales) (AEST) to Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), which is usually a -2 hour difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Canberra in February: high temperatures in Perth hover around 38°C and lows are around 20°C. You will have some time to spend on the 14th (Thu) before leaving for home.