26 days in Sydney & Cairns Itinerary

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.

Relax by the water at Bondi Beach and Werri Beach. Explore hidden gems such as Jenolan Caves and Palm Beach. Get out of town with these interesting Sydney side-trips: Shelly Beach (in Manly), Featherdale Wildlife Park (in Blacktown) and Katoomba (Wentworth Falls & Blue Mountains). Spend the 23rd (Sun) exploring nature at Sydney Harbour National Park. Spend the 26th (Wed) exploring nature at Berowra Valley National Park. And it doesn't end there: trek along Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk, see a show at Sydney Opera House, explore the activities along Watson's Bay, and take a stroll through Darling Harbour.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, go to the Sydney travel route app .

Stockholm, Sweden to Sydney is an approximately 24-hour flight. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from Stockholm to Sydney due to the time zone difference. Prepare for much warmer weather when traveling from Stockholm in December: high temperatures in Sydney hover around 32°C and lows are around 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to travel 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.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Trinity Beach and Palm Cove Beach. Explore hidden gems such as Mossman Gorge and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Venture out of the city with trips to Cape Tribulation (Daintree National Park & Daintree Rainforest - Cooper Creek Wilderness), Cow Bay (Cow Bay Beach, Daintree Discovery Centre, & more) and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (in Kuranda). Spend the 31st (Mon) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Spend the 5th (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's still lots to do: enjoy unforgettable views with a balloon tour, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, get great views at Rex Lookout, and enjoy some diversion at Muddy's Playground.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Cairns trip builder app .

Fly from Sydney to Cairns in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Sydney in December, things will get somewhat warmer in Cairns: highs are around 36°C and lows about 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.