31 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.

Take a break from Sydney with a short trip to Shelly Beach in Manly, about 36 minutes away. Spend the 8th (Sat) exploring nature at Sydney Harbour National Park. The adventure continues: make a trip to Sydney Opera House, meet the residents at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, trek along Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk, and take in nature's colorful creations at The Royal Botanic Garden.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Sydney travel route planner .

Zurich, Switzerland to Sydney is an approximately 24-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Zurich to Sydney is 9 hours. Plan for much hotter temperatures traveling from Zurich in December, with highs in Sydney at 32°C and lows at 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Cairns: Cape Tribulation (Daintree Rainforest - Cooper Creek Wilderness & Daintree National Park), Port Douglas (Opal Reef, Safaris, & more) and Palm Cove (Palm Cove Beach & Hartley's Crocodile Adventures). Spend the 15th (Sat) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. There's still lots to do: trek along Esplanade Boardwalk, kick back and relax at Cow Bay Beach, take a tour by water with Shaolin Junk Cruises, and admire the sheer force of Alexandra Bay Waterfall.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read our Cairns travel tool .

You can fly from Sydney to Cairns in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In December, Cairns is somewhat warmer than Sydney - with highs of 36°C and lows of 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.