8 days in Melbourne, Kangaroo Island & Cairns Itinerary

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Melbourne Museum and National Gallery of Victoria. Spend the 12th (Tue) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. And it doesn't end there: learn about all things military at Shrine of Remembrance, take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, look for all kinds of wild species at Trin Warren Tam-boore, and enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck 88.

To find maps, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Melbourne trip planner .

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major airport is Melbourne International Airport. In November, plan for daily highs up to 73°F, and evening lows to 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Wed) early enough to travel to Kangaroo Island.

Abandoned by Aborigines a few thousand years ago, Kangaroo Island attracts over 140,000 visitors each year.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Raptor Domain, then identify plant and animal life at Seal Bay Conservation Park, and then explore and take pictures at Island Pure Sheep Dairy. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sea views from Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Keepers Heritage Accommodation, don't miss a visit to Emu Ridge, and then sample the fine beverages at Kangaroo Island Spirits.

To see photos, maps, and other tourist information, use the Kangaroo Island trip builder tool .

Traveling by flight from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of ferry, car, and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (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.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sat): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Here are some ideas for day two: learn about all things military at The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum, then identify plant and animal life at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and then take in the exciting artwork at Village Gallery.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Cairns road trip planning tool .

Traveling by flight from Kangaroo Island to Cairns takes 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, bus, and train. In November in Cairns, expect temperatures between 87°F during the day and 72°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.