15 days in Australia Itinerary

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

Get some historical perspective at Sovereign Hill and Old Melbourne Gaol. Melbourne Museum and Immigration Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Change things up with these side-trips from Melbourne: Koala Conservation Centre (in Cowes) and The Great Ocean Road (in Torquay). There's much more to do: wander the streets of Melbourne Central, revel in the low prices at Printism, take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, and get engrossed in the history at Museum of Chinese Australian History Inc..

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Melbourne vacation maker .

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Melbourne is an approximately 16-hour flight. You can also do a combination of shuttle and flight; or do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone changes from Gulf Standard Time (GST) to Australian Eastern Standard Time (Victoria) (AEST), which is usually a 6 hour difference. January in Melbourne sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) 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.

Relax by the water at Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Museum-lovers will get to explore Australian National Maritime Museum and Art Gallery of New South Wales. Explore Sydney's surroundings by going to Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum (in Faulconbridge) and Wentworth Falls (in Wentworth Falls). There's still lots to do: hunt for treasures at Sydney Fish Market, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and take a stroll through Darling Harbour.

To find ratings, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Sydney day trip planning website .

Fly from Melbourne to Sydney in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Traveling from Melbourne in January, expect a bit warmer with lows of 23°C in Sydney. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) so you can travel back home.