60 days in Wollongong & Cairns Itinerary

Wollongong, informally referred to as "The Gong", is a seaside city located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. Take a break from the city and head to Wentworth Falls Lookout and The Giant Stairway. Kids will appreciate attractions like Nan Tien Temple and Shoalhaven Zoo. Venture out of the city with trips to Lawrence Hargrave (in Stanwell Park), Jervis Bay (Cave Beach, Hyams Beach, &more) and Appleshack at Glenbernie Orchard (in Darkes Forest). Spend the 5th (Sun) exploring nature at Blue Mountains National Park Glenbrook. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Port Kembla Beach, kick back and relax at Callala Beach, take in nature's colorful creations at Wollongong Botanic Garden, and get to know the fascinating history of The National Pass.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Wollongong online trip itinerary builder.

Sydney to Wollongong is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Sydney in January, expect little chillier with lows of 20°C in Wollongong. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) to allow time to fly 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.

Relax by the water at Trinity Beach and Nudey Beach. Your inner history buff will appreciate Historic Village Herberton and St Monica's Cathedral. Change things up with these side-trips from Cairns: Port Douglas (Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail, Flagstaff Hill Lookout, &more), Kuranda (Barron Falls, St Saviour's Anglican Church Kuranda, &more) and Dinner Falls (in Atherton). Spend the 7th (Tue) exploring nature at Daintree National Park. Next up on the itinerary: look for gifts at Cairns Art Gallery, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, identify plant and animal life at Green Arrow Walk, and take in the dramatic scenery at Millaa Millaa Falls.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Cairns travel route planner.

You can fly from Wollongong to Cairns in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Wollongong in February, things will get a bit warmer in Cairns: highs are around 36°C and lows about 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to fly back home.