18 days in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne Itinerary

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

Get out of town with these interesting Brisbane side-trips: SunJet Simulations (in Mooloolaba), Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World (in Maleny) and Wirreanda Park (in Buderim). Next up on the itinerary: walk around South Bank Parklands, take some stellar pictures from Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha, admire the masterpieces at Queensland Art Gallery, and identify plant and animal life at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Brisbane online trip builder.

Manchester, UK to Brisbane is an approximately 27-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 10 hours traveling from Manchester to Brisbane. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Manchester in September, with highs in Brisbane at 28°C and lows at 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Wentworth Falls Lookout in Wentworth Falls (about 1h 30 min away). There's much more to do: catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, snap pictures at Sydney Harbour Bridge, tour the pleasant surroundings at Bondi Beach, and hike along Bondi to Coogee Walk.

For traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read Sydney day trip tool.

Traveling by flight from Brisbane to Sydney takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September in Sydney, expect temperatures between 25°C during the day and 14°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can travel to Melbourne.

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

Melbourne is known for museums, shopping, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Victoria, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, and steep yourself in history at Old Melbourne Gaol.

To find photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Melbourne holiday planning site.

You can fly from Sydney to Melbourne in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Sydney in September, with highs in Melbourne at 20°C and lows at 7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.