Latest travel stories
See the places, meals and journeys we experienced ourselves in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Cairns.
Sydney Airport to City: Train, Taxi and Transfer Options
Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Guide: Cairns to Kuranda
Kuranda Scenic Railway Guide: Fares, Timetable and Journey
Kuranda Village Guide: Markets, Koala Gardens and Things to Do
REX Lounge Sydney Airport T2 Review: Priority Pass and Breakfast
Janus Bar Sydney Lunch Review: Dining by the Green Wall
Yellow Deli Katoomba Review: Lunch in the Blue Mountains
Edinburgh Castle Sydney Review: Steak Dinner in the CBD
Blu Marlin Bistro Cairns Review: Breakfast Before a Reef Trip
Sydney to the Blue Mountains by Train and Bus
Echo Point and Three Sisters: Blue Mountains Visitor Guide
Scenic World Blue Mountains Review: Railway, Skyway and Cableway
Cairns Airport Escape Lounge Review: Our Priority Pass Visit
Cairns Airport to City: Taxi, Uber and Transfer Options
Sydney to Cairns: Jetstar Flight and Cairns Airport Taxi
Sydney and Cairns Weather by Month: Seasons and Packing
KKday vs GetYourGuide for Sydney: Which Is Better?
The Rocks Sydney Walking Guide: Historic Streets and Highlights
MCA Sydney Guide: Admission, Opening Hours and Harbour Views
Sydney Harbour Cruise Review: Opera House and Bridge Views
University of Sydney Visitor Guide: Main Quadrangle and Tours
Sydney Opera House Guided Tour Review: Inside the Building
Milsons Point & Bradfield Park: Harbour Views and Directions
Luna Park Sydney Guide: Free Entry, Rides and Directions
Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk: Route, Access and Opera House Views
NSW Parliament House Sydney: Free Tours and Visitor Guide
State Library of NSW: Opening Hours, Free Entry and What to See
Queen Victoria Building Sydney: Opening Hours and What to See
St Mary's Cathedral Sydney: Opening Hours, Free Entry and Highlights
Il Palazzo Boutique Apartments Cairns Review: Rooms, Location and Pool
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park Review: Rooms, Rooftop Pool and Location
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: Opening Hours, Free Entry and Walks
The Benson Hotel Cairns Review: Rooms, Pool and Location
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: Opening Hours, Free Entry and Swimming
Jetstar Cairns to Sydney Flight Review: JQ953 and JQ952
Museum of Sydney: Opening Hours, Free Entry and Exhibits
Cairns Night Markets: Dinner, Souvenirs and Opening Hours
Start here
Choose the length, cities and accommodation area first, then complete the practical travel checks.
Trip planning
Work through entry permission, luggage, connectivity, insurance and money before departure.
Flights and arrival
Compare international gateways, domestic connections and airport transfers.
Read the flight guideEntry permission
Check which visa or travel authority matches your passport, nationality and travel purpose.
Read the ETA and visa guidePacking
Prepare documents, seasonal clothing, medicines and Type I power adaptors.
Read the packing listInternet
Compare roaming, travel eSIMs, Australian prepaid services and portable WiFi.
Compare internet optionsTravel insurance
Check medical, ambulance, cancellation, baggage and activity coverage.
Read the insurance checklistMoney and cards
Plan AUD payments, cash, ATMs, surcharges and a second payment method.
Read the money guideSydney or Cairns?
Compare the pace, scenery and day trips before deciding where to spend your time.
Sydney
Harbour views, city walks and museums
- Walk between the Opera House, The Rocks and Harbour Bridge
- Visit museums, historic buildings and neighbourhoods by public transport
- Add a beach day or a Blue Mountains day trip
- Choose from a wider range of dining and accommodation areas
Cairns
Tropical evenings, reef trips and rainforest
- Use the compact city centre as a base for the Great Barrier Reef
- Combine the Esplanade, lagoon and Night Markets on foot
- Travel into the rainforest by Skyrail or scenic railway
- Plan island and nature trips without changing accommodation
Sydney and Cairns weather
Compare the two climates before choosing your travel month and packing for the trip.
Autumn · March to May
SydneyMild autumn weather often suits long city walks.
CairnsThe wet season eases, though warm and humid days remain.
Winter · June to August
SydneyCool mornings and evenings call for an extra layer.
CairnsDrier, milder weather makes this a popular outdoor season.
Spring · September to November
SydneySpring brings warmer days for harbour and neighbourhood walks.
CairnsHeat and humidity build as the wet season approaches.
Summer · December to February
SydneySummer is warm and lively, with strong sun and changeable rain.
CairnsExpect tropical heat, humidity and heavy showers.
Accommodation booking
Use the destination search to compare live prices and cancellation conditions.
Search accommodation across Australia
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