19 days in Newcastle & Melbourne Itinerary

While Newcastle is known for its coal exports, it's also made a name for itself with a cultural boom.

Attractions like Dolphin Swim Australia and Tomaree Head make great kid-friendly stops. Change things up with these side-trips from Newcastle: Avoca Beach (in Terrigal), Captain Cook Lookout (in Copacabana) and Macmasters Beach (in Macmasters Beach). There's lots more to do: walk around Speers Point Park, make a trip to Gan Gan Lookout, get to know the resident critters at Hunter Valley Zoo, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Nobbys Beach.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Newcastle trip builder.

Sydney to Newcastle is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in March, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) to allow time to travel to Melbourne.

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

Kids will enjoy Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne Zoo. Explore Melbourne's surroundings by going to The Great Ocean Road (in Torquay), Werribee (Werribee Park Heritage Orchard & Farmyard & Werribee Open Range Zoo) and Cowes (A Maze'N Things, Koala Conservation Centre, &more). On the 12th (Mon), give your taste buds a day to remember with a local gastronomic tour. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Melbourne Museum, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, contemplate the long history of Old Melbourne Gaol, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at The Nobbies Centre.

For maps, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Melbourne day trip planning site.

You can fly from Newcastle to Melbourne in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Newcastle in April; daily highs in Melbourne reach 23°C and lows reach 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can travel back home.