Sydney/Melbourne

I live in Sydney, so I know it better, but I have also travelled to Melbourne. It really depends on what you are interested in doing and seeing. As you are in Australia for over three months, perhaps you could go to both, and even tour more widely. Sydney and Melbourne are the two biggest cities in Australia, but there are quite a few major cities besides these two. Personally, I would choose Melbourne for December, simply because of Christmas. Shopping in Melbourne is a wonderful experience, and the stores will be beautiful and exciting around Christmas time. New Year's Eve in Sydney, on the other hand, is magical. Being part of the new year crowd, and seeing the fireworks on the Habour Bridge and over the harbour would be a highlight of your visit. Melbourne is famous for its love of arts and culture. Enjoy the architecture, museums, theatre, live music and comedy, and great restaurants. The city is also host to a large number of sports. Sydney is a cosmopolitan city with a spectacular harbour, large areas of national park and beautiful beaches. There is an enormous variety of restaurants to try, and a vast number of things to do. It is also the oldest city in Australia, so there is a lot of history to explore. Both cities are also surrounded by interesting places you can explore on day trips. As far as other parts of Australia to visit, it really depends on what you personally like to do and see. There are so many different options, it would be foolish to try and suggest anything without more information. If you would like to let me know your interests, I can help with some suggestions. By the way, if you are looking for snow, that's one thing you won't find very much of in Australia during your visit!

You've already been given some fantastic advice in the other responses, and I agree that both cities have a lot of beauty and culture to offer. I've spent more time of my life in Sydney, with most of my extended family living there, but I personally adore Melbourne, it's my favourite place in Australia so far. The night life is really great, if you're into music - there are SO MANY great local bands, and you're sure to find a great gig on any night of the week. It's also our fashion capital, so that's obviously a plus for the eyes and the body =P If you could go to both, I would fly in to Sydney and stay there until just after New Years, because it really is something special in Sydney, before moving on to Melbourne for January onwards (that's my favourite time of year to be there). One of my favourite things about Melbourne, besides the food, culture, and scenery is the nature of the people. It's quite different from Sydney for me, I find that people there are more willing to talk to a stranger, especially in the cafes and clothes store. The first time I ever went there, I got invited out by 4 different people in one day =P Unfortunately I had prior arrangements, but I'd never had such an experience of genuine conversation with a stranger in any other city. I think wherever you choose to go, you'll have a fantastic time! =D Mal.