Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - travel plans - suggestions appreciated

I have to be in Canberra for meetings in early December. Partner & I are thinking of something like: flying into Sydney and hanging out there a few days (we've been there before); then the Blue Mountains --2 days? 3?-- then Melbourne for a couple of days, Hobart-Tasmania at least 3 days, and finally Canberra for meetings & home. Does this make sense? Is it better to drive or bus/train to the Blue Mountains? What about getting to Melbourne? I will definitely rent a car for getting around Tasmania, but I'm not sure about elsewhere.

Any other ideas? We like both cities and country/mountains/seas. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Do you like wine? If so, the Hunter Valley (http://www.winecountry.com.au/) might be worth a visit.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed Adelaide. It wasn't exciting, but it was lovely and well worth a trip.

You may want to consider flying into Adelaide, hiring a car and then spending a day or two driving through McLaren Vale (great wines) and along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne.

Assuming that the meeting in Canberra is the only thing set in stone?

Where are you flying in and out of?

At the moment there is a lot of tracking back and forth (I don't mean to offend if you do know the geography of Australia pretty well) but if you definitely have to go to Canberra and want to see/travel to Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney. You would be better (if flying into Sydney) flying straight down to Melbourne and then getting the Spirit of Tasmania (http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au), a ferry, across to Tasmania and spending your allotted days in Tasmania.

Then, getting the ferry back to Melbourne and spending your time in Melbourne (IMO, the ferry is a different way to travel, quite comfortable from people I know who have been on it). From Melbourne, driving into Canberra. Have your meeting in Canberra and then driving up to Sydney.

With Sydney, you would not need to spend 2-3 days for the Blue Mountains IMO. The Blue Mountains is located on the extreme outskirts of Sydney (I think you could do the trip, on a fast Mountains express train in just over an hour and a bit). The Blue Mountains only really needs a day trip - definitely go on the Zig Zag Railroad. And try one of the lovely little cafes located in one of the various towns. To drive to the Blue Mountains is not really that hard (if you're comfortable with driving in unfamilar areas) as you can visit the individual towns that may take your fancy more easily.

Hope this helps.

Elizajoey's suggestion is an excellent one.... would heartily concur...

Thanks, all. Yes, I'm flying in (and out) of Sydney. A more 'circle route' makes sense, and I love the idea of the ferry rather than flying to Hobart.

If you are considering the Hobart ferry, be aware of how difficult sailing Bass Strait may be when you are visiting.

Flying can be rough too, so don't expect a rose garden. :D

(I must admit to never having done the trip by sea...but still think you should check it before booking, or get a comment).

If you are considering the Hobart ferry, be aware of how difficult sailing Bass Strait may be when you are visiting.

Flying can be rough too, so don't expect a rose garden. :D

(I must admit to never having done the trip by sea...but still think you should check it before booking, or get a comment).

Wise words....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Strait

Thanks, all. Yes, I'm flying in (and out) of Sydney. A more 'circle route' makes sense, and I love the idea of the ferry rather than flying to Hobart.

What about taking the ferry one way and then flying the other way. Better use of time for my money but you still get the "ferry" experience.