My brother and I will be traveling to N QLD for this year's solar eclipse and have about 2 weeks after the eclipse to explore other parts of Australia. I have been to Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide while he has been to Sydney and Cairns during the 2000 Olympics. We used miles for the air tickets but there are not many choices for hotel reward stays, i.e. Marriott and Hilton.

I believe that November may be a slower time for tourism outside of the usual places. We are considering a road trip from Cairns to Brisbane for 4-6 days. Not sure whether to take a coastal or inland route. Beaches are ok for variety but not the highlight of any trip. We will have plenty of tropical weather in Cairns for the eclipse. We decide to skip the center of Australia because it will be too hot at that time of year. Tasmania seems like a good place to visit for 3-5 days, but it is a long way from Cairns. I have also read that the area between Sydney and Melbourne has many pleasant places to visit.

My brother has foot/knee problems so that long, strenuous physical activity is not advisable.

Any comments on the above trip will be appreciated.