We sell both every week, but for friends in their twenties counting euros, Bali wins. Sydney is the better splurge city, Bali is the better actual budget holiday.
We sell both often, but not for the same reason. For a milestone trip where memory matters more than budget, Cairns takes it, with one clear exception.
Choosing between Cairns and Melbourne? For families with kids under ten, Cairns offers nature-filled activities, while Melbourne provides urban experiences. Here's our detailed comparison.