3 Weeks in Australia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Australia Grand Tour: Sydney to Tasmania

On this 21-day adventure across Australia, you'll hit all the classic highlights and a little more, from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef and even the island of Tasmania. You'll learn the traditional First Nations fishing practices, take in the food scene of Adelaide, and check out the hopping mammals of Kangaroo Island. This itinerary is great for the cultured traveler who also loves nature.

Embark upon your Australian adventure in Sydney, a cultural mecca that you can explore on your own and with a guide, to see places like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, and take a cruise to Shark Island National Park. Heading to Port Douglas, you'll discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as well as engrossing First Nations customs. Week two begins at the famed Gold Coast. Byron Bay has loads of activities to keep you busy: you can dine at trendy restaurants, relax at the beaches, hike the rainforest trails, and maybe even spot some whales. Next, you're off to Uluru to contemplate Cave Hill and the Field of Lights.

Fly west to Adelaide, where you'll delight in gastronomy and the festivals, historic landmarks, and parklands. A two-day tour of Kangaroo Island is remarkable for its flora and fauna. You'll observe sea lions, koalas, raptors, and the eponymous kangaroos. Another quick plane ride to Melbourne whisks you to historic shopping arcades and laneways before a day in Yarra Valley sampling wines and gazing upon the exquisite landscape. Finally, you'll visit historic and vibrant Tasmania, visit MONA (The Museum of Old and New Art), and take a day tour of beautiful Bruny Island. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Australia: Cities, Reefs, Rainforests & Outback

This three-week journey around Australia takes you from charming fishing villages to major cities. It's perfect for the active adventurer who wants to see a bit of everything. You'll hike, scuba dive, enjoy a food tour, and learn about First Nations culture. 

Surely you're hungry from your travels, so your first day starts with a Melbourne food tour, where you'll sample local favorites all day and finish with a cocktail at a beloved laneway bar. Day 2 immerses you in First Nations culture at the Koorie Heritage Center before strolling along the artistic and historic Birrarung (Yarra) River. Witness thousands of penguins on parade on Phillip Island before journeying down the iconic Great Ocean Road to Port Fairy. You'll traverse volcanic landscapes and crater lakes to go to the historic fishing village of Robe, then on to the wine country of Adelaide, and finally reach Kangaroo Island.

After your two-day tour of Kangaroo Island, it's back to Adelaide to enjoy fresh seafood and sweet eats. You'll spend three days in the stunning mountainous landscapes of the pastoral Wilpena Pound. Then catch a flight to Port Douglas on the Coral Sea, where you'll enjoy a guided snorkeling tour of the Great Barrier Reef and time to lounge on the beach. You'll take a First Nations cultural tour in the rainforest, then a flight to Sydney. A tour of the city and the Sydney Opera House is on the docket before a day trip to the rugged landscape of the Blue Mountains. A free day in Sydney rounds out your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Epic Australia & New Zealand: Cities, Beaches & Mountains

This epic Australia and New Zealand tour takes you soaring through the skies on hot air balloons and gondolas, diving at the Great Barrier Reef, and everything in between. It's perfect if you've never been down under and want to experience the best of both countries. You'll take in the sights in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as smaller towns along the way, before departing to the natural beauty and cultural diversity of New Zealand.

Welcome to Sydney! The city has so much for you to do, including the Sydney Opera House, rambling around Sydney's oldest neighborhood, The Rocks, stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, a surf lesson at Bondi Beach, and so much more. From there, you'll head to the rugged Blue Mountains. A three-hour flight north takes you to the resort town of Port Douglas, where you'll get to savor a Barrier Reef & Coral Cays Boat Tour. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway transports you to the rainforest village of Kuranda and a visit to the Heritage Market for handmade arts and crafts.

On Day 9, you'll head to Melbourne for a tour of this historic metropolis, then glide above it on a balloon flight & wine tour of the Yarra Valley. Next, you'll witness a penguin parade on Phillip Island. The end of week two sees you in Auckland, New Zealand, the "city of sails." Set off for a guided eco-tour of the waterfalls and beaches of the Waitakere Ranges. Before flying to Queenstown, you'll marvel at the Glowworm Caves and "Hobbiton" and soak up local history at the Maori Cultural Experience. You'll thrill in the jet boat adventure and 4WD tour of Macetown, then a bus tour to the fjord of Milford Sound, and finally departing New Zealand. Learn more

More Great Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.