Ten days in Australia is an excellent amount of time for an in-depth exploration of one region—Eastern, Northern, or Western Australia—or for a highlights trip that hops between top cities and points of interest, like Melbourne, Sydney, and Uluru. Ocean fanatics should include time in Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef, while Exmouth and Margaret River make great destinations for adventure seekers. Meanwhile, the towns of Broome and Darwin showcase Australia's remote northern coast.

Itinerary #1: Authentic Aussie Adventure: Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney & Cairns

Experience Australia's vast landscapes and modern cities on this classic highlights trip, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a well-rounded itinerary. Throughout, you'll savor the country's laid-back attitude while joining guides for city tours and cultural excursions in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, and Cairns. In between, embark on memorable day trips along the scenic Great Ocean Road, the wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island, the majestic Blue Mountains, and the dreamy Great Barrier Reef.

Spend time with the native wildlife on Kangaroo Island
Spend time with the native wildlife on Kangaroo Island
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Melbourne, Neighborhoods Tour Melbourne
Day 2 Melbourne Laneways Tour, Evening Pub Crawl Melbourne
Day 3 Travel the Great Ocean Road Melbourne
Day 4 Fly to Adelaide, Gastronomy Market Tour Adelaide
Day 5 Day Trip to Kangaroo Island Adelaide
Day 6 Fly to Sydney, Highlights Tour & Harbour Bridge Climb Sydney
Day 7 Day Trip to the Blue Mountains Sydney
Day 8 Fly to Cairns, Evening Aboriginal Culture Experience Cairns
Day 9 Full-Day Sailing & Snorkeling Adventure on the Great Barrier Reef Cairns
Day 10 Depart Cairns  


Welcome to Australia! Your adventure begins in Melbourne, where you'll launch into a guided tour showcasing stylish buildings and the picturesque St Kilda Beach. Discover the city's vibrant food scene the following day while exploring back alleys and conquering a fun-filled pub crawl, then treat your weary legs to a scenic road trip along the Great Ocean Road. Next, take in Melbourne's cityscape from a hot-air balloon before flying to Adelaide. With two nights based here, you'll have ample time to join an Adelaide Central Market foodie experience and explore Kangaroo Island's wildlife reserves by 4WD.

The second half of your trip starts with a flight to Sydney, and after refreshing at your hotel, you'll embark on a guided city tour. That evening, savor superb views of the city and the nearby Blue Mountains during an exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, then wake early to hike among those same mountainous landscapes to Govetts Leap. With three days left on your itinerary, you'll continue by plane to Cairns. Kick off your stay with an immersive show at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park before devoting your final full day to a cruise and snorkeling adventure in the expansive Great Barrier Reef. Learn more

Itinerary #2: The Ultimate Aussie Experience: Reef, Outback & City

Discover three of Australia's most quintessential regions on this alternative highlights itinerary featuring Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, and their surrounding landscapes. Starting in the tropical north, you'll cruise and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest by 4WD. Then, set your sights on the outback's iconic rock formation, Uluru, for two days of cultural discovery before rounding off your adventure by hopping between Sydney's many famous landmarks.

End your great Aussie adventure in Sydney, cruising its famous harbor and touring the iconic Opera House
End your Aussie adventure in Sydney, cruising its famous harbor and touring the Opera House
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairns, Free Time to Explore Cairns
Day 2 Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise Cairns
Day 3 Full-Day Daintree Rainforest Tour Cairns
Day 4 Fly to Uluru, Sounds of Silence Dinner Uluru
Day 5 Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Valley of the Winds Walk, Wintjiri Wiru After Dark Uluru
Day 6 Fly to Sydney, Sydney Gold Penfolds Dinner Cruise Sydney
Day 7 Sydney Sights, Opera House & Bondi Beach Tour, Coastal Walk Sydney
Day 8 Day Trip to Hunter Valley & Wine Tasting Sydney
Day 9 Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour, Visit Taronga Zoo, Taste of Chinatown Tour Sydney
Day 10 Depart Sydney  


The Great Barrier Reef is Australia's most well-known landscape, so it only makes sense to start your trip at its gateway city of Cairns. Spend your first evening exploring independently, then dive into this natural wonder during a full-day cruise and snorkeling excursion. Daintree Rainforest is also on the doorstep of Cairns, which you'll explore alongside a local guide before flying to Uluru. With two days here packed full of activities, including a Sounds of Silence dinner, a Valley of the Winds walk, and an amphitheater experience, you'll undoubtedly gain a deeper connection to the land and its fascinating history.

Next, swap the outback for the vibrant coastal city of Sydney on Day 6, which will be your home base for your final four nights. Your first evening is spent cruising the Sydney Harbour, then take in the city's many sites from land the following day during a guided tour, followed by a Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. If you have a soft spot for wine and cheese, you'll delight in a day dedicated to tasting your way through Hunter Valley's boutique wineries and cheeseries. With a departing flight on the horizon, spend your final day between the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Taronga Zoo, and Chinatown. Learn more

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Itinerary #3: Australia's East Coast Highlights: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Byron Bay & Brisbane

Crafted for travelers eager to keep on the move, this Australian East Coast adventure features five destinations over 10 days. Learn about storied landmarks during city tours in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and dedicate an entire day to Byron Bay's renowned food scene. In between, delve into Australia's pristine landscapes and happen upon lovable wildlife during day trips to the Southern Highlands, Phillip Island, Mount Tamborine National Park, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Embark on a 10-day journey along Australia's east coast, including the beguiling beach town of Byron Bay
Embark on a 10-day journey along Australia's east coast, including the beach town of Byron Bay
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Sydney, Bike Tour, Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise Sydney
Day 2 Full-Day Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Tour Sydney
Day 3 Burrawa Indigenous Climb, Fly to Melbourne, Evening Tales & Cocktails Tour Melbourne
Day 4 Day Trip to Phillip Island & Penguin Plus Dinner Melbourne
Day 5 Melbourne Laneways & Arcades, Fly to Gold Coast, Rainforest & Glowworm Tour Gold Coast
Day 6 Morning Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour, Drive to Byron Bay Byron Bay
Day 7 Byron Bay Paddock-to-Plate: Self-Guided Food Tour Byron Bay
Day 8 Drive to Brisbane, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary & River Cruise Brisbane
Day 9 Full-Day Brisbane City Tour Brisbane
Day 10 Depart Brisbane  


Upon arriving in Sydney, any thoughts of travel fatigue will quickly vanish as you explore the city's iconic sights by bike. Continue the excitement into the evening during a memorable Sydney Harbour cruise, then wake ready for a full-day tour featuring Grand Pacific Drive and the Southern Highlands. The next day kicks off with a thrilling Burrawa Indigenous Climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, followed by a two-hour flight to Melbourne. Spend your first evening here hopping between the best bars and restaurants alongside a local before delving into a heartwarming day filled with wildlife encounters on Phillip Island.

The following morning of Day 5, explore Melbourne's hidden gems and famous sights prior to boarding a flight bound for the Gold Coast. An overnight here gives you ample time to explore Mount Tamborine National Park and embark on a kayaking excursion around Wavebreak Island. Then, collect a rental car, hit the road to Byron Bay, and take full advantage of the town's laid-back vibe and excellent cuisine during a self-guided food tour. Your next and final destination is Brisbane, reachable by a two-hour drive, and during your stay, you'll visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and join a privately guided city tour. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Best of Northern Australia: Cairns, Darwin, Broome & Perth

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the dramatic Katherine Gorge, and the fascinating Horizontal Falls on this journey through northern Australia. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of renowned must-sees and off-the-beaten-path experiences, you'll hop between famous cities like Cairns, Darwin, and Perth while weaving in time in remote Broome and Coral Bay. Other notable highlights include a swim under Edith Falls, a sunrise camel ride, and a side trip to the UNESCO-listed Shark Bay.

Visit northern natural wonders like Katherine Gorge
Visit northern natural wonders like Katherine Gorge
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cairns, Optional Activities Cairns
Day 2 Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef Cairns
Day 3 Fly to Darwin, Optional Activities Darwin
Day 4 Day Trip to Kakadu National Park Darwin
Day 5 Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Darwin
Day 6 Fly to Broome, Pearl Farm Visit Broome
Day 7 Day Trip to Cape Leveque & Horizontal Falls Broome
Day 8 Sunrise Camel Tour, Fly to Perth Perth
Day 9 Transfer to Coral Bay, Optional Activities Coral Bay
Day 10 Day Trip to Shark Bay, Depart  


Your adventure begins in Cairns, and after a free afternoon to hit the beach, you'll whiz out to the Great Barrier Reef in a catamaran for a full day of cruising and snorkeling. Then, fly to Darwin and choose your adventure, perhaps visiting Mindil Beach or strolling along the Waterfront. A day trip to Kakadu National Park is next on your itinerary, where you'll search for crocs during a river cruise and learn about the lives of the Indigenous Biniji people. Another journey into the outback awaits the following day, this time for a swim under Edith Falls and a cruise through the staggering Katherine Gorge.

Your trip continues to Broome, reachable by a three-hour flight, for a two-day stay. Spend the afternoon discovering the fascinating world of pearl farming, then split the following day between a visit to the cliff-backed tip of Dampier Peninsula and a scenic flight over the wondrous Horizontal Falls. Next, wake early for a sunrise camel tour along Cable Beach before catching a flight to Perth, where the afternoon is yours to hit the highlights. Your final destination is Coral Bay, the perfect place to wrap up your adventure with time to swim, snorkel, and admire coastal views from nearby Shark Bay. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Best of Western Australia: Exmouth, Margaret River & Perth

Ideal for adventure-loving travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path trip, this best of Western Australia is all about Australia's great outdoors. Starting in Exmouth, you'll tick off the bucket-list-worthy experience of swimming with whale sharks and spend a day exploring Cape Range National Park's pristine canyons and gorges. You'll then transfer to Margaret River for a deep dive into the region's renowned wineries and surf breaks before rounding off your stay in Perth. Don't worry about too much time in the city, though, as your days here are spent admiring Kalbarri's Pink Lake and exploring Rottnest Island by bike.

Turquoise bay in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth
Turquoise Bay in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Perth, Fly to Exmouth, Free Time Exmouth
Day 2 Swim with Whale Sharks Exmouth
Day 3 Full-Day Cape Range National Park Tour Exmouth
Day 4 Fly to Perth, Drive to Margaret River, Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tour Margaret River
Day 5 Full-Day Margaret River Gourmet Wine Tour Margaret River
Day 6 Augusta Whale Watching Tour, Group Surf Lesson Margaret River
Day 7 Drive to Perth, Free Time Perth
Day 8 Full-Day Kalbarri & Pink Lake Tour Perth
Day 9 Explore Rottnest Island by Bike Perth
Day 10 Depart Perth  


Your adventure officially begins in Perth, but you'll have to wait to explore this laid-back city, as soon, you'll be continuing by flight to the small town of Exmouth. Upon arrival, shrug off any travel fatigue while snorkeling at Ningaloo Marine Park, which will have you eagerly anticipating the following day's grand adventure of swimming alongside whale sharks. Based in Exmouth, you'll also head to Cape Range National Park for a superb day of off-roading and boating through Yardie Creek Gorge. Next, backtrack to Perth, where you'll collect a rental car and hit the road to the famous wine region of Margaret River.

With three days based in Margaret River, you'll have ample time to indulge in its many splendors. Start with an Aboriginal culture tour, then hop between wineries and cheeseries the following day before rounding off your stay with a whale watching cruise and surf lesson in nearby Augusta. You'll return to Perth once more, this time for a three-night stay that features leisure time to visit the beaches of Cottesloe or Leighton and a detour to Kalbarri to see its magnificent Pink Lake. A biking excursion on Rottnest Island, home to adorable quokkas, rounds off your Australian adventure. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other 10-day Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

 

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Map of 10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas