11 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Australia: Cities, Beaches & Wildlife

On this 11-day itinerary around some of Australia's best beaches and cities, you'll explore the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, road trip across the Great Ocean Road, and embark on a 4WD tour in Cairns.

Begin your trip in Melbourne, where you'll explore the city by bike before setting off on a road trip along one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world: the Great Ocean Road. Keep your eyes peeled for some of Australia's wildlife, such as echidnas, kangaroos, dolphins, and whales! On Day 4, you'll be based in Adelaide for the next two nights, where you'll venture to Kangaroo Island for a wildlife tour before heading to Sydney to check out the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Garden. 

Spending your last three nights in Cairns, you'll have the opportunity to trek through abundant rainforests and get the chance to swim, snorkel, and even scuba dive in the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. The trip culminates with a 4WD tour of the Daintree Rainforest. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover Australia's Highlights: Palm Cove, Melbourne & Sydney

Immerse yourself in the Australian rainforest, swim in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the country's most dramatic landscapes on this 11-day interactive itinerary through Cairns, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Start your trip in tropical north Queensland in the beautiful Palm Cove for three nights, where you'll embark on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and try your hand at First Nations fishing. You'll then head on a cruise around the Outer Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns, where you'll enjoy some of the best marine life and scuba diving sites in the world.

Hop on a flight to Melbourne and explore the streets of the cultural capital of Australia before visiting Phillip Island, where you'll see fur seals and the favored "Penguin Parade" on the shores of Summerland Beach. Your journey will continue to Sydney, where you'll enjoy a fine dining cruise experience around the Sydney Harbour. Your last full day in Australia will take you on a hiking expedition in the Blue Mountains before departing Sydney and concluding your 11-day trip. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas

Offering adventures while traversing some of Australia's best sights, this 11-day jam-packed holiday includes a tour of the Sydney Opera House, a day trip to the Blue Mountains, dinner at the ancient site of Uluru, and First Nations fishing adventures in the Daintree Rainforest.

Kick off your adventure with three nights in Sydney, where you'll wander around Darling Harbour and explore the beloved Bondi Beach, followed by a tour of the Sydney Opera House. Take a quick trip to a local working farm to interact with koala bears, emus, kangaroos, and wombats before heading on a hike in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Taking a 3.5-hour flight next to the wilds of the Australian Outback, you'll spend two nights at the First Nations site of Uluru. Here you'll enjoy a dining experience in the middle of the desert, adjacent to one of the most prestigious sites. From Uluru, transit through Cairns on Day 7 to the coastal town of Port Douglas for an exciting excursion of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Cays. Catch a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway before heading to the traditional fishing village of Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu). Here, you'll learn First Nations fishing techniques followed by a hike through one of the oldest rainforests in the world: Daintree. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Off-the-Beaten Path Australia: Melbourne & Tasmania Road Trip

On this 11-day off-the-beaten-path itinerary, you'll explore Melbourne, indulge in wildlife excursions in Tasmania's Hobart, immerse yourself in history in Bothwell, Oatlands, and Longford and take a day trip to Bruny Island.

Beginning in Melbourne, you'll stroll through the historic Royal Botanic Garden and pick up picnic supplies from Queen Victoria Market to enjoy in one of the city's many parks. Spend the following day embarking on a memorable day trip along the Great Ocean Road with a lunch stop in Apollo Bay before flying to Australia's only island state of Tasmania on Day 4.

In Tasmania's capital city, Hobart, you'll enjoy a tour of the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a day trip to Bruny Island, and a visit to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Then it's time to pick up a rental car and traverse to the Scottish heritage town of Bothwell. Next, you'll head to the historic convict town of Longford, where you'll begin the day with a trek across the Highlands Power Trail. You'll eventually arrive at the famous whiskey distillery village of Oatlands to walk across the convict-built Ross Bridge before departing Hobart. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Queensland Outback

Embark on an educational journey through Queensland's enigmatic outback on this 11-day itinerary of remote Australia. Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and cruise along the river in Brisbane before venturing through the Outback, making stops in Mitchell, Longreach, Emerald, Roma, and Toowoomba. 

Spend your first day in the capital city of Queensland: Brisbane. Take a relaxing half-day cruise along the river and visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Spend the night at the Bonus Downs homestead, where you can choose from a range of unique experiences, including a bush walk, canoe excursion, or helping with cattle chores. In Longreach, you'll spend five nights visiting the Qantas Founders Museum and the Stockman's Hall of Fame, as well as cruising along the Thomson River before journeying to Winton, renowned for being the "Dinosaur Capital of Australia."

From here, you can tour the Waltzing Matilda Centre and The Collection Room to learn more about Australia's history of fossils and dinosaurs. Then you'll head to charming Emerald to visit the grand Railway Station. After fulfilling the education element of this itinerary, immerse yourself in agriculture in Roma and Toowoomba, where you'll take a tour of an authentic cattle yard and the stunning Japanese garden before returning to Brisbane. Learn more

More Great 11-day Australia itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other 11-day Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to see the highlights.