15 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: The Best of Eastern Australia: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & Melbourne

This packed 15-day itinerary includes the best of Australia's stunning eastern coastline. It takes you from the exciting cities of Melbourne and Sydney to the epic surf of the Gold Coast and up to Queensland for an adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Start this 15-day tour in Sydney. You'll participate in activities and tours focusing on First Nations culture, fabulous architecture (the Sydney Opera House), beaches, including the famous Bondi, and the peaceful Blue Mountains. After a few days in the big city, relax the pace by heading up to tropical Cairns in Northern Queensland. Swim, snorkel, or even dive the Great Barrier Reef and take a tour of the Kuranda Rainforest.

Fly south again to the happening Gold Coast, an exciting combination of natural beauty, family-friendly theme parks, and a great dining scene. You could even learn to surf at Surfers Paradise during a free day on the Gold Coast. Take a day trip to Byron Bay, just over the border in northern New South Wales, and another town known for its natural beauty and beach culture. End in the southern city of Melbourne, where culture and cuisine meet natural beauty nearby. Spot penguins on Phillip Island, drive part of the Great Ocean Road, and more. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns & Sydney

On this mixed 15-day itinerary, you'll see the sights in Melbourne and Sydney, plus take day trips to hike rugged mountains and visit penguin colonies. Then jet off to the northern outback for tours in and around iconic Uluru, followed by a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and some time exploring ancient rainforests.

Begin your adventure in Melbourne, Australia's multicultural second city, famous for its culture and cuisine. Take day trips to nearby Phillip Island for penguin watching and along the Great Ocean Road to get a taste of one of Southern Australia's most incredible road trips. Fly inland for a couple of days in the "Red Centre," learning more about ancient geology and First Nations culture at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, including a sunrise tour at Uluru.

From the desert to the tropical coast of Northern Queensland, spend a few days in and around Cairns. Snorkel or dive at the Great Barrier Reef, tour the ancient Daintree Rainforest and even get the chance to try river snorkeling. End the tour in Sydney, a city as pretty as it is interesting. Take a cruise on the Sydney Harbour, climb the Harbour Bridge, and make a day trip out to the Blue Mountains. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore Australia: City, Reef, Rainforest & Outback

Travel from city to sea, rainforest, and outback on this well-rounded 15-day tour of Australia. Starting in Sydney and ending in Melbourne, you'll have a wide variety of cultural and natural experiences on this itinerary.

Travelers with a range of interests will love this tour, which takes its time and allows you to experience a variety of diverse places at a comfortable pace. Start in Sydney, where you'll enjoy the city's vibrant energy, fantastic architecture, and the peaceful Blue Mountains not far from the city, where you can hike and enjoy mountain views. Then head up to Port Douglas in tropical Northern Queensland to enjoy day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can swim, snorkel, or dive, and some of Australia's oldest rainforests.

On Day 9, it's time to head inland to Australia's dramatic "Red Centre" for a few days in and around Uluru. Learn more about First Nations culture, history, and unusual rock formations. End with several days in Melbourne. Enjoy eclectic big-city attractions again, as well as penguin-spotting at nearby Phillip Island and a peaceful hot-air balloon ride followed by wine tasting in the Yarra Valley. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Sydney, Uluru, Whitsundays & Cairns

This 15-day itinerary celebrates Australia's most famous city, its mystical outback deserts, and the unspoiled beauty of its tropical northeast. It's an excellent option for anyone who wants to combine a bit of city time with relaxation in beautiful natural environments.

Begin your travels in Australia's largest city, making the most of its culture and cuisine on a bicycle tour and getting a peek inside the famous Opera House, as well as taking a day trip out to the Blue Mountains. Then it's time to leave the big cities behind when you board a quick flight to venture inland to Uluru, in the heart of the outback. Learn more about First Nations culture and history on Uluru and Kata Tjuta tours, including a sunrise tour at Uluru and a fun Segway tour. 

Then it's time to head to the Whitsunday Islands in tropical Northern Queensland, where you'll spend several days on gorgeous Hamilton Island. Enjoy a combination of guided tours and free time, so you can be as active or as relaxed as you like. End in Cairns, from where you can experience more of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, famous for where the rainforest meets the reef. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Australia Grand Tour: Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru & Great Barrier Reef

Australia is an enormous country, and when trying to work out an itinerary, it can be challenging to choose between its lively cities, beautiful beaches, or unique wildlife. On this varied 15-day itinerary, you can experience a bit of everything. 

Starting in Melbourne, enjoy the city's cultural and culinary highlights and get out into nature on day trips to Phillip Island for penguin watching and along the Great Ocean Road. The sight of the Twelve Apostles is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Fly farther south, to Adelaide, from where you'll spend time wildlife-spotting on the otherworldly Kangaroo Island. As well as the quintessentially-Aussie animals, you'll be amazed by the unusual rock formations.

Head inland for a quick trip to the "Red Centre," taking a sunrise camel tour at Uluru. Then fly back to the coast for a few days of sun, sea, sand, and rainforest around Cairns. Get a glimpse of the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef while snorkeling or diving, and tour the ecologically important tropical rainforest of Daintree and Cape Tribulation. End with more big-city attractions in lively Sydney, including a Big Bus tour to glimpse the city's famous landmarks and a day trip out to the Blue Mountains to hike and enjoy the fresh mountain air scented with eucalyptus. 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.