Australia Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Australia

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Choose an itinerary that features the Australian Outback and Uluru

1 Week in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In seven days, you can see the highlights of three Australian cities, with day trips from each. Pair Melbourne, Sydney, and Cairns, for example, and you can easily visit the Blue Mountains and Great Barrier Reef. Or head to Western Australia, basing yourself in Exmouth and Perth, where you'll swim with whale sharks and snorkel off Rottnest Island. Other options featured below include a Whitsundays island retreat, outback exploration in Uluru, and a family-friendly Gold Coast adventure.

Climb aboard your camel for a sunrise amble along Western Australia's Cable Beach

10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

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.

East Coast Aussie Adventure: Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Adelaide & Sydney - 14 Days

Enjoy the best of the East Coast of Australia on this two-week trip. Begin with a tour of Brisbane before heading to the Whitsunday Islands. Indulge in a free day in Cairns, then cruise over to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and lush Daintree Rainforest. Next, tour Adelaide and spend a full day with native species at Kangaroo Island. The trip concludes in Sydney to discover the landmarks, as well as the stunning Blue Mountains region.

Australia Highlights: Sydney, Cairns & the Outback - 7 Days

Spend a week in three of Australia's eventful regions—Sydney, Uluru, and Cairns. Go sightseeing in Sydney, from The Rocks to Bondi Beach, then adventure through the stunning Blue Mountains region. Next, get a taste of The Outback in Uluru, where spectacular colors change from sunrise to sunset over Ayers Rock. Then, travel to Cairns to experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and an exciting journey across the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Visit koalas on your Australian family vacation

Australian Family Holiday: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 7 Days

On this weeklong, family-friendly vacation to Australia, experience two different regions—Brisbane and Gold Coast. Upon landing in Brisbane, do some self-exploration, and take in welcome views together from Mount Coot-Tha. Then, board a relaxing river cruise to mingle with native animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, followed by more fauna fun at the Australia Zoo. Next, travel to Gold Coast to join an Aquaduck tour of the city, followed by a free day and an adventure to action-packed Movie World.

Visit northern natural wonders like Katherine Gorge

Best of Northern Australia: Cairns, Darwin, Broome & Perth - 10 Days

This 10-day journey takes you to Australia's tropical north, where the ocean meets the rainforest. All the highlights are included, from sightseeing in Cairns to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. But that's not all—you'll continue to Darwin for off-the-beaten-path adventures in Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, and Edith Falls before winding the trip down on the stunning beaches of Perth.

Best of Australia’s East Coast: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, & Cairns - 14 Days

Two weeks offers plenty of time to explore some of the best regions in Australia. Arrive in Melbourne and enjoy the funky, bohemian vibe of the city, along with some sightseeing and a free day. Then, travel to Sydney for a pub tour, and to explore the famous neighborhoods and iconic landmarks around Sydney Harbour. Next, tour Gold Coast, including an excursion to Mount Tambourine National Park, along with free time to surf and relax. The trip concludes in Cairns with two epic day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

The Twelve Apostles at sunset off the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

5 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days is a quick trip to Australia—you'll want to embark on a regional adventure to make the most of your time. A tour of Sydney offers stops at all the popular landmarks and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Or, explore Far North Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. You can even journey deep into the outback of Uluru Alice Springs. Learn more in our itinerary picks below.

Turquoise bay in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth

Best of Western Australia: Exmouth, Margaret River & Perth - 10 Days

This 10-day trip through Western Australia includes plenty of outdoor adventure. Journey to Exmouth to swim with whale sharks and explore Ningaloo Reef, followed by an active tour of Cape Range National Park and its beautiful gorges. Then, visit Margaret River to explore sacred Aboriginal caves, go wine tasting, and take a whale watching cruise. Next, travel to Perth to shop the city and embark on day trips to the Pink Lake of Kalbarri and the pristine Rottnest Island.

West Coral Coast: From Exmouth to Perth - 7 Days

On this weeklong journey through Australia's West Coral Coast, adventure through the beaches of Exmouth and then to the capital of Western Australia—Perth. In Exmouth, snorkel through Ningaloo Reef, and go swimming with whale sharks. Then, explore the canyons of Cape Range National Park and cruise along Yardie Creek. Next, fly to Perth for a nighttime walking tour of the bar and restaurant scene, followed by a trip to Rottnest Island for a self-guided biking and snorkeling tour. The journey winds down with a free day in Perth to continue discovering landmarks and hidden gems alike.

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne, & Auckland - 14 Days

On this two-week journey to Australia and New Zealand, adventure through four cities and several iconic landmarks. Begin in Sydney to visit popular sites like Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House. Next, explore famed Ayers Rock and Uluru. Then, it's off to Melbourne for local sightseeing, a wildlife tour, and a free day of discovery. Finally, transport to Auckland to explore the city, along with a day trip to Bay of Islands for marine life sightings and views along the open water of New Zealand.

Self-Drive Outback Adventure: Adelaide, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, & More - 14 Days

This two-week journey through the Australian Outback weaves through 10 destinations. The adventure kicks off in Adelaide, and then ventures to Port Augusta, with stunning waterside lookouts. Next, head to the mining town of Coober Pedy, followed by a tour through Uluru, home of Ayers Rock. Discover the vast Kings Canyon on a day trip, then do some sightseeing in Alice Springs. The final leg of the adventure runs through Tennant Creek, Katherine, Kakadu National Park, and Darwin.

Spend time with the native wildlife on Kangaroo Island

Authentic Aussie Adventure: Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney & Cairns - 10 Days

This 10-day Aussie adventure combines outdoor excursions with memorable city tours. Start on the streets of up-and-coming Melbourne, followed by a memorable drive on the Great Ocean Road. Next is Adelaide and wildlife-spotting at Kangaroo Island, a trip to Sydney and the Blue Mountains, then Cairns and the grand finale: sailing the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

Outback Adventure: Uluru & Alice Springs - 5 Days

Explore the Australian Outback on this eventful five-day journey. Begin in Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, and discover the ancient Red Centre and its surroundings. Then, travel to Alice Springs to tour the art galleries and local sites, including Anza Hill and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Next, visit the red-hued West MacDonnell Ranges as a scenic sendoff.

South East Queensland: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 5 Days

This five-day itinerary encompasses the best of South East Queensland. Begin in Brisbane with a trip to Mount Coot-Tha for beautiful views and a welcome toast. Then, explore the Australia Zoo with its many native exhibits, shows, and tours. Next, enjoy a free day in Gold Coast—take a walk through Burleigh Heads National Park Headlands, embark on the SkyPoint Climb excursion, or visit one of the many theme parks—followed by a visit to Mount Tambourine National Park.

Far North Queensland Getaway: Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest - 5 Days

Explore Far North Queensland on this active, five-day getaway. Begin in Cairns, get acquainted with Indigenous culture and fare, and stroll through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Next, take a day trip to the largest coral reef system on the planet—the Great Barrier Reef—where you can cruise, snorkel, and explore this world-famous destination. Then, take the trip to Port Douglas to visit local wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.

Highlights of Sydney: Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House & More - 5 Days

This five-day Sydney itinerary provides an active adventure through New South Wales' capital city. Take a sightseeing tour of all the best neighborhoods and sites—The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Kings Cross, and Mrs Macquarie's Chair included. A day trip to The UNESCO World Heritage region of the Blue Mountains allows you to explore the outdoors and interact with animals. The trip concludes with a guided tour of the famed Sydney Opera House and a thrilling climbing excursion up Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Self Drive Tour: Melbourne, Healesville, Blue Mountains, Sydney & More - 14 Days

On this two-week self-drive journey through Australia, visit two major cities and plenty of scenic stops in between. Begin in Melbourne before heading to Mount Baw Baw for some hiking, biking, or fly fishing. Next, spend two days in Yarra Valley, followed by a return to Melbourne to do some sightseeing. Then, head to Sydney to launch into more offshoots—Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Mudgee, Lithgow, and Hawkesbury River included. The vacation concludes in Sydney with visits to Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the famed Sydney Opera House.

Kangaroo crosses a dirt road in Western Australia

The Best of Australia & New Zealand - 22 Days

Cover the spectrum of these two dynamic countries with this comprehensive itinerary. Start off in New Zealand, where you'll visit both the North and South islands to explore Maori culture, natural wonders, adventure sports, and more—sip wine on Waiheke island, hike at Aoraki, and cruise through Milford Sound. Then head to Australia, starting with the city sights in Melbourne before you meet the penguins of Phillip Island, stunning scenes of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and urban streets of Sydney.

Discover wildlife in Daintree's Mossman Gorge

Highlights of Australia: Cities, Beaches & Wildlife - 12 Days

Covering four states, this perfectly curated itinerary features Australia's top attractions in 12 days, providing visitors with a well-rounded experience. Beginning in cool and trendy Melbourne, you'll work your way around the country to the cosmopolitan cities of Adelaide and Sydney, ending the trip in Cairns. Along the way, you'll drive the scenic Great Ocean Road, hang out with kangaroos and seals on Kangaroo Island, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and explore the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland.

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days

On this five-day self-drive trip, explore the coastal capital city of Melbourne and then hit the open road. One of Victoria's most scenic drives, Great Ocean Road provides plenty of exciting pit stops—explore the surfing town of Bells Beach, discover the waterfalls of Lorne, zipline through the Otway Ranges, and visit The Twelve Apostles rock formations. On the way back to Melbourne, do some sightseeing in Ballarat, known for its Gold Rush heritage and indigenous art.

Best of Eastern Australia: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & Melbourne - 10 Days

On this 10-day adventure through Australia, discover four cities, along with several scenic day trips. Begin in Sydney to tour landmarks and areas like The Rocks, Sydney Harbour, and Bondi Beach, along with an excursion to the stunning Blue Mountains region. Then, enjoy a quick day in Cairns for an Indigenous experience, followed by two days in Gold Coast to tour the beaches and enjoy some thrills. The vacation ends in Melbourne to visit the funky pub scene, embark on a wildlife tour of Phillip Island, and take a guided road trip through Great Ocean Road.

Tropical North Queensland: Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Cairns & More - 7 Days

Explore North Tropical Queensland on this seven-day tour. Begin in Hamilton Island and snorkel, sea kayak, play a round of golf, or relax. Then, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and learn the area's history. Next, journey to Port Douglas to enjoy a leisure day, a Daintree Rainforest tour, and an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip winds down in Cairns, with plenty of native animal exhibits to visit and a scenic ride up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Southeast Australia Self-Drive - 22 Days

Explore southeast Australia on this combination self-drive and flying tour on this comprehensive 22-day itinerary. Start your trip in quirky Melbourne to explore hidden alleyways and eclectic coffee shops, then pick up a car and explore the coast. Spend a few days in Tasmania, then end your trip in Sydney and the beautiful nature of the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

Queensland Outback - 11 Days

This educational 11-day itinerary explores a remote area of Australia for an adventure rarely experienced by the average traveler. Starting in Brisbane, you'll journey through a series of distinct small towns in Queensland's outback brimming with pioneer history, stunning scenery, and a mix of activities that run the gamut from cattle herding to bushwalking to touching dinosaur fossils, to name a few.

Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days

Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Stop in Sydney and the beautiful Gold Coast, learn to surf, and go hiking in the rainforest in Queensland. See unique Australian animals in the many nature preserves and enjoy the sun-soaked beaches on the coast. Snorkle to see the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the Australian outback to visit a sacred site, and go white-water rafting as you experience all Australia has to offer.

Drive through the heart of Australia "red center" in the outback

Australian Outback Self-Drive Tour- 18 Days

Cover the rugged terrain and sweeping desert landscape of the Australian Outback on this epic self-drive excursion through Victoria, South Australia, and Northern Territory. Begin your 18-day tour in trendy Melbourne and fly to arty Adelaide where you'll pick up your rental car and drive on your schedule to Darwin on the opposite coast. You'll explore four major national parks, spot endemic wildlife in their natural habitat, visit rural towns, and discover ancient Aboriginal art.

Stop to check out the iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road

Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days

Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife on this two-week coastal adventure of Victoria and South Australia. Starting and ending in Melbourne, you'll drive along Australia's southern edge navigating the Great Ocean Road and choosing to stop on your schedule until you reach Adelaide. Along the way, you'll discover dramatic rock formations like the famous Twelve Apostles, meet kangaroos and fur seals on Kangaroo Island, and learn about aboriginal culture in Grampians National Park.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day excursion

Discover Queensland - 8 Days

Soak up everything the sunshine state of Queensland has to offer, from modern eateries and boutique shopping to winding rainforest roads, sandy islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Your eight-day adventure starts in Brisbane and continues north along the coast to Noosa and Fraser Island, capping the trip off with two nights in Port Douglas. Swim in freshwater lakes on Fraser Island, spot humpback whales off of Hervey Bay, and hang out with koalas and kangaroos in Port Douglas.

Explore the Gold Coast's extensive coastline

Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days

Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Starting in Coolangatta, you'll head up the Gold Coast to Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise, where you'll enjoy golden beaches, world-class shopping, and a vibrant entertainment scene. End your stay in Byron Bay, taking in stunning sunsets, visiting organic farms, and meeting with friendly local artisans.

End your great Aussie adventure in Sydney, cruising its famous harbor and touring the iconic Opera House

The Ultimate Aussie Experience: Reef, Outback & City - 10 Days

On this 10-day Australia trip, you'll enjoy a mix of city tours and outdoor excursions. First, explore tropical Cairns and its two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Then, swap the tropics for the outback and land in Uluru, where desert experiences await. Finally, dash to Sydney to explore its icons and expansive harbor on a dinner cruise, go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, and eat your way across the city's multicultural Chinatown.

Noah Beach where the Daintree Rainforest meets the ocean

Highlights of Australia - 12 Days

This 12-day highlights tour combines stunning natural settings and diverse wildlife with heart-stopping activities. You'll begin in Sydney before flying into the outback, ending your stay along the coast, where you'll divide your time between the rainforest and the Coral Sea. You'll hug koalas in Kuranda, watch whales off the coast of Sydney, snorkel part of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as hike in the Blue Mountains, and catch a sunset over Uluru.

Best of Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns - 7 Days

On this weeklong trip to Australia, experience three different cities and several landmarks along the way. Begin in Melbourne, where you can enjoy local sightseeing, then travel the Great Ocean Road, which hosts scenic lookouts like The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard. The next stop is Sydney, which includes a pub crawl and a day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains. The final leg takes you to Cairns, where the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park awaits, as well as a memorable finale at the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches the East Coast has to offer

East Coast of Australia - 13 Days

Begin your journey in artsy Melbourne, exploring the hidden alleyways, vintage shopping, and quirky coffee shops. Spend a few days in bustling Sydney, then make your way up north to the Gold Coast, one of Australia's iconic surfing destinations. Your trip ends in Cairns with a visit to the famous Great Barrier Reef.

Urban Australia - 8 Days

Visit three cities of Australia with this eight-day itinerary. You'll start off in Sydney, where you can enjoy both the bustling downtown and coastal cliff walk, then head to Melbourne to explore its artsy alleyways, museums, and cafes alongside the wildlife of the Yarra Valley. Finish off in Hobart, Tasmania, to learn about its history and art scene.

Experience Uluru in Central Australia's outback

Highlights of Australia: Sydney, Uluru & Cairns - 9 Days

If you've got limited time to tackle the vast Australian continent, this may be the itinerary for you. You'll start in cosmopolitan Sydney under the eaves of the famous Opera House, then fly out to the Red Centre to experience the dramatic rock formations of Uluru. Top it off with a visit to Cairns to explore the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of free days in between to add your own twist.

Ultimate Australia - 16 Days

This well-rounded 16-day tour of Australia's highlights is sure to delight any first time visitor. You'll explore the hidden laneways of artsy Melbourne and the famous landmarks of Sydney, learn about indigenous culture at Uluru in the country's Red Center, and discover tropical Queensland with an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll meet kangaroos at Kangaroo Island, search for crocodiles at Kakadu National Park, and have free time to enjoy a few day trips of your choosing.

Wangi Falls at sunset in Litchfield National Park near Kakadu, NT, Australia

Exploring Northern Australia - 9 Days

Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the northern half of Australia, making your way from tropical Cairns to lively Perth on this nine-day trip. You'll see the Great Barrier Reef, cruise through the wetlands of Kakadu National Park, and fly over the magnificent Horizontal Falls. Along the way, you'll learn about First Nations culture, explore the dramatic Katherine Gorge, and end your journey with a sunrise camel tour on the beach as you gaze out over the Indian Ocean.

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