1 Week in Australia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Australia Luxury City Tour: Sydney & Melbourne

Treat yourself to some of the finest offerings of Sydney and Melbourne on this luxury city tour. Throughout, you'll delight in top-notch dining, unique cultural experiences, and fascinating wildlife excursions, making this itinerary perfect for first-time travelers. Highlights include a private plane ride to a national park, an Aboriginal-led tour, a hot-air balloon ride over Melbourne, and a chance to see hundreds of penguins march up the beach. In between, unwind at your 5-star accommodations.

Welcome to Australia! Your luxury adventure begins in the dazzling city of Sydney, famed for its yacht-dotted harbor, incredible beaches, and fine-dining opportunities. After refreshing at the 5-star QT Sydney, you'll get your first taste of these wonders during a private food tour of The Rocks. The next morning, detour 90 minutes from the city to the Southern Highlands, where you'll spot koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies in their natural habitat. Then, return your attention to decadent food the following day with a multicourse lunch at the renowned Cottage Point Inn, reachable by a 20-minute scenic flight.

In Sydney, you'll also delve into Aboriginal culture during a Royal Botanic Garden tour and delight in a private behind-the-scenes visit to the Sydney Opera House. Afterward, bid farewell to the city and catch a flight south to the artsy mecca of Melbourne. Spend your first evening here on a private food tour, but rest up, as the next day features a memorable hot-air balloon ride followed by a street art workshop. Lastly, round off your adventure with a day on Phillip Island, strolling quiet beaches and watching the famous Penguin Parade, before prepping for your flight home the following afternoon. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Australian Outback Experience: Sydney & Uluru

Unwind among Australia's vineyards and desert landscapes on this weeklong adventure crafted especially for luxury travelers seeking an outback experience. Starting with three days based in Sydney, you'll enjoy an introduction to the city's impressive food scene, followed by a day among Hunter Valley's wineries and a wildlife tour in the Southern Highlands. Then, spend the second half of your trip in Uluru, enjoying intimate cultural encounters and excursions around the Central Desert.

Begin your trip in style with a private transfer from the Sydney airport to your 5-star accommodation, the Park Hyatt, then set out on a gourmet Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Continue the luxury theme into the evening during a twilight BridgeClimb, followed by dinner at one of Australia's top restaurants. Devote the entire next day to a relaxed Hunter Valley winery tour, complete with numerous tastings. You'll get your first taste of Australia's wilder side the following day, as you travel to the Southern Highlands for a private wildlife tour in search of koalas, kangaroos, and emus. 

After a tease of the country's rugged beauty, you'll eagerly anticipate your flight to Ayers Rock airport. Once here, drop your bags at Longitude 131˚, an opulent Central Desert camp, and set out on a fascinating sunset tour of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Wake the next morning to unmatched views across Uluru, which set the stage for an insightful day delving into local culture, first during a Mutitjulu Meander experience followed by an outdoor amphitheater night show. Before returning to Sydney for your departure, you'll also delight in a sunrise at Kata Tjuta, a trip to Walpa Gorge, and a scenic helicopter ride. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Australia Laid-Back Luxury Tour: Port Douglas & Sydney

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Sydney on this tropics-meets-city itinerary. Ideal for travelers who enjoy the finer things in life, you'll spend your nights at 5-star accommodations and your days conquering unhurried adventures. Notable highlights include a sailing and diving trip on the Great Barrier Reef, a remote River Drift snorkeling excursion, and a tour of the Sydney Opera House's off-limit areas.

Upon landing in Cairns, your adventure kicks off with a transfer to the beachfront resort town of Port Douglas. Your home here is the lavish Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel, and after settling in, you'll split the rest of the day between meeting koalas at Wildlife Habitat and dining on Rainforest Beach. The next day promises to be one for the memory books, with a full-day Great Barrier Reef sailing trip on the agenda. Port Douglas is also on the doorstep of Daintree National Park, which you'll experience during an exclusive tour featuring a meetup with the area's Kiku Yalanji people and a River Drift snorkeling trip.

The second leg of your journey brings you to the vibrant city of Sydney, reachable by a three-hour flight, and upon arrival, you'll transfer to the 5-star Capella Sydney. The afternoon is yours to unwind or explore independently, which ensures you'll be refreshed and ready to spend the evening onboard a private Sydney Harbour cruise. Then, get to know the city's many fascinating highlights the next day during a private bike excursion and a behind-the-scenes Sydney Opera House tour. Lastly, devote your final full day to an immersive cooking workshop at a local's home before prepping for your flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Australia Luxury Reef & City Escape: Hamilton Island & Sydney

For a carefully curated mix of adventure and luxury, embark on this immersive Australian escape featuring the remote Whitsunday Islands and the energetic city of Sydney. Throughout, you'll helicopter over a heart-shaped reef, dive among the Great Barrier Reef's fish-filled corals, and climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Amid the exclusive adventures, delight in time to unwind at 5-star accommodations, cruise Sydney Harbour at sunset, and indulge in Sydney's fine dining.

Hamilton Island, famed for its clear waters and white-sand beaches, is a haven for quiet luxury, and arriving here by plane sets the stage for your memorable adventure ahead. You'll be staying at the award-winning qualia resort, but before settling in for your first night, you'll enjoy a barbecue dinner cruise. The next morning brings you back out onto the water, but this time, you'll have your sights set on the Great Barrier Reef for a day of diving or snorkeling. Then, on your final day in the Whitsundays, soar above the famous Heart Reef in a helicopter and join a personalized snorkeling experience. 

Midway through your trip, you'll swap the tropics for the dynamic city of Sydney. There's certainly no shortage of style here, which you'll notice straight away as you settle in at the 5-star Crown Towers. Discover more of Sydney's delights the next day, first during a private bike excursion, which includes stops by Circular Quay and Hyde Park, followed by a private Sydney Opera House tour. Of course, you can't come to Australia without seeing koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, so dedicate your final full day to exploring the Southern Highlands before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Southern Australia Luxury Tour: Melbourne, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island

Perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path trip, this relaxed exploration of southern Australia introduces you to hidden gems frequented by locals while serving up slices of luxury. Your adventure begins with three days in Melbourne, allowing ample opportunity to delve into the city's exceptional culinary scene and discover the untouched beauty of Phillip Island. Next, divide your time between the urban delights of Adelaide and wildlife encounters on Kangaroo Island. Throughout, nights spent in 5-star accommodations ensure you depart southern Australia feeling thoroughly revitalized.

Your southern Australia adventure begins in the welcoming city of Melbourne, where any lingering jet lag will quickly fade as you unwind at your lavish accommodation and spend the evening hopping between the city's fantastic bars. Get a taste of Australia's remote corners the following day during a trip to Phillip Island, and while here, watch hundreds of penguins hop ashore at Summerland Beach. Next, delve into the backstreets of Melbourne onboard a full-day private bike tour that'll be carefully tailored to suit your interests. Then, spend your final evening treating yourself at one of Melbourne's fine-dining restaurants.

The second half of your adventure begins with a flight to Adelaide, the progressive capital of South Australia, and upon arrival, you'll check into the iconic Mayfair Hotel. Later, head out for a culinary walking tour featuring local wine bars, but rest up, as another flight awaits the following morning. This one clocks in at just 35 minutes, which means soon you'll be landing on the unspoiled Kangaroo Island. Make the most of your overnight here, squeezing in a guided bushwalk and a private tour of Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park before returning to Adelaide to catch your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Australia Itineraries

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

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