10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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