16 Days in Australia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Coast-to-Coast Australian Cities: Sydney, Melbourne & Perth

Embark on an epic 16-day journey across Australia, from the hip cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the welcoming wine region of Margaret River. Crafted with first-time visitors in mind who crave a mix of highlights and off-the-beaten-path experiences, you'll have plenty of time to check out famous city sights and lesser-visited towns, islands, and beaches. Notable excursions include a trip to see an adorable penguin parade, a hot-air balloon flight over Melbourne, a winery-hopping tour in Margaret River, and a Sydney Harbour cruise.

Your ultimate Australian adventure begins in Sydney, and with a sunset harbor cruise on the agenda, you'll wake to your second day refreshed and ready for a half-day sightseeing tour and a thrilling Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. Then, dedicate the following two days to exploring Sydney's surroundings, first during a wildlife, waterfalls, and wine tour, and second during a hiking excursion in the Blue Mountains. Next on the itinerary is a four-day stay in Melbourne, which you'll spend checking out its legendary culinary scene, admiring penguins on Phillip Island, and road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road.

Your final day in Melbourne promises to be one to remember, with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride kicking things off and a city neighborhoods tour rounding out your stay. Afterward, you're off to Perth, where a Swan River dinner cruise greets your arrival and a trip to Rottnest Island introduces you to the adorable resident quokkas. Then, spend the following two days in Margaret River, sipping wine, tucking into farm-fresh meals, and relaxing on nearby beaches. Back in Perth, join up with local guides to uncover the city's trendy laneways and take a day to explore independently before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Australian East Coast Road Trip: Reefs, Rainforests & Beaches

Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest before conquering a drive from Brisbane to Sydney on this sun-soaked east coast adventure. Designed for those who crave both nature and urban excitement, your itinerary includes guided city tours alongside hikes, snorkeling, bike rides, and cruises. Enjoy a catamaran trip to Mackay Coral Cay, a visit to the Blue Mountains, and stops at landmarks like the Opera House, Brisbane's South Bank, and Bondi Beach.

After transferring from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on Four Mile Beach, as the following three days are packed with adventure activities featuring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Snorkel at Mackay Coral Cay, join an Aboriginal rainforest tour, and hike along Mossman River. Then, fly to Brisbane and kick off your stay with a self-guided tour. The next day brings you into the Springbrook Rainforest for a hiking and wildlife-watching adventure and you'll also spend an afternoon at the legendary Australia Zoo before collecting a rental car for your east coast road trip.

Soon, you'll find yourself in Byron Bay, learning to ride waves during a surf lesson and kayaking with dolphins around Cape Byron. Continuing south, a night in Coffs Harbour lets you experience Indigenous culture on a Giingan walking tour, while a drive along the Pacific Highway offers stops in artsy towns, seaside villages, and at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Upon reaching Sydney, delight in a scenic dinner cruise and spend a morning biking around city highlights. Lastly, witness the rugged Blue Mountains and walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Australia Great Barrier Reef, Top End & Outback Adventure

Ideal for adventure-loving travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path trip, this intrepid Australian itinerary is all about the country's great outdoors. Starting in Palm Cove, you'll cruise around the Great Barrier Reef and explore the lush landscapes of Kuranda Rainforest and Daintree National Park. Then, spend six days in the Northern Territory, boating through crocodile-filled waters and hiking to waterfalls in Kakadu National Park before setting your sights on the outback. With a day each in Alice Springs and Kings Canyon, and two days in Uluru, you'll enjoy plenty of remote hikes in the arid Red Centre.

While your Australian getaway officially kicks off in Cairns, you'll be whisked straight to the beachside village of Palm Cove. Spend your first afternoon checking out the town independently, then thanks to the help of local guides, you'll learn traditional fishing techniques in Daintree National Park and snorkel the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, off-road amid the Kuranda Rainforest before catching a flight to Darwin. There's lots to see and do in this tropical capital city, and over the following days, you'll pack in a city tour, a foodie experience, and a cruise on the Adelaide River.

The second half of your adventure picks up the pace, and over two days, you'll wildlife watch in Kakadu National Park, hike to Gunlom Falls, cruise South Alligator River, and overnight in Kakadu and Cooinda. Then, following a night back in Darwin, catch a flight to the outback town of Alice Springs and dedicate the afternoon to learning about the region's Indigenous culture. Continuing on, you'll next stop in Kings Canyon for a hike along its crater and in Uluru to witness Australia's famous rock. Afterward, fly to Sydney and toast the end of your adventure at the Opera Bar. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other 16-day Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.