17 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Australia Cities & Nature: Sydney, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Uluru & Melbourne

Discover Australia's iconic cities and natural wonders on this 17-day highlights itinerary through Sydney, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Uluru, and Melbourne. Perfect for first-time visitors to the country who want to keep on the move, you'll experience bustling harbors and pristine beaches and delight in the chance to encounter koalas, kangaroos, and penguins. Highlights include a cruise along the Great Barrier Reef, a full-day adventure in the Mossman Gorge, a camel ride through the outback, and time on the laid-back Phillip Island.

G'day and welcome to Australia! Your adventure begins with four days in Sydney, admiring views of the Sydney Opera House, wandering through the Royal Botanic Garden, and relaxing on a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Then, spend a day between the famous Bondi Beach and the Taronga Zoo, and embark on a guided tour along the Grand Pacific Drive before continuing your journey to Port Douglas. Deemed the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, four days here will fly by as you sail over colorful reefs, explore Daintree National Park, and snorkel in the Mossman River.

After a two-hour flight, you'll find yourself in Brisbane, admiring Australia Zoo's 1,200 native and exotic species and visiting the art galleries and museums of Southbank Parklands. Your journey then takes you to Uluru, where you'll join a Sounds of Silence dinner under the star-studded outback sky, followed by a sunrise tour of Kata Tjuta and a sunset camel ride through the Red Centre desert plains. Finally, finish your adventure exploring Melbourne and its surrounding highlights, including the penguin parade on Phillip Island and koala-filled You Yangs Park. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Landscapes of Australia: City, Outback, Rainforest & Reef

Perfect for those looking for a mix of city tours, harbor and ocean cruises, and time to explore on your own, this Australian adventure ticks off the must-see highlights of Sydney, Melbourne, Palm Cove, and Uluru. Throughout the adventure, experience sunrise and sunset views of the UNESCO-listed Uluru, drive the famous Great Ocean Road and witness Phillip Island's daily penguin parade. Complete your adventure with food tours in Sydney and Melbourne and an uninterrupted day cruising above the Great Barrier Reef.

Your Australian journey begins in Sydney, shaking off jet lag while relaxing in Sydney Harbour and The Rocks. Then, it's off to Uluru to see the magnificent Uluru monolith and Walpa Gorge for yourself. Spend the following morning passing through the "Field of Light" art installation before catching a flight to Melbourne, where you'll dive into the city's renowned culinary scene on an evening food walk and venture to the nearby Phillip Island to watch the fascinating penguin parade. Next, embark on a self-drive along the Great Ocean Road to admire stunning coastal scenery until it's time to return to Melbourne.

The second half of your trip begins with a flight to Cairns, where you'll pick up your rental car and continue to the idyllic beach town of Palm Cove. From here, embark on a Great Barrier Reef cruise and snorkeling trip, wind through Kuranda Rainforest by train, and take a road trip to the Atherton Tablelands. Spend your final day in Palm Cove relaxing on Clifton Beach; then, it's back to Sydney to soak up the city's laid-back atmosphere. End your adventure with a five-hour lunch experience and a scenic flight over Sydney Harbour before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Australia's Nature, Wine & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide, Barossa Valley & Palm Cove

Discover Australia's diverse beauty on this 17-day trip, exploring Sydney, Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, and Palm Cove. Perfect for nature, food, and wine enthusiasts, you'll tour city markets, relax on pristine beaches, and sample wines in lush vineyards. Plus, with time on Kangaroo Island, a snorkel excursion on the Great Barrier Reef, and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Kuranda Rainforest on the agenda, this itinerary offers you the chance to get well off the beaten path.

Kick off your 17-day Australian journey with four days in Sydney, getting to know the city's many must-see highlights. Enjoy a drink in Sydney Harbour, walk along swanky Watson's Bay, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and buzz above the city in a helicopter to Cottage Point Inn for lunch. Next, fly to Adelaide, where you'll have time to wander the bustling Central Market and relax on Glenelg Beach before picking up your rental car. Set your GPS to Barossa Valley, a region known for its fine wines, and spend the following two days vineyard hopping alongside a trained professional.

Your road trip continues to Cape Jervis, where you'll board a ferry bound for Kangaroo Island. Delight in three uninterrupted days of wildlife encounters, including sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park and koalas at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, before returning to Adelaide and catching a flight north to Cairns. After picking up your rental car and driving to Palm Cove, the next four days are about exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, and the Kuranda Rainforest by boat, train, and foot. Finally, return to Sydney for some last-minute sightseeing until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Best of Australia: Food, Nature & Culture

Discover the best of Australia on this food, nature, and culture-focused itinerary, crafted for those interested in soaking up the atmosphere of vibrant cities between exciting day trips to the wilderness. With a climb up the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, a day trip to the famous Blue Mountains, a snorkel excursion at the Great Barrier Reef, an evening dedicated to watching the sunset at Uluru, and a night on Kangaroo Island on this itinerary, you'll leave feeling well-introduced to Australia's culture, bustling cities, and famous landscapes.

Start your Australia trip in Sydney, climbing the iconic Harbour Bridge and exploring the city highlights such as Kings Cross, Queen Victoria Building, and the Oxford Street district. Next, spend a day hopping between stunning lookout points in the Blue Mountains before flying to Cairns. You'll get straight out on the water with a dinner cruise on the agenda, then over the following three days, you'll explore the Great Barrer Reef, ride along the Kuranda Scenic Railway, visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and wander through tropical rainforests and alongside crater lakes at the Atherton Tablelands.

Next is two days in Uluru, dining under the stars and experiencing the breathtaking Field of Light installation until another flight brings you to Melbourne. After an evening experiencing the city's nightlife, you'll leave the bustle behind and embark on an excursion to Phillip Island. Then, continue your journey along the picturesque Great Ocean Road, stopping at iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles before flying to Adelaide. Include a visit to Kangaroo Island for unique wildlife encounters, and spend your final evening toasting an epic trip while attending a wine masterclass. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Epic Australia & New Zealand Highlights Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping and explore the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand on this epic multi-country tour. Starting in Australia, you'll conquer Sydney's "skywalk" over the Harbour Bridge, admire the Uluru monolith from atop a camel, and embark on an overnight sailing trip along the Great Barrier Reef. Then, in New Zealand, raft through glowworm caves, bungee jump in Queenstown, and join a thrilling heli-hike tour of Franz Josef Glacier.

Begin your activity-filled adventure in Sydney, getting your first taste of adrenaline-fueled activities while embarking on the "skywalk" over the Harbour Bridge. Next, a 3.5-hour flight brings you deep in the Australian Outback to Uluru. Admire the mighty Uluru monolith by helicopter, walk between conglomerate domes at Walpa Gorge, then watch the sunset while riding a camel across the desert terrain. After another domestic flight brings you to Cairns, you'll spend your first night cruising along the Trinity Inlet, followed by memorable days sailing and scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef.

On Day 8, it's time to catch a flight to Auckland, New Zealand. Admire the "City of Sails" from the Sky Tower, then continue to the geothermal-rich town of Rotorua, stopping at the Waitomo glowworm caves along the way. After an evening at the Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village), it's back to the airport for a flight to Queenstown. Pack in a thrilling jetboat ride, test your courage at the Nevis Bungee, and spend an incredible day admiring the dramatic waterfalls of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Then, your trip ends in style with a heli-hike atop a glacier and a scenic train journey to Christchurch. 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.

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