5 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Sydney - Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, & More

On this traditional five-day tour of the New South Wales’ capital city, explore the best landmarks Sydney has to offer. Experience neighborhoods and sites like The Rocks and Bondi Beach, and cruise around Sydney Harbour. Then, embark on a day trip to the scenic Blue Mountains. Finally, take more time to tour the famed Sydney Opera House and embark on a BridgeClimb adventure.

Upon arrival in Sydney, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Circular Quay. Once settled, do some sightseeing. Stroll the Royal Botanic Garden, view works at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and tour the Gothic Revival-style architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral. On day two, continue your sightseeing tour. Visit The Rocks and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, along with iconic Bondi Beach. Then, take a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour.

Next, embark on a day trip to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Region. Enjoy morning tea at Calmsley Hill Farm, pet a koala, and feed a kangaroo. Travel through scenic villages and waterfalls. More scenic lookouts await in the afternoon at Govett’s Leap, one of the most famous views in the country. The day trip concludes at Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, along with refreshments, before returning to Sydney.

Day four provides another opportunity to visit more of Sydney’s iconic sites. If you’re feeling adventurous, make you way up the BridgeClimb, which provides full, panoramic views of the city from Sydney Harbour. Then, go on a guided tour of the world-renowned Sydney Opera House to learn this history behind the magical performing arts center. Toast to your final night in Sydney before departing tomorrow. Learn more

Itinerary 2:  Far North Queensland Getaway - Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef, & Daintree Rainforest

This active adventure through Far North Queensland travels through two cities in five days—Cairns and Port Douglas—with sightseeing days and free time in both. In addition, experience two of Australian’s natural landmarks. First, go snorkeling through the Great Barrier Reef. Then, explore the Daintree Rainforest via a river cruise among local flora and fauna.

Once you arrive in Cairns, rest or do some sightseeing. On a tour of the town, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, go for a swim in Cairns Lagoon, and get acquainted with the indigenous culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Day two takes you to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, where you can take a catamaran ride around, as well as snorkel among more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays.

Next, travel to Port Douglas, which is 1 hour away. With a free day of leisure, there are plenty of options for discovery. Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, a 25-acre wildlife sanctuary that is home to many native species. Relax on Four Mile Beach and dine at Flames of the Forest, which offers a traditional Aboriginal meal and a live performance. In the morning, head to Daintree Rainforest to embark on a river cruise among the local wildlife. Then, visit Kuku Yalanji at the Mossman Gorge Centre and learn about the natives surviving in the jungle. Indulge in a farewell feast in Port Douglas at night, prior to leaving from Cairns tomorrow. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road Self Drive Tour

On this five-day road trip, explore Melbourne and Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, with its incredible seaside lookouts. Do a bit of sightseeing in Melbourne to begin, then venture to laid-back beach towns like Bells Beach and Lorne. Tour The Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks along the water, and then visit Ballarat, a town that launched out the 1851 Gold Rush.

From the airport in Melbourne, pick up your rental car and head to the city. Check into your hotel, and then do some sightseeing. Areas to bookmark include Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. Additionally, Melbourne is known for its funky, bohemian vibe, so feel free to explore street art and coffee shops, along with checking out some live music surrounding the after-hours pub scene.

Day two invites you to Great Ocean Road. Stop in Bells Beach, famous for its surfing culture, and then snap photos at Split Point Lighthouse along Airey’s Inlet. Upon arriving in Lorne, visit some of the scenic waterfalls, and keep an eye out for kangaroos and koalas. In the morning, stop at Otway Ranges to stroll among the exceptional flora, embark on the Tree Top Walk, and enjoy the Zip Line Tour. Plenty of lookouts follow at The Twelve Apostles limestone formations, as well as the Loch Ard Gorge and the London Arch—where penguins frequent. Settle in Apollo Bay for the night, and indulge in a craft beer at a local brewhouse.

The final day of the trip lands you in Ballarat, with its rich gold rush heritage that dates back to 1851. While in town, pan for gold around Sovereign Hill, browse works at the Art Gallery of Ballarat and engage with local animals at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Then, continue back to Melbourne and enjoy a farewell night on the town before flying out in the morning. Learn more

Itinerary #4: South East Queensland - Brisbane & Gold Coast

Experience the best of South East Queensland on this fun and active trip that spans five days. The adventure begins in Brisbane, with a welcome toast and incredible views from Mount Coot-Tha, before strolling through the Australia Zoo with its wide range of shows and tours surrounding native species. Then, enjoy a free day in Gold Coast, followed by a tour of the rainforests, waterfalls, and native wildlife at Mount Tambourine National Park.

A host will greet you when you arrive in Brisbane. Check into your hotel and freshen up, before taking the ride to Mount Coot-Tha for a welcome toast. Enjoy views of Brisbane spanning out to Moreton Bay. In the morning, a driver will provide the 45-minute ride to the Australia Zoo. Explore the 1,000-acre wildlife playground owned by the family of Steve Irwin (formerly the Crocodile Hunter). Get up-close with crocodiles—of course—along with kangaroos, koalas, tigers, and more.

Day three offers free time to explore a day in Gold Coast. Go surfing in Burleigh Heads and then explore Burleigh Heads National Park Headlands. In the afternoon, visit the SkyPoint Climb for a thrilling external building climb. Or, spend the day at a theme park—Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, and Sea World are just a few options. In the morning, drive through Gold Coast to Mount Tambourine National Park to discover native wildlife among the rainforests and waterfalls. In the afternoon, peruse works by local artists at Gallery Walk, and enjoy your final night before heading back to Brisbane to depart. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Outback Adventure: Uluru & Alice Springs

Experience another side of Australia—The Outback—on this five-day desert region tour. The trip launches in Uluru, home to the ancient Ayers Rock. Enjoy sunrise and sunsets and watch the surroundings change colors. Then, travel to Alice Springs to go sightseeing, followed by a visit to West MacDonnell Ranges, with its stunning, red-hued gorges.

Arrive in Uluru, and check into your hotel. Following the long flight, get some rest and adjust to the time change. In the morning, a beautiful sunset over the Red Centre awaits, along with morning tea or coffee. In the afternoon, tour Ayers Rock and surrounding Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park’s 550 million years of history. View the Olgas and the monolith before toasting to sunset over a glass of champagne.

Day three transports you to Alice Springs, known as a gateway to and from Uluru. The town is located in the heart of Central Australia. Sites and landmarks to see include Anzac Hill for views below, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and its museum, the School of Air educational institution, and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station—the original site of the first Central Australian European settlement. In the morning, head out on a tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Drive along the fiery-red rocks and gorges, and stop for a dip in the waterholes. Go out and take advantage of your last night in Alice Springs before flying out the next day. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Australia trip? Check out these other 5-day Australia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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