Sydney, Cairns & Uluru: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Sydney, Cairns & Uluru?

• Most travelers spend 8-10 days in Sydney, Cairns, and Uluru combined
• Visiting Sydney, Cairns, and Uluru in 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Melbourne and Darwin

How Many Days to Spend in Sydney

Recommended Itineraries for Sydney, Cairns & Uluru

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Get to know four of Australia's most iconic travel destinations on this eight-day itinerary. Begin your trip in Sydney—where you'll walk historic cobblestoned streets, explore trendy suburbs, and indulge in the delicious multicultural culinary fare on offer—then head to the nearby Blue Mountains and take in its stunning natural beauty. Fly to Uluru, where an unparalleled spiritual experience awaits, then onto Cairns to see some of Australia's most famous underwater wildlife and rainforests. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

If you've got limited time to tackle the vast Australian continent, this may be the itinerary for you. You'll start in cosmopolitan Sydney under the eaves of the famous Opera House, then fly out to the Red Centre to experience the dramatic rock formations of Uluru. Top it off with a visit to Cairns to explore the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of free days in between to add your own twist. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

On this 10-day trip to Australia, enjoy a mix of city tours and outdoor excursions. First, explore Cairns, along with a memorable day trip to the famed Great Barrier Reef. Next, visit the outback of Uluru and the iconic Ayers Rock. Then, land in Sydney for a city tour, a day of wine tasting in Hunter Valley, and a free day to experience the BridgeClimb at Sydney Harbour Bridge and the renowned Sydney Opera House. Read more

Extended Itineraries

10-Day Itinerary Including Melbourne

Cover the highlights on this 10-day tour that perfectly combines urban exploration with outdoor excursions starting in the cultural capital of Melbourne—a great jumping-off point to explore nearby Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road. Venture into the "Red Center" to visit the iconic Ayers Rock before flying out to tropical Cairns to cuddle with a koala and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. End your stay with a Sydney city tour and a day trip to Blue Mountains National Park. Read more

16-Day Itinerary Including Melbourne, Adelaide & Darwin

This well-rounded 16-day tour of Australia's highlights is sure to delight any first-time visitor. You'll explore the hidden laneways of artsy Melbourne and the famous landmarks of Sydney, learn about Indigenous culture at Uluru in the country's Red Center, and discover tropical Queensland with an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll meet kangaroos at Kangaroo Island, search for crocodiles at Kakadu National Park, and have free time to enjoy a few day trips of your choosing. Read more

How to travel between Sydney, Cairns & Uluru

How to get from Sydney to Cairns
Sydney and Cairns are both on Australia's east coast, but Sydney is about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) south of the tropical northern Queensland city. Here's how to get from Sydney to Cairns. Read more

How to get to Uluru
Uluru is right in the center of Australia, in the southwestern corner of the Northern Territory, and is a long way from pretty much everywhere. The nearest town is Alice Springs, and that's still more than 200 miles (330 km) away. But Uluru is also one of Australia's most popular tourist attractions, so it's quite easy to get to from elsewhere in Australia. Here's what you need to know about getting to Uluru. Read more