Australia Travel Insights

New Zealand South Island Road Trip & Melbourne - 10 Days

Discover the natural wonders of New Zealand and Australia on this 10-day road trip. Start with scenic drives across New Zealand's South Island, stopping to marvel at pancake rocks and tour glittering glowworm caves. You'll take a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier and sail the UNESCO-listed Milford Sound / Piopiotahi before jetting to Australia. Here, adventures include touring the iconic Great Ocean Road to admire its dramatic sea stacks and soaring over Melbourne in a hot-air balloon.

Australia & New Zealand Outdoor Adventure: Queenstown, Sydney & Cairns - 10 Days

This exciting 10-day tour across New Zealand and Australia focuses on just three destinations. In Queenstown, you'll visit the vineyards of Central Otago, get your heart pounding with the jet boat, and cruise across the awe-inspiring Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. You'll then get to know Sydney like a local with walking tours, a native food experience, and a harbor cruise. And finally, in tropical Cairns, you'll explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Sydney & New Zealand's South Island Ultimate Adventure - 10 Days

There's so much to see and do in Australia and New Zealand, and this 10-day itinerary bites off the perfect chunk. Start with three days in sunny Sydney, where you'll see a show at the Opera House and hug a koala, then cross over to New Zealand's South Island for an adventurous self-drive holiday. Land in Christchurch, where you'll enjoy a historic tram dinner, then drive south to Lake Tekapo and take a heli-hike up Mount Cook. Finally, reach Queenstown, where local wine and adrenaline activities await.

Australia & New Zealand Culture Tour: Auckland, Rotorua, Melbourne, Uluru & Sydney - 10 Days

Discover the diverse landscapes, delicious food, and rich cultures of Australia and New Zealand in just 10 days. This itinerary kicks off with a captivating sunset dinner cruise in Auckland, followed by activities involving Rotorua's Māori culture and geothermal wonders. From here, hop to Melbourne for a food and cocktail tour before exploring the Great Ocean Road. Next, witness awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets at Uluru, and end in Sydney, where you'll conquer the iconic bridge and savor Aboriginal bush food.

Fast-Paced Australia & New Zealand Tour: Queenstown, Sydney, Tasmania & Perth - 10 Days

Explore the diverse beauty and culture of Australia and New Zealand on this brilliant 10-day journey. From the breathtaking fjords near Queenstown to the iconic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk in Sydney, this fast-paced itinerary squeezes the best nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences into just 10 days. Discover these two countries as you hike through national parks, indulge in city life, and embark on memorable day trips.

Perth: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, five to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in Perth. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Melbourne or Sydney. See more ideas for Perth itineraries below.

Highlights of Perth - 8 Days

Unveil the wonders of Perth and its spectacular surroundings with this immersive eight-day itinerary. Begin with a deep dive into Western Australia's dynamic capital, where you'll explore Perth's storied history, discover a thriving art scene, and enjoy free time. When you're not exploring the city, you'll join thrilling day trips to ancient Wave Rock, the gourmet paradise of Margaret River, the quokka-inhabited haven of Rottnest Island, and the surreal Pinnacles Desert.

Sydney & Melbourne: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Australia typically plan a trip for eight to 10 days when combining both Sydney and Melbourne with Cairns. For travelers wanting to visit Sydney and Melbourne exclusively, plan seven to nine days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as six days. Check out kimkim's favorite Sydney and Melbourne trips below.

Tale of Two Aussie Cities: Sydney & Melbourne - 7 Days

Australia's two greatest cities—Sydney and Melbourne—are like competitive siblings. Both are charming, vibrant, and interesting places to live and explore, and each has an entirely different personality to discover. With this seven-day itinerary, you'll spend a week experiencing the two with a series of immersive cultural and culinary experiences. Beyond the city limits, this itinerary includes special day trips to the Blue Mountains, Phillip Island, and the Great Ocean Road.

2 Weeks in Australia & New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Australia and New Zealand, you can opt for a classic tour that features cultural experiences or hike, dive, zipline, and cruise through each country's natural wonders on an adrenaline-pumping trip. Those traveling during the Southern Hemisphere's winter can delve into seasonal activities, while travelers who enjoy the freedom of self-driving can embark on a road trip itinerary featuring Auckland, Queenstown, Cairns, and Sydney.

Australia & New Zealand Natural Adventure: Sydney to Queenstown - 14 Days

This two-week trip to Australia and New Zealand will get your heart pumping with one-of-a-kind adventures and unusual destinations. Tick off the main sights in Sydney, then switch to lesser-known Port Lincoln, where you'll come face-to-face with great white sharks. Dive the Great Barrier Reef and visit Kuranda before flying to New Zealand, where big thrills await in Queenstown with jet boats, wilderness cruises, scenic hikes, and wine tasting.

Seasonal Highlights of Australia & New Zealand - 14 Days

If you're planning to visit Australia and New Zealand between May and October, this 14-day itinerary ticks all the right boxes. Experience the best of each country, along with special seasonal activities such as whale watching from Sydney Harbour and sledding in the snow at Queenstown. While it might be winter and spring Down Under, you'll still be snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and connecting with culture in Port Douglas and Rotorua.

The Ultimate Tour of Australia & New Zealand - 14 Days

This fast-paced trip squeezes the best of Australia and New Zealand into two epic weeks. Start in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and road trip south to Rotorua for Hobbiton, bubbling mud pools, and geothermal activity. Skip to the world's adventure capital, Queenstown, for big thrills and a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi day trip before crossing over to Australia. Here, you'll tick off Melbourne and Sydney, skip out to the Red Centre at Uluru, and see the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns.

New Zealand & Australia Road Trip Highlights - 14 Days

Explore New Zealand and Australia's highlights on this two-week self-drive adventure. Start in New Zealand, where you'll wander geothermal landscapes and discover Maori culture on the North Island, then enjoy gondola rides, scenic hikes, and stargazing on the South Island. Jet to Australia next to experience its UNESCO wonders; you'll snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef and tour mighty Uluru, watching the sun rise and set over this Indigenous landmark.

Australia & New Zealand Panorama: Palm Cove, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown - 14 Days

Stunning landscapes abound on this two-week odyssey through Australia and New Zealand. Bask on the beaches of Palm Cove, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and set off into the bush to discover the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains. Then it's off to Auckland for an adventure through the North and South Islands—cruising through glowworm caves, meeting the iconic kiwi bird, joining a traditional Maori feast, and ending in the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 13 to 16 days is perfect for a well-paced Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Melbourne. Keep reading for more inspiring Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island itineraries.

Cairns: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Australia typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining Cairns with Sydney and Uluru. If you're not interested in Sydney and Uluru, five to six days is enough for your Cairns trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries, including Cairns, keep reading below.

Sydney, Uluru & Melbourne: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Sydney, Uluru, and Melbourne spend about 10 to 14 days in Australia, which usually includes some time in Cairns as well. If you're not interested in Cairns, 10 to 12 days is enough for your Sydney, Uluru, and Melbourne trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in six to nine days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Sydney, Uluru, and Melbourne, and beyond.

Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne & Adelaide: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Australia typically plan a trip for about 16 days when combining Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Adelaide with Uluru and Darwin. If you're not interested in Uluru and Darwin, 11 to 14 days is enough for your Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Adelaide trip. Meanwhile, a fast-paced highlights trip is possible in 10 days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide, and beyond.

Gold Coast & Brisbane: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, five to seven days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in both Gold Coast and Brisbane. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Sydney or Airlie Beach. Get inspired with kimkim's Gold Coast and Brisbane trip ideas below.

Cairns & Port Douglas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 5 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Australia trip with stops in both Cairns and Port Douglas. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Sydney. Get inspired with the below ideas for Cairns and Port Douglas trips.

Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne & Port Douglas: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 13 to 15 days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne, and Port Douglas. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 11 or 12 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Cairns. Get inspired with the below Sydney, Uluru, Melbourne, and Port Douglas.

Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 10 to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Uluru, and Port Douglas. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in eight or nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Melbourne, Cairns, or Brisbane. See more ideas for Sydney, Uluru, and Port Douglas itineraries below.

Sydney: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Australia travelers interested in visiting Sydney, especially when also including Cairns and Uluru. If you're only headed to Sydney, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in five to six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Sydney and beyond.

Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne & Gold Coast: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days to two weeks is a great length for an Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Gold Coast. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 9 to 11 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Surfers Paradise. Get inspired with the below Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Gold Coast trip ideas.

Sydney & Cairns: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days are the most popular trip length for travelers to Australia interested in visiting both Sydney and Cairns, especially when also including Uluru. If you're only headed to Sydney and Cairns, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in a week to nine days. Even those with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five or six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Sydney and Cairns and beyond.

Sydney, Cairns, Uluru & Melbourne: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 10 to 14 days is perfect for a well-paced Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, and Melbourne. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of kimkim's favorite itinerary extensions include Adelaide or Darwin. Keep reading for more inspiring Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, and Melbourne itineraries.

Sydney, Cairns & Uluru: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 8 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Cairns, and Uluru. It's also possible to hit the highlights in a week if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Melbourne and Darwin. See more ideas for Sydney, Cairns, and Uluru itineraries below.

3 Weeks in Australia & New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Within three weeks, you can visit at least six regions of Australia and New Zealand. Hit the highlights of Australia's eastern and southern coasts and experience New Zealand culture and adventure in Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown. Road trippers will enjoy various activities, including a tasting tour in Wellington, while those keen on culture will appreciate the Indigenous-led experiences—such as a bush walk and Dreamtime stories in Perth—on a cultural journey.

20 Days in Australia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 20 days in Australia, you'll have plenty of time to tick off city tours, excursions in the outback, and time on Tasmania on a highlights tour. Or get behind the wheel and journey along the Great Ocean Road and the Pacific coast on a self-drive itinerary. Those with Western Australia's beaches and off-the-beaten-track landscapes in mind should include a road trip from Perth to Exmouth in their plans, while adventure seekers will love exploring by boat, train, and hot-air balloon on a Sydney to Perth adventure.

Active Adventures in Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Cairns, Queenstown, Christchurch & Auckland - 21 Days

Active travelers looking for outdoor adventures Down Under will love this exciting 21-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. You'll combine sightseeing highlights with various outdoor activities such as hiking, nature cruises, snorkeling, and even the more extreme: bungee jumping and jet boating. Start in Sydney and travel to Northern Queensland before hopping across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, where you'll traverse both the South and North Islands, from Queenstown to Auckland.

Epic Australia & New Zealand: Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay & More - 21 Days

Cover the highlights of eastern Australia and New Zealand on this three-week trip. Starting in New Zealand's North Island, you'll check out the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Auckland and Rotorua and learn about Maori culture and eat your way around Wellington. Fly to Australia next, where you'll start in Brisbane and make your way down the New South Wales coast to Sydney, stopping at beautiful beaches and quaint towns. End back in New Zealand with thrilling outdoor adventures in Queenstown.

17 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 17 days in Australia, you can cover three to five regions, ticking off city highlights and exploring the outback and the Great Barrier Reef on a fast-paced highlights itinerary, or opt for a more relaxed trip that includes time in the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, and Palm Cove. Foodies should take advantage of the option to indulge in Sydney and Melbourne's world-class culinary scene on a food and culture trip, while those looking to get their adrenaline pumping should include New Zealand.

Epic Australia Highlights Trip: Eastern, Central & Tasmania - 20 Days

Check off all the highlights and discover some off-the-beaten-path wonders on this far-reaching 20-day adventure through Australia. Touch down in Sydney, then snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef and head to the outback for dinner under the stars at Uluru. Return to city life in Melbourne's bustling back alleys, hop over to Tasmania for a taste of wild and wonderful nature, taste your way through Adelaide's famous culinary scene, then wind down your trip getting to know the local wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

Australian East Coast & Indian Pacific Rail: Sydney to Perth - 20 Days

This 20-day Australian journey combines city charm, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences. Start in Melbourne with a hot-air balloon flight, then spend the night on the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Visit stunning Sydney and board the legendary Indian Pacific Railway for a captivating cross-country voyage to Perth. Sip your way around the Margaret River wine region, then have an exhilarating encounter with whale sharks in Exmouth.

Melbourne, Sydney & Western Australia Road Trip - 20 Days

This 20-day itinerary blends city exploration with coastal wonders and an epic road trip along the Coral Coast. Soak up city life, culture, and cuisine in Melbourne and Sydney before flying to sun-kissed Perth. Embark on a Western Australia road trip to see the striking Pinnacles, snorkel Coral Bay, and witness the beauty of Ningaloo Reef.

The Ultimate Australian Self-Drive Adventure: Outback, Great Ocean Road & Pacific Coast - 20 Days

This epic 20-day self-drive adventure explores Australia's diverse landscapes and iconic destinations. Over 20 days, you'll take in dazzling Sydney and witness the magnificent Uluru. Continue to Melbourne to cruise the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles. Then road trip along the beautiful east coast from Brisbane to Sydney, soaking up the laid-back vibes of Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and more.

Australia City, Coast & Outback Tour -11 Days

Experience Australia's outdoor highlights as you travel from the coast to the country's interior and back again. Touch down in Sydney to see famous landmarks and go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. Discover Uluru with dinner under the stars and a camel ride at sunrise. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, drive along scenic roads to Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, then soak up Melbourne's nightlife and say goodbye with a hot-air balloon ride over the city.

Australia Cities & Nature: Sydney, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Uluru & Melbourne - 17 Days

Combine vibrant cities and remote nature on this well-rounded 17-day trip through Australia. Tour the sights in Sydney before flying north to Port Douglas to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Head to Brisbane for an immersive introduction to Indigenous culture and a guided tour of its famous zoo, then escape to the outback's quiet to witness Uluru's wonders. Wind down in the cultural capital of Melbourne, with a day trip to nearby Phillip Island to see its famous "penguin parade."

Australia & New Zealand Cultural Journey - 21 Days

Experience the rich culture of Australia and New Zealand on this three-week adventure. You'll visit Australia's most iconic landmarks, from Sydney Harbour Bridge to UNESCO-listed Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as ancient rainforests and the wild Northern Territory. Continue to New Zealand's North Island to immerse yourself in geothermal landscapes, Maori culture, and Middle-earth with a trip to the Hobbiton film set.

Epic Australia & New Zealand Highlights Tour - 17 Days

Experience the best that Australia and New Zealand have to offer on this comprehensive 17-day tour. Touchdown in Sydney, then get spiritual as you head to the country's center to see sunrises and sunsets over Uluru. Leave for the coast, where you'll cruise along the Great Barrier Reef for two days. Nip off to New Zealand and appreciate Auckland's beach and bush. See geysers and dip in geothermal springs before cruising along Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and visiting Franz Josef Glacier.

Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 7 Days

This transcontinental Australia itinerary packs a great adventure into one epic week. Discover Sydney's iconic sights, climb the Harbour Bridge at sunset, and traverse the breathtaking Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Then board the Indian Pacific Railway from Sydney to Perth, witnessing the changing landscapes of Australia along the way.

18 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 18 days, you can visit at least three regions in Australia. Those keen on culture will appreciate the Indigenous-led experiences of the east and west coasts, while those interested in road-tripping can opt for an east coast adventure. Enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor activities from Melbourne to Uluru and Port Douglas and Sydney. Outdoorsy folks can hike in New South Wales and Tasmania, while those seeking both adrenaline and rejuvenation can bungee jump and soak in hot springs on a two-country itinerary.

Australia's Nature, Wine & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide, Barossa Valley & Palm Cove - 17 Days

Experience Australia's classic highlights and off-the-beaten-path nature, wine, and wildlife on this comprehensive 17-day tour. Enjoy city sightseeing and food tours in Sydney and Adelaide before road-tripping through the lush Barossa Valley for wine tasting at boutique vineyards. Next, sail over to Kangaroo Island to spot iconic Australian wildlife and fly to tropical Queensland, where rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, and the white sands of Palm Cove await.

Australia's Food, Wine & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide & Cairns - 11 Days

This 11-day food-focused tour will give you an authentic taste of Australia. Packed with gourmet food and wine experiences, you'll sample the best of the country. Explore Sydney's iconic sights, join an Aboriginal bush tucker tour, go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale, eat through Adelaide's historic market, and take a gourmet day trip to Kangaroo Island. End this journey between the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Cairns.

Sydney & Outback Highlights: Alice Springs, Kings Canyon & Uluru - 9 Days

This nine-day Australia itinerary combines iconic sights and breathtaking destinations. Start in Sydney, ticking off the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and more. Then swap the coast for a real outback adventure. Drive the rustic Mereenie Loop, hike around Kings Canyon, see Kata Tjuta, and marvel at the magnificent Uluru monolith. Expect nine days of unforgettable experiences, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

Best of Australia: Food, Nature & Culture - 17 Days

This thrilling itinerary takes you across eastern and central Australia over 17 days, combining the best food, nature, and cultural experiences. Start in Sydney with a Harbor Bridge climb and venture out to the Blue Mountains before flying north to two UNESCO World Heritage wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Pass by the Red Center to witness a sunrise and sunset at Uluru and soak up Melbourne and Adelaide with trips to Phillip and Kangaroo islands.

Ultimate Landscapes of Australia: City, Outback, Rainforest & Reef - 17 Days

Experience Australia's diverse landscapes on this 17-day tour, which takes you from cities to deserts, rainforests, and reefs. Along the way, you'll discover urban wonders, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Melbourne's graffitied laneways, as well as penguin-spotted Phillip Island and the UNESCO-listed rock formation Uluru. End in sun-soaked Queensland, where you'll snorkel the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, explore lush rainforests, and laze on the tropical sands of Palm Cove.

Great Ocean Road & the Whitsundays - 9 Days

Get set for a fantastic nine-day adventure across Australia. Start in Melbourne, rent a car, and hit the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most iconic drives. Fly north to tropical Queensland to see the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Witness the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pristine white silica sand, and go snorkeling. Drive south to Rockhampton, Australia's Beef Capital, then fly to beautiful Brisbane.

Great Ocean Road, Melbourne & the Grampians - 9 Days

Feel the freedom of the open road as you wind your way along Australia's most iconic coastal drive. This nine-day Aussie itinerary gives you three days on the Great Ocean Road, soaking up views of the famous Twelve Apostles and more. The journey begins and ends in Melbourne, stopping by the Grampians mountain range and the historic gold rush town of Ballarat. Buckle up for a memorable Australian adventure.