Australia Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Australia

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Enjoy learning to surf at Australia's beautiful beaches

Australia East Coast Family Adventure - 13 Days

Featuring an energetic mix of wildlife excursions and fun outdoor adventures, this 13-day itinerary is a great introduction to Australia for the whole family. Take a selfie with the cute koalas at Brisbane's Koala Sanctuary then dive into the Mossman River for a snorkeling tour. Who knows, you might even find the elusive platypus! Spend the day discovering the Great Barrier Reef, then fly to Sydney, where a tour of the Royal Opera House and a trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains conclude this memorable family trip.

See sleeping sea lions through Admirals Arch lookout on Kangaroo Island

Sydney, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Uluru & Cairns - 13 Days

From discovering history and culture in the city to snorkeling among elusive marine life, you'll find it all in Australia. Start in Sydney and see the most famous sites in the country. Head to Adelaide, where you'll taste and learn about Australia's finest wines. Jet off to Kangaroo Island to mingle with the kangaroos, then venture into the outback to watch the sun set over Uluru. Finally, snorkel to your heart's content along the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park.

Explore Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Palm Cove & Queenstown - 12 Days

Cross mountains, rivers, and oceans on this 12-day journey through Australia and New Zealand. Start in Sydney, where you'll visit Shark Island and discover its grottoes, secluded beaches, and cliffs. Fly north to Palm Cove to scuba dive and explore the Great Barrier Reef, then hop over to New Zealand's adventure capital of Queenstown—where you'll go wine tasting in Central Otago, take an overnight cruise through Milford Sound, and explore narrow canyons by jet boat.

Best of Australia: Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns & Sydney - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure kicks off in Melbourne, which has officially been christened as the cultural capital of Australia. Discover the city's bohemian laneways and take road trips down the scenic Great Ocean Road before heading north to the outback for a sunrise tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock), a sacred site to the First Nations people. Continue to tropical Queensland to venture to the outskirts of the Great Barrier Reef, then finish the tour in stylish Sydney with guided excursions of its iconic city sights.

See the iconic marsupial on Australia's Kangaroo Island

Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island - 12 Days

Experience some of Australia's best wildlife tours and incredible natural wonders on this 12-day outdoor adventure. It begins with city fun on a bicycle tour of Sydney's highlights, but you'll also take a day trip to the rugged mountains and vast gorges of the Blue Mountains. Then fly to tropical Queensland to snorkel the outer limits of the Great Barrier Reef and embark on rainforest hikes before heading south to spend time with kangaroos and enjoy the world-famous gastronomy of Adelaide.

Off-the-Beaten Path Australia: Melbourne & Tasmania Road Trip - 11 Days

Explore the rich history of Melbourne and Tasmania on this itinerary, which includes guided tours and a self-guided road trip across Tasmania. Spend two days in Melbourne and travel down the epic Great Ocean Road. Fly to Tasmania's capital, Hobart, and drive north to historical convict towns like Longford and Oatlands. Take in Tasmania's lake country and a glimpse of the southern lights along the way.

Classic Australia: Melbourne, Uluru & Sydney - 12 Days

Leave no stone unturned on this epic 12-day adventure that covers the best of southern, northern, and southeastern Australia. You'll journey from the up-and-coming city of Melbourne and travel along the Great Ocean Road, followed by a trip to the mystical rock formations dotting the arid deserts of the Red Centre. End the trip in Sydney, where you'll explore this handsome metropolis on city tours, boat tours, and beach excursions—you'll even take a day trip to the rugged Blue Mountains.

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand -11 Days

Experience the highlights of Australia and New Zealand in this action-packed 11-day holiday. Start with Sydney's iconic landmarks before making your way up to Cairns to dive into the Great Barrier Reef. Next, fly over to Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—where you can bungee jump, ride jet boats, and explore the land of Lord of the Rings.

A beach paradise at Palm Cove near Cairns

Discover Australia's Highlights: Palm Cove, Melbourne & Sydney - 11 Days

This 11-day highlights tour combines the best of Australia's beaches, cities, and national parks. Experience laid-back luxury at Palm Cove, meander through Melbourne's quirky back streets, and sample fine dining in Sydney before concluding with a hike in the Blue Mountains. Along the way, you'll trek the world's oldest rainforest, spear fish with a Kubirri Warra brother, cruise the Outer Barrier Reef and meet kangaroos, koalas, and penguins in their natural habitat.

Sydney, Uluru & Cairns - 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.

Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas - 9 Days

In nine days, you can hit the highlights of Australia, from the cities to the outback to the rainforests of the northern tropics. Start the journey in style with the city sights and culture of Sydney before embarking on the nearby Blue Mountains for nature hikes around this Grand Canyon of the south. Then, jet off to Northern Territory for spiritual stargazing near the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) before finishing the trip on the Great Barrier Reef and in the rainforests of tropical Queensland.

Northern Australia Road Trip: Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield - 8 Days

See the highlights and hidden corners of Northern Australia's "Top End" on this eight-day, self-drive adventure. Start in Darwin and drive east, staying in secluded inland towns before looping back toward the coast. Explore remote national parks, cruise down rivers for spectacular views (and crocodile spotting), meet the native wildlife at a local sanctuary, and search for First Nations rock art on a sunset hike.

View of Australia's iconic Sydney Opera House

Highlights of Australia: Cities, Beaches & Wildlife - 11 Days

Combine the best of Australia's big cities with wildlife excursions and nature tours to create an 11-day adventure you won't soon forget. See the highlights of Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide by foot and bike, take road trips down the scenic southern coast, and hop over to a protected island home to kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. Then, jet off to the tropical Cairns to explore the coral islands at the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient rainforests at Daintree.

Australian East Coast Adventure: Brisbane, Cairns & Sydney - 9 Days

Discover Australia's east coast with three of its most glowing cities. Start in Brisbane with a visit to the Australia Zoo, which houses over 1,200 wildlife species. Head to Cairns, a tropical paradise with sparkling waters and white sandy beaches. Snorkel in a sheltered lagoon near the Great Barrier Reef, followed by viewing this natural wonder from up close in a glass-bottomed boat. Next is Sydney, where you'll visit the most iconic sites of this dynamic, multicultural metropolis.

Sydney, Uluru & Port Douglas - 11 Days

Spend 11 days enjoying some of the best of urban Australia as well as outback excursions you'll not soon forget. It begins in the global metropolis of Sydney, where you'll experience its city sights and postcard beaches on walking tours. Then, fly to the Northern Territory for spiritual expeditions into the red deserts at Uluru before finishing the trip on the Great Barrier Reef and in the ancient rainforests of Daintree.

Foodie Highlights of Melbourne - 6 Days

Eat and drink your way through Australia's second city on this delicious, six-day introduction to Melbourne. Admire the modern skyline from a scenic river cruise, see the wineries of the Yarra Valley by hot air balloon, and taste the many flavors of Queen Victoria Market on a food lover's walking tour. As the trip winds down, you'll escape to the coast for an unforgettable drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road.

Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Adventure - 8 Days

Embark on an eight-day adventure down Australia's marvelous southeastern coast. Begin with city tours of Melbourne, an eclectic coastal capital quickly emerging as a tourism hotspot. Then get behind the wheel for an unforgettable road trip down the famous Great Ocean Road, which stretches for 150 miles (241 km) amid golden beaches and unspoiled natural parks. In these natural wonderlands, you'll enjoy outdoor adventures and First Nations culture in equal measure.

The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days

Experience the best of Australia's less-visited yet beautiful East Coast. This includes highlights of Queensland, like the eclectic metropolis of Brisbane and the endless beaches and shimmering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. You'll also take day trips to charming Byron Bay, visit a koala sanctuary, and go off-the-beaten path on self-drive road trips to rainforest-covered national parks.

The Best of Australia's West Coast: Perth, Exmouth & Margaret River - 8 Days

Experience the highlights of Perth, Exmouth, and Margaret River on this action-packed holiday down Australia's west coast. Those looking for an extreme adrenaline rush can swim with whale sharks and ride rollercoasters. Immerse yourself in local heritage, bask on beautiful beaches, and join a few wine or brewery tours while taking in some of the best views in Australia.

Highlights of Cairns: Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef - 6 Days

Experience all Cairns has to offer on this whirlwind Australian holiday. Spend the beginning of your trip relaxing and snorkeling around the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island. Continue into the rainforest to fly above the trees in a cable car and board one of the most famous train rides in the world, then dive into the heritage of the First Nations people as you learn traditional fishing techniques.

Highlights of Sydney - 6 Days

See the best of Sydney in under a week on this action-packed trip. Start with some adventuring in the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park before checking off iconic locales like the Opera House, Bondi Beach, and Taronga Zoo. Other highlights include a cruise to Shark Island National Park, and a twilight climb up the soaring Harbour Bridge.

Boats moored in a Hamilton Island harbor

Relax in the Whitsundays: Brisbane & Hamilton Island - 6 Days

Explore the highlights of one of Australia's most coveted tourist destinations—the Whitsundays—on this fun-filled trip. Spend your first four nights on Hamilton Island to relax on the beach, adventure around the islands by buggy, and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Then you'll head back to the mainland to explore all Brisbane has to offer, including an unforgettable First Nations theater show and dinner experience.

Australia Adventure: Sydney & Cairns - 6 Days

See the highlights of Sydney and Cairns on this short but action-packed six-day holiday. Tour the Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo before heading to Cairns to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Spend your last full day taking in breathtaking views of Cairns and its rainforests by train and cable car.

Sydney Opera House with Harbour Bridge behind

Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

Australia is an enormous country that contains many different environments, climates, and landscapes; whichever month you go, you're likely to find somewhere with good conditions. Generally, southern and central Australia is best visited in the Southern Hemisphere spring or fall, and northern Australia in the dry season. With warm-to-hot weather, stunning beaches, vibrant cities, vast desert landscapes, and lush tropical rainforests, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Australia at any time of year.

Windjana Gorge, The Kimberley © Tourism Western Australia

Kimberley Safari in Remote Northwestern Australia - 14 Days

The Kimberley, remote and wild, is considered one of the most beautiful regions of Australia. This 14-day safari starts in Broome where you'll travel the length of the famous Gibb River Road, visiting spectacular gorges where the colors come alive with the sun. Get up-close views of freshwater crocodiles and beautiful Australian birds. Admire Aboriginal rock art, soak in hot springs, and visit the famous El Questro Station and other famous sites. An almost endless list of experiences awaits you.

How Many Days to Spend in Sydney

As Australia's largest city, you could spend several weeks in Sydney and still not run out of things to see and do. But, most travelers don't have this long. If you're short on time, the priorities should be seeing some of the central city's landmarks, whereas if you have a few days, you can make some day trips to natural attractions farther afield. So, how many days should you spend in Sydney? Read on to find out more about your options.

Coastal Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef & More - 14 Days

A trip along the coast is a great way to experience the full range of sights and activities available in the Sunshine State of Queensland. On this two-week tour, you'll snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on white-sand beaches on the Whitsunday Islands, come face-to-face with koalas near Brisbane, and much more.

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at twiglight

Australia Grand Tour: Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru & Great Barrier Reef - 15 Days

Australia is an enormous country, and when trying to work out an itinerary, it can be difficult to choose between its lively cities, beautiful beaches, or unique wildlife. With this varied 15-day itinerary, you can experience a bit of everything. Starting in Melbourne, travel along the spectacular Great Ocean Road—one of Australia's best short road trips—before heading to Adelaide and wild Kangaroo Island. You'll also visit Australia's dramatic red center, relax at the Great Barrier Reef, and end in Sydney, Australia's largest city.

Ultimate Australia: Sydney to Cairns & Uluru - 19 Days

This 19-day Australian adventure combines the mega-metropolis of Sydney with the laidback surf towns on the east coast, the reefs and rainforest of Cairns, and the ancient mystique of Uluru. Start with Australia's biggest city before making your way up to Brisbane, stopping en-route to see whales and dolphins, explore tropical forests, and visit relaxed beachside towns. Round it off with a trip up to Cairns & into Australia's Red Center to marvel at some of the world's greatest natural sites and uncover the secrets of the oldest living culture.

Enjoy breathtaking outback sunsets as you journey through the heart of Australia

Western Australia & The Red Center: Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs & Darwin - 13 Days

Experience the best of the west on this two-week trip from Perth to Adelaide, through the heart of Australia's Red Center to Alice Springs, and onto Darwin in the tropical north. See the outback in style on the iconic Ghan Railway, watching the changing light and landscapes as you cover nearly 2,000 miles in three days. Learn about Aboriginal rock art and uncover tales of World War II in Darwin before making your way back to Perth to enjoy one last amazing Indian Ocean sunset.

Best of Australia: Melbourne to Sydney - 11 Days

This trip to Australia starts in Melbourne with city exploration, a scenic drive along Great Ocean Road, and a visit to the penguins of Phillip Island. Head to the center of the country to explore Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, with sunrise hikes through the national park, stargazing tours, and the Field of Light art exhibit. End your trip in Sydney, where you'll cruise the harbor, tour historic neighborhoods, visit nearby beaches, and explore the Blue Mountains.

Australia & New Zealand Adventure: Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne & Queenstown - 16 Days

This two-week crossover trip takes you from Australia to New Zealand with plenty of adventure laced throughout. Start by touring one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: Sydney. Then, head to Cairns to explore the Great Barrier Reef. In the last Australian stop, Melbourne, you'll spend time in hip neighborhoods and visit wild kangaroos and koalas. Afterward, it'll be time to hop over to New Zealand, where you'll get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Ultimate Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne, Uluru, Queenstown, Mount Cook, & More -23 Days

The adventure begins in the cultural heartland of Melbourne, and continues in Adelaide, where you'll find unique wildlife. Next, you'll head into the Red Centre to see Uluru before transferring to Kakadu National Park in Darwin. You'll then venture east to Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef, and end in Sydney. From here, you'll fly over to New Zealand, where you will do adventure sports in Queenstown, hike Mount Cook, and explore Christchurch.

Get yourself to Kangaroo Island for a unique experience with the 'roos

How Many Days to Spend in Australia

When planning a trip to Australia, 10 days is ideal for visiting four different areas. However, if you're strapped for time, you can explore two regions in five days or up to three if you have a whole week at your disposal. For those with more time and flexibility, two weeks allows you to make stops at anywhere from four to 10 destinations, depending on your preferred pace.

Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Australia Highlights: Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns & Sydney - 10 Days

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.

2 Weeks in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks, you can explore an average of four regions in Australia. The most efficient trips fly you in and out of major cities—like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide—ensuring you can piggyback with free days and city tours in each location. It's possible to take several day trips to famous destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and the Blue Mountains, venture into the outback's desert region, and even cross over into New Zealand.

Flowing river and Fitzroy Waterfalls in Bowral, NSW

Australia in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September is the first month of spring in most of Australia and still the dry season in the tropical north. Temperatures increase throughout the country but are only slightly higher than in August, and rainfall is still low in the north. Conditions are good for traveling to the various climatic zones around the vast country.

Uluru at night under the Milky Way in Kata Tjuta National Park in August

Australia in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the last month of winter in much of Australia and the middle of the dry season in the tropical north. Temperatures slowly increase from the lows of July, but conditions are generally good in most places for all sorts of activities. Whether you want to ski, laze on a beach, browse city museums, or road trip across the country, it's all possible in August.

Wild kangaroos in Ben Lomond Ski Resort on a winter's day, Tasmania, Australia

Australia in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is mid-winter in much of Australia and the middle of the dry season in the tropical north. But, as the country is so huge, temperatures and conditions vary enormously. From snow sports to swimming in warm tropical seas, Australia in July is whatever you want it to be.

Australia in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is the beginning of winter in southern parts of Australia, but the middle of the dry season in the tropical north. While Australia isn't known for its cold temperatures, many visitors will be surprised by how cool it can get inland in the south, with snow possible in some places. But, if you'd rather avoid that, northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia are at their best in June.

Western Australia's Pink Lake at sunrise in the fall

Australia in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is the final month of autumn in much of Australia, but in the tropical north, it's also the start of the dry season. Whether you prefer cool crisp weather or hot and dry, May in Australia offers something for all tastes. From city sightseeing in the south to national park adventures in the "Top End" (northernmost section of the Northern Territory), here's what you need to know about traveling to Australia in May.

Barossa Valley wine region in South Australia

Australia in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is mid-autumn in Australia, but as the country is so large and has such a varied climate, this can mean everything from crisp fall days (Canberra, Melbourne, and Tasmania) to heat and humidity that's only marginally less than in summer (Darwin, and North Queensland). April is a great time to travel in Australia because parts of the country that are too hot to visit in summer comfortably become more accessible, and conditions in the southeastern cities are generally fine.

Sydney cityscape with Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Australia in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is the middle of spring in most of Australia and the end of the dry season in the tropical north. Temperatures are creeping up after the cool of winter, and rainfall is generally low throughout the country. Conditions are great for most kinds of activities, from city sightseeing to outback road trips, though you'll want to avoid the sea in the tropical north this month as it's the start of the dreaded "stinger season."

Cradle Mountain in Australia's Central Highlands in Tasmania

Australia in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the last month of spring in southern parts of Australia and the start of the rainy season in the tropical north. Travelers seeking warm weather, beaches, and sunny skies are in luck, as temperatures are high but not as scorching as they'll become in summer. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Australia in November.

Whitsundays in Queensland's central coast is a beautiful place to cool off in the December heat

Australia in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the first summer month in most of Australia (and the rainy season in the tropical north). It's a busy time of year with school holidays around Christmas and New Year and an increase in international visitors who come to experience Australia's famously hot weather. And, despite temperatures being very hot in some places, there are plenty of spots to cool down and avoid the heat.

Sunrise over the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains in summer

Australia in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March in Australia is the first month of autumn, and while conditions vary enormously throughout this large country, temperatures begin to cool everywhere. In the southern cities, this is an ideal time to go sightseeing, and beaches still have excellent conditions for swimming. If Easter falls in March, expect plenty of fellow travelers, international and domestic alike.

Drive the Great Ocean Road in Victoria in February

Australia in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is mid-summer in Australia, so temperatures across the country range from warm to incredibly hot. But, as many Australians will have returned to school and work after their holidays in January, some tourist hot spots will be quieter, and although it's still peak season, you can avoid the highest of the season's prices.

Take to Cottesloe Beach, Perth, in January

Australia in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January is mid-summer in Australia, and that means throughout the country, temperatures range from pleasant to hot (and to scorching). Travelers seeking a sunny beach holiday won't be short of options around the coast. Cities can be scorching, but they're also air-conditioned; and for other outdoor adventures, Tasmania is a cooler option.

Choose an itinerary that features the Australian Outback and Uluru

1 Week in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In seven days, you can see the highlights of three Australian cities, with day trips from each. Pair Melbourne, Sydney, and Cairns, for example, and you can easily visit the Blue Mountains and Great Barrier Reef. Or head to Western Australia, basing yourself in Exmouth and Perth, where you'll swim with whale sharks and snorkel off Rottnest Island. Other options featured below include a Whitsundays island retreat, outback exploration in Uluru, and a family-friendly Gold Coast adventure.

Climb aboard your camel for a sunrise amble along Western Australia's Cable Beach

10 Days in Australia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in Australia is an excellent amount of time for an in-depth exploration of one region—Eastern, Northern, or Western Australia—or for a highlights trip that hops between top cities and points of interest, like Melbourne, Sydney, and Uluru. Ocean fanatics should include time in Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef, while Exmouth and Margaret River make great destinations for adventure seekers. Meanwhile, the towns of Broome and Darwin showcase Australia's remote northern coast.

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