Australia is a land of staggering contrast compared to other countries in the world. It’s a whole continent that’s brimming with coral reefs, islands, rainforests, beaches, canyons, deserts and much more. To get the most out of your trip to ‘The Down Under’, it’s best to have Australian Itineraries that have a healthy mix of tourist destinations and hush-hush hotspots of regional Australia.
1. Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road
Victorian Itinerary Highlights –
The lively city of Melbourne, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Grampians National Park, the Yarra Valley, The Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, Dandenong Ranges and Wilsons Promontory.
Australia’s picturesque coastline is renowned world over and this itinerary exclusively features the country’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline. Book a flight to sunny Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, and pay a visit to its fantastic shops, restaurants, galleries and museums.
From Melbourne, you have a variety of options at your disposal. The most popular one is a solo-drive or guided tour along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most breathtaking scenic drives. Whilst there, you will pass Port Campbell National Park and get an opportunity to gaze at the Twelve Apostles in all its glory. You can opt for a hike at the Great Ocean Walk, or choose a more leisurely option – fly over the coast in a helicopter. When you reach Torquay, you can surf the pristine waves of Bells Beach or visit the Australian National Surfing Museum.
Other popular Australian Itineraries in Melbourne include the golden beaches of the Mornington Peninsula and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. You also have the option to venture to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges (25 kms from Melbourne), Wilsons Promontory (200 kms from Melbourne) and Grampians National Park (260 kms from Melbourne).
2. Sydney, Rainforest, & Reefs
East Coast Itinerary Highlights-
Sydney, Blue Mountains, the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns/Port Douglas and Kuranda.
First off, these action-packed Australian Itineraries are ideal only if you have a week to 10 days to see Australia and this is your first visit. You will get to witness the stunning beauty of the East Coast of Australia.
As per this Australian itinerary planner, you start off your sojourn at Sydney, where you can visit all the iconic attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and the Rocks. After you’re done clicking touristy pics for Instagram, head over to The Blue Mountains National Park for an exciting day trip amidst the natural beauty of New South Wales.
From Sydney, fly up north to Cairns, which is the most popular gateway to Far North Queensland’s top tropical attractions. This includes the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, the rainforest village of Kuranda and Cape Tribulation. Alternatively, you can spend your time in the laid-back town of Port Douglas (60 minutes away from Cairns), which lies a little closer to the reefs.
3. The Northern Territory: The Top End & the Red Centre
Northern Territory Itinerary Highlights –
Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs, Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
From these Australian Itineraries, you can get a taste of the Australian Outback with its stark red deserts, spectacular wilderness areas and magnificent rock formations. You start your trip at Darwin which is the main gateway to the tropical Top End. We recommend you stay a couple of nights here to fully take in the beautiful sights of the famous Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Mindil Beach Sunset Market and Stokes Hill Wharf. For adventure junkies, there is an opportunity to cage-dive with saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove.
From Darwin, your next stop will be the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park (255 kms by car). This Australian National Park is the country’s largest and the planet’s most awe-inspiring wilderness areas. Take a Yellow Water or Guluyambi boat cruise to see crocodiles and water birds or hike to ancient aboriginal cave paintings.
After Kakadu comes a 180 km drive to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. This region is known for its scenic cruise, adventurous treks, and water activities along the Katherine River.
Next comes a short flight to Alice Springs in Australia’s Red Centre. This is where you will find the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one of Australia’s top tourist attractions that rises 348 meters above the red-sand desert. Just 40 kms away is the famous dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).
4. Queensland: The Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, & the Whitsunday Islands
Queensland Coastal Itinerary Highlights –
Brisbane, Fraser Island, Noosa, the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach.
People flock Southeast and Central Queensland for one thing and one thing only – Sun, sea, sand, and sailing. If this alliteration resonates with you, then feast your eyes on these gorgeous Australian Itineraries.
Fly to the Sunshine Coast airport in Maroochydore and stay in the beautiful beach resorts spread across the area. Maroochydore is just a short 1.5-hour flight from Sydney and offers visitors a chance to witness many attractions of the Sunshine Coast. While you’re there, go on a morning hike through Noosa National Park, where you can look for koalas in the trees. You can spend an afternoon at the magnificent Main Beach, swimming, surfing, or simply basking in the glory of the Australian sun. The evening can be reserved for a nice, quaint stroll along Hastings Street with its fantastic restaurants and boutique shops.
From here, take the short trip to Fraser Island, which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest sand island. Rent a 4×4 and embark on a solo-drive tour of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s advisable to stay a night or two here, in order to fully appreciate the sweeping beaches, sparkling freshwater lakes, shipwrecks, dunes and rainforests.
After this, fly down to Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine, which is the gateway to the idyllic Whitsunday Islands. Charter a boat and sail around these sun-soaked islands that are along the southern stretches of the Great Barrier Reef. For a more bonhomie experience, hop on a multi-island cruise with fellow tourists.
Popular islands along this region include Daydream Island, Long Island, and Hook Island Hamilton Island is the only Whitsunday island with its own airport. For a luxury island hideaway, hop aboard a helicopter to Hayman Island.
