3 week family trip to australia

The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 weeks in Australia, here are some suggestions for an Australia itinerary that will help you make the most of this huge, diverse, and stunning country!

Planning a trip to Australia can be quite difficult, simply because the country is so huge. 

Lots of its best attractions, cities, and natural landmarks are very spread out, so it’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time. 

Australia is also an expensive country to visit, so most backpackers and average travellers won’t be able to visit every single point of interest without spending a lot. 

Despite these challenges, planning an epic trip to Australia is definitely possible. 

You just have to be smart about your Australia itinerary, sticking to one or two major areas and picking travel routes that are logical. 

For example, you won’t be able to fit Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, and beaches and national parks of Western Australia and the Northern Territory into a 1 week Australia itinerary. 

To see all those incredible places, you’d need at least one month, and even then you’d be rushing to get everywhere. 

What you can do, is pick the areas that appeal to you the most and plan your trip accordingly. 

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about travelling in Australia !

So you’d be better off picking either the east coast or the west coast and hanging around there if you only have 1 or 2 weeks in Australia. 

In this article, I’ll provide a few sample Australia travel itineraries. 

Each Australia itinerary will include a few of the country’s best places to visit, while maintaining reasonable travel times.

Whether it’s your first trip to Australia or you’ve been here for a while, there is always something incredible to see!

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Australia

Days 1-2: sydney, days 3-5: brisbane , days 6-7: airlie beach and the whitsundays, days 1-3: sydney, days 3-6: melbourne , day 7-8: the great ocean road, day 9-10: adelaide, day 11: kangaroo island, day 12-14: perth, days 3-4: byron bay, days 5-6: the gold coast, days 7-8: cairns, days 9-10: port douglas and the great barrier reef, days 11-13: cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, day 14: darwin, days 15-17: kakadu national park, days 18-20: uluru and the red centre, the ultimate australia itinerary travel guide.

Having travelled all around the country, we’re excited to share these epic 1, 2 and 3 week Australian itineraries that’ll cover the best places around.

But first, a tip…

It’s also important to consider how you’ll get around Australia during your visit. 

As I mentioned, the country is huge and public transport like buses or trains is expensive. 

If you’re staying in one area, it’s worth renting a car for a few days so you can explore and do day trips, but driving from one city to the next may take 12+ hours of driving. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Catching cheap domestic flights is the best way to jump from one state to the next, and you can take public transport or drive within smaller areas. 

Though every traveller will have their own unique preferences and modify these itineraries as necessary, here are some sample Australia itineraries that will hopefully help you plan your dream trip!

7 Day Australia Itinerary

One week in Australia goes by quickly, but some people can’t afford to take much longer off of work or their other responsibilities. 

You can still manage to experience some of the Aussie culture and natural beauty in one week. 

In this 7 day Australia itinerary, you’ll be sticking to the middle east coast. 

You’ll begin in Sydney, then head up to Queensland to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. 

This plan is perfect for 7 days in Australia because it doesn’t require huge amounts of travel time. 

READ NEXT: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia

After arriving in  Sydney  and getting settled, you have two days to enjoy the city. 

You can spend one day visiting all the popular tourist attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe some of the museums. 

Another day can be spent swimming and sunbathing on one of the city’s main beaches. 

The northern beaches around Manly, or the western beaches around Bondi and Bronte are great options for a fun day in Sydney.

Bondi Beach has a very strong health and fitness scene, so they have lots of incredible healthy cafes where all the locals like to fuel up. 

Visit  Berri Bar Bondi Beach  for a refreshing Acai bowl,  Porch and Parlour  for a healthy breakfast on homemade bread, or  Umu  for some nourishing organic lunch bowls. 

After 2 days in Sydney, you can catch a quick, 1-hour flight up to Brisbane. 

Check out this post on how to spend one day in Sydney if that’s all the time you have.

Brisbane is another incredible city to visit in Australia. 

After 2 days in Sydney, however, you may be sick of the crowded city streets. 

Luckily, Brisbane makes a great gateway for exploring more peaceful areas of Queensland. 

There are tons of amazing day trips from Brisbane that allow you to explore nature and see more of Australia, including:

• Burleigh Heads:  a charming coastal town with a massive beach and national park
• Hervey Bay:  one of the best spots in Australia for whale-watching
• Lamington National Park:  full of hiking trails and waterfalls
• Stradbroke Island:  a beautiful location that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trying other water sports
• Fraser Island:  the world’s largest sand island

After exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas, catch another cheap domestic flight from the city up to Airlie Beach. 

Read our list of the best things to do in Brisbane for more inspiration!

Airlie Beach is known as one of Australia’s most stunning beaches, complete with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. 

From here, you can soak in the postcard-worthy views in the Whitsundays Islands and do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Whitehaven Beach. 

Book an  ocean rafting day tour  that include all your snorkelling gear and takes you to Whitehaven Beach and the best locations in the Whitsundays.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing through the Great Barrier Reef will make an unforgettable ending to your 7 day Australia itinerary.

At the end of your week in Australia, you can fly from Airlie Beach back to Sydney for your departing flight. 

2 Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia allows you a bit more time to see different areas of the country. 

This two week Australia itinerary will start in Sydney, move down to Victoria to explore Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road , and will then curve up to Adelaide in South Australia and end in Perth in Western Australia. 

So with two weeks in Australia, you can still manage to visit 4 states! If you’d prefer to spend more time in one place rather than jumping around so much, you can always modify this. 

For example, you could skip Perth and spend a few more days exploring New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. 

But here is a sample two weeks in Australia itinerary. 

Once again, you’ll fly into Sydney and begin your Australian adventure in the capital city of New South Wales. 

In addition to all the touristy stuff like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and touring a local art gallery, you could spend one of your days in the lush nature surrounding the city. 

Two perfect day trips from Sydney are:

The Blue Mountains:  Full of waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails, connected to Sydney by train so you don’t even need a car. Here’s what you should do there .

The Royal National Park:  Dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. Check out these awesome Royal National Park walks .

After 3 days in Sydney, hop on a plane for a 1-hour flight down to Melbourne.

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia,  Melbourne  is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. 

Spend your days in Melbourne visiting street markets, sipping cocktails from rooftop bars, checking out all the cool cafes and restaurants, and experiencing the wild nightlife. 

You can also visit St. Kilda Beach in the south of Melbourne, or head to Brighton Beach to photograph the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Or take a day trip to Phillip Island or tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground .

After you visit Melbourne, continue on to the famous Great Ocean Road.

One of the highlights of Victoria is the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road. 

This coastal road runs for 243 kilometers in total and is full of Australian wildlife, quaint little towns, surfing spots, picturesque viewpoints, campgrounds, and overall gorgeous scenery.  

Be sure to see the Twelve Apostles, Split Point Lighthouse, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landscapes along the way.

You can either rent a car from Melbourne and drive the road on your own, or  book a day tour . 

It only takes one day to see all the best spots along the road, but you’ll need to save some time to make your way back to Melbourne and you don’t want to rush. 

You can also stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. 

Spend the next days of your two weeks in Australia itinerary soaking in the culture of  Adelaide . 

Enjoy the delicious food, the museums and galleries, and the laid-back charm of South Australia’s capital. 

One of your 2 days in Adelaide should definitely be spent touring a vineyard and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. 

Again, you can either rent a car in the city and drive yourself around the vineyards (make sure you don’t drink too much!), or you can book a day trip. 

As one of the most unique places in South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a super fun day trip from Adelaide. 

Take photos of the interesting rock formations in Flinders Chase National Park , stroll along the pristine golden beaches, or search for some local animals like wallabies, koalas, and of course, kangaroos. 

Head back to Adelaide after Kangaroo Island and hop on another quick flight to Perth to finish up this two week Australia trip.

Read next: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Kangaroo Island, Australia

Your last few days of visiting Australia will be well-spent in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. 

Enjoy the beaches, explore the Fremantle Markets, visit wineries and wildlife parks, and more.

You could also treat yourself to one last epic adventure in Australia by taking a day trip to Rottnest Island . 

This island is full of fun activities, natural wonders, beautiful views, and cute little quokkas, which are small, native Australian marsupials similar to wallabies. 

After a few days in Perth, either catch your departing flight from here or fly back to Sydney if your flight leaves from there. 

You could also consider a day trip to Margaret River , one of the top wine and surfing regions in Western Australia.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so only make the trek if you feel like you have time.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in Australia allows you to visit some big cities and tourist spots, but it also allows you to venture out to more remote and isolated areas. 

In this 3 week Australia Itinerary, you’ll visit Sydney and Byron Bay at the start. 

Then you’ll head up to The Gold Coast, and tropical north Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. 

Continue your journey up north by travelling to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and then venture inland to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). 

Again, spend your first couple days in Australia checking out Sydney and maybe doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains of the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Be sure to visit Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the famous Bondi Beach during your time in Australia’s largest city.

Then fly to Ballina, a small airport 30 minutes away from Byron Bay. 

Check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide if you’d prefer to rent a car and drive up the east coast.

Byron Bay  is a hub for backpackers, and it is a very fun place to experience when you visit Australia. 

From bar crawls and drum circles on the beach, to night markets and street art, to coastal walks and lovely beaches, a couple days in Byron Bay will feel like bliss. 

Even if you aren’t on a strict backpacker budget, Byron Bay has so many great hostels that it’s worth immersing yourself in the backpacker scene. 

Some of the best hostels in Byron Bay include Wake Up! Byron Bay and Byron Bay Beach hostel. 

Both of these have hundreds of great reviews from travellers cost around $30 per night, which is pretty cheap for Australia. 

If you want to meet other cool people and take part in all the fun social activities of Byron Bay, you may want to stay in one of these fun hostels instead of a hotel!

You can choose to hang out in Byron Bay for a few more days, or catch a flight from Ballina to the Gold Coast for a taste of the Sunshine Coast surf vibes. 

The  Gold Coast  is one of the best places to learn how surfing when you visit Australia. 

You can take a surf lesson from an experienced local and ride the waves, or just relax on the beach, eat some great food, and hit the bars and nightclubs in the evening. 

The Gold Coast combines the excitement of the city with the salty air and water sports of a beachside town, so it’s a diverse and fun place to visit. 

Fly from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. 

The next few days of your 3 week Australia Itinerary will take you up along the coast of Tropical North Queensland. 

This corner of Australia is hot, humid, and jam-packed with rich jungles, Aboriginal culture, waterfalls and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from October to April, you can’t swim in the ocean here because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish. 

Cairns  is the gateway to tropical north Queensland. 

The real beauty lies outside the city, but spend a couple days adjusting to the heat, partying with the many backpackers, shopping at Rusty’s Fruit Market, and swimming in the big public swimming pool called the Lagoon. 

Also check out Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the nearby Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda.

Then you’ll take the local bus up to Port Douglas. You can buy your bus ticket from any tourism agency or from the main bus station, and take the Cairns to Cooktown route. 

Only about an hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, a small, relaxed town with one backpacker hostel, a few amazing restaurants, and a nice park lined with palm trees for viewing the sunset. 

This is one of the best places to book a Great Barrier Reef  snorkelling or diving tour  because up here, the reef isn’t as crowded as near Cairns. A snorkelling reef trip is one of the most popular Australia tours and shouldn’t be missed!

So spend one of your days in Port Douglas swimming in the crisp, blue waters of the reef and seeing some incredible, colourful marine life. 

From here, get back on Cairns to Cooktown bus and continue north up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in the midst of the jungle, Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. 

There is only one main road running through the town, if you can even call it a town. 

Cape Tribulation has a few resorts and hostels, a couple tourism companies and about two shops, and that’s it. 

But the powerful presence of the rainforest is more than enough to entertain you for a couple days.

The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world, and is one of the true natural wonders of Australia.

Go hiking, ride horses on the beach, book an ATV sightseeing tour, do an exotic fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm, visit the Daintree Discovery Center, or take a boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot some crocodiles. 

Try to avoid visiting Tropical North Queensland in December through February, however. This is the wet season and many roads may be flooded and tours will be closed.

On your third day, take the bus back to Cairns then fly to Darwin. 

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and it is a convenient starting point for a trip into Central Australia and Ayers Rock, in the south of the state.

Use this day to walk around and sightsee a bit, relax and unwind, and plan your journey into Kakadu National Park. 

Check out our guide for the best things to do in Darwin!

Rent a car in Darwin and spend the next couple days exploring the largest national park in Australia!

You can swim in waterfalls, find ancient Aboriginal rock art, and go hiking through some incredible landscapes. 

If you have a van or a tent, you can camp at one of the park’s campgrounds. Otherwise there is a handful of resorts where you can stay overnight in Kakadu. 

Most of the accommodation in Kakadu is located in Jabiru, the main town of the park. 

You could also  book a guided tour  to Kakadu as a day trip from Darwin. This is a good option for those who want to take a break from planning and driving. A tour will take you right to the best spots in the park, which is handy because the park is so huge.

After exploring the national park, drive back to Darwin and then fly to Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. 

(Alternatively if you don’t want to keep travelling so much, you could stay in the Northern Territory and explore more natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park.)

From Alice Springs in the center of the Northern Territory, it’s time to begin your journey to Uluru!

The Red Centre is the central desert area of Australia, consisting of Alice Springs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sacred monolith and it one of the most famous places to see on a trip to Australia.

You have two options for getting to Uluru. 

Option 1:  Rent a car in Alice Springs and complete the 5-hour drive on your own. Keep in mind it’s also 5 hours to get back, so that’s a 10 hour road trip in total. You should also have your own camping gear and pack enough food and water for the road trip.

Option 2:  Book a tour from Alice Springs if you are tired of driving. You can  choose a straightforward day trip . It’s a bit pricier to do a guided tour, but it takes away a lot of the effort on your part. 

Either way, watching the sunrise and sunset bathe Uluru in soft, natural hues is a sight you’ll never forget, so the journey is worth it. 

If you are renting a car and doing your own road trip, consider also heading out to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. This amazing spot is a 3 hour drive from Ayers Rock, which is a short drive for the Outback!

READ MORE: Check out all the incredible things to do in Uluru !

Your final day of the 3 week Australia itinerary will mostly be spent travelling. 

Drive back to Alice Springs, then fly back to Sydney for your flight home.

I just want to add that there are many other natural wonders that I didn’t get to mention!

Australia is massive so it’s hard to fit in so many cool places in a short time.

For example, the north of Western Australia is stunning, but it’s very remote and not convenient to add to a few weeks in Australia.

Few Australians even make it out here on holiday.

But riding a camel on Cable Beach , snorkelling with Whale Sharks in Exmouth , or camping in Cape Range National Park are amazing experiences that you can have if you have the time to venture out there.

Tasmania is also one of the most gorgeous places in Australia. The island is home to some of the best hiking and camping in the country , but it requires lots of prior planning and preparation and gear.

You could also road trip around Australia, taking more time to see all the attractions and not having to rush.

But it would take you months or even years to road trip all of Australia!

Regardless of how much time you spend here, don’t stress about seeing everything!

It’s impossible to see everything, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to have an epic time.

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Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Have you got any info/tips about Central Australia? Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs to Darwin (Stuart Hwy).

Would like more information on all inclusive 3 wk itinerary for family of about 12.

All the best with your research. Have a great trip.

Terrific article. Thanks so much for the insight!

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful 🙂

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Action-packed Australia travel itineraries for every length of trip

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During our family’s gap year trip around the world , we spent a generous seven weeks touring around Australia, hitting five different states including countless cities, towns, villages and national parks. For most of the world, Australia is not close or inexpensive to get to – we figured we might as well explore as much as possible once we got there! If your family is considering a trip Down Under, check out our best itineraries for Australia, the top things to do in Australia with kids and our tips for visiting Australia on a budget (as much as possible – the country is expensive compared to many others, no matter how you slice it).

A note about car seats in Australia

Be advised that Australia has very specific laws on car seat usage. While most countries allow visitors to use their approved seats from home, in Australia it is only legal to use seats that meet the joint Australia/New Zealand standard.

We have heard that enforcement of that rule is most stringent in Victoria (Melbourne) and New South Wales (Sydney) and we spent tons of time there road tripping, so we opted to rent car seats with our car rental for that leg of our journey. You may be able to get away with using a US- or European-approved full-size car seat (NO backless boosters allowed) but if you are stopped it is a ticketable offense.

We used our portable car seats for the rest of our time in Australia without incident. Find out more in our detailed guide to travel with car seats .

Best itineraries for Australia

Every family has their own time constraints when planning a vacation – school, work and money all come into play. In general, we’d recommend allowing at least two weeks for a trip around Australia. It will probably take a few days to adjust to the very different time zone and the country is massive.

Itinerary for one week in Australia

Sydney area – 3 days

Port Douglas – 4 days

If you can really only muster one week to visit Australia, we recommend spending two or three days in Sydney (since you most likely have to fly there anyway) and then fly up to Cairns to explore  tropical North Queensland for the remaining time. This east coast Australia itinerary will show you some of the country’s highlights in a very short time. If possible, book an open jaw ticket that arrives in Sydney and departs from Cairns. If that isn’t possible, there are many affordable flights connecting the two airports.

While we liked Sydney, we found that it’s similar enough to other major cities (like our home base in Los Angeles) that it doesn’t warrant that much time. In your two days you can hit the highlights: take in a view of the Opera House from the Royal Botanical Gardens, pop into the Art Gallery of New South Wales for a brief visit to see some contemporary Aboriginal art, enjoy a ferry across the harbor, and tackle the famed coastal walk between Bondi and Bronte beaches. If you have a few extra hours, we’ve heard that Taronga Zoo is lovely and has wonderful views (though it’s very expensive to visit).

You may also need a little time to let your body adjust to the time difference, but the good news is that Sydney’s bountiful sunshine and clean coastal air should speed up the process. Check out these tips for beating jetlag with little kids.

Far North tropical Queensland, on the other hand, offers a much more unique experience! There are so many awesome things to do in Cairns and Port Douglas that you won’t find anywhere else in the world – like walking rainforest bush tracks with an Aboriginal guide or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef . Check out our full itinerary for five days in Port Douglas .

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Port Douglas, Australia

Australia itinerary: 2 weeks

Sydney area – 7 days

Port Douglas – 7 days

With two weeks to visit Australia, you can give Sydney and the surrounding area a more complete look and at a slower pace. In addition to the activities mentioned above, consider taking a day trip or two outside of the city. Kaiama is just two hours away by train, and gives you a taste of the charming seaside towns and impressive blowholes that dot the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. While we didn’t make it to the Blue Mountains, that’s another easy day trip by train if you’re interested in seeing waterfalls and doing some hiking.  Check out these awesome spots in New South Wales !

Allow a week to explore the tropics   with our Cairns itinerary. You’ll see the rainforest, the reef and more. You can consider heading to one of the nearby islands for crocodile-free swimming and snorkeling, exploring Cape Tribulation or spending a little time in the city of Cairns at its stunning botanical garden (or the super-cool playground). If you’re looking for an Australia itinerary for 10 days, just cut two days off of Sydney and Queensland each.

Australia itinerary: 3 weeks

Melbourne area – 5 days

Sapphire Coast drive – 6 days

Sydney area – 5 days

Port Douglas – 5 days

If you can allow three weeks for your time in Australia, things start to get really interesting! Instead of zooming around taking in high-impact tourist sites every day, you’ll have time to slow down and travel through one of our favorite parts of Australia, the Sapphire Coast !

Rather than starting in Sydney, book your tickets to fly into Melbourne . Spend a few days exploring the city and nearby areas – some of our top things to do in Melbourne include family-favorite ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), eating at Lakhsa King, a daytrip to the nearby Mornington Peninsula for a winery lunch and tasting at Foxey’s Hangout and a one-night trip along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles. Consider taking a trip out to Phillip Island to see the nightly penguin parade !  If you’re visiting with kids, check out these family-friendly Melbourne activities suggested by a local.

While we opted to rent a car in Australia to go explore outside of the cities and found it very easy, if you aren’t comfortable driving overseas you can always research one of these Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne and spend the rest of your time in the city.

With a rental car at your disposal, drive the whole way up from Melbourne to Sydney instead of flying! There are so many picture-perfect coastal towns, peaceful natural parks and secluded beaches that it’s impossible to see everything. You’ll have amazing opportunities to see Australia’s most famous residents in their natural habitat. We spent four nights on the drive, and would have spent more if we’d known just how amazing the region is. Check out our complete guide to the drive from Melbourne to Sydney .

Be aware that the car rental companies do charge a one-way drop off fee – and if you pick up your car at the airport, even that fee will be subject to the extra airport surcharge. If you rent car seats, those will be subject to the airport surcharge. It’s extremely frustrating! Our advice ( which we sadly didn’t follow ) is to pick up the car in town when you need it rather than from the airport. Check our rentalcars.com for the best rates.

Once you get to Sydney, check back above for our two week itinerary to find out our top things to do in Sydney and a full itinerary for visiting Queensland .

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Sapphire Coast drive, Australia here

Australia itinerary: 4 weeks (or more!)

Perth/ Margaret River or Red Center or Tasmania – 7 days

If you plan to spend a month or more, you can follow our three week itinerary for Australia above and then tack on a visit to Western Australia (including Perth and Margaret River), to Australia’s Red Center to see majestic Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) rising from the desert (make sure to pack these essentials if you’re heading to the outback) or even to rugged Tasmania.

We really debated which of these areas to visit, and we decided on WA and Tassie. Visiting Uluru has long been one of my dream destinations, but we were in Australia during the hottest part of summer and we were pretty sure the kids would be miserable in the inhospitable temperatures surrounded by hoards of flies ( every single person we know who has visited told us about the flies!). There are several ways to get to Uluru – you can fly to Ayers Rock Airport directly or you can fly to Alice Springs and then drive 450km. We hope to include a visit to the Red Center on our next family trip to Australia!

Western Australia, on the other hand, is extremely family friendly and easy to access! We took a non-stop flight on Jetstar from Cairns to Perth, and then enjoyed five days each in Perth and Margaret River at free HomeExchange homes. Check out our favorite things to do in Margaret River with kids , or learn about our action-packed day tour from Perth to see the famous Pinnacles of WA.

If you have more time in Western Australia (and perhaps even the inclination to rent a camper van) there are tons of places off the beaten path to explore. Check out this awesome two-week itinerary for road tripping Western Australia !

Tasmania was our first stop in Australia, and flights are blessedly cheap between the island’s two airports and Melbourne on the mainland. Beware the open-jaw here: you’d have to pay a one-way drop off fee, but the drive between the two airports is just an easy two hour trip. We decided to save the money and fly in and out of Hobart. Though we spent ten days in Tassie, in truth it would take much more to explore all of its offerings. We didn’t see the unspoiled west side at all! We split our time between Hobart, Bicheno and the Tamar Valley just north of Launceston. Our top things to do in Tasmania include:

Things to do in Hobart

-visiting Port Arthur Historic Site (make sure to head out to Eaglehawk Neck for some awesome fish ‘n chips next to the blowhole)

-an afternoon exploring Richmond (see the bridge and old gaol/jail, and eat ice cream)

-a wine tasting lunch at Cole Valley Winery (buy some bread to take with you!)

-meeting the creatures of Bonorong Wildlife Reserve

Things to do in Bicheno

– kayaking Coles Bay at sunset

-tracking tiny penguins along the beach

-eating amazing fish ‘n chips at the harbor

-taking the very affordable glass-bottom boat tour

Things to do in Tamar Valley

-wine tasting at Holm Oak

-visiting Platypus House to learn about Australia’s unique monotremes

-soaring across Cataract Gorge

Another option, especially if you already plan to drive out on the Great Ocean Road, is to pay a visit to South Australia. You can enjoy the city of Adelaide, taste wine in the Barossa Valley, explore Kangaroo Island and much more. Check out what our Aussie friends at Thrifty Family Travels recommend to do in South Australia  and Gold Coast .

Read more: Best things to do in Gold Coast with kids

Tips to budget travel Australia

We aren’t ultra-low budget travelers. But we do try to save money where possible without scrimping on the experiences that make a destination special. Australia is not a cheap place to travel. Our visit to Tasmania (which coincided with school holidays, and for which we didn’t book accommodations very far in advance) was one of our most expensive travel periods during our gap year! Here are a few hints we found for saving money while traveling in Australia

Thinking of making your trip to Australia permanent? Throw yourself an Aussie-themed going away party !

How to save on accommodation in Australia

We were really lucky to be hosted by friends and family for a good chunk of our time in Australia. Thanks guys! We also found wonderful HomeExchange homes to stay in for free during our time in Perth and Margaret River – find out more about HomeExchange here . There are also many options for HomeExchange in Melbourne and Sydney, though in the end we didn’t need to use them. We probably wouldn’t have stayed for as long without the free accommodation we scored.

For all of our other destinations, we used booking.com to find family-friendly places to stay in Australia. Now that we’re such frequent customers, we even get 10% off most bookings with our Genius discount! Check out our favorite simple tips to save more on every reservation.

How to save on food in Australia

Restaurant dining in Australia is pricey thanks to the requirement that workers be paid a living wage and the overall higher cost of food. There isn’t much way around that! We found that by arranging accommodations through HomeExchange or booking.com with a kitchen, we could prepare most of our own meals but still take advantage of Australia’s amazing local produce, meat and dairy. We also ate an unbelievable number of PB&J sandwiches, especially when we were staying on our own.

How to save on flights in Australia

We had been warned about flying Australian low-cost carrier Jet Star. In the end, they offered not only the lowest prices but also the best flight schedules for every single leg! We ended up with three flights on Jetstar and the service was basic but pleasant. We honestly have no complaints. We saved money on Jetstar by paying $49 upfront to join Club Jetstar, which offered additional discounts on tickets and add-ons. We booked the Starter fare for every flight, added seat assignments for everyone and  then added only two bags . If we had booked tickets at the Starter Plus level, we would have been paying for two extra bags even though the kids didn’t have luggage! Check our family-favorite Skyscanner for the best flight deals. If you have points with Qantas or Virgin Australia, read about these tricks for maximizing your distance-based awards.

How to save on rental cars in Australia

As I mentioned above, we always find our best rental car deals on rentalcars.com . Fortunately, travelers with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink for Business credit cards can reject all of the insurance offers and use the free credit card coverage in case an issue arises. Our biggest unexpected expense was that the airports impose their extra 30% airport fee even on additional charges like one-way drop off fees and car seat rentals. Boooo! Whether you choose to pick up your rental car in Sydney or in Melbourne, neither city requires a car to get around. So either skip the car entirely, or pick it up in town when you  really need it.

Start planning your trip to Australia

Be sure to read these articles to jumpstart your Australia trip planning!

• Melbourne to Sydney drive: the ultimate guide
• Your 5 day Australia adventure in Port Douglas
• Quicksilver Reef Cruises: the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef with kids
• The best way to visit Kuranda, the village in Australia’s rainforest
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: a family-friendly crocodile tour in Cairns
• The Best 10 Things to do on the Gold Coast with Kids
• An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Kangaroo Island, Australia
• Top 7 awesome family experiences in Margaret River
• A spectacular way to see Coles Bay, Tasmania: kayaking with Freycinet Adventures

What to read next

8 thoughts on “action-packed australia travel itineraries for every length of trip”.

What a great guide! Australia is totally on my bucket list one day!

I’m so glad you found it useful!

Great blog post! Australia is on my travel bucket list. This was so informative! Thank you! ~Elizabeth

Thanks! You’ll get there one day ?

Some good tips here. I loved the port douglas area! Another place Id recommend is byron bay – i lived there for 2 years and theres something very special and unique about that place!

It looks so beautiful! When we eventually get back, I’d definitely like to explore the rest of coastal Queensland more ?

That sounds wonderful. This trip is now on my to-go list! And to go soon! Australia is sooo beautiful.

Australia was one of my favorite trips! When we travel as a family, I love to find engaging books for the kids to read before and during the trip. As a librarian, educator, and mom – here are some of my choices that other travelers to Australia might enjoy! http://storybooklists.com/country/storybooks-with-australia

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Australia with Kids: Our Experience & Family Travel Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2024

Are you thinking of traveling to Australia with kids, but are not sure what to expect? In this article, you can read about our experience visiting Australia with young children. We also included some practical tips for traveling Australia with kids. Find out!

We made a 35-day long trip to Australia with our three children. Our oldest son turned 5 the day we arrived in Sydney, and his twin brothers were just 3. Many people said we were completely out of our minds taking kids for such a long trip on the other side of the world, some others wished us courage…

If you are wondering whether you can travel to Australia with kids, and in particular with young kids, my answer is yes, absolutely! There are some places and some trips that you better postpone until the children are older, but Australia is a perfect choice when it comes to family travel. The country is so diverse that you can easily choose your destinations and activities in such a way that it would fit your family’s interests.

Before we jump to the practical tips for traveling to Australia with kids , I want to share a short story – what happened just before our family trip to Australia and what we learned from it. Read on!

Australia with kids – we also had our concerns before the trip

A few days before our trip, the biggest bushfires in 50 years were raging through the Blue Mountains – our first destination of the 5-week Australia trip with children.

We were glued to our TV and were seriously starting to wonder if it was a good idea to travel to Australia with toddlers. But just the day before we left, there was some good news at last: the fire was somewhat contained and the place where we were heading to in the Blue Mountains would be open for tourists…

That was not the only worry we had before the trip. The morning before our flight, one of our 3-year old twins woke up with a high fever. But as it often goes with children, he got much better after taking some medicine, and so we packed some antibiotics with us and left for the airport… With a 28-hour travel time ahead of us. The fact that he was sick was actually a blessing because he slept a lot and that made the flight so much easier for everyone. By the time we got to Australia, he was completely healthy again.

I’m only telling this so that you know that all kinds of things can happen when you travel. Just as anything can happen at home. Also, there is always a good excuse not to travel with kids . But as long as you keep an open mind and are prepared to deal with whatever comes your way, you have nothing to fear when visiting Australia with children.

Australia is an amazing destination and it’s perfect for a family trip! Find out!

Practical information and tips for a family trip to Australia

Below you can find some experience-based tips and practical information for traveling to and around Australia with kids.

Long flight to Australia with kids

Depending on where you are coming from, traveling time to Australia can be extremely long. We chose to fly without any stopovers (apart from technical stops). It resulted in a total traveling time of more than 28 hours.

When it comes to flying, we always prefer to keep the journey as short as possible. I rather have a day or two extra at the beginning of the trip at our destination than all the hassle of a 1-night stopover.

Of course, we could have chosen for a longer stopover somewhere in the Middle East or Asia, but then we would have had less time in Australia. If you decide to make a stopover, I can really recommend Dubai. It’s a great place for families with kids. Here you can read more about how to make the most of your Dubai stopover .

We also have an article with tips for flying with young children . Our flights to Australia were not very different from our other flights, and the kids handled long hours on the plane very well.

Dealing with jet lag when traveling to Australia with kids

The only thing we did on this trip that we have never done before, was taking some melatonin pills with us (melatonin is known to aid in reducing the effects of jet lag). We took the medicine on the last flight from Dubai to Sydney at the time when it was evening in Australia. That helped us and the kids to get some sleep, but of course, we were still exhausted when we landed in Sydney early in the morning.

We paid for an upgrade to a bigger room at the hotel just to be able to go to sleep as soon as possible (as it often happens, only the biggest suites were ready…). Later that day we forced ourselves and the kids out of bed and went to dinner, even though all we wanted to do was sleep…

We took melatonin for two more days at bedtime and that was it – none of us really had any serious difficulty adjusting to the 9-hour time difference. Here you can read more about how to beat jet lag .

Bringing food to Australia

There are lots of customs regulations in Australia, but here I’ll just mention one that everyone who is traveling to Australia should know. You are not allowed to bring ANY fresh food with you when you arrive in Australia (infant formula is ok).

On top of that, some states and territories prohibit the entry of fresh fruit from other parts of Australia.

There are quarantine bins provided at the airports where you can dispose of any food left in your hand luggage. Use them as the penalties can be harsh, even if you just have one apple with you. Here you can find some more official customs information on what you can or cannot bring to Australia.

Safety in Australia

Australia is a pretty safe country, as long as you don’t go swimming with crocodiles, go looking for snakes, or drive through a bushfire. Recently we saw a documentary about Australian wildlife and all the dangerous species that we never knew existed. My husband said something like, ‘It’s a good thing I didn’t see this one before we went to Australia, or I would have been terribly worried in the outback’.

The truth is, we never felt unsafe in Australia with kids – not in the city, and not in the outback.

We never saw a single dangerous animal (except for that one snake that happened to be crossing the road as we drove by). Now that I think of it, the only wild animals we saw in the Red Center , were a camel and a rock wallaby. But it’s wise to wear covered shoes in the outback rather than sandals – just in case.

One thing you should be very careful with in Australia is the sun. Sun is very dangerous Down Under and you can get burned in no time. The warmer it is, the more covered your body should be.

SPF50 sunscreen is essential, as are sunglasses and a sunhat. I advise wearing long-sleeved shirts, maybe even long trousers if you stay outdoors for a longer period of time.

Medical assistance

Medical infrastructure is supposedly very good, there is even the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the outback. Of course, that’s something you hope you’ll never need.

We were lucky and didn’t need any medical help during our trip, but it didn’t take us very long to find a pharmacy when we needed some medicine for the kids in Tasmania.

TIP: Make sure you have good travel insurance when traveling to Australia with kids. Some places are so remote that it will cost you a fortune if something were to happen!

Buying baby products when traveling in Australia with a baby

You can buy infant formula, baby food, and diapers pretty much anywhere in Australia. Of course, you should check in advance in case your baby has any specific needs.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t count on finding everything you need in the outback, so stock up in bigger towns.

The food choices are plentiful in Australia and we never had any problems finding something the kids would like to eat, even in the most remote places.

In fact, our kids often preferred kangaroo steak to spaghetti (this is not something they would do at home – traveling does that to children).

None of us experienced any stomach problems or anything like that. So there is nothing to worry about when it comes to food when traveling in Australia with children.

Family accommodation in Australia

Australia has a lot of choices when it comes to family accommodation, so look for hotels with family apartments rather than regular hotel rooms. It’s not necessarily more expensive. Actually, it can be much cheaper to stay at a family-friendly hotel with 1-3 bedroom suites than in a big business hotel with regular rooms where you hardly have space to move.

There are several advantages of staying in an apartment. First, you usually have your own kitchen which can save you lots of time and money. Most hotels in Australia don’t have breakfast included in the rate or they simply have no breakfast at all. So it’s easier if you can get some food at a supermarket the evening before.

Second, you have some you time in the evening when the children are in bed since you are not cramped in a hotel room with the whole family. On top of that, the kids have more space to move and play.

Another advantage is that many apartments have a washing machine and a laundry dryer which is something you will appreciate a lot when traveling with the family for a longer time.

Most hotels in Australia have free laundry facilities, but it’s much easier if you can do your laundry without having to leave your room. Don’t forget to buy some washing detergent at a local supermarket as it’s not always provided.

Here are some examples of the family-friendly accommodation we stayed at during our trip to Australia with kids:

• Sydney: Mantra Sydney Central .
• Blue Mountains: Old Leura Dairy .
• Alice Springs: Alice on Todd Apartments .
• Glen Helen: Glen Helen .
• Kings Canyon: Kings Canyon Resort .
• Uluru (Ayer’s Rock): Emu Walk Apartments .
• Adelaide: Majestic Old Lion Apartments .
• Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat and Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge .
• The Grampians NP: D’Altons in Halls Gap.
• Great Ocean Road: Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs in Warrnambool and Cumberland Resort in Lorne.
• Melbourne: Seasons Heritage Melbourne .
• Tasmania: Salamanca Terraces in Hobart, Freycinet Lodge in Freycinet NP, Leisure Inn Penny Royal in Launceston, Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village in Cradle Mountain NP, Strahan Village in Strahan.

Playgrounds and swimming pools in Australia

There are plenty of playgrounds in most places throughout Australia, and a lot of hotels have swimming pools.

Furthermore, there are also beaches, public swimming pools, and even some natural waterholes where it’s safe to swim. Australia is great for kids!

TIP: Limit driving times – Australia is huge

Australia is bigger than you think and if you are not careful in planning your itinerary, you may find yourself driving 400 – 500km (250-320 miles) a day.

That’s ok when you are just trying to get from one place to another, but don’t do this every day. Not with the kids, and not on your own.

If you have to drive longer for a few days in a row, consider flying instead. It will be easier and probably even cheaper in the end.

Child car seat requirements in Australia

You can find more detailed information online, but here is a summary of child car seat requirements you should know when renting a car in Australia with kids (this information was accurate at the time of writing, but may have changed, so double-check):

• 0 to 6 months: Approved rearward-facing baby seat.
• 6 months to 4 years old: Rearward-facing or forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness. We rented car seats for our 3-year-old twins as it was too much trouble taking them with us from home. That’s a very expensive option if you fly between destinations as you have to pay for the car seat every time you rent a car (otherwise there is a maximum fee of 7 or 10 days, no matter how long you use them).
• 4 to 7 years old: Forward-facing approved child seat with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat. We took our own travel booster for our 5 year old and it saved us lots of money.
• 7 to 16 years old: Children who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted should use a booster seat.
• If your child is too large for the child’s car seat specified for their age, they may move to the next level.
• Children under 4 years old are not allowed to travel in the front seat of a car with two or more rows unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in an approved child restraint or booster seat.

Australian wildlife is what makes Australia great for kids

For us, Australian wildlife was one of the most important deciding factors when we chose a destination to go to with young children. In Australia, there are so many places where you can visit a zoo or a wildlife sanctuary where you can feed kangaroos or cuddle a koala or even a Tasmanian devil.

One of our favorites was Featherdale Wildlife Park near Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Also in the city, you can visit WILD LIFE Sydney or Taronga Zoo .

But that’s not all, of course.

No zoo can compare to seeing animals in the wild. Our kids loved running behind kangaroos, feeding the parrots, and touching an echidna (Ouch, that was sharp!). We saw so much wildlife in Australia! It was great fun for the whole family and one of the best experiences of visiting Australia for kids.

It might be a good idea to check which species can be approached safely and which not. If you are not sure, better keep a safe distance.

For example, our kids were very enthusiastic when they saw a wombat for the first time, but were warned by the locals that these animals can bite if they feel threatened.

So, this is our experience when traveling in Australia with kids and practical tips for your trip. I hope this information will help you prepare for your family trip to Australia and reassure you that traveling Down Under is something that can be done with children of any age.

We have many more articles about our trip, so make sure to check them for more inspiration. Here you can find our Australia itinerary and here you can find practical tips for planning a trip to Australia .

Here you can read more about some of our favorite places when visiting Australia with kids:

• Kangaroo Island
• One Day in Sydney
• Great Ocean Road
• Kennett River Koalas
• Things to Do in Hobart
• Uluru and the Red Center
• West MacDonnell Ranges
• One day in Melbourne
• Darwin Itinerary

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Hi Jurga, I really enjoyed reading about your trip! I will be visiting Sydney for a week in April with my 4yo. I applied for our visas through the Australian ETA app and was notified that both our visas were granted. However, I read in their Government website that I would also have to submit Form 1229 for my daughter, but there is no place to add it in the app.

Did you have to do this when applying for your kids?

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Hi Nihan, we personally never had to do this. My understanding is that if parents travel together with the child, it's not necessary. I'm also not sure what the requirements are if only one parent travels. The best thing to do in situations like this is to check the official sources. If you are not sure where to look or can't figure out what the rules are for your specific situation, you can always contact the embassy. Good luck!

Wednesday 22nd of November 2023

We are looking to travel to Australia with our 3 year old next October but due to restrictions with work and home we will only get 15 days. Controversially, we want to stay in one location. Which area would you advise? We were considering Sydney due to the ease of being in a city and stuff to do with our little one but open to any tips!

Thanks so much this was an amazing read with great tips!

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi Nic, Sydney is definitely a nice choice because you have a combination of city attractions (also lots of things for families - a zoo, a wildlife park, aquarium, etc.) and lots of nice beaches, some beautiful pools too. In addition, you can visit the Blue Mountains for a day or a few days. And there are lots of flights from everywhere. So if you are just looking for one location for two weeks, sure, it could be a very good option. Depending on the season and what you want to see/do, you could stay closer to the beach or in the center. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

Hi Jurga, Thanks for sharing this experience. We are planning a trip of a life-time with my 5yo and almost 1 yo before they start school in Sept. We flying in and out of Sydney around mid-May to mid-June for about 3 weeks. Love all the recommendations and want to go to them all - esp i think the kiddos will be excited to see all wildlife. But with our timeline, I am struggling to decide which region we should go to. What do you think are the best places in Australia to visit for May/June travels with littles for 3 weeks? Not sure if it is easier to do road-trip or fly --- we have so much luggage with the crib, formula, diapers and car seats. :( Thanks so much!!

Thursday 9th of February 2023

@Jurga, thanks so much. That’s great suggestion and advice.

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Hi Ed, that's a bit difficult one for a few reasons: mostly the season when you go (it's not ideal for the south where we always saw most wildlife), starting and ending in the same place, and all the stuff you are planning to pack...

First, maybe you should reconsider what you pack. Car seats can be rented (we never took them when our kids needed big car seats. We started taking this booster seat/backpack after they were older than 4). Cribs are usually available at all hotels/accommodations. Diapers and baby food can be purchased there (Australians have babies too ;). With our 3 kids, we took just 2 suitcases for 5 weeks. So it's doable to pack lighter - also because so many accommodations in Australia have washing machines. And if you pack smart, you really don't need that much. Take clothes that dry quickly and don't need ironing (fleece, sportswear, etc.). If you are going to more remote places, be sure to stock up on diapers/food in the bigger town where you start that part of the journey.

Anyway, I think I'd put all the practical issues aside for now and try to decide which parts of Australia you want to see. Do some research about the weather so that you know what to expect at that time of the year. I think I'd still opt for a few areas (flying between them) rather than a road trip of 3 weeks. You will see much more diverse scenery that way. With just three weeks, it's the best way to get a much better view of how diverse Australia is. I do see advantages of a road trip too, so it's really up to you. But having done a long road trip in Australia once, we really much more preferred the fly&drive approach.

As for where to go, the north of the country is perfect at that time of the year and also the Red Centre should be just fine. You can also stay in Sydney (and its surroundings) for a few days - there is a lot to see and you will find wildlife too, e.g. in the Blue Mountains. If you decide to go towards the north, you could potentially start with a few days in Sydney, then fly to Darwin for 5-6 days, then Cairns/Port Douglas area for another week or so, and back to Sydney. Another option is the combination of Sydney, the Red Center, and either Cairns or Darwin. If you opt for fly&drive approach, I think I'd do 3 areas - so Sydney and two more, also because you also have to get back to Sydney at the end.

An alternative is to fly up to Cairns or Port Douglas and then drive back towards Sydney following the coast (this is the trip we once did in about 3.5 weeks, starting in Cairns and ending in Sydney). But there will be lots of driving and not always much to see (+ you'll have to be selective what you do with just 3 weeks for the entire trip).

Hope this helps a bit. Good luck with the planning!

Sunday 31st of January 2021

Hi Jurga, thanks a lot for sharing your experiences! how long was your roadtrip in total and what your itinerary?

Friday 5th of February 2021

Hi Rebecca, this trip we did with kids was 5 weeks and you can find our complete itinerary here. As you will see, we visited many different parts of Australia in one trip. You can easily pick the places/areas that interest you most and make your own itinerary based on ours, to adjust it to your interests and the time you'll have. Hope this helps.

Thursday 8th of October 2020

Hi Jurga, Thanks for sharing your experience in Australia. I'd love to take my kids to these places. They would love it for sure. But for now, we're just in the dreaming phase.

Wednesday 14th of October 2020

Hi Art, yes, traveling to Australia for holidays from abroad isn't for any time soon it seems. Hope you can make it happen. It's a wonderful destination for a family trip. So much diversity!

Australia Itinerary 3 Weeks – Sorted!

About the author: sammy.

Updated on: 22 March 2024

Published on: 28 October 2023

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Explore the land down under to the max with our action-packed 3-week itinerary for Australia! 

There are many reasons why 5.9 million tourists visited Aus in 2023 . Whether it’s the stunning coastlines, natural wonders or chilled vibes, the list is endless.

The biggest problem is trying to cram it all in!

Believe us when we say three weeks in Australia can provide an all-time experience beyond your wildest expectations, aspirations, and imaginations. But to make sure you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you want to draw up a plan and make some arrangements. 

So, to make your life a little easier, we’ve put together an ideal Australia 3-week itinerary to make sure your experience is unforgettable. 

Click images to see more.

Is 3 weeks in Australia enough?

If you’re visiting Australia but can’t manage a full one-year working holiday visa , three weeks is still an ideal time to experience our country without the hassle of working. And while we’re sure you’d love to spend more time here, we get not everyone can just up and leave their lives back home.

So, whether you want to dive deep into the Great Barrier Reef, take sight of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge or cruise down the Great Ocean Road , there’s so much you don’t want to miss in a country full of beauty, nature, and adventure. 

The best thing for your three weeks in Australia is to plan and budget accordingly. While it doesn’t sound like the wildest thing to do, it’s the best way to ensure you make the most of your adventure without any dramas. 

What is the best way to travel around Australia? 

If you’re not aware yet, Australia is humongous! To be precise, it’s 32 times bigger than the UK (3,078% bigger) ! So, you can’t just jump on a bus or train and be at the next big city in a few hours. 

The solution? 

The quickest way to cover long distances is to fly. But flying’s expensive and lacks the experience you’d get from a road trip with friends.

As a wise man once said, “It’s not the destination. It’s the journey.” 

Hiring a campervan to travel from place to place not only gives you the wheels to move. It provides a home to cook up a storm for the night. 

A camper will also save you a few £££ too, and you get to see the country for what it is on the ground compared to looking out a plane window 30,000 feet above the clouds. 

Australia itinerary: 3-weeks in a camper

Now for the exciting part. 

The first thing to think about is your route. What do you want to see, and what kind of experience are you after? 

For example, do you want to party?

Or witness nature like never before? 

Maybe a bit of both? 

It’s all possible, but to see it all will require rushing around and flying. Because of the sheer size of Oz, we recommend choosing between the East or West while avoiding being stranded in the middle. 

East coast or West coast?  

The East Coast of Australia promises the most action , with the lively states of Queensland, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria from top to bottom. This route offers incredible coastlines and popular places like Cairns , Brisbane , the Gold Coast, Sydney , and Melbourne . 

Over to the West in WA (Western Australia), we have places like Perth, Exmouth, the Margaret River , and Bremer Bay. The West has fewer cities than in the East. It’s much less hustle and bustle and ideal for a more laid-back camper experience. 

But, with a five-hour flight from Sydney to Perth, you can still capitalise on your three-week visit by reaching both sides of the country. After all, heaps of campervan hire companies allow you to pick up your campervan and drop it off in another city where you can go catch a flight. 

Start in Sydney: 3-4 days

Sydney is Australia’s largest city and boasts multiple attractions , such as the exquisite harbourside, Bondi Beach and the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

It’s an ideal place to arrive and has all you need to start your Aussie adventure. 

If you also enjoy the finer things in life, Sydney has numerous restaurants and cocktail bars in areas like Surrey Hills, Darling Harbour and the Inner West or Eastern Suburbs. 

Aim to stay in Sydney for about three days and soak up the atmosphere of Australia’s most vibrant and famous city.

Our favourite way to travel is by campervan!

Drive North or South: 14-16 days

Drive North or South: 14-16 days 

Now, after soaking up the Sydney life, you might encounter a fork in the road in whether to travel north to Cairns and the home of the Great Barrier Reef or head south to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. 

Both trips are similar distances and offer multiple stops on the way. Heading north along the coast down the A1 and M1, you will encounter Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Brisbane before reaching the Sunshine Coast into Queensland and Cairns. 

This route is a popular camper road trip for good reason and can be achieved at relative leisure within three weeks after spending some days in Sydney. 

Expect captivating coastlines, surfing paradises and constant good times. And with some beachside locations providing free campervan parking  you can save money as you travel to afford a few more beers as you sit back and savour the experience. 

In the other direction from Sydney, you can drive South to Melbourne, visiting a few national parks along the way. From one metropolis to the next, you’ll arrive in (arguably) Australia’s trendiest city , where you can enjoy a similar city lifestyle to what you had in Sydney. 

From Melbourne, you can head down the iconic Great Ocean Road, marvelling at the 12 apostles and sunning some stunning beaches on your way to Adelaide.

Perth or Uluru (Ayres Rock) 3-4 days 

Finally, with just a few days left, it’s up to you whether you want to go west for some more incredible coastline or travel inland to Uluru and see one of the greatest natural wonders in the world.  

Because after travelling the East Coast, you probably won’t have enough time to visit the Northern Territory and West Coast unless you break up your campervan hire with flights along the way.

Standing taller than the Eiffel Tower at 348 meters high above the surrounding plain , Uluru remains one of Australia’s most recognisable icons. From Melbourne or Cairns, you can fly to Alice Springs, where you can enjoy a night or two in a lively outback town before making your way to Uluru. 

Alternatively, you can experience some of the clearest water and whitest sandy beaches in the world with another road trip but this time along the West Coast, starting in Perth and heading north or south.

Either way, get stoked for a sick time!

Need a hand hiring a camper for your Aussie Adventure?

Now you have your Australia 3-week itinerary sorted, it’s time to book your campervan.

At RatPack Travel , we prioritise your experience with a personalised service that can guide you on your way with the best spots and the most reliable campervan providers. 

And the cherry on top? We’re Cheaper than booking via any online comparison and have received more 5-star reviews since 2016 than any other Aussie travel agent. 

So, if you’re ready for a campervan experience of a lifetime down under,  get in touch today  and speak to one of our friendly crew. 

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Jenna was absolutely amazing! Made my booking so easy & was a mind of information about all the booking options, helping guide me & my friends on what camper suited us best for our trip. Could not be more helpful even with additional trip tips! Would highly recommend jenna to anyone who needs info / wants to book a camper! Can't wait for my trip.

Tammy was great with helping us get the best prices and packages that suited us best. We will definitely book again through them. Thanks⭐️⭐️

Jenna & George were a great help in booking our camper-van trip around NZ. They got a fantastic discount compared with going directly to the hire companies. They were very friendly and informative.

I have just booked a campervan… excellent phone service from Anna. Very clear explanations. Will write another review after our trip😀

George from Ratpack Travel was really helpful, he talked me through all the different camper options and what would suit me. He sent me links so I could look through the specs myself. Would really recommend ☺️

Ryan and Jenna were fantastic in assisting to book the right camper for our holiday. Would definitely recommend RatPack Travel.

Mikey was amazing to deal with. Super helpful and very informative. Came away with an awesome deal. Highly recommend!!

Thanks Jenna for your time and help

Jules was amazing. Very helpful and knowledgeable and made the experience completely stress free! Would definitely recommend and book through her again!

I have had the Absolute pleasure of corresponding with "George" regarding my upcoming holiday 😀 I was Very flustered in not knowing where to even start... Then I seen their post on Facebook, so thought I'd give it a go!!! Thank Goodness I did 👍 George has taken away All my stress and worries and has done all the work for me ~ how good is that 😉 My holiday isn't until September ~ yet I know if I have Any questions, I can give him a call and he will help!!! I Will Definitely be telling Everyone about this company and the Brilliant customer service I have been shown! I Cannot rate them any higher, mainly because there's only 5 stars to pick, but I rate them 100% the Best Company I have Every had the opportunity in dealing with!!! Thankyou George ~ I will Forever be a Valued, Happy Customer 😃 Kind Regards Cindy 🙏

Great experience booking with them, Anna asked about my requirements and found the best deals for my upcoming trip. Can't wait.

Ryan did an amazing job and guided me through the alternatives of different campervan rentals and helped me to find what suits me for my trip

Planning a huge trip is always a daunting experience but George managed to make the whole experience stress free and enjoyable. Everything from start to finish was personal and easy! Booking with RatPack is like being on the phone to a mate. Super informative, really friendly and we got an amazing deal. All you can ask for really. Thank you RatPack!

Huge thank you to RatPack Travel! We left it pretty late to book our campervan for Tassie and couldn't find many affordable options ourselves. I spoke to Gregg from RatPack on Whatsapp and within 10 minutes he had found us a great vehicle at an amazing price. We've just landed in Hobart and found out we've been upgraded to an even better van at the same price!! Will definitely be recommending RatPack to everyone I know who is planning to travel and see Australia the proper way! Thank you Gregg! ❤️

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Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, a perfect 2-week itinerary for australia with kids.

• By Leslie Rich
• March 5, 2024

Australia is a vast and beautiful country. In two weeks you can see a lot, but you won’t have time to see it all. With everything that Australia has to offer (and not knowing if you’ll ever make it back because it’s so far away), creating the right itinerary for your family can be daunting. Here are our planning tips and a great 2-week itinerary that helps you maximize your time Down Under.

Best 2-Week Itinerary for Australia with Kids

To get started, decide how many moves you are comfortable making during your holiday. Australia is renowned for its beautiful beaches, rugged outback and cosmopolitan cities. The formula for the perfect 2-week Australian itinerary with kids incorporates all three of these elements: city plus beach plus outback or bush. In that spirit, Sydney , the Great Barrier Reef and  Uluru are a fantastic combination for families. This does require a significant amount of moving around, though, so I’ve included alternate options for those who want to simplify their travel plans or want to pack in a bit more.

TIP : The outback typically refers to Australia’s more remote areas, whereas the bush encompasses rural areas closer to civilization. The bush, which includes more accessible rainforests, countryside and mountain ranges, makes for a great substitution or addition to the outback component in our recommended itinerary.

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Sydney (4-plus nights)

Sydney is a great place to begin your holiday and a must for first-time visitors to Australia. Regularly found at the top of “World’s Best” lists, Sydney is a laid-back city with top-notch restaurants and plenty of activities to keep families happy. Our 72 hours in Sydney guide provides details on where to go and what to do with kids. Highlights include the coastal walk from Bondi Beach toward Coogee, family surf lessons and climbing over the Harbour Bridge.

TIP : Sydney has great public transportation, so being close to a ferry and/or a train station will serve you well. Most international flights arrive into Sydney in the early morning. Make arrangements for an early check-in at your hotel so that you can hit the ground running. If visiting in the summer, pack swimsuits in your carry-on luggage. In the event your luggage is delayed or your hotel isn’t ready, you can start your vacation on the beach without missing a beat.

Blue Mountains — Bush (2 nights)

The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about two hours by car from Sydney. The scenery is spectacular and dramatically different from the city. Go for a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway, or the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottom sky tram that offers stunning views of the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and the Jamison Valley. A bit further afield are the Jenolan Caves, also well worth a visit if you have the time.

Uluru — Outback (2 to 3 nights)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is in the Northern Territory, about a three-hour flight from Sydney. It’s home to the iconic red monolith known as Uluru or Ayers Rock. A rock may not seem like much of a reason to board a flight and consume precious vacation time, but it’s a magical place, and the landscape is what everyone imagines when they picture the Australian Outback. If you are able to stay at Longitude 131 , do it — this property will take your visit to another level. In addition to guided tours of Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), I recommend the camel rides and sightseeing by helicopter.

Great Barrier Reef (3-plus nights)

The Whitsunday Islands are a gorgeous group of islands set on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef.  Just eight of the islands have hotels, and these are only accessible by infrequent flights or boat launches. Getting here will require patience and time, but the sugary white beaches, amazing resorts and proximity to the reef make it worth the effort. Every water activity imaginable is available on the reef; sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, submarine sightseeing and, of course, scuba diving are family favorites.

TIP : If you fly, be first to call the window seat — the views coming in are fantastic. If you are planning to visit the Daintree Rainforest as well, staying on the mainland may be preferable. Both Cairns (pronounced cans ) and Port Douglas are gateway towns to the reef. I’d opt for Port Douglas, as it is more relaxed and less touristy than Cairns, and also closer to the rainforest.

Daintree Rainforest — Bush (1 to 2 additional nights as part of Great Barrier Reef visit)

If you want to check yet another World Heritage Site off your list, include a visit to Daintree National Park, home to the oldest rainforest on the planet. The Daintree Discovery Centre is an excellent way to start your exploration. Here you can learn all about the region, wander the forest from elevated boardwalks and take in scenic views from the canopy tower. Other family activities in the region include zipline tours, horseback riding, and duck boat and 4WD adventures. If staying in Port Douglas, visit the Wildlife Habitat, where you can have breakfast with the birds and visit with kangaroos and koalas too.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Australia on Ciao Bambino

An adventurous 10-day family road trip in Western Australia

Thala Beach Nature Reserve: Oceanfront luxury next door to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Essential tips for climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Best of Australia: Kids share why they loved their trip Down Under

72 hours in Sydney with kids

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Australia was one of my favorite trips! When we travel as a family, I love to find engaging books for the kids to read before and during the trip. As a librarian, educator, and mom – here are some of my choices that other travelers to Australia might enjoy! http://storybooklists.com/country/storybooks-with-australia

I love Australia and can’t wait to go back.

That’s a great itinerary! Western Australia, although more remote, offers a lot of great places and beaches to visit, especially when traveling with kids! And for the little ones I put up a list with some great, fun fact about our county: https://worldoftravelswithkids.com/fun-australia-facts-for-kids/

I just booked some tickets for my family of 5 to Australia on the whim. Wasn’t sure if I would keep my plans because Australia is so huge. This guide is great and I will likely follow it. thanks!

Australia is among the most incredible places I have visited in the last year and indeed these places mentioned in the post are very good for sightseeing and sightseeing. I like the region because of the variety of options for having fun with friends. I also recommend the local restaurants where they offer different kinds of different foods and very tasty. I loved the post 🙂

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Australia in-depth: a 3-week itinerary for culture, nature and discovery

By Annabelle Allpass

Annabelle has been a copywriter since 2021. When not wrangling words, you'll find her eating her way through the hottest restaurants in Brisbane, and saving for her next Contiki trip.

Published on Jan 02, 2024 | 8 min

Forget everything you’ve heard and know about Australia and hear this: you can never really know this one-of-a-kind country until you’ve visited. Get ready to immerse yourself in the land down under with an out-of-this-world exclusive 3-week itinerary of Australia’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and natural wonders.

This isn’t just any ordinary trip; it’s a thrilling odyssey meticulously crafted to unearth the country’s hidden gems while indulging in its iconic sights. From the sun-kissed shores of Bondi and Arlie Beach to the awe-inspiring wonders of the Outback, this trip promises an adventure that will leave you breathless and longing for more.

Sit back and have the trip of a lifetime entirely organized for you. In three easy steps, you’re living your best Aussie life: book, pack your bags and just show up to unleash your inner explorer. Join us as we embark on a journey through this iconic Australian 3-week itinerary.

Ultimate Australia

In what we can guarantee will be the most life-changing week of your life, welcome to the first week of the Ultimate Australia trip . We start you off strong in our country’s crown jewel – Sydney. You’re there for a total of 3 days – stretch your legs after that gnarly flight on your trip to the Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains on day one. Head back to your award-winning hostel and park up at SideBar to find out what first-night fever is all about – word of warning, no one parties like Aussies.

Day 2 sees you and your new travel besties exploring the Sydney Opera House, hopping on ferries to Watsons Bay for unique skyline views, and beelining to Bondi Beach for a sunny afternoon. For thrill-seekers, consider the optional Harbour Bridge climb for an unbeatable harbour panorama. Be sure to sample our iconic cafe culture and elite coffee, as well as iconic Aussie foods – think Tim Tams, meat pies and of course a generous helping of Vegemite on toast.

Your lucky last day in Sydney calls for some sick Free Time Add-Ons, and a Contiki Exclusive that you will come to not only love but be obsessed with. Feel the thrill on a jet boat cruise across the Harbour or hit the streets with a city bike tour. It’s your call—whether you’re riding waves or cruising through town, we’ve got the goods to make your day fun as, sans booking stress.

Image source: Dan Freeman / unsplash

2. Byron Bay

Prepare for what can only be described as an awe-inspiring coastal escapade from Sydney to Byron Bay, where the thrill of surfing proper waves meets the mesmerising sunrise at Byron Bay Lighthouse. On top of this, you get to start your last day in Byron with a downright aligning morning beach yoga sesh, followed by invigorating sea kayaking, before heading to the serene beauty of the Noosa Everglades.

3. Noosa Everglades

Arrive at Noosa and straight away make yourself at home in your eco-lodge surrounded by kangaroos, kookaburras and other Aussie wildlife. At ‘The Farm,’ embrace a fresh perspective on dining, savouring sustainable eats that redefine culinary experiences, before calling it a day on your first week down under the best way we know how – the classic Contiki group dinner.

4. K’Gari (Fraser Island)

Rise on week 2 of the Ultimate Australia trip to the melody (or loud cackling) of chirping birds at our Eco Camp this morning. Be careful not to bump into any roos hopping past your cabin as you stumble into breakfast, before venturing out for an adventure-packed day on K’Gari (Fraser Island).

Start by exploring K’Gari and floating around Lake McKenzie before heading back for your final night at the Everglades.

5. Arlie Beach

Another morning, another stunning Aussie destination – you’re off to Arlie Beach on day 8. Not before one more quick activity though, an energizing canoe through the serene Noosa Everglades. Then, touchdown in Airlie Beach for a chill afternoon of exploration, which somehow is just the warm-up.

Snorkel your heart out at the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef – (finding Nemo, anyone?). Then, the tough choice on day 10: skydiving, sea kayaking, or soaring over the Whitsunday Islands on a scenic flight? Yes, that’s the one with the Heart Reef. No lines, no booking with dodgy agencies – it’s all fully sorted for you as part of your trip. Take your pick, but we’re choosing the skydiving every time. Dining in the Whitsundays is the perfect time to try a delicious Barramundi dinner – thank us later.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coral Sea Designs (@coralseadesigns_airlie)

6. The Great Barrier Reef

Cruise atop it or don your finest scuba gear and get amongst the action- either way, there’s no way you’ll forget this anytime soon. If you didn’t get that rush you were hoping for from the Great Barrier Reef (Um, hello were your eyes even open?), you’ll well and truly cop it today. Another day of difficult deliberations awaits you: bungy jumping, skydiving, white water rafting or the amazing Skyrail? Someone queue Paradise by Bazzi.

7. Magnetic Island via Townsville

You’re sure to get a good sleep after a day of adrenaline, before hopping on a scenic train to Townsville the next morning. This isn’t just any travel day though, because before long you’re hopping on a ferry to Magnetic Island to make it just in time for a stunning sunset at Hawking’s Point.

Casually chilling with koalas is up first on the docket today (literally!) while nomming on a brekkie fit for champions at Selina Koala Village. Fuel up well and get maximum cuddles in, because today you’re hiking the Fort Walk, spotting koalas in the wild, and topping it all off by spending dusk with rock wallabies.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marion & Gauthier | Tour Du Monde 🎒 (@unmonde.sansfiltre)

When you arrive in Cairns the next day, savour a bush tucker dinner and an early night, before diving into the oldest tropical rainforest on earth, the Daintree. In a Contiki-exclusive, connect with local Aboriginal Kuku Yalanji people, observe a smoking ceremony, and get hands-on with an Aboriginal artist, crafting your unique souvenir.

Day 15 and the trip of a lifetime is devastatingly over halfway done. How time flies so quickly we do not know, all we know is this ain’t a holiday, we are travelling! It feels like you’re just getting warmed up in the land down under and this is because we are – the next stop is the actual real-life Great Barrier Reef.

Ok everyone, main character travel playlists are on for the flight from Cairns to Darwin – and whip out that Akubra and your finest R. M Williams boots. Crocodile Dundee dress is optional. You touch down in the Red Centre of the nation and immediately get to get the blood flowing exploring the Kakadu National Park. Soak up the oldest culture on earth here in Darwin with the Aboriginal people of Australia, through trying spear throwing and bush medicine, admiring prehistoric rock art and visiting the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Image source: Vladimir Haltakov / unsplash

10. Kakadu National Park, the Yellow Water Billabong, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield National Park

Over the next few days, you get to fly over Kakadu National Park, Cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong at sunset as well as the expansive Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park Florence Falls and magnetic termite mounds you have to see to believe. 

By now, you’ve got a slight accent, approximately 20 new besties and a lifetime’s worth of memories but use the flight to Alice Springs to recharge slightly, because, in true Contiki fashion, we’ve saved the best for last.

11. Uluru and Kings Canyon

Your last four days may well be your favourite as you journey to our nation’s most iconic landmark, Uluru. See the breathtaking Field of Lights installation at Uluru when you first arrive, then come back the next morning for an unreal Sunrise at Uluru, do a dot painting workshop, and an insane scenic flight over the whole area. The next few days see you on a guided hike around the imposing King’s Canyon, a sunset Uluru toast, and even ride a few camels.

Image source: Ondrej Machart / unsplash

No trip is as jam-packed, culture-focused or frankly well-organised as the Ultimate Australia trip when you’re on the hunt for a longer Aussie travel itinerary. First-timers and frequent flyers alike are more than happy to drop a 5-star raving review about this trip and after experiencing it – you understand why.

After a quicker jaunt around Australia’s most stunning beaches and rainforests? Try the Beaches and Reefs on for size. Maybe you’re into less beaches, and more bush – The Outback Adventure is the one for you. Whatever you want to experience in the land down under we’ve got you covered.

19 best things to do in Australia

35 experiences you have to do in australia before you’re 35, 31 iconic australian foods you must try on your next visit, stop dreaming and make sh*t happen.

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3 Week Australia Itinerary for First-Time Visitors | The Best 3 Weeks in Australia

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Looking for the perfect 3 week Australia itinerary to guide your adventures down under? Keep reading for the perfect 3 weeks in Australia!

Traveling to Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday for most people. It is incredibly far from most places in the world and the time and effort needed to get here are pretty intense! With so much effort involved in a trip to Australia, you want to do it RIGHT.

With so many different cities, attractions, and hot spots to see and a limited amount of time finding what to do and what to skip is essential to having the best possible getaway. But 3 weeks in Australia gives you just enough time to see and experience A LOT of the country’s highlights.

Below is a complete 3 week itinerary that will show you the best of Australia in the time you have.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See  disclosure  for more information.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. )

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3 weeks in Australia Budget

When planning a three-week trip to Australia, it is super important to establish a well-thought-out budget. The budget will serve as your financial roadmap, helping you manage expenses and make informed decisions.

The cost of your trip can vary significantly based on factors such as your travel style, chosen destinations, and personal preferences. By outlining your estimated expenses and allocating funds accordingly, you can ensure that your journey aligns with your financial goals.

Here’s a general breakdown of expenses to help you plan:

🛩️ Flights to Australia: $800 – $2000 round trip 🛩️ Flights within Australia: $150 – $500 🏨 Hotels: $130 / night * 21 days 🚗 Transportation (car rental, transfers, etc): $50 / day * 10 days (10 days of needing transport) 🏔️ Activities: $50 / day * 8 (assuming you do an activity 8 days of the visit) 🍇 Food: $50 / day *21 days TOTAL: ~$7180 for 21 days

This budget estimation is definitely on the HIGH end if you choose mid-range accommodation, do plenty of tours, and eat out daily. Some ways to make your visit to Australia more cost-effective:

💵 Book your flights well in advance to get the best deals 💵 Don’t get out for every meal 💵 Get hotels in advance and choose some mid-range and some low-priced ones 💵 Only opt for 4 or less tours/activities instead of 8.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in australia: days 1-2: melbourne.

Landing in Melbourne is the best way to start your 3 week Australia itinerary. Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital that exudes creativity and diversity. Known for its dynamic arts scene, vibrant street art, and coffee culture like no other. Melbourne is about as far south as you can go on Australia’s mainland making it a cool bucket list place to visit.

💡 INSIDER TIP: Melbourne is a pretty hit-or-miss place where some people love and some people hate it. Most people, including myself, haven’t loved Melbourne. The city has a pretty grungy and laid-back vibe which I didn’t initially expect and the beaches in Melbourne didn’t have that Australian WOW factor I expected.

But this isn’t the overall feeling of the city so I think you should see it and experience it for yourself before making a decision.

Although Melbourne isn’t my favorite city in Australia I think it is a great place to recover from your jetlag before continuing on your adventures in the country. Spending only two days here is ideal to recover and still enjoy a slice of what Melbourne has to offer.

It may seem like a waste to spend 2 days of your 3 week Australia itinerary in a city that you may or may not like – but you will likely be very jetlagged and having a place to collect yourself fully before embarking on more adventure is essential!

If jetlag doesn’t hit you too hard there are a lot of different things to do in Melbourne you can enjoy during your two days in the city. From beaches to rooftop bars to unique neighborhoods there is plenty to do in the city to get a taste of its offerings.

With only two days in Melbourne, your time is limited. The top things to do with this little amount of time are:

👉🏻 Explore Fitzroy : Fitzroy, a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, is a creative haven. Known for its artistic street art, boutiques, and unique cafes, it’s a hub for indie music and alternative culture.

👉🏻 Go to St. Kilda : St. Kilda, a lively Melbourne suburb by the bay, is home to sandy beaches, palm-lined boardwalks, and the iconic Luna Park amusement park. It’s a popular destination for water sports, cafes, and the famous St. Kilda Pier.

👉🏻 Visit the Queen Victoria Market : Visiting the Queen Victoria Market is a must-do in Melbourne. It’s one of the largest and oldest markets in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

👉🏻 Go for a Cruise on the Yarra River : Taking a cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne is one of the top things to do in Melbourne. On a river cruise, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of the city’s skyline, parks, and iconic landmarks.

Beyond this, Melbourne is the perfect starting point for the most famous and beautiful drive in Australia: The Great Ocean Road – this is the main reason why landing in Melbourne is suggested. After spending two days in Melbourne recovering and adjusting to the Australian way of life you can get on your way to explore the iconic Great Ocean Road.

Below are some tour options for the top things to do in Melbourne.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

The best place to stay in Melbourne is the Central Business District. This area offers easy access to iconic attractions like Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, and Flinders Street Station.

3 weeks in Australia: Day 3-5: Great Ocean Road

Driving along the Great Ocean Road is a must-do during your 3 week Australia itinerary. It is a remarkable adventure that promises stunning views, natural wonders, and a deep connection to Australia’s coastal beauty.

It is often referred to as one of the world’s most beautiful driving routes that starts just one hour from Melbourne making it the only logical next stop. The 243km route showcases some of the country’s most beautiful beaches , waterfalls, parks, and natural wonders all within 5 hours of one another.

I recommend spending 2 days driving the Great Ocean Road , but you can do it in 1 or stretch it to as many days as you need. The best thing to do is rent a car and drive yourself so you can stop and go as you please. Use the below outline to guide your adventures to make the most of your time on Australia’s Great Ocean Road:

🚙 Start in Torquay , a popular surfing town, and begin your drive along the stunning coastline. 🚙 Stop at Bells Beach , famous for its world-class surfing waves and natural beauty. ⛺️ Stop in Apollo Bay and spend the night here enjoying the coastal charm Australia is best known for. 🚙 Visit the Great Otway National Park , where you can explore rainforests, hike to waterfalls, and if you are lucky, spot koalas and kangaroos! 🚙 Visit the Twelve Apostles , a collection of limestone stacks rising tall in the Ocean.

With only two days I suggest only driving as far as the Twelve Apostles so you can turn around to head back in the direction of Melbourne from here. It is best to end your Great Ocean Road tour in Melbourne as you will find the best and cheapest flights to your next place from here.

Tips for Driving the Great Ocean Road

🐬 Plan Ahead: Research the route, accommodations, and attractions before you start.

🐬 Time of Year: The Great Ocean Road can be enjoyed year-round, but weather conditions can vary. Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

🐬 Driving: Drive on the left side of the road in Australia. Be prepared for winding roads, narrow stretches, and some steep sections.

🐬 Wildlife: Keep an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, and native birds. Wildlife viewing is common, especially in areas like the Great Otway National Park.

🐬 Safety: Stay within designated viewing areas and follow safety guidelines. Be cautious near cliff edges and the shoreline, as conditions can be unpredictable.

There are also tours for those who can’t rent a car.

Where to Stay in the Great Ocean Road

Apollo Bay is an excellent base on the Great Ocean Road. Nestled between lush hills and the sea, it offers stunning coastal views, proximity to the Twelve Apostles, and outdoor activities. Enjoy a charming town atmosphere with restaurants, cafes, and access to the natural beauty of the region.

💡 Running short on time? Discover everything you need for your trip to Australia below!

• 🛩️ Find Flights to Australia via Skyscanner
• 🚂 Secure Trains, Busses, and Flights to Australia via Omio
• 🏨 Book Hotels in Australia via Booking.com
• ❤️ Get Travel Insurance for Australia via Safety Wings
• 📱 Get 5G Interest ANYWHERE in Australia with Airalo
• 🥾 Join Tours in Australia with Get Your Guide and Viator
• 🚗 Rent a car in Australia with Discover Cars

These are the exact tools I use to book my travels every day. They are all tried and trusted by me and I would not be able to book so many amazing trips without all of them. BONUS: when you book via my link I get a commission at no extra fee to you! We both win.

3 weeks in Australia: Day 6-9: Whitsundays

Fly from Melbourne to Proserpine and then head to the breathtaking Whitsundays. The 74 Whitsunday Islands is one of the most beautiful places in Australia where you will find the bluest water, whitest sand, and endless stretches of untouched beauty.

The islands lie between the Great Barrier Reef and the Coast of Australia and are a place unlike any other. Enjoy the dense rainforest, stunning beaches, and hiking trails. This is an essential part of any 3 week Australia itinerary that showcases the true natural beauty Australia is most famous for.

This is one of the most difficult and expensive places to get to in Australia but 100% worth it. Especially if you don’t think you will be heading back anytime soon. Budgeting 3-4 days for The Whitsundays is needed to ensure you have enough time to get there, explore, and leave will still not feeling rushed.

Here’s an overview to help you plan your visit:

🪸 Great Barrier Reef: The Whitsundays is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even the occasional reef shark.

🏝️ Whitehaven Beach: This iconic beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a must-visit during your 3 week Australia itinerary.

☂️ Hamilton Island: The largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island offers a range of accommodations, dining options, and activities.

💭 Daydream Island: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Daydream Island features a living reef lagoon, wildlife experiences, and a variety of activities.

🦘 Whitsunday Islands National Park: This park encompasses several islands and protected areas, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring untouched natural landscapes.

🤿 Snorkeling and Diving: The Whitsundays offer numerous snorkeling and diving sites, where you can witness the diverse marine ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef up close.

🛶 Sailing and Cruising: Consider taking a sailing trip or joining a cruise to explore the Whitsundays’ islands, coves, and reefs. Multi-day sailing tours are a popular way to experience the beauty of the region.

Whether you want to relax on pristine beaches, enjoy underwater exploration, or admire the natural beauty of Australia, the Whitsundays have it all. Just remember to respect the environment and adhere to responsible tourism practices to help preserve the beauty of this remarkable destination.

Where to Stay in Whitsundays

Hamilton Island is a top choice in the Whitsundays. This tropical paradise offers luxurious accommodations, stunning beaches, and a range of activities.

Day 10-13: Brisbane

Fly to Brisbane from Proserpine after The Whitsundays to enjoy the perfect combination of city and beach life. Brisbane is a young, hip, coastal city with an unbeatable vibe. With its subtropical climate, scenic riverfront, and a mix of modern and historic attractions Brisbane is the perfect place to experience local Australian living during your 3 week Australia itinerary.

Here are some of the best things to do in Brisbane:

🐨 South Bank Parklands: Explore South Bank, a lush urban oasis along the Brisbane River, featuring a man-made beach, gardens, dining options, and cultural institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

🐨 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Get up close with native Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats, at the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary.

🐨 Story Bridge Adventure Climb: Scale the iconic Story Bridge and take in panoramic views of the city and river. It’s a thrilling adventure and a unique way to appreciate the cityscape.

🐨 River Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River, offering a different perspective of the city’s skyline, bridges, and historic landmarks.

🐨 Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha: Explore the beautiful botanic gardens, featuring a vast collection of plants and themed gardens.

More so, Brisbane is a great launchpad to nearby paradises like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Byron Bay (our next stop!) . With a dynamic festival scene, friendly locals, and a gateway to stunning landscapes, Brisbane promises a well-rounded and enriching travel experience in a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Brisbane

The best place to stay in Brisbane is South Bank. Enjoy riverside living, lush parklands, and proximity to cultural attractions. With a vibrant atmosphere, dining options, and events, it offers a dynamic urban experience.

3 weeks in Australia: Day 14-17: Byron Bay

From Brisbane, you will fly to the infamous Byron Bay! There is no airport in Byron so you will have to go to the Gold Coast Airport and fly out from there. You can drive to this airport, take an Uber, or a bus. The bus is the cheapest option and it is also very fast and direct. I took the Byron Bay Express which cost A$38.00.

💡 INSIDER TIP: Byron Bay was my personal favorite place in Australia, with its long stretches of beach, bright blue water, surfers galore, dolphins swimming everywhere, and overall relaxed friendly vibe. No 3 week Australian itinerary is complete without experiencing the magical Byron Bay first hand.

Byron Bay is how most people picture all of Australia and if you are visiting and seeking the surfing/beaches/healthy lifestyle atmosphere and lifestyle then this is the place for you! Because of this, spending 3-4 days here is a good amount to do all the top things to do in Byron Bay and have some time to relax on the beach and have a moment to yourself after some busy days.

Here are some of the best things to do in Byron Bay:

🏄‍♀️ Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse: Explore Byron’s most iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic ocean views.

🏄‍♀️ Relax on the Beaches: Byron Bay boasts stunning beaches like Main Beach, Wategos Beach, and Tallow Beach, perfect for swimming & sunbathing.

🏄‍♀️ Surfing: Take surfing lessons on the renowned waves of Byron Bay. Plenty of surf schools for beginners and great waves for experienced surfers.

🏄‍♀️ Dolphin and Whale Watching: Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

🏄‍♀️ Sunrise at the Beach: Witness a breathtaking sunrise at the beach.

Where to Stay in Byron Bay

Byron Bay’s Main Beach area is a prime spot. Immerse yourself in the relaxed coastal lifestyle while staying steps away from the ocean and the heart of Byron’s charm.

3 weeks in Australia: Day 18 – 21: Sydney

Spending the last 5 days of your 3 week Australia itinerary in Sydney is the perfect way to end your stay. Sydney is one of the most beautiful, lively, and exciting cities in Australia that you could easily spend 6 months in and not have enough time to fully enjoy the city. From the world-famous Bondi Beach to the iconic Sydney Opera House and beyond, Sydney is a place with a soul like no other.

It is hard to combine beaches and cities but Sydney does it perfectly. There are a ton of things to do in Sydney so luckily you will never get bored. This is also the best city in Australia to fly out of since you will find the most affordable flights from here.

💡 INSIDER TIP: Sydney is the best place to fly out of with cheap(er) flights all around the world.

Where to Stay in Sydney

The Rocks is an excellent choice in Sydney. With historic charm, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, and lively markets, it offers a blend of culture and convenience.

Is 3 weeks in Australia enough?

3 weeks in Australia is enough if you plan it RIGHT! It provides ample time to explore Australia’s major cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, each with its unique cultural and culinary attractions.

Beyond the big cities, a three-week visit allows for immersion in Australia’s breathtaking natural beauty. You can snorkel the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road, and surf on the famous waves of Byron Bay.

How do I plan 3 weeks in Australia?

Planning a 3 week Australia itinerary is an exciting adventure. Start by aligning your interests with the diverse offerings of the country, keeping in mind my guide’s tips for a memorable trip.

Begin by outlining your must-visit destinations, whether it’s exploring cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, or immersing yourself in the pristine beauty of natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef or Byron Bay.

Use my recommendations to structure your itinerary and book essential elements early. Ensure your flights to and within Australia are secured, and reserve accommodations in advance to get your preferred lodging options.

While planning activities and tours, take into account seasonal considerations, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time for specific events or wildlife sightings. By preparing well in advance, you can enjoy a seamless journey that maximizes your time in this stunning country.

Travel insurance is another essential component of your planning, offering peace of mind should unforeseen events disrupt your travel plans.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.

I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote! 

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Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveler she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.

A Detailed Australia Itinerary 3 Weeks | How to Plan a Perfect Trip

By: Author Charles

Posted on June 22, 2023

So, are you lucky enough to have 3 weeks in Australia exploring the ins and outs of what this country has to offer?

Well, if you are looking for a detailed itinerary that will take you to several different parts of the country, then you have come to the right place.

Over the course of 3 weeks, this Australia itinerary will take you to 6 different locations around the country. You will get a good variety of city, beach, water, rainforest, and desert during your 21 days of exploring.

Read on to learn more about how to plan the the perfect 3 weeks in Australia for your next trip!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

A Detailed Australia Itinerary 3 Weeks

Before jumping into the itinerary itself I wanted to mention some important things to note about this itinerary in particular:

» Assume days 1 and 21 are full days . That means arriving sometime the night before or early on day 1 and then departing later on day 21 or on the morning of day 22. If coming from farther away that means you should expect around 24 days or so including travel.

» Australia is a large country with so much to do in all different corners of it. That means over a course of 3 weeks it would just be impossible to visit it all.

This itinerary in particular will take you to:

• Sydney (4 days)
• The Whitsundays (3 days)
• Cairns / Great Barrier Reef (3 days)
• Port Douglas (2 days)
• Daintree Rainforest (2 days)
• The Outback (6 days)
• + a day for travel at the end

» Since I visited in the late fall / early winter period, I wanted to focus more on where the weather would be best .

That meant spending more time up north in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Places like Tasmania and Melbourne are well worth the visit but I just chose to save those for another time.

If heading to Australia and want to add those or other cities in, then you can most definitely do so. You would then however need to pick and choose what to leave out from the itinerary I put together.

» In terms of when this itinerary could be best, I would say somewhere from April to November give or take .

The main reason why the Australian summer would not be ideal for this trip is because the Outback can be dangerously hot (100+ F / 40+ C), and Queensland (Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, etc) can see a lot of rain. You can still go in the summer but just be aware of what the weather may entail.

» Be prepared to hop on some airplanes throughout the trip. You will need to book 4 internal flights for your trip:

• Sydney to Whitsundays • Whitsundays to Cairns (or Bus) • Cairns to Yulara • Alice Springs to Sydney (or wherever it may be easiest to depart from like Perth or Melbourne).

» You will also want to rent a car twice during your trip – once in Cairns to visit Port Douglas and the Daintree, and once in the Outback to visit several sites along the way. I will talk about those two instances later on.

→ Feel free to check out Rentalcars.com , which will have various options to browse through. You can filter by car type, price, and more to find the perfect car for your trip.

3 Weeks in Australia Map View

Since this is a longer itinerary, I did not want to pin point each and every attraction on the map. Instead I laid out the cities that the itinerary goes through so you have a better sense of where you will be visiting in the country.

The trip starts out down south in Sydney before moving up the coast to Queensland (Whitsundays, Cairns, Port Douglas, Daintree), and ending in the Northern Territory (Yulara, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs).

Australia Itinerary 3 Weeks By Day

Now that you have some good background of what this itinerary entails, below you will find a day by day guide on how exactly to go about your trip.

Day 1 – Sydney

Your first 3 days in Australia will focus in on its most popular city – Sydney. The city is packed with things to do and spending three days enjoying it all is a great way to start off your trip.

» You can read in more detail exactly how to go about your time there in the 3 Day Sydney Itinerary up on the site but below will give you a pretty good overview.

On Day 1 you can start off with a self guided walking tour of downtown Sydney. Some of the highlights along the way include:

• Observatory Hill
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Circular Quay
• Sydney Opera House
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Where to Stay in Sydney

• Luxury: The Langham Sydney | Pier One Sydney Harbour
• Mid Tier: Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour  | Simpsons of Potts Point
• Budget:  Sydney Harbour YHA | Sydney Hotel CBD

Day 2 – Sydney

On day 2 in Sydney it is time to head off on one of two coastal walks that I would recommend taking part of during your time in the city.

The Spit to Manly Walk is full of beaches, bays, and viewpoints all along a 10KM stretch of trail north of the city.

If you are looking to get some swimming in along with some beach time, while still getting some exercise then this walk is for you.

You can start the walk in Spit or in Manly but I highly recommend doing so from Spit. To get there, you will simply hop on a bus (or taxi/Uber), and head towards the Spit Bridge. Get off at the stop prior to crossing the bridge and start the walk from there.

Once you complete the walk and arrive in Manly, all you need to do to get back to downtown Sydney is to take the ferry to Circular Quay that runs multiple times per hour.

» To learn much more about this day including logistics, trail info, and more, head on over to the  Spit Bridge to Manly Walk Guide  I put together.

Day 3 – Sydney

On your last day in the city you can take part of the most famous Sydney coastal walk – the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk .

All along the way you will come across expansive views, beautiful water views, beaches, natural pools and more. Believe me this is one you will not want to miss out on.

» The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk Guide includes all you need to know to hit the trail yourself.

Looking to extend the walk? Start out in Maroubra and head up to Coogee from there. The Maroubra to Coogee Walk Guide will help you out there.

Day 4 – Blue Mountains Day Trip

While the last 3 days have been focused in on the city itself. On day 4 you will have the chance to head outside of the city to the Blue Mountains .

Of course you can also switch this day with one of the previous 3 if you would like to as well. All you need to do to get there is to hop on a 2 hour train that leaves directly from Sydney.

The Blue Mountains are packed with incredible viewpoints and hikes all throughout the region. I set out on a beautiful day hike that took me from Katoomba to Leura as I passed by Echo Point and the Three Sisters along the way.

» If you would like to learn more about this hike feel free to take a look in the Blue Mountains Day Hike Guide .

Day 5 – Travel to The Whitsundays

It is now time to head out of Sydney and towards Queensland, with the first stop being the Whitsundays. The Whitsundays are comprised of 74 beautiful islands all right off the coast of the country.

You will also find the famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Viewpoint, and plenty of aquatic life not too far away.

To get to the Whitsundays, you will want to base yourself in Airlie Beach (mainland) or Hamilton Island (island just a 1 hour ride away).

The more popular option for travelers is to base out of Airlie as that is where most tours head out from into the waters. You will also find plenty more accommodation options at different budget levels, restaurants, bars and more.

If you are looking for more of a relaxed beach type of vacation, then Hamilton Island is for you. It is the more upscale option and for those that just want a bit more of a honeymoon type feel.

Since this itinerary will talk more about some of the tours that will get you out on the Whitsundays, I will recommend staying in Airlie Beach and taking your trips from there.

Simply fly into Prosperine Airport (PPP) and take the coach bus from there directly into Airlie.

Once you get into Airlie Beach, you can spend some time just settling in, walking the town, hanging out by the lagoon, or even taking in the Bicentennial Walkway to Cannonvale.

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach

• Mid Tier: Airlie Beach Hotel | Coral Sea Marina Resort  | Pinnacles Resort
• Budget: Airlie Beach Magnums

Day 6 – Ocean Rafting Tour

Now it is time to get out on the water! One of, if not the best tour operator in Airlie Beach is Ocean Rafting .

They run several different tours out into the Whitsundays, with two of the more popular options being the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights Tour .

These tours use these massive inflatable rescue type boats that seamlessly glide through the waters. They are also one of the only companies allowed to ride their boats right in front of the swirling sands.

Northern Exposure Stops : Hill Inlet Swirling Sands View , Northern End of Whitehaven Beach, Two Snorkeling Spots

Southern Lights Stops : Hill Inlet Swirling Sands View, Northern & Southern End of Whitehaven Beach, One Snorkeling Spot

More snorkel time, Northern Exposure. More beach time, Southern Lights.

» Learn more in the Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Guide and feel free to book your Northern Exposure and Southern Lights tour ahead of time to secure your spot.

Day 7 – Whitsundays Options

On your second day in the Whitsundays, you can choose from a few different options depending on preference.

Sailing Trip : Head on a one day sailing trip with a company like Derwent Hunter . It will be a more relaxing day on a sail boat as you visit some of the Whitsunday Islands, relax on beaches, and enjoy some snorkeling time.

Ocean Rafting offers a “Chill and Thrill” combo that combines the Derwent Hunter with one of the Northern Exposure or Southern Lights tours.

Ocean Rafting Part II : Do you want to experience the thrill of an Ocean Rafting boat once again? Why not head on both the Northern Exposure AND Southern Lights tour.

You will get the best of both worlds and get to visit some of the Whitsundays most beautiful spots a second time.

Scenic Flight : If you are looking to see the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands from above then a scenic flight is for you.

A small propeller plane will take you above the waters as you see the Hill Inlet Swirling Sands and Whitehaven Beach from above, before flying over open water towards the Great Barrier Reef.

Seeing the crystal clear waters and reefs from the sky is a real one of a kind experience.

You can combo a scenic flight with a Northern Exposure or Southern Lights experience with Ocean Rafting’s “Fly and Raft” combo . Either doing both on the same day or splitting it into two days to spread things out.

» Learn more in the Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight guide up on the site

Overnight Sailing : One more option I will mention is instead of doing these day trips from Airlie Beach, you can also opt for a 2 day / 1 night sailing trip into the Whitsundays.

By doing so you will get to visit more of what the islands have to offer and you will be able to actually sleep out on the water.

There are a ton of options offered and you can browse through them on the Sailing Whitsundays website for more info. If you want to head out on a 3 day / 2 night option, that could be possible as well by just removing a day somewhere else on the itinerary.

Day 8 – Travel to Cairns

Now that you have had enough time enjoying the Whitsundays, it is time to continue north towards Cairns.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Prosperine to Cairns so that would leave you with three other options:

1) Boat over to Hamilton Island and fly out to Cairns from there

2) Fly out from Prosperine but with a stop along the way (most likely Brisbane)

3) Take the Greyhound Bus from Airlie Beach to Cairns. There are options to leave in the morning, which would make it a full day trip or you can opt for an overnight bus as well on the night of day 7. The ride should take around 8-9 hours.

Once you arrive in Cairns, get settled, explore the town a bit and get ready for your next couple days out on the Great Barrier Reef.

Where to Stay in Cairns (night 8, 10, 14)

• Luxury: Riley Crystalbrook Collection Resort | Novotel Cairns Oasis
• Mid Tier: Cairns Harbour Lights | Pacific Hotel Cairns
• Budget:  The Abbott Boutique Hotel | Travellers Oasis

Day 9 & 10 – Great Barrier Reef

The next two days during your 3 weeks in Australia will take you out onto the Great Barrier Reef for a liveaboard experience .

If you are not familiar with a liveaboard, it is essentially boat that you live on as you explore all that the waters have to offer.

During your time on the liveaboard, the boat will move from reef to reef as you get to experience more diversity of the Great Barrier Reef overall.

Instead of just a day trip, where you will just dive or snorkel in one spot, a liveaboard will give you a chance to see more marine life in more places out on the water.

You will also get to experience things such as a night dive and sunrise dive/snorkel, where marine life is much different than during the day.

If you are an experienced scuba diver, a beginner to diving, or just a snorkeler, a liveaboard experience can be for you.

Over the course of two days you will get into the water around 7-8 times in several different locations along the reef and each time is sure to amaze you.

» To learn more about everything you need to know check out the guide to a Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Experience .

You will arrive back from your liveaboard sometime later on day 10 in Cairns, where you will stay the night.

Day 11 & 12 – Port Douglas

After several days of being out on the water doing various activities, it is time to give yourself a bit of a break by just relaxing by the beach.

Make your way just an hour north to the town of Port Douglas .

Unlike Cairns, where you will not find much of a beachfront, Port Douglas offers the famous 4 Mile Beach. A massive stretch of sand that makes its way all the way down the coast.

Since a taxi will be quite expensive to get you from Cairns to Port Douglas, I would say you are probably better off just renting a car from Cairns on the morning of day 11 and driving to Port Douglas yourself. You will have the car until day 15, when you fly to Yulara from Cairns Airport.

Beyond enjoying some beach time, you can spend some time relaxing in town and can also take the pathway on the northern end of Four Mile Beach around the peninsula.

From there you will get some great views of the beach and surrounding waters.

Where to Stay in Port Douglas

• Luxury: Sheraton Grand Mirage | Peppers Beach Club
• Mid Tier: Pullman Port Douglas  | Mantra Heritage
• Budget:  Coral Beach Lodge | Dougies Backpackers Resort

Day 13 & 14 – Daintree Rainforest

Now that your beach time is done in Port Douglas, let’s move on to the oldest rainforest in the world – The Daintree.

Located just north of Port Douglas you will find an absolutely massive rainforest, with a variety of plant and animal life, right up alongside the water.

The next two days of your 3 weeks in Australia will take your to several spots along the way into the Daintree.

I put together a compete Daintree Rainforest Guide that goes into many of the attractions and activities that you will find throughout the rainforest.

Feel free to take a look at that if you would like to pick and choose which activities you are most interested in.

Below I list out a potential itinerary for your 2 days that would give you a pretty good overview of the Daintree.

Daintree Day 1

Mossman Gorge – Start out at Mossman Gorge , a quick 20 minute ride from Port Douglas. There you will find a few different walks to take part of, alongside the beautiful Mossman River. The trails are packed with a variety of plant and tree life throughout.

Cross the Daintree River – To get to most of the Daintree attractions, you will need to cross the Daintree River. There is a car ferry that continuously goes back and forth that will get you there.

Alexandra Lookout – Not too far from the river crossing you will find the Alexandra Lookout point. It is a great short stop to enjoy as you can see all the way to Port Douglas and its surroundings.

Dubuji Boardwalk & Myall Beach – One of my favorite stops in the Daintree was the Dubuji Boardwalk . This 45 minute trail will take you throughout various rainforest landscapes and ultimately to the beautiful Myall Beach. You can enjoy some time on the beach before heading back to your car and moving on. Check out some other top Daintree Rainforest walks too!

Cape Tribulation – A trip to the Daintree is not complete without a stop at Cape Tribulation. I would recommend heading there around sunset, when you can take in some beautiful views of the beach and its surrounding forest. Also be sure to head to the nearby Kulki Lookout to see Cape Tribulation from above.

Daintree Day 2

Emmagen Creek and/or Mason’s Cafe Swimming Hole – Since swimming off the beach is not too safe due to salt water crocodiles and stingers, you can opt to head to a swimming hole instead.

Cow Bay or Thornton Beach – You can then enjoy another Daintree beach and choose to visit either Cow Bay or Thornton – both great options for some relaxing time.

Daintree River Cruise – After some beach time, you can cross back over the Daintree River and hop on a Daintree River Cruise. All along the river banks you are sure to see some crocodiles and other wildlife. Spending some time animal spotting is a great way to end your time in the Daintree.

Other Daintree options include: the Daintree Discovery Centre , Jindalba Boardwalk, Marjdda Boardwalk, an Ocean Safari Snorkeling Experience, and a hike up Mount Sorrow .

After exiting the Daintree, head on over for one last night in Cairns before a flight the next day to the Outback.

Where to Stay in The Daintree

• Mid Tier: Daintree Ecolodge | Daintree Village Hideaway | Cape Trib Beach House
• Budget: Safari Lodge

Day 15 – Travel to Yulara

After enjoying Queensland, it is time to head out to the Northern Territory to take part of a road trip to end your time in Australia. You can drop off your rental car at the airport, and then fly out to Yulara from there.

» Read the 7 Day Red Centre Way Itinerary for more detail about this part of your 3 Weeks in Australia

Once at Yulara Airport, hop on the free coach bus that will drop you off at your hotel in Yulara town. After getting settled in, you can head on over to the town center to pick up your rental car.

Since day 16 will be your full day at Uluru, you can take some time to just relax in Yulara for the day before heading off to the Uluru Sunset Spot later on in the afternoon.

Seeing that red glow on the rock as the sun slowly sets was one of the best moments in the Outback for me.

» Learn more in the Uluru Sunset & Sunrise Guide up on the site

Note : you need to purchase tickets to the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park to visit Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and the various sunrise/sunset spots. Tickets can be valid up to 5 days at no additional cost.

Renting a Car

When renting a car in Yulara you should do so through Tourism Central Australia . With them you will most likely have unlimited kilometers and free one way car rentals.

Your rental should begin in Yulara town on day 15 and end in Alice Springs on day 21.

> Be sure to check out the Uluru Car Rental Guide I have on the site to learn more!

Where to Stay in Yulara

• Mid Tier: Sails in the Desert | Desert Gardens Hotel | The Lost Camel Hotel
• Shared Room Option: Outback Pioneer Lodge

Day 16 – Uluru

A visit to Uluru is not complete without a beautiful sunrise. Wake up bright and early to enjoy a sunrise over Uluru from the official Sunrise Viewing Area .

After enjoying a sunrise, make your way to the base of Uluru itself. From the Ayers Rock Carpark, you can begin your 10KM / 6 Mile walk around Uluru.

During the walk you will get to enjoy the rock from right up close and from farther away as you take it in from a variety of angles.

It is a pretty flat and easy walk to enjoy, and is suitable for people of all fitness levels. There is also the option to just do a portion of the walk in either direction if you are not up for the entire loop.

» To learn more about the trail, take a look at the Uluru Base Walk Guide up on the site.

Day 17 – Kata Tjuta

Your second day exploring the Outback will focus in on Kata Tjuta , the second rock formation in the National Park. Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 domes spread throughout the area, each one with a different shape and size.

You can start the day again with a sunrise, this time at the Kata Tjuta Sunrise Area .

I got to say, if comparing the two sunrises, I prefer the one here to Uluru. Seeing Kata Tjuta from up close and Uluru out in the distance was a great view to take in.

» Learn more in the guide about a Kata Tjuta Sunrise

After a sunrise you can drive towards the Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds parking lot. At 7.4KM / 4.6 Miles, the Valley of the Winds Walk is another spectacular hike that will take you all throughout the Olgas.

This one is definitely more strenuous than the Uluru Base Walk, but it is well worth the effort. The views you will get throughout the trail are hard to beat.

» Learn more about the trail in the Valley of the Winds Walk Guide

After enjoying the Valley of the Winds Walk, you can make the short drive to the Walpa Gorge parking lot and take part of a much easier and shorter trail that takes you right in between two massive Olga walls.

And if you are up for a full day out by Kata Tjuta, you can end your time here with a sunset at the Kata Tjuta Sunset Area before heading back to Yulara for the night.

All in all, it will be a fun filled and packed day enjoying all that the Kata Tjuta area has to offer.

Day 18 – Kings Canyon

It is now time to head out of Yulara and begin the drive to Kings Canyon . Kings Canyon is about a 3-4 hour drive away from Yulara and is home to one of the Outback’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

Try and get an earlier start to the day as you will also be taking part of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk today as well.

The Rim Walk takes you up and around Kings Canyon, as you take in some vast views from above and enjoy some really unique aspects of this natural wonder.

The hike should take you around 4 hours to complete, and you can then make your way to Kings Canyon Resort at day’s end (basically the only accommodation option in the area).

Enjoy a nice sunset at the Resort, have a nice meal, and get ready for a big day driving back to Alice Springs the following day.

» Learn more in the Kings Canyon Rim Walk Guide and be sure to book your accommodation at Kings Canyon Resort ahead of time.

Day 19 – Drive to Alice Springs / Kangaroo Sanctuary

After a day and night at Kings Canyon, you can head to the last stop on your 3 week Australia itinerary – Alice Springs. This drive will take around 5 hours to complete as you complete your Outback road trip.

Since this is will mostly be a travel day driving the Outback, expect to arrive in Alice Springs sometime in the afternoon.

I would recommend leaving enough time to arrive in Alice Springs to take part of the Kangaroo Sanctuary Tour .

The Kangaroo Sanctuary is operated by Chris Barns, aka Kangaroo Dundee, and during a visit you will learn all about the great things he is doing to protect the kangaroos.

There will be plenty of chances to see some of the kangaroos out there and hang out with some baby ones as well.

The tour departs around 4PM – 5PM depending on time of year on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Take a look at their website for more info and to make your booking.

Where to Stay in Alice Springs

• Luxury: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
• Mid Tier: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
• Budget: Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn

Day 20 – West MacDonnell Ranges

Your last full day of this 3 week Australia itinerary will take you on a day trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges .

There are a ton of stops along the way that you can make your to, and you can decide to stop at any and all of the below.

Some of the stops can be as short as just a quick walk to see the natural attraction while others you can spend multiple hours walking various trails .

I have listed out some of those additional options for you.

1) Simpsons Gap

Short Walk to Gap Cassia Hill Walk (45 minutes)

2) Standley Chasm

Short Walk to Chasm View of Chasm/Landscape from Above (45 minutes)

3) Ellery Creek Big Hole

Short Walk to Watering Hole

4) Serpentine Gorge

Short Walk to Gorge View of Gorge/Landscape from Above (30 minutes) » Learn more in Serpentine Gorge Guide

5) Ochre Pits

Short Walk to Pits

6) Ormiston Gorge

Short Walk to Gorge or Full 1 Hour Loop to Gorge + Viewpoints » Learn more in the Ormiston Gorge Guide

7) Glen Helen Gorge

Short Walk to Gorge

» Take a look at the West MacDonnell Ranges Itinerary Day Trip for more about this day

Once you are finished up for the day at Glen Helen, make the drive back to Alice Springs for your last night in Australia.

Day 21 – Depart Alice Springs & Australia

After 3 weeks of exploring Australia it is time to start heading out of the country. Since there are no international flights from Alice Springs, you will need to fly back to Sydney on day 21 to catch your flight out of the country.

Alternatively, you can look if it is more convenient / cheaper to fly out of other cities in the country that have direct flights from Alice Springs – Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Brisbane, etc.

Maybe you will get lucky and get those aerial views over Uluru to end an amazing 3 weeks in Australia!

If you have made it all the way to the end of this 3 Week Australia Itinerary, I hope you have a better sense of how to put together this once in a lifetime type of trip.

I know there is a lot of information above, so if you have any questions or comments about a particular day or activity feel free to write them in below.

Also be sure to take a look at the other Australia itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Tuesday 12th of July 2022

Thankyou so much for putting out a very well explained itinery. We are heading to Australia in September for 3 weeks and I was looking at visiting the exact same spots. Your itinery explains the logistics planning beautifully :)

Wednesday 13th of July 2022

Hi Nara - glad you found it useful. I hope you enjoy your trip to Australia!

• A Three Week Travel Itinerary...

A Three-Week Travel Itinerary to Australia

There’s more than seven million square kilometres of Australia to explore, which is a whole lot of territory to cover in just three weeks. But if you’ve only got 21 days Down Under to tick off the highlights, this is how to make the most of it.

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Day one: Arriving in Sydney

Make sure you book a window seat for your flight into the Emerald City because Sydney’s sparkling waterway provides an impressive introduction to Australia. Most of the major attractions in the country’s largest city revolve around the water, whether that means famed waterfront landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or the dozens of beaches from Manly in the north to Cronulla in the south.

Day two: Travel Sydney-style

On day two, head back to Circular Quay, this time to board the legendary ferry to Manly, a quintessentially ‘Sydney’ journey that passes through the heads of the Harbour before arriving in the bustling beachside suburb.

Day three: Make a beeline to Bondi

On day three? Head to Bondi beach. Bondi is far from being Sydney’s most beautiful beach but it’s easily the city’s most famous, drawing huge crowds of visitors to the sand as well as the nearby bars and cafes. Lace up your walking shoes for a dip at quieter swimming spots like Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly before arriving at Coogee via the jaw-dropping coastal walk.

Day four: Get out of town

Plan a day trip for your fourth day — the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, South Coast, Newcastle, Kangaroo Valley and plenty more top-drawer day trip destinations are waiting to lure you out of Sydney itself.

Day five: Meet Melbourne

Whatever Melbourne lacks in beaches and beauty compared to Sydney, it makes up for in coffee and culture. Connected to the Harbour City by super-frequent one-hour flights, Australia’s second biggest metropolis is a hub of cutting-edge cafes, envelope-pushing restaurants, eye-opening museums and a bar scene that puts Sydney’s to shame.

Get arty on day one — there’s world-class art hanging inside the National Gallery of Victoria , and also graffitied across the walls of alleyways like Hosier Lane and Presgrave Place. Also plan visits to cultural institutions like the Migration Museum, State Library and the National Sports Museum located within the bowels of the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground .

Day six: See the suburbs

On day two in the Victorian capital, venture outside the inner-city, either checking out Luna Park and the little penguins at St Kilda, or navigating the hipster heartland of Fitzroy and Brunswick. The coffee scene in every corner of Melbourne is renowned around Australia.

Day seven: Escape the city

Use your third day in Melbourne for a day trip out of town. The Yarra Valley is a must for fans of gourmet food and drink, kids (and kids at heart) will love the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island and the Puffing Billy vintage steam railway in the Dandenong Ranges, or the Sovereign Hill open-air museum in Ballarat takes you back in time to the Gold Rush era of the 1850s.

Days eight and nine: Hit the road

Now that the first week is done touring Australia’s two major cities, hop behind the wheel and tackle Australia’s most spectacular road trip, winding west of Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road is a cliff-hugging touring route that covers 243 kilometres of windswept Victorian coastline, twisting and turning along a gorgeous expanse of Southern Ocean.

Start the road trip in Torquay, a surfing mecca that gave the world beach brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver, and today hosts the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach every Easter. Then take your time stopping for a snap at photogenic rock formations like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, and leave enough time in your itinerary to stop at the string of untouched beaches along the way. Port Fairy, a historic fishing village that represents the official end of the Great Ocean Road, is a nice place to spend the night before driving onward to Adelaide via the equally scenic Limestone Coast.

Day 10: Drive into Adelaide

The capital of South Australia has worked hard to shed its perception as an outdated, old-fashioned, oversized country town, making the most of the state’s world-class wineries and mouthwatering local produce to generate one of the country’s most vibrant food and drink scenes. Adelaide ’s bars and cafes give Melbourne a run for its money, the wine from regions like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra is some of the best in Australia, and there are also lots of great museums and galleries found within the picturesque stone buildings on the leafy North Terrace.

Day 11: See Adelaide’s surrounds

After spending your first day exploring the city itself, then use a day for one of the many awesome day trips sitting on Adelaide’s doorstep — Kangaroo Island is a nature-lover’s paradise, the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa will have foodies salivating, and a day lazing around the beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula is a day well spent.

Day 12: Go West

Located on the West Coast, a five-hour flight from Sydney and Melbourne, the capital of Western Australia is often left off Aussie itineraries. Well that’s a great shame, because Perth — a cosmopolitan city that’s proudly independent of the rest of the country — has plenty to offer travellers who do make the effort. Following this itinerary, Perth is less than three hours’ flight from Adelaide — there are seven or eight direct services a day.

The city itself is easily worth a day — Kings Park is the largest city park in the world (yep, even bigger than New York’s Central Park), the bars and cafes in Northbridge could have been transplanted straight out of Melbourne, and Cottesloe Beach rivals anything Sydney has to offer.

Day 13: Freo, way to go

Then the historic port of Fremantle — home to a well preserved convict-era prison, plus other historical sites, nice beaches and a lively hospitality culture — is where you should spend day two. Fremantle is an easy half-hour train trip from Perth city.

Day 14: Let’s go to Rotto

But the best thing to see in Perth is found a half-hour ferry ride away on Rottnest Island , where you can spend your third day in WA. The humble quokka — a cat-sized marsupial resembling a miniature kangaroo — has been dubbed the world’s happiest animal, and it won’t take you long to figure out why as soon as one comes bouncing up to you on ‘Rotto’.

Day 15: Fly into the Red Centre

After a fortnight spent largely in the city, it’s time to escape into the beating red heart of the Australian continent. Fly from Perth to Alice Springs on the daily Qantas service to reach the Red Centre, home of Uluru, one of Australia’s postcard images. Emerging from the ochre-red dust of the outback, ‘The Rock’ is a sacred site for Indigenous people — note that climbing the landmark was banned in October 2019.

Day 16: Explore more than the Rock

After one day at Uluru, see a little more of the outback on day two. Kata Tjuta, a collection of 36 enormous boulders that pepper the desert landscape, might be overshadowed by their more famous neighbour but they’re no less astonishing, while Kings Canyon is Australia’s answer to the Grand Canyon, dotted with serene swimming holes.

Day 17: Pop into the Top End

Hop on one of the three daily services from Alice Springs to Darwin for the two-hour flight to the capital of the Northern Territory, your gateway to even more otherworldly outback landscapes. Darwin itself is a city like no other you’ve ever visited on Earth — use day one to stare a crocodile in the face at Crocosaurus Cove, then feast on delicious Asian fare at the Mindil Beach Markets as the sun slinks into the Timor Sea.

Day 18: National park adventures

But the Top End’s real charm lies outside the city, in some of Australia’s most extraordinary national parks — devote day two to a day trip out of town. The rugged, untamed countryside of the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks could keep an intrepid traveller occupied for days, then in the north-east corner of the Territory, Arnhem Land — birthplace of the didgeridoo — is particularly sacred to the Indigenous community.

Day 19: Last stop, Cairns

Fans of the outdoors will love ending their trip in Cairns , the largest city in the tropical North Queensland region connected to the Top End by a handful of two-and-a-half-hour flights a day. Much like Darwin, the town itself is nice enough, with a laidback esplanade and plenty of backpacker bars, but the real attractions are a day trip away.

On your first day in Cairns, dive into the most obvious highlight: the Great Barrier Reef, 2,300 kilometres of colourful coral that straddles the Queensland coast. Hurry and visit while you still can, because a lot of this ecosystem is becoming less colourful than it once was, with climate change bleaching the coral of its rich hues.

Day 20: Away from the coast

After a day snorkelling the Reef, head inland on day two — catch a ride up to the clouds on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway , chase waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, or plan a visit to the surreal Paronella Park .

Day 21: Finish in the Daintree

Then on the last day of your whirlwind three-week trip Down Under, leap millions of years back in time by stepping into the Daintree Rainforest, which is brimming with ancient vegetation and rare Australian wildlife (and yes, that includes crocodiles).

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Destinations » Australia & the Pacific » Australia

Ze Wandering Frogs

Hike, kite, dive – adventure travel with a french twist, a 3-week australia itinerary: road trip to national parks and wildlife.

Australia is an island, a country, and well, a continent. So think large, broad, massive, when it comes to travel in the famous destination down under. With so much to explore, you might have a hard time planning your travel to Australia. If you like the play in the great outdoors and observe wildlife, here is our 3-week Australia Itinerary for your reference.

If you are looking to budget travel in Australia, check out our travel tips on saving money Down Under.

This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a percentage if you make a purchase using these links – at no cost to you. Our opinions are our own and are not impacted by these partnerships.

3-Week Australia Itinerary

We packed a lot during our Australia 3-week itinerary. Looking back, I am amazed at how much we did and saw. The route below is a combination of taking internal flights, renting a car, and spending some time on a boat. Of course, feel free to modify the order; some items can be skipped depending on your preferences and time allocation.

Whatever you do, Australia is such a fantastic country; you will find something incredible to do and see! So please have a look at what we suggest for these 3 weeks in Australia itinerary.

Travel companies offer similar Australian tours, but you can definitely make it a self-drive Australia road trip itinerary.

Outback Driving in Australia

3 Days on Kangaroo Island from Adelaide

While you will most likely arrive in Australia via Sydney, you can book your final destination to another Australian city. We decided to make our first stop in Adelaide and head to Kangaroo Island.

There we spent three days driving through the island, visiting the Flinders Chase National Park, watching kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitats, searching for the elusive Edchinas, and driving by stunning coastlines.

Here is what a Kangaroo Island itinerary 3 days looks like. Note that what to do at Kangaroo Island now can be different than from our visit. Some attractions might be closed as part of the Kangaroo Island bushfire damage, like the Flinders campsites, so double-check once on the island. We update this blog post as often as we see local updates, but things evolve quickly; Kangaroo Island post bushfires.

Day 1:   Arriving in Australia

Flight from home country to Sydney. Note that depending on where you are flying from, you may lose an entire day because of the time difference.

Day 2: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island 

Land in Adelaide, rent a car, drive along the coast, and board the ferry to Kangaroo Island.

While you are driving from Adelaide, explore some small towns and villages, where you can stop for lunch while enjoying the scenery.

Day 3-4: Kangaroo Island

Spend the next two days exploring Kangaroo Island. The large island is an outdoor paradise. Visit the Flinders Chase National Park , where you can camp for the night. Make sure to go on a Koala Night Tour at the  Hanson Bay Sanctuary . Seeing the furry animals in their natural habitat was priceless.

For more ideas on things to do on Kangaroo Island, check out our Kangaroo Island itinerary .

Kangaroo Island Fires 2020  

The bushfires destroyed 50% of the island, including 96% of Flinders Chase National Park. However, the park has since then reopened , where you can go on self-drive. Note that camping is still not allowed. Things are changing quickly though, and the island still has many beautiful sites that make it one of the top destinations to visit in Australia. Head to the Remarkable Rocks and Weirs Cove. Drive the scenic Cape du Couedic road, one of Australia’s most popular roads.

Koala at Hanson Bay Sanctuary, Kangaroo Island

What to do around Kangaroo Island:

• Food and Wine Trail Tour
• Self-Guided Kayaking Trip on the Harriet River
• Quad Bike Tour 
• Flinders Chase Wildlife Tour

Day 5 : Adelaide to Alice Springs

Leave Kangaroo Island behind and drive back to Adelaide, where you take your flight to Alice Springs.

Upon arrival, drive to the McDonnell Range, where you can spend the night at a campsite.

5 Days around Uluru from Alice Springs

Day 6: watarrka national park  .

Go hiking in Kings Canyon, the main attraction of the Watarrka National Park. A stunning view from the top makes the walk a must-see in our minds.

Day 7-8:  Ayers Rock

One of Australia’s most iconic monuments, Uluru as Ayers Rock is also known, requires several visits. Go at sunrise, go for an Aboriginal walk tour, enjoy a sunset dinner, or even admire from above on a helicopter ride.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru is sacred to the Aboriginals , so please respect their traditions by not hiking to its top. With all the things to do in Ayers Rock, you can easily spend two days in the area.

Uluru – Ayers Rock

Day 9: Kata Tjuta

Also called the Olgas, the area is the second section of the whole Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The rock formations are different than Uluru, and you can spend a day hiking exploring at your own pace.

What to do around Uluru and Kata Tjuta:

• Kata Tjuta and Uluru Helicopter tour
• Aboriginal Cultural Experience
• Uluru Outback BBQ Dinner 

Day 10: Alice Springs to Darwin

Return to Alice Springs in time to catch your flight to Darwin. Upon arrival, leave the Northern Territory city and drive to Kakadu National Park.

5 days around Kakadu National Park from Darwin

Day 11-13: kakadu national park.

Kakadu National Park is an impressive park, and you can easily spend three days there. Make sure to stop at Ubirr to admire the rock art, check the Jim Jim Falls, and board a cruise on Yellow River for a chance to spot large alligators. The park is also a bird-watching paradise, so bring your binoculars and long lenses. 

Day 14: Litchfield National Park & Nitmiluk National Park 

Leave Kakadu National Park behind and drive to the Litchfield National Park, where you can admire the great termite mounts. The thin Magnetic Termite Mounds are 6.5-feet (2-meter) high, and the giant Cathedral Termite Mounds can reach 13-feet (4-meter) high.

Then head to the Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls in the  Nitmiluk National Park for a refreshing dip.

Magnetic Termite Mounds, Litchfield National Park

Things to do in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks:

• Yellow River Cruise
• Jabiru Scenic Flight

If you plan to visit several national parks and travel Australia on a budget, consider getting a national park to save in the long run.

Day 15: Darwin to Cairns

Drive back to Darwin to board your flight to Cairns, the last leg of your three-week Australia itinerary. Pick-up your vehicle from the Cairns Airport car rental if you plan to explore around Cairns. If not, spend the afternoon walking around the city.

4 Days Great Barrier Reef Diving from Cairns

Day 16-19: great barrier reef liveaboard.

Whether you are already a diver or not, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see while in Australia. Take a PADI class to learn how to dive, improve your skills, or snorkel the different dive sites. Whatever you do, you are in for a treat.

A longer diving cruise will let you reach diving sites in more remote locations.

Check out our diving experience on our TAKA liveaboard .

Scuba-Diving and Snorkeling Activities:

• Great Barrier Reef Dive Cruise
• Learn to Scuba-Dive
• 3-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Pass

5 Days around Cape Tribulation from Cairns

Day 20-21: cape tribulation.

As you return from your dive trip, drive to Cape Tribulation towards Australia’s northern tip.

Visit the  Daintree National Park as you go. Daintree National Park features some of the oldest rainforests on earth and is home to the endangered cassowary.

Daintree National Forest

Day 22: Cairns

Return to Cairns, where you can spend the day relaxing by the beach, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, or rent a motorbike to explore the small villages in the countryside.

Beach along the Cairns to Cape Tribulation Coast

Cairns Activities:

• Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Kuranda Riverboat Cruise
• Aboriginal Cultural Show
• Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour
• Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

1 Day in Sydney

Day 23: sydney to home.

Fly early from Cairns Airport, and spend a couple of hours in Sydney before your flight home. Head to the harbor, walk by the  Sydney Opera House , and have lunch around Circular Quay.

Australia Itineraries

Looking for alternatives to our Australia Itinerary 3 weeks suggestion?

• If you are not diving, you can turn it into a 2-week Australia itinerary.
• You can also switch the time from Kangaroo Island to spend more time in Adelaide.
• Instead of driving to Cape Tribulation from Cairns, you can explore from Cairns to Townsville, and even do  Cairns Airlie Beach in a day drive.
• If you cut Adelaide and Darwin, you can also create an Australia 10-day itinerary focusing on two of Australia’s top attractions: Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the red Outback.
• If you are around Canberra in March, check the Canberra Balloon Festival !
• Head to the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne .

Australia Road Trip: Internal Flights

Though we traveled by car within each destination, we had to fly from one place to another. We could not have visited so many places in a 3-week period otherwise. We had booked our internal flights as soon as we booked our international tickets, so we saved a bit by planning.

Australia Road Trip: Car Rental

Our first action order when landing in a new destination was to pick up our car rental . Renting a car allowed us to be flexible and independent, and maximize our travel time. In our mind, having a car is what makes a 3-week road trip Australia a dream!

Australia Road Trip: Accommodation

From camping to hostels and boats, we did it all. Australia is boasting camping sites, cheap hotels, to luxurious resorts, so you are bound to find something you like. Camping was the best way to travel in Australia on a budget.

Australia Travel Tips

• The sun is fierce. Make sure to bring good sun protection.
• Watch the seasons, especially if you drive in the Outback. From scorching temperatures to flooding, the extreme weather can make road tripping challenging.
• Wildlife is, well, wild. In parks like Kakadu National Park, alligators and crocodiles are present in most rivers, lakes, and ponds. Ask the Park Rangers before going swimming or even walking close to the water edges.
• The same advice applies to beaches and estuaries. In the ocean, also watch for stingrays and jellyfish. Especially for the box jellyfish, which sting is excruciating and can be deadly to humans
• Be careful driving at night (and even during the day) as kangaroos, wallabies, and other animals can jump in front of your car out of nowhere.
• Driving long distances can be tiring – make sure to take some breaks to rest.
• Keep your fuel up, especially if you drive in the Outback. An important Australia travel advice as you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere!
• Always have some water and snacks with you.
• If you are diving, don’t forget to have good diving insurance like ( Divers Alert Network ), the industry leader for scuba-diving coverage.
• Bring a good map or GPS device to stay on track! One of the Australian travel warnings is not to trust Google Maps as previous travelers took a wrong turn and ended up far away in the desert. So plan your itinerary for Australia with a proper map!
• Travel to Australia on a budget is possible – check out our post about saving money and traveling Australia on a budget.
• Lonely Planet Australia
• Travel Wild, Great Barrier Reef
• The Aborigines: The History and Legacy of Australia’s Indigenous People
• David Attenborough Great Barrier Reef [Blu-ray]
• Lonely Planet Outback Australia Road Trips

We hope you enjoyed this post from our travel blog Australia. Have you been on a similar Australia itinerary? What did you see during your three weeks in Australia? Or do you have other suggestions on Australia itineraries? Missing other tips for traveling to Australia? Feel free to let us know! We would love to hear from you, so leave us a comment!

Stay tuned for more adventures from our travel around the world !

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Patricia - Ze Wandering Frogs

Bonjour! I am Patricia Pagenel, the founder with Bruno Chartier of this adventure travel blog - Ze Wandering Frogs, where we share our travel tips and personal experiences from traveling in 50+ countries. We have been on a world trip since 2016, looking for exciting new adventures. Our work has been featured on Viator, National Geographic, Huffington Post, and ASEAN Tourism. Find out more about Ze Wandering Frogs in our About Us, our Portfolio, and Partners that worked with us. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to explore the world with us and start planning your own itineraries.

November 7, 2018

Australia , Great Barrier Reef , Itineraries , Kangaroo Island , Road Tripping

Ayers Rock , Itineraries , Itinerary , Road Trip , Uluru

18 Comments

November 30, 2019 at 8:47 pm

A great Aussie itinerary here. I’m surprised at how much you packed into 3 weeks as well. Being Australian I know just how vast our country is and how long it takes to get from Cairns to Sydney and then out to Uluru. There are still things on this list I’m yet to discover myself.

December 4, 2019 at 3:27 am

Thank you for the kind words, which means a lot since you are from Australia! Indeed, I think we always travel far and never really explore our country. I have yet to discover so much of France! Which part of Australia do you like best and would recommend?

December 4, 2019 at 3:57 am

I absolutely love Far North Queensland for it’s tropicalness. But… there are crocodiles up there. We are off to discover the bottom of Australia soon, so it’ll be great to see what’s down there.

December 5, 2019 at 6:11 am

Yes, crocs everywhere in north Queensland and Northern Territories. Freshwater AND saltwater! In the south of Australia, that’s the rip currents that concerned me. I am not fish in the water and not a strong swimmer, so I am always watching out for waves and currents! Have fun in South Australia!

August 28, 2019 at 4:00 am

That’s a great way to spend 3 weeks, Australia is such a big country and without a plan you are unlikely to see very much at all! I love that you have included a lot of the big ticket Australian iconic sites and you definitely going to have some brilliant experiences if we follow this plan.

I’m pinning this for later. There are so many great places to visit and 3 weeks is really only scratching the surface.

August 29, 2019 at 12:35 am

Australia is indeed so massive, it will probably take several years to even get a good sense of the country! I think we need to return for another 3-week trip 🙂 Do you have a trip scheduled on your end?

May 30, 2019 at 6:56 am

I’ve been wanting to return to Australia as the first time I went I didn’t get a chance to explore. I have heard so many wonderful things about Kangaroo Island and would love to go here first. Watching the koalas at night in their natural habitat would be so awesome. I also watched your video under Kakadu National Park and was shocked when I saw that huge spider! I would have freaked out!!!

June 10, 2019 at 1:42 am

Australia is such a massive place that it would take a lifetime of travels there to even scratch the surface! Kangaroo Island was indeed one of the highlights of our trip there, together with Kakadu. As for the spider, you and I both! I love animals, but insects and especially spiders are ones I prefer to admire from far! 🙂

May 17, 2019 at 10:29 am

Thanks for the information!

July 8, 2019 at 12:05 pm

You are welcome! Happy travels.

April 29, 2019 at 10:35 pm

This is a great route as its so hard to cover such a big country in three weeks. We spent a year living and working in Aus and did trips to Sydney and Perth whilst living in Melbourne for the most time. We drove from Melbourne to Darwin and then on another trip from Brisbane to Cairns, it’s such a great country for this epic road trips!

May 3, 2019 at 2:47 am

Lucky you living and working there! It makes exploring a country so much easier, being able to go on weekends or short trips! We have yet to visit Melbourne and Brisbane – for another time!

April 20, 2019 at 9:11 pm

Australia is high on my list, but we’ll have to wait as we have a very sweet four-legged friend who I would not want to leave behind for so long, and traveling that far, I’d want to spend some time there. Love reading about your travels and I’d totally be up for the wine trail on Kangaroo Island!

April 25, 2019 at 5:39 am

Indeed, a trip to Australia would be hard for any animal, such a long flight. And I believe Australia has some of the strongest quarantine processes or is highly demanding when it comes to bringing any animal into the country, even for a temporary stay. Thanks for the kind words about our travels. Maybe we can get to get a drink together next time we are back on the West Coast!

November 25, 2018 at 6:32 pm

Pretty awesome itinerary P and B. I heard that about night driving in Oz; be super careful because any creature can jump in front of your car at any time.

April 30, 2019 at 5:36 am

On that road to Kakadu, frogs by the hundreds on the road. We tried to avoid as many as we could, but them jumping around did not help, unfortunately. Not the best moments to be honest, but not much we could do.

November 14, 2018 at 2:08 am

One of the parks that you should not miss is the Undara Volcanic National Park and its longest lava tube system in the world. Remember also to visit Millestream Falls , the widest waterfalls in Australia.

January 17, 2019 at 3:57 am

Thank you for your feedback. Australia has so much to offer, and indeed, parks like Undara Volcanic National Park would be worth the visit. Too much to see, too little time to do so! Definitely keeping it mind for our next Aussie trip!

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The Passport Kids

Adventure Family Travel

Australia Itinerary 4 Weeks with Kids

In: Australia , Blog , Itineraries , Oceania by Nicole Last Updated: June 23, 2021

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A month in Australia is a good amount of time for you to see plenty of the highlights and experience some of the best things to do in Australia. Visit Sydney, Gold Coast, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island to name a few.

There are so many great places to see in Australia and planning a month can be overwhelming and confusing to know where to start. 

If you are looking to plan your Australia itinerary 4 weeks, you have found the right post to help you plan, decide and outline your Australia family trip. But, don’t worry hopefully after reading through this post your Australia travel plans will come together with a clearer understanding of the places to go!

For us, Australia was a much needed familiar type of culture for our family after spending 5 months in South East Asia on our 1 year of full time travel and being away from Canada for 8 months. We were getting a little homesick and Australia helped us feel at home. Oh, how I wish I could live in Aussie!

How to plan a trip to Australia

This is going to be fun, you get to be the Australia trip planner for your family, friends or that solo trip you are planning to take. Although our Australia trip was a family vacation, any of the destinations are geared towards anyone and everyone.

After reviewing the entire itinerary make some notes on which places you want to see and decide if you want longer or shorter in each of the destinations.

If you have less time like 3 weeks in Australia or 2 weeks in Australia you will just have to shorten up the time in each place and/or choose which ones you don’t want to visit as much. Not to worry, I would take any amount of time… even 1 week in Australia would be amazing :)

Please keep in mind that Australia is a very large country and almost impossible to see the entire country in 4 weeks. I am also in the mindset of not racing through the places just to say we have been there and not have enough time to really enjoy ourselves. 

The east coast travel route is a common path that many people take to travel in Australia, and this was the route we decided to take.

In my opinion, for your first visit to Australia, the east coast trail is the best Australia itinerary to start with. 

Top 7 places to visit on your 4 week Australian itinerary !

Ultimate australia itinerary 4 weeks :, 1) day 1 – 5: gold coast (brisbane, byron bay, surfers paradise, broadbeach).

The Gold Coast is located in south east Queensland (halfway up the east coast) and is a great place to start your Australia trip with kids. Depending on where you are travelling from, your family will most likely have jetlag and a few days of soaking up the sun on the beaches in the Gold Coast will probably help.

As far as the eye can see beaches line the coastline. White sand beaches, chill vibe and a few day trips from our home base in Broadbeach was just what we needed to settle into the Aussie life. 

Best Things To Do In Gold Coast

We spent one day and drove out to Byron Bay to visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse and hike around Cape Byron. Byron Bay is approximately 1 hour drive from Broadbeach so makes for a quick and easy day trip. 

We also spent one day walking along the beach and in the area of Burleigh Heads, which a very cool area. If there is one spot I would love to live this may be it!

Although we did not take part in any of the amusement or theme parks, one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast is to visit these theme parks that are scattered in the Gold Coast:

• Australia’s Sea World
• Warner Bros. Movie World
• Wet’n’Wild Waterpark
• Treetop Challenge
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

One thing we wish we would have done was to go to the Skypoint Observation deck. It would have been amazing to see the coastline from this view.

Best Places to Stay in Gold Coast

We stayed at this Apartment in Broadbeach only a few minutes walk from the beach. We didn’t have a pool or other amenities, so it all depends on what you prefer.

If you are looking for hotels in the Gold Coast area here are some current deals.

Travel Tips

• We flew into the OOL airport, some flights are cheaper flying into Gold Coast versus Sydney or Melbourne so check it out to save you some money.
• The Gold Coast can be a great central spot to use as a hub to start travelling the east coast of Australia. Depending on how much you want to do in this area your days can go by very quickly. I would suggest that if are thinking about going to any of the theme parks those will take up a day on their own, so plan your Gold Coast Itinerary around that.
• Don’t forget to have travel insurance for when you are visiting from out of the country. We use World Nomads for our insurance and highly recommend it. Really easy to get a quote! You can read our entire review of World Nomads for travel insurance here .
• Another area if you prefer a busier more happening spot to be would be in Surfers Paradise. Jamie had stayed there years before on a backpacking trip to Australia, but for our family, we preferred to stay in a quieter area. All depends on what you like.
• We rented a car for our stay to get around the Gold Coast and to drive to Fraser Island .

NOTE: We spent 5 nights here but I think we could have reduced it to fewer days, especially since we didn’t do any theme parks. But, flying the red-eye into the area we wanted a couple of days just to regroup on the beach.

2) Day 6 – 9: Fraser Island

Fraser Island is one of Australia’s east coast must-see! Fraser Island made up entirely of sand and a UNESCO site. I would highly recommend if you can squeeze this into your itinerary you will not be disappointed.  We stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort and highly recommend this resort! They have all the amenities you’ll need for touring around Fraser Island.

You can read our guide about all the things to do on Fraser Island for more details.

Best Things To Do in Fraser Island

• Island 4WD Adventure Tour
• Lake McKenzie
• 75 Mile Beach
• Airplane ride over the island
• Whale Watching
• Wanggoolba Creek

A Fraser Island tour can usually hit many of the things to do on Fraser Island with kids! Although the price can be expensive for the day, it is well worth the value in our opinion. Here are some other tour options for Fraser Island to consider:

Best Places to Stay in Fraser Bay

We spent 2 nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort which was perfect for families. We loved this resort, set up perfect for families with cool activities for the kids in the evening and Jr. Ranger program.

There are a few other hotel options to choose from on the island including:

Best Places to Stay in Hervey Bay

We stayed the first night in Hervey Bay at the Ramada Hervey Bay . The kids loved the pool and we wanted to stay the night before to ensure we were on the first departure to Fraser Island so we had most of the day on Fraser Island. 

• Book your Fraser Island in advance and try to schedule around this for your east coast itinerary. There are a limited amount of places to stay on the island and the tours get booked up early.
• You get to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay, there is a regular Fraser Island Barge that departures throughout the day.

3) Day 10 – 13: Sunshine Coast

Our next few days were spent on the Sunshine Coast. Another area that is lined with beaches and has a much more relaxed vacation destination atmosphere over the Gold Coast. We felt like this is the spot that locals go to get away from all us tourists :)

Our highlights from Sunshine coast included hiking the Noose National Park, one of our best hikes we did in Australia! We were also on the lookout for Koala bears and trying to smell for them, but we weren’t lucky enough to spot any at this place. But, this kept the kids entertained for the entire hike.

The best place to visit in Sunshine Coast with kids has to be the Australia Zoo . Crikey, it was great! This is the ultimate zoo to visit with your kids because it teaches them about protecting the animals. The values that have about the rehabilitation of the animals provides so much for the kids to learn. It is also the home of Steve Irwin – The Crocodile Hunter! Our kids favourite was visiting the animal hospital and feeding the kangaroos. 

If hikes or zoos aren’t for you or your family, the beaches will be the next best place to visit. Lots of water activities available for you to spend the entire day at the beach.

Best Things To Do In Sunshine Coast

• Australia Zoo
• Noose National Park
• Beach activities

Best Places to Stay in Sunshine Coas t

We stayed in this apartment which was close to Noose National Park because that was one of the major things we wanted to see.

Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels in the area to choose from:

Travel Tips:

• The Australia Zoo is a full day, so plan to spend most of your time here walking around the zoo and going to live events they have in the park. 
• Bring plenty of water on your hikes, the forrest can be sheltered from the sun but the humidity can dehydrate you very quickly.

4) Day 14 – 17: Airlie Beach (Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef)

After Sunshine Coast, we continued to drive south and then caught a flight from Brisbane up to Airlie Beach which is located in northern Queensland. If we had more time we would have done the drive all the way up to Cairns, but within our month in Australia, this wasn’t going to be an option for us. 

A bucket list item – snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef ! You have to go and see the Great Barrier Reef when you are in Australia. To me, that would just be silly if you went all the way to the other side of the world and not see this massive reef that can be seen from space. It is a must-see in Australia! Hopefully, you are catching onto not missing out on this!

I got to do my first 30 minute dive with our day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. While the kids and Jamie snorkelled from the main boat. Both were spectacular experiences on one of our best moments of the year !

Another reason why we chose Airlie Beach versus flying up to Cairns was that we wanted to visit the Whitsunday Islands and walk on Whitehaven beach. We took a fun speedboat experience out for the day to these spots and was one of our best days in Australia.

Whitsunday Islands will blow your mind away on how beautiful this Australian beach is. This may be the softest sand we have ever seen in the world!

Also, wildlife is a major part of travelling with kids and Airlie beach was our first spotting of a wild kangaroo! When we landed and left the airport, we saw kangaroos in the wild jumping along the road. Its a smaller center so with that comes more wildlife spotting opportunities. 

Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach

We took a day tour of both the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour was a full day and absolutely loved it, you can check out this page for more details. The kids loved the super-fast boat and loud music to pump them up. Not your typical boat tour!

We also took the tour for the Outer Great Barrier Reef to the ReefWorld Pontoon, check out what the boat looks like and more info here .

• Dive or Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Visit the Whitsunday Islands
• Spend the afternoon on Whitehaven beach
• Take a speed boat or sailboat through the islands

Best Places to Stay in Airlie Beach

We stayed at the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort , you have to check out this place to stay. Our best stay in all of Australia, the kids loved the pool, waterslides, mini-golf and so much more. We stayed in a little bungalow. Loved it…. this is how Aussie’s camp – WOW! This is my one and only recommendation for where to stay in Airlie Beach.

• Plan for an extra day if you can to allow for some leeway for the ocean swells and weather. When we were there we had some big swells and had to go regardless because we only had a certain number of days. 
• Take the motion sickness pills if the boats provide them. Really people… if the captain is giving out motion sickness pill before we leave the harbour please listen to him/her to make your trip more enjoyable. We weren’t ill from the boat trips (because we took the motion sickness pills the boats provide), but many others were if you are not used to the ocean.
• The cost of the flight can be pricey, so weigh the extra cost if you are able to spare a few days on the road travelling versus flying. 
• Book your tours in advance if you can so you are not disappointed upon your arrival and things are all booked up.

NOTE: We stayed in Airlie Beach for 8 nights, this much time is not needed. Have 1 day for Great Barrier Reef and 1 day for Whitsunday, and 1 day free is the perfect amount of time. Our family also wanted to have some free days at our amazing resort we stayed at. We also met some amazing families that we still keep in contact with for Aussie.

5) Day 18 – 21: Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that is full of so much life and a melting pot of so many places from around the world. We found Melbourne to have so many familiarities and influences from around the world from the people who have immigrated to Australia. There are European touches to the buildings and architecture, Chinatown and Little Italy districts areas that are must to go see and eat at.

There is also a great vibe to Melbourne that made me love it with all their street art, a lively university city and sometimes an eastern European forward thinking atmosphere. 

Melbourne is also known for its food scene and they did not disappoint! We ate our way through Melbourne and enjoyed every minute of it. Queen Victoria market was one of our favourite spots with great food selections, coffee and atmosphere that we loved as a family. I would visit Queen Victoria market every week if I lived in Melbourne. 

Best Things to Do in Melbourne

You will have no problem finding things to do for a Melbourne 3 day itinerary. Here are some more ideas for the family:

• Queen Victoria Market
• Riding the city circle trams
• Federation Square
• Scene Worlds
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
• Walk along the Yarra River
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Flinders Street Station
• Day Trip to Brighton Beach (the colourful beach huts)
• Check out the Melbourne cricket ground or go to a cricket match

Best Places to Stay in Melbourne

We stayed at the Ibis Hotel , which was a two-bedroom apartment. We really liked this area since it was close to the Queen Victoria market and fairly accessible to all the spots we wanted to go see in Melbourne. Some other hotel options for Melbourne:

• We didn’t need a car rental in Melbourne, public transportation was great.
• We rented the car for our Great Ocean Road drive from the airport we were going to fly out of, this kept the cost down since we were picking up and returning the vehicle to the same place.

6) Day 22 – 24: Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road (GOR) is one of the best drives in the world. The twists and turns that hug the south eastern coastline of Australia let you get some amazing views from the road. It’s also known as the Surf Coast Highway. 

The Great Ocean Road is 243 KM highway in Victoria, it officially starts from Torquay and goes to Allansford. We only travelled from Torquay to Port Campbell, which is the most popular route since at Port Campbell is where the Twelve Apostles rock formation is.

Here is a quick overview of the road trip to give you an idea of what you can expect in each city along the way.

Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: drive from melbourne to lorne.

Starting from Melbourne stop at Torquay and check out Bells Beach where the world renowned Rip Curl surf competition is held every year. Another amazing spot to stop is at Teddy’s lookout in Lorne for an up high place for everyone to have a really good look at the road below.

Day 2: Drive from Lorne to Apollo Bay

Halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay is Kennett River, which is a well-known place to spot Koala bears in the wild. If you have kids, you know this is a highlight to see these animals in the wild. In Kennett River, look for Grey River Road by Kafe Koala or go further along Grey River Road if you want to walk to see them. This is also a good opportunity to break up the drive and have the kids stretch their legs from the drive.

Day 3: Drive from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

Port Campbell area is where you will find the famous limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, and London Bridge rock formations. All of these spots will take a few hours to explore and check out.

On the way, we stopped at Great Otway National Park for a short hike. If you have some extra time you can also try going to see if you can spot some more koalas at the Otway Lighthouse Road.

Day 4: Drive from Port Campbell to Melbourne

If you didn’t get a good look (or it started to rain the day before like us) at the Twelve Apostles you can check out Port Campbell National Park before you drive back. It is approximately a 3 hour drive back to Melbourne but expect some slower travel along this highway. 

For more detail on all the best places to stop along the Great Ocean Road with full itinerary check out more details here .

Best Places to Stay in Lorne

We stayed at this apartment in Lorne , walking distance to the beach so we didn’t have to drive anywhere in the evening. But there are many hotels or bed & breakfast to choose from, go here for more hotel options in Lorne .

Best Places to Stay in Apollo Bay

We stayed at the Seaview Motel & Apartments , some other hotel options for Apollo Bay are here .

Best Places to Stay in Port Campbell

We stayed at the Southern Ocean Motor Inn with some other Port Campbell hotel options here that you can check out . We didn’t spend too much on accommodation since we were really just sleeping, packing and leaving the next day.

• Take your time driving TO Port Campbell. The drive on the left side of the road is the best because you are on the side closest to the ocean.
• If you are really short on time and/or want to condense this part of the trip there are GOR day trips that you can take from Melbourne. Buses that are a full long day that drives you out to Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles with a few stops in between. You don’t need to worry about driving the road either. We preferred the slow travel of driving with the kids and taking our time in the smaller towns along the way. But, a day trip is an option if you don’t want to miss out!

7) Day 25 – 30: Sydney

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is blessed with having ocean views forever, stunning bridges, endless waterways and architecture to line the Sydney harbour. Not to mention the most iconic building that is associated with Australia, the Sydney Opera House. 

There is no doubt that you must have Sydney on your trip around Australia. It is a big city with lots to do – the options are limitless here. Anything you want to go see or do is available. 

We spent one day walking around the Sydney Opera House , the Royal Botanical gardens and around the harbour. Lots of great views of the Sydney bridge ate at some of the cafes and wandered through the streets.

Another day we took a day trip out to Manly Beach and walked along the path, went to the beach and enjoyed a more suburban feel to Sydney.

We spent a day at Bondi Beach and watched the surfers, boogie boarders and played in the waves. We enjoyed the chill vibe of Bondi Beach and the kids loved saying that they had been to where Bondi Beach Rescue tv show has been filmed. They watched a few episodes while in Aussie! 

We also really liked the Sydney coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte. Walk all along the water with some great views.

Always great food in big cities and Sydney has some great options to choose from. Choose your cuisine of choice and search up on TripAdvisor for some best places to eat in Sydney for the most recent options.

Best Things to Do in Sydney

• Sydney Opera House
• Walk around Cirquay area
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Sydney Bridge
• Darling Harbour
• Bondi Beach
• Sea Life Aquarium
• Taringa Zoo

Day Trips from Sydney

• Manly Beach
• Blue Mountains (we did not do this, but wish we would have)

Best Places to Stay in Sydney

We stayed in two different areas while we were in Sydney.  We first stayed at this apartment in Bondi Beach , which was great to visit the beach and relax.

We also stayed downtown, at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay, prior to our departure on our Royal Caribbean South Pacific Island cruise . Downtown was awesome for checking out things close to the harbour, easy access and all fairly close. The hotels are generally more per night versus Bondi Beach, but you get the close proximity to the harbour. 

• Consider looking into day tours that make your life easier to plan, plus usually, the cost isn’t too much more. When we were looking at the Blue Mountains day trip this is the way we would have went.
• Take the local ferry to different spots if you want to feel like a local, it’s a fun way for the kids to experience it and see the city from the water.

Places on our Next Australia Itinerary

As I mentioned before Australia is a massive country and next to impossible to see all the highlights of Australia in 4 weeks. So these were the spots that were on our list that we had to scratch off until another time. 

If you have any extra days to make it 5 weeks Australia itinerary consider the following top spots to see in Australia that weren’t covered in this above itinerary:

• Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, Northern Territory
• Alice Springs, Northern Territory
• Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
• Perth, Western Australia
• Tasmania Island

Transportation in Australia

• We rented a car for driving around Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island and the Great Ocean Road . We found in those areas we needed to have a vehicle for our family. Although there were places we could walk to we found it easiest to drive and public transportation wasn’t a cheaper option.
• Don’t forget for all you North Americans, driving is on the left side (steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle)!
• We flew most of our flights with Jetstar Airlines within Australia.
• Australian’s generally do not tip! This threw us right off when going out with locals for supper and they told us not to tip.
• We looked into the train that could take you in one direction from all the way from Cairns to Melbourne, but for us, with the cost of 4 people, it was actually about the same to fly and rent cars for the spots.

Australia Travel Tips

• Feel free to change up the order of the destinations. We flew between most of the cities because we wanted to save travel time. You could also do a road trip and drive from Cairns to Melbourne or vice versa. 

• As noted for some places, we stayed for a bit longer in some spots for certain reasons. We also were trying to plan our Australia travel around a cruise that we booked out to the South Polynesian islands of Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. Sydney Harbour has so many great cruises you can add onto if you want to go out to spots here. New Zealand, South Polynesian, Tasmania island and a few others. Maybe consider adding a 3 or 4 day cruise onto your trip :)

• School vacation days in Australia. If you are trying to plan around the school vacation days to help with getting better prices or more availability… good luck – lol. I found it very confusing to try and figure out each state’s school terms. But, for most the majority of the kids are off school for most of December and January. This is considered their summer holidays (I think – lol).

• Australia Weather Look into the weather in each of the places to find out when the best time to go to Australia is for you. We were there towards the end of February and into March. The east coast was comfortable weather for hiking, going to the beach and walking around. We happened to hit bad ocean weather up in Airlie beach at that time, but it was still warm enough for beach weather. In Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, during the time we were there, it was more light jackets or sweaters and pants for the most part. For Sydney, we had great weather, very comfortable for touring around and going to the beach too!
• States visited within the 1 month itinerary of Australia: Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

• Australia is not a cheap country to travel to. It is about the same as travelling in the USA and Canada for the most part. We tried to keep to a budget and as you can tell spent our money on experiences and once in a lifetime opportunity versus theme parks. But, it just depends on what you like. We only had so much money to spend on the trip so for us spending it on snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, airplane ride over Fraser Island and a boat tour to see Whitsundays island were well worth the dollars spent.
• Data cards and phone – when we landed in Gold Coast, we bought a prepaid SIM card from the newsstand and registered online for the card. The prices weren’t too expensive for the amount of limited data that we needed. The process to register was a bit more time consuming than in other countries we visited on our world travels. I would still recommend buying an old-fashioned map though for your highway travels since data reception can be spotting in some areas.

• Wifi was available mostly everywhere including hotels, restaurants, and cafes for free.
• We found pricing of the food and drinks to be about the same as North America, but we did notice that any kind of junk food was definitely more. Fewer chips and pop for us on this trip, which is a good thing anyways!

We enjoyed travelling along the east coast itinerary and loved our month in Australia. Australia is truly an amazing county with a wide range of places to visit and experiences for families to have. We found Australia to be a very easy country to travel around with kids with no barriers.

So, if you are thinking of doing Australia for your first long term trip with your kids then this itinerary of Australia will hopefully be a good guide for you to feel more confident about booking that trip!

Are there any places that we missed on our Australia travel itinerary? Any tidbits about Aussie to share?

We travelled to Australia from February 22 – March 28.

Our kids were 5 (turned 6 in Sydney) & 8 years old.

Looking for more travel inspiration?

• Royal Caribbean South Pacific Cruises : Vanuatu, New Caledonia & Loyalty Island
• Review of Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship from Sydney
• New Zealand Itinerary 4 weeks with Kids

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More Info:  Disclosure

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Lorena says

December 30, 2020 at 5:57 pm

What a great itinerary! We live in WA and plan to do our fare share of traveling on the other side of the country so I’ll make sure to use your tips and advices! Thank you for r the great read

The Passport Kids says

January 4, 2021 at 7:07 pm

Awesome – I am so glad it was a helpful itinerary!

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3 Weeks on East Coast of Australia

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

The East Coast of Australia is a dream destination for many. With its stunning beaches, famous cities like Sydney and Brisbane, and the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re an adventure seekers, you can enjoy surfing and snorkelling , while those who love culture can explore vibrant city life and rich history. Plus, with its friendly locals and diverse wildlife , it’s a place where unforgettable memories are made, making it a must-visit spot for foreign visitors.

Australia’s beautiful East Coast has been drawing travellers from all over the world for decades. The postcard white sand beaches, shimmering water, world-class surf, and laid-back Australian island ambience – this is an exciting way to spend 3 weeks on East Coast of Australia.

We also have this massive 3 weeks across Australia itinerary where you could include a visit to the West Coast.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA

Before you go book anything, there are a few things you should be aware of about visiting Australia, specifically the East Coast. In this part of the itinerary, I will help you decide when to visit, how much to budget, how to get around, and other travel tips:

When is the best time to go to the East Coast of Australia

The best time to visit the East Coast of Australia is generally during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) . These seasons offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the coast.

The peak tourist season is during the Australian summer, from December to February . This period sees the warmest weather, perfect for beach activities, but it also brings larger crowds and higher prices.

Winter, from June to August, is cooler and less crowded . While it’s winter, the climate remains relatively mild, making it a good time for those who prefer a quieter experience.

The rainy season varies along the coast but is typically during the summer months, especially in the tropical regions of Queensland, where you might experience tropical showers and occasional cyclones.

Are 3 weeks enough for East Coast of Australia

If you put together a list of cities properly, 20 days on East Coast of Australia is plenty of time. You can easily visit 4-5 cities. Planning what mode of transportation to use will also play a big role in ensuring that you can maximise your time without wasting it on airport and transport terminals.

What to pack

This depends on which season you plan to visit and the activities you want to do. If you’re an experienced surfer, you probably want to bring your own board, but you can also rent at many places along the Sunshine Coast.

If you plan to hike, don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes . I also recommend you bring at least one jumper/pullover because the wind at night, especially along the coast, can still be chilly, even in summertime.

How to get around

Getting around the East Coast of Australia offers various options. The most affordable is often buses, providing extensive coverage at low costs . But they can be the slowest choice.

For speed and convenience, flying is ideal , especially for covering long distances quickly. Trains offer a scenic and comfortable journey, though they might not be the fastest.

Renting a car is ideal for flexibilit y and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. It allows you to travel at your own pace and access areas not served by public transport, making it a great choice for a comprehensive and personalized travel experience.

However, Australia is massive, even with just visiting the East Coast. This means that you must craft your travel itinerary carefully to avoid spending more time driving than exploring.

This 3 weeks on East Coast of Australia itinerary is perfect for renting a car though . You can pick up the vehicle in Melbourne and then take it all the way to Sydney (it’s a 9-hour drive, but you can also take a break in Canberra for a night and explore the capital city.

From Sydney, you can take the car to the Blue Mountains, and finally, your last leg of the trip, from Sydney all the way to The Whitsunday Islands. You can then drop it off there and fly from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Cairns.

Language and currency

The main language spoken in Australia is English . While English is predominant, the country’s multicultural population also means that languages like Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, and Greek are widely spoken within various communities.

The main currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD) . Tourists generally cannot pay with other currencies directly. Card payments are widely accepted and often more convenient than cash, especially in cities and tourist areas. Using cards also provide better exchange rates and security for international travelers, but don’t forget to have some local cash in hand for emergencies.

Average travel cost for East Coast of Australia

The cost of a vacation in Australia can really vary depending on your style and level of comfort. Visiting during the summer season, the prices skyrocket. On the other hand, the shoulder seasons can save you a great amount of money.

• Affordable : B udget travellers can expect to spend around AUD 1,500-2,500 . This includes hostel stays, public transport, and mostly self-catered meals.
• Midrange : For a more comfortable trip with midrange hotels, some dining out, and domestic flights or car rental, the cost can range from AUD 3,500-6,000 .
• Luxury : Luxury travellers might spend AUD 8,000-15,000 or more . This includes staying in high-end hotels or resorts, dining at upscale restaurants, private tours, and possibly internal flights in business class.

These estimates cover accommodation, transport, meals, and some activities. Prices can vary based on the specific destinations within the East Coast, the season, and personal spending habits. Activities like diving, guided tours, and special experiences will add to the overall cost.

If you plan to do extreme activities such as sky diving, diving, surfing, and others, you should really make sure that you have travel insurance valid for Australia .

Australia has a strict visa policy. There are a limited number of countries that could visit Australia without a needed visa.

If your passport is from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, you can enter and travel around Australia for up to 6 months, depending on what passport you hold.

However, all visa-free countries are still required to get an eVisitor permit , which you can obtain online. Make sure to get this at least one or two weeks prior to your departure date to Australia.

New Zealand citizens have a freedom of movement in Australia.

Other foreign visitors not mentioned above must apply for a visitor visa from the nearest Australian embassy or consulate in your location.

You must also remember that Australia has a strict import law . There are many foods that you cannot bring here (e.g. dried fruit, homemade food, etc), which were put in place to protect its sensitive ecosystem.

Other travel tips

You can start arranging some travel items, such as booking your accommodation and tours, once you have the dates picked. It’s the hotel that you want to book as soon as possible, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season.

The travel sites below are what we highly recommend on our blog because many of them are super flexible with cancellations and offer a wide range of choices.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES ON THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

TRIP COST CALCULATOR

Trip cost calculator, 3 weeks on east coast of australia itinerary.

Starting in Melbourne, Victoria, and ending in Cairns , Queensland, this detailed itinerary takes you through 3 Australian states . This means that if you follow this itinerary, you want to book your flight into Australia to Melbourne and then fly out of Cairns.

From mountainous bushland and rainforests to the whitest sand beach in the world to small surf towns, iconic sprawling cities, and pristine islands, this itinerary has it all.

For extra local tips and tricks to help you have the best time possible, I also reached out to my friend Luca Saunders. Luca is an 18-year-old traveller and creator of the travel blog Hello World, Here I Come . She’s also an Australian local who’s spent a large amount of time travelling up and down the East Coast. 

So what are you waiting for? Here is the top 3-week itinerary that’s guaranteed to give the best, authentic, and memorable experience of Australia’s beautiful coastline.

Melbourne for 4 days

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most popular and iconic cities, known for its art and music scenes, lively young crowds, and delicious food.

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most accessible cities by plane, making it a good starting point to access the greater East Coast . You can also take plenty of day trips to famous landmarks like the Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, and more.

From here, you can pick up a car rental, or you can do that once you reach Sydney instead.

Things to do in Melbourne

• Melbourne Cricket Ground – a tour that you can join
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Day trip to Phillip Island – see the penguins and Moonlit Sanctuary or the one with Penguin and Koala tour
• Shrine of Remembrance
• Melbourne Skydeck – check the updated price
• Federation Square
• Great Ocean and 12 Apostles – book a day tour from Melbourne
• South Wharf Area
• Polly Woodside – the country’s last surviving 19th-century ships
• Garden and Sporting Precinct River Cruise
• Ride Hot Air Baloon – check the tour price and reviews
• City Circle Tram
• Skydive Melbourne
• Luna Park in Melbourne
• Yarra River Cruise – enjoy a dinner cruise or balloon flight at sunrise or a bottomless brunch cruise
• Visit Yarra Valley and go on a Winery Tour
• National Tennis Centre (Rod Laver Arena)
• Williamstown Ferry Cruise – read the reviews and see the tour price
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Day trip to Healesville Sanctuary – ride Puffing Billy and see the rescued wild animals
• Go to an art gallery

You wouldn’t have really visited Melbourne if you didn’t check out the city’s famous art scene. Visit the famed Australian Museum of Modern Art, then head to the Linden New Art Gallery to see some of Australia’s upcoming contemporary artists’ work.

• Go to an underground concert

Melbourne’s music scene is renowned, but not for large artists in stadium tours. Melbourne has a thriving underground music scene, with tiny packed bars showcasing local bands and artists. These shows aren’t often publicly promoted, so head to a Melbourne music Facebook page to see what you can find.

• Do a day trip along the Great Ocean Road and Visit the 12 Apostles

The best day trip from Melbourne has to be a drive along the Great Ocean Road. You can even stop along the way to see the iconic 12 Apostles. ( suggested tour ). So book a tour or rent a car and head out for a full day of exploring some of the country’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

• Take a food tour

Melbourne has some of Australia’s most diverse and delicious cuisine. Grab a tour or simply walk through the streets of some of Melbourne’s hip districts and find an unbelievable range of cuisines to taste. I recommend visiting A1 Bakery and Very Good Falafel.

• Try a delicious Australian coffee

Australia is famous for its coffee, and for good reason. Just walking around, you’ll find thousands of little coffee shops dotting the streets. The best coffee usually comes from small businesses, and for the full experience, get yourself the quintessential Aussie drink, the flat white.

• Take a walk through Fitzroy and Northcote

Fitzroy and Northcote are two of the city’s trendiest suburbs. Take a walk through the graffitied back allies to see street art, vintage shops, tiny galleries, record stores, and hip restaurants. 

Accommodations in Melbourne

• Affordable: Space Hotel or Flinders Backpackers
• Mid-range: The Victoria Hotel or Atlantis Hotel
• Luxury: The Langham or Crown Towers

Sydney and The Blue Mountains for 6 days

Sydney and its nearby Blue Mountains are two of the most famous spots to visit in Australia. S ydney is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbor Bridge , while the Blue Mountains are famous for their stunning viewpoints and diverse native Australian forests. 

To get there from Melbourne, you can either take a short 1-hour flight, a 10-hour train or drive for roughly 8 hours. From the airport, the centre of Sydney is easily accessible due to the city’s amazing public transport system.

Things to do in Sydney and The Blue Mountains

• Sydney Opera House – book your tour in advance or watch La Boheme
• Chinese Garden of Friendship
• Explore the city and Bondi Beach – get your bus ticket or join a half-day tour or join a crime tour
• Darling Harbour
• Sydney Tower- look at the tour price and reviews and enjoy a buffet feast at the tower
• Luna Park Sydney
• Blue Mountains – book a day trip with a cruise
• Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
• Day trip to Katoomba Scenic World – get your hop-on, hop-off bus and park pas or bushwalk and lunch
• Cruise at Circular Quay
• Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
• Madame Tussauds – skip the line and get a ticket in advance
• Queen Victoria Building
• Sydney Harbour – enjoy a sunset cruise or an all-inclusive dinner cruise
• BridgeClimb Sydney
• Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Day trip to Hunter Valley for wine, cheese, and chocolate tour
• King Street Wharf Darling Harbour
• Visit the iconic Australian landmarks

You can’t visit Sydney without visiting its iconic Australian landmarks. The Opera House, Luna Park, and the Harbor Bridge are the two most notable.

 For the cheapest experience, I recommend taking the Ferry from Circular Quay to Luna Park, which takes you right under the harbour bridge. From there you can take the train back over the bridge to see views of the Harbour and Opera House. 

Then take a picnic lunch and relax next to the Opera House in the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

• Relax at Manly Beach

Next, you have to visit the city’s iconic beaches. The best by far for overall experience is Manly. The beach has beautiful bright green ocean pools to swim and relax in, plus a surf break and hundreds of beautiful cafes, stores, and restaurants lining the beachfront. 

But make sure to put on sunscreen, and the Australian sun is relentless!

• Spend 2 days in the Blue Mountains National Park

A visit to Sydney is incomplete without heading to the Blue Mountains National Park, which is also where Luca grew up. The Blue Mountains are one of Australia’s natural wonders, with mountains that are actually… blue to the eye. 

The Mountains are the perfect place to go if you’re looking for peace, beautiful scenery, bushwalks, and adventure experiences. Relax under a waterfall, head for a walk, and enjoy the beautiful ambience. 

The Mountains are also one place in Australia where you can see snow! Read more in Luca’s expert guide on seeing snow in Australia . 

Read more about what to do and see in Luca’s Guide about why the Blue Mountains are worth visiting !

• Go rock climbing or canyoning 

One thing you must do in the Blue Mountains is experience Its world-class adventure. The Mountains are considered to be a mecca of Australian rock climbing, and with towering cliffs as far as the eye can see, that’s no surprise. Similarly, if you aren’t comfortable with heights, a canyon might be the way to go. 

If you aren’t experienced, make sure to book a tour instead. Try to book only tours with local guides from local companies, as private tourism has hurt the Blue Mountains over the last 10 years.

Accommodations in Sydney

• Affordable: Wake Up! Sydney Central or Sydney Harbour YHA
• Mid-range: Mariner’s Court Hotel or Meriton Suites
• Luxury: Sofitel Darling Harbour or Radisson Blue Plaza or Shangri-La

Noosa, Fraser Island, and The Whitsunday Islands for 9 days

Next, rent a car for the road trip of your life. Starting in Sydney, drive 11 hours up to the Sunshine Coast, stopping along the way if need be. You can take a night off at Rockhampton City, which is about 6 hours from Noosa, and then 5 hours to The Whitsunday Islands.

Spend 2 days exploring the beautiful beach town of Noosa , which has an unbelievable balance of facilities, rainforest, and beautiful beaches. There’s also a boat trip to Noosa Heads that you can book.

Then, drive just 4 hours from Noosa to K’gari (meaning paradise) , also known as Fraser Island. Spend 2 days there to soak up the unbelievable wildlife and natural scenery. You can see dolphins while doing sea kayaking as well.

From there, drive up to Airlie Beach , where you can access the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The Islands are famed for being the whitest sand in the world and are an incredible place to explore Australia’s beautiful beaches and marine life. You need at least 3 days to experience this slice of paradise. 

Things to do in Noosa, The Whitsunday Islands and Fraser Island

• Noosa- Explore the hidden beaches

Noosa is famous for its beautiful boardwalk that spans from the town centre, along the main beach, and along the coast through the surrounding national park. Take a walk along the boardwalk to see some of Queensland’s most beautiful scenery, and hop off to spend some time at one of the pristine hidden beaches!

• Noosa- Do a surf lesson

Noosa has been a hub for surfers for decades. Take an afternoon to hop on a board and enjoy one of Australia’s world-class surf breaks. If you’re a pro, you can rent a board along the beach. If not, grab a surf lesson and experience a big part of Australia’s beach culture.

• K’gari- Drive a 75-mile beach

Taking a drive along a 75-mile beach is one of the best things to do on Fraser Island. Cars are allowed on the sand, so many locals can be found on nice days parked on the beach with a picnic and some beers to watch the sunset.

Driving along the beach is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful coastline to the fullest!

• K’gari- Explore the natural wonders

K’gari/ Fraser Island has some of Queensland’s most incredible natural sites. Find teaming Australian wildlife like quokkas and kangaroos, dunes as tall as the Opera house, crystal clear water, and native Australian bushland as far as the eye can see.

Spend a day simply hopping between the famous Champagne pools, the Pinnacles, and Lake Mckenzie, or take a drive along the sandy 4WD tracks from Eurong Beach to Kingfisher Bay to see the sub-tropical rainforest. From Noosa, you can book a cruise through Noosa Everglades .

• Whitsunday Islands- Relax on the whitest beach on earth

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands has been named the whitest beach on earth multiple times, and you can’t visit the area without seeing it at least once. Boats to the beach depart from the Port of Airlie Marina or the Coral Sea Marina daily. 

• Whitsunday Islands- Take a snorkelling tour

And you can’t miss a stay near the great barrier reef without going snorkelling. Here you can see vibrant coral, schools of colourful fish, turtles, manta rays, and much more. Dives and snorkelling expeditions can be expensive, but they’re well worth the experience and exposure to marine life you can’t find in many other places on Earth.

• Airlie Beach – Go Skydiving

For the adrenaline junkies among us, Airlie Beach is one of the best places on earth to go skydiving. Jump from 15,000ft and fall over some of the bluest water and lushest rainforests on the planet. The air is also warmer, making skydiving an even more enjoyable experience!

Accommodations in Noosa

• Affordable: Noosa Flashpackers or Ingenia Holidays or Robyn’s Nest BnB
• Mid-range: South Pacific Resort & Spa or At The Sound Motel or River Retreat Apartments
• Luxury: Sofitel Pacific Resort or Noosa Place Resort or Caribbean Noosa

Accommodations in Rockhampton City

• Affordable: The Heritage Hotel or Palms Motor Inn or The Q Motel
• Mid-range: Quest Rockhampton or Coffee House Apartment Motel or Denison Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: Korte’s Resort or CocoBew Boutique Apartments or The Stirling Motel

Cairns for 2 days

And finally, fly or drive from Airlie Beach to Cairns at the northeast tip of Australia. The city has one of Australia’s biggest airports, making it a great place to finish up your East Coast trip. But spend 1 to 2 days exploring the city before heading off. If you’re interested in the native tribes, join an Aboriginal cultural tour.

Here, you can also reach The Great Barrier Reef, which is definitely a must-see during your 3 weeks on East Coast of Australia. Plus, the fact that you can simply lie on the beach and enjoy the sun and water, is a great way to wrap up your trip.

Things to do in Cairns

• Head to Crystal Cascades

Head to Crystal Cascades for a nice afternoon relaxing by the natural freshwater pools and waterfalls. Drive through the rainforest to find this secluded spot, if you rent a car in Sydney, make sure to keep it to make these waterfalls more accessible.

• Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a train service that has been running since 1891 over the great dividing range, from Cairns to the town of Kuranda. The railway runs over raised tracks around the rainforest, towering mountains, and beautiful waterfalls. 

Make sure to bring your camera! This is one of the most beautiful scenic train rides in Australia. There’s a day trip to Kuranda to make your visit more convenient.

• Grab a bite to eat at the Cairns Night Markets

Finally, you can’t miss grabbing some delicious food at Cairns Night Markets. The markets have over 70 stalls and vendors, with countless choices for a delicious dinner experience in the city. 

• See the Great Barrier Reef

There are a few ways to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, the most popular and easiest is taking a scenic flight over the reef . For those who want to get in the water, there’s a snorkelling or dive tour that you can sign up for. For an easier snorkelling day, you can skip the Barrier Reef, and book a full-day Green Island cruise .

Accommodations in Cairns

• Affordable: Cairns City Backpackers Hostel or YHA Cairns Central or Mad Monkey Central
• Mid-range: Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel or Estilo Bed & Breakfast or Coral Tree Inn
• Luxury: Crystalbrook Riley or The Abbott Boutique Hotel or Crystalbrook Flynn or Shangri-La The Marina or Crystalbrook Bailey

MUST-TRY AUSTRALIAN DISHES AND DRINKS

Australia might not be known for their food, but you have to try at least a few dishes and see which ones you like. Plus, it’s a diverse country offering fusions from cuisines of India, East Asia, and Europe. Don’t forget to try the local coffee as well as visiting breweries.

• Barramundi Fish – A popular Australian fish often grilled or fried.
• Moreton Bay Bugs – A type of lobster native to Queensland, usually grilled or barbecued.
• Lamingtons – A classic Australian cake, dipped in chocolate and coated in coconut.
• Meat Pie – A staple snack, often filled with minced meat and gravy.
• Chicken Parmigiana – A pub favourite, featuring breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and cheese.
• Damper – A traditional Australian bread, typically baked in a campfire.
• Pavlova – A meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with fruit and whipped cream.
• Vegemite on Toast – A quintessential Australian spread made from yeast extract, commonly eaten on toast.
• Tim Tams – Iconic Australian chocolate biscuits.
• Anzac Biscuits – Oatmeal coconut cookies, originally made for soldiers during WWI.
• Fairy Bread – Bread spread with butter and covered in sprinkles, a children’s party favourite.
• Golden Syrup Dumplings – Sweet dumplings made with golden syrup, a classic comfort food.
• Flat White – A popular coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio.
• Bundaberg Ginger Beer – A famous non-alcoholic ginger beer from Queensland.
• Lemon, Lime and Bitters – A refreshing drink made with lemonade, lime cordial, and Angostura bitters.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS ON EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA ITINERARY

This East Coast of Australia Itinerary has everything, spanning 3 states and all kinds of experiences. From white sand beaches to sprawling mountains to iconic cities and towns, you’ll be able to experience everything the East Coast has to offer.

With Luca’s extra local knowledge, you’ll be able to visit undiscovered gems, have fun, adventurous experiences, and explore only the best the East Coast has to offer.

I hope that you found this itinerary for 3 weeks on East Coast of Australia helpful in planning your upcoming trip.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

• Travel Planning Guide

Australia Travel Budget - Visit Australia on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Australia Costs

• Is Australia Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Australia cost?
• Australia On-Your-Own Itineraries
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Australia Hotel Prices
• Australia Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Hotels for One Night in Australia
• Best Party Hotels in Australia
• Best Hotels for Skiing in Australia
• Best Business Hotels in Australia
• Best Cheap Hotels in Australia
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Australia
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Australia
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Australia
• Best Hotels for One Week in Australia
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Australia
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Australia
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Australia
• Best Luxury Hotels in Australia
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Australia
• Best Beach Hotels in Australia
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Australia Activities
• Australia Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia
• The Best Wildlife Tours to Australia
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia
• The Best Historical Tours in Australia
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Australia
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia
• The Best Extended Trip Tours in Australia, One Month or Longer
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Australia
• The Best Overlanding Trips in Australia
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia
• The Best Adventure Tours to Australia
• The Best Eco Tours in Australia
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Australia
• The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Australia
• The Best Cultural Tours in Australia
• The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia
• The Tours for Animal Lovers in Australia
• The Best Camping Tours in Australia
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia
• The Best Safaris in Australia
• The Best Budget Safaris in Australia
• The Best Walking Tours in Australia
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Australia
• The Best Luxury Tours to Australia
• The Best Budget Tours to Australia
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Australia
• The Best Contiki Tours to Australia
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia
• Surfers Paradise
• How much does it cost to travel to Australia? (Average Daily Cost)
• Australia trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Australia?

Is australia expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Australia?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Australia?

You should plan to spend around $162 (AU$250) per day on your vacation in Australia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $34 (AU$53) on meals
• $30 (AU$46) on local transportation
• $140 (AU$215) on hotels

A one week trip to Australia for two people costs, on average, $2,267 (AU$3,495) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 162 AU$ 250
• One Week Per person $ 1,134 AU$ 1,747
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,267 AU$ 3,495
• One Month Per person $ 4,859 AU$ 7,489
• One Week For a couple $ 2,267 AU$ 3,495
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 4,535 AU$ 6,989
• One Month For a couple $ 9,717 AU$ 14,977

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Australia cost?

A one week trip to Australia usually costs around $1,134 (AU$1,747) for one person and $2,267 (AU$3,495) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Australia on average costs around $2,267 (AU$3,495) for one person and $4,535 (AU$6,989) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Australia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Australia on average costs around $4,859 (AU$7,489) for one person and $9,717 (AU$14,977) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Australia is $344 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Sydney to Cairns Best of Australia – 17 Day Boutique Comfort Tour 17 Days - 20 Destinations $ 2,196
• Broome to Darwin 4WD Adventure 10 Days - 13 Destinations $ 2,022

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Australia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Australia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to New Zealand or French Polynesia.

For more details, see Is Australia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Australia?

The average Australia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Australia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Australia

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Australia is $70 (AU$108). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Australia is $140 (AU$215). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 70 AU$ 108
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 140 AU$ 215

Hotel Prices in Australia

Looking for a hotel in Australia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Australia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $123. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Woolgoolga Motor Inn Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 105
• Gracehill Accommodation Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 124

Local Transportation Budget in Australia

The cost of a taxi ride in Australia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $30 (AU$46) per person, per day, on local transportation in Australia.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 30 AU$ 46

Recommended Services

• Port Douglas to Cairns (ONE WAY) Private Transfer 1 to 6 pax Viator $ 165
• MOSSMAN GORGE TRANSFER between Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge (return) Viator $ 27

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Tram Ride AU$ 3.80
• Taxi to Airport AU$ 25
• Airport Bus AU$ 16
• Taxi Ride AU$ 20
• Shuttle from the Train Station AU$ 5.50
• Shuttle to Train Station AU$ 15
• Airtrain to the City AU$ 15
• Go Card AU$ 25

Food Budget in Australia

While meal prices in Australia can vary, the average cost of food in Australia is $34 (AU$53) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Australia should cost around $14 (AU$21) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Australia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 34 AU$ 53

Recommended

• Sydney Street Art & Food Tour Viator $ 53
• Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour Viator $ 50

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Pizza AU$ 7.00
• Dinner at Olivo (for 2) AU$ 90
• Meat Pies AU$ 5.00
• Food/Drink Coogie Beach AU$ 15
• Lunch Special AU$ 15
• Coffee AU$ 5.00
• Tea AU$ 4.00
• Coffee AU$ 4.00

Entertainment Budget in Australia

Entertainment and activities in Australia typically cost an average of $31 (AU$47) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 31 AU$ 47

Recommended Activities

• Yarra Valley grazing tour with Champagne Brunch at Chandon Viator $ 166
• Half-Day Jervis Bay Sea Kayak Tour Viator $ 93

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Powerhouse Museum AU$ 15
• Surfing Museum (for 2) AU$ 11
• Sunset Cruise (for 2) AU$ 20
• Surf Lesson AU$ 65
• Surf Lesson AU$ 120
• Sea Kayak Tour (for 2) AU$ 130
• Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2) AU$ 190
• Sydney Tower Visit (for 2) AU$ 46

Tips and Handouts Budget in Australia

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Australia is $137 (AU$212) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Australia is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 137 AU$ 212

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Australia

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Australia is $183 (AU$281), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 183 AU$ 281

Alcohol Budget in Australia

The average person spends about $14 (AU$22) on alcoholic beverages in Australia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 14 AU$ 22
• Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour Viator $ 129
• Luke's Wine Tour Viator $ 73

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Australia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Australia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bottle of Wine AU$ 7.75
• Wine AU$ 7.00
• Wine AU$ 16
• Drinks at a Bar AU$ 14
• Glass of Wine in Alice Springs AU$ 7.00
• Glass of Wine AU$ 7.00
• Evening at a Bar AU$ 24
• Guiness Beer AU$ 8.50

Water Budget in Australia

On average, people spend $3.58 (AU$5.51) on bottled water in Australia per day. The public water in Australia is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 3.58 AU$ 5.51

Related Articles

Australia on a budget.

At A Glance

• Australia is located in the southern hemisphere so the winter there runs between June and August and the summer is between December and February. The winter is also the dry season in the tropical areas and the summer is the wet season. If you're in the southern areas of the East Coast then the rain is more evenly distributed throughout the year but in the southern parts of the country there are more extreme temperature variations.
• This is a very multicultural country with some of the most diverse cities being Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. Each of these cities is well known for its diversity of restaurants which represent a global population. Melbourne in particular is known as the center for the arts while Brisbane has many different multicultural urban villages. If you're looking for the area's best festivals then these are often found in Adelaide where there is a strong German influence.
• Do take note that this country has very strict quarantine requirements. Because it is an island with highly diverse and unique biodiversity, the government works hard to prevent the introduction of invasive species. You must declare all animal and vegetable derived products and your luggage will be thoroughly scanned. If you don't declare something then there is a strictly enforced $220 fine and prosecution in some more serious cases.
• This is a country where you drive on the left hand side of the road. This may be challenging for visitors who are used to driving on the right. As a general rule, overseas licenses are valid for driving up to three months after you arrive. If your license isn't in English you will be required to get an International Driving Permit.
• You will likely need to fly at least once during your trip. Compare plane ticket prices on consolidator websites but purchase the tickets directly from the airlines to avoid any additional charges.

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14+ Day Family Trip- 2025 - Australia Forum

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I studied abroad in Melbourne back in 2001 and explored much of the country (Phillip Island, GOR, Tasmania, Adelaide , Coober Pedy, Uluru , Sydney , Fraser Island, Brisbane , Whitsundays, and Palm Cove/ Cairns ), but my husband and kids have never been. At minimum I want them to experience some of what I already experienced such as the GBR, possibly the Whitsundays (I just cannot be on a boat too long- sea sickness comes easily these days), Sydney (Bridge Climb for sure) and maybe Melbourne. Having been to Uluru, I do not think the trek is worth it based on my kids' ages. I also worry that the GOR would take too much of our time and may also not be worth it for them. We are considering Kangaroo Island (I have never been). I have also contemplated Kakadu and have heard interesting things about Hamilton Island. Ultimately, we are open. I am just throwing out some background in hopes to provide some guidance to all of you experts!

Based on other forum questions and responses, it sounds like we would be better off planning our own trip versus using a travel agency, but please let me know if anyone disagrees or has a fantastic agent who could help. I used STA way back in the day, but I know that is not an option anymore.

Thank you in advance for your expertise and ideas!

4 replies to this topic

For 14 days I’d do extended stays in 3 or 4 areas and fly between them.

So much to do in Sydney-zoo, bridge, ferries etc then a couple nights in the Blue Mts…

Fly to Townsville, go to Magnetic island for a couple nighs( snorkeling off the shore, hikes, koalas, great beaches) and drive up to Port Douglas for the other 4-5 nights. Do a day GBR from either PD or Cape Trib., hikes, waterfalls, beaches, waterfalls. Fly out of Cairns .

I can get more specific if you’re interested. Just like Disney, Oz will still be there another time and it’s best w kids to focus on a couple spots to take it all in.

You haven't mentioned interests. I'm going to assume scenery and wildlife, so let us know if that's not correct, and also if there are other must dos like wineries or art galleries.

Cairns could easily occupy a week or more. GBR, Daintree, Atherton Tablelands, Chillagoe Caves, Undarra Lava Tubes. Consider spending a couple of nights on the Atherton Tablelands, explore the waterfalls and crater lakes and do a nocturnal wildlife tour.

Kakadu needs 3 days, 2 nights minimum. Add in Litchfield and Darwin and you'd probably want 5 nights there. Winter is the ideal time to visit.

And Sydney can take as long as you want to spend there.

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