Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

21-Day Australia Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 101 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney & Initial Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Sydney Airport and settle into your accommodation near Circular Quay. Take a relaxing stroll to admire the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Afternoon: Visit the historic The Rocks district for lunch and explore its markets and art galleries. Enjoy panoramic views from the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant in Darling Harbour and unwind with a nighttime harbor cruise to see the city illuminated.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Sydney Beaches and Wildlife

Morning: Head to Bondi Beach for a morning swim and enjoy the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Take photos of the stunning cliffs and ocean views.

Afternoon: Visit Taronga Zoo to see native Australian animals such as koalas and kangaroos with outstanding views of the city skyline.

Evening: Return to the city for dinner in the trendy Surry Hills neighborhood, known for its vibrant food scene.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Morning: Travel to the Blue Mountains National Park, stopping at Echo Point to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Afternoon: Explore scenic walking trails through eucalyptus forests and rainforests. Take the cable car at Scenic World for breathtaking valley views.

Evening: Return to Sydney and enjoy a quiet evening near your hotel, perhaps exploring local cafes.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Fly to Cairns and Explore Tropical North Queensland

Morning: Catch a flight to Cairns and check in to your accommodation. Visit the Esplanade Lagoon for a splash and relaxation.

Afternoon: Take a walk around the Cairns Botanic Gardens to experience tropical flora and birdlife.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the waterfront.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Morning: Embark on a full-day snorkeling or diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef, exploring vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life.

Afternoon: Continue reef explorations with a glass-bottom boat tour or guided snorkeling sessions.

Evening: Return to Cairns for a relaxed dinner and share stories with fellow travelers.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Daintree Rainforest Exploration

Morning: Take a guided excursion to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, including a walk on elevated boardwalks and wildlife spotting.

Afternoon: Visit Mossman Gorge for a refreshing swim and learn about Indigenous culture from local guides.

Evening: Overnight in the rainforest area or return to Cairns for a chill evening.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Morning: Fly to Uluru and check into accommodation near the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Visit the Cultural Centre to learn about Anangu culture.

Afternoon: Join a guided base walk around Uluru to explore rock art sites and waterholes.

Evening: Experience the majestic sunset over Uluru followed by the unforgettable Sounds of Silence Dinner under the stars.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Exploration and Travel to Alice Springs

Morning: Explore Kata Tjuta, hiking the Walpa Gorge or Valley of the Winds trail amidst spectacular rock formations.

Afternoon: Fly or drive to Alice Springs and check in to your accommodation.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local pub and optionally visit the Alice Springs Desert Park for a nocturnal tour.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Alice Springs Cultural and Historical Tour

Morning: Visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum to discover pioneering stories.

Afternoon: Explore local Aboriginal art galleries and shop for authentic souvenirs in Todd Mall.

Evening: Dine locally and rest up for the next leg of your journey.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Fly to Melbourne and City Introduction

Morning: Fly to Melbourne and settle into central accommodation. Begin your visit with a walk through Federation Square and the Yarra River promenade.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant laneways filled with street art, cafes, and boutique shops, especially Hosier Lane.

Evening: Experience Melbourne’s diverse culinary scene with dinner in the Chinatown district.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Great Ocean Road Scenic Drive

Morning: Depart early for a full-day tour along the Great Ocean Road, stopping to see Bells Beach and the Otway Rainforest.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Twelve Apostles and take dramatic coastal photos before returning towards Melbourne.

Evening: Return to Melbourne, relax, or catch a live performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Melbourne Museums and Gardens

Morning: Visit the National Gallery of Victoria and explore its diverse art collections.

Afternoon: Relax at the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and have lunch at an on-site café.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the Southbank precinct overlooking the Yarra River.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Fly to Tasmania – Hobart Arrival

Morning: Take a flight to Hobart, Tasmania, and check into city center accommodation.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Salamanca Market (if open) and visit the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) for avant-garde exhibits.

Evening: Have dinner at one of Hobart’s fine seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Port Arthur Historic Site

Morning: Take a day trip to the Port Arthur Historic Site to tour the former penal colony ruins and learn about Tasmania’s convict history.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the site, including the harbor cruise to the Isle of the Dead.

Evening: Return to Hobart for a quiet evening and sample local Tasmanian wines.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Mount Wellington & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Morning: Drive or take a tour up Mount Wellington for spectacular views over Hobart and its surroundings.

Afternoon: Visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to see Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife up close.

Evening: Explore Hobart’s waterfront precinct and enjoy a cozy dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Fly to Brisbane and City Exploration

Morning: Fly to Brisbane, check into your hotel, and start with a stroll through the South Bank Parklands.

Afternoon: Visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) to appreciate contemporary works.

Evening: Dine along the river with views of the Story Bridge illuminated at night.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Day Trip to Moreton Island

Morning: Take a ferry to Moreton Island and enjoy activities like snorkeling around the Tangalooma Wrecks.

Afternoon: Relax on the sandy beaches or take a guided sand toboggan tour.

Evening: Return to Brisbane and rest after an active day.

Find Hotels

Day 18: Fly to Gold Coast & Theme Park Fun

Morning: Travel to the Gold Coast and opt for a visit to Surfers Paradise beach or nearby theme parks such as Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World.

Afternoon: Spend hours enjoying thrilling rides and attractions at your chosen theme park.

Evening: Explore Gold Coast nightlife or dine at the beachfront restaurants.

Find Hotels

Day 19: Hinterland and Nature Day

Morning: Visit the Lamington National Park for rainforest walks, birdwatching, and waterfall views.

Afternoon: Continue hiking or visit the charming village of Mount Tamborine with its galleries and cafes.

Evening: Return to Gold Coast for a relaxing night.

Find Hotels

Day 20: Fly Back to Sydney and Free Time

Morning: Fly back to Sydney for your final full day. Spend your morning shopping at Pitt Street Mall or relaxing in the Royal Botanic Garden.

Afternoon: Visit Art Gallery of New South Wales or explore Darling Harbour for last-minute sightseeing.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop bar with harbor views.

Find Hotels

Day 21: Departure

Morning: Pack, check out, and depending on your flight time, do some light shopping or a brief walk in a nearby park.

Afternoon: Head to Sydney Airport for your departure flight home, concluding your Australian adventure.

Evening: N/A – travel day.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge: 3-4 hours, Free to $40 (tour costs)
  • Taronga Zoo: 4-5 hours, approx. $50
  • Blue Mountains National Park & Scenic World: 8-10 hours, approx. $60
  • Great Barrier Reef tour: Full day, approx. $200-$300
  • Daintree Rainforest tour: Full day, approx. $150-$200
  • Uluru & Sounds of Silence Dinner: 6-7 hours, approx. $250
  • Kata Tjuta hike: 3-4 hours, included in park entry $40
  • Alice Springs cultural sites: 4-5 hours, approx. $30-$50
  • Great Ocean Road tour: Full day, approx. $120-$150
  • Melbourne museums and gardens: 4-5 hours, Free to $20
  • MONA Tasmania: 3-4 hours, approx. $45 including ferry
  • Port Arthur Historic Site: Full day, approx. $60
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: 2-3 hours, approx. $35
  • Queensland Art Gallery and South Bank Parklands: 3-4 hours, Free
  • Moreton Island ferry and activities: Full day, approx. $150
  • Gold Coast theme park: Full day, approx. $80-$100
  • Lamington National Park & Mount Tamborine: Full day, $20-$30
  • Transit flights within Australia (x6 approx.): Various, approx. $1,000 total

Total estimated cost: $3,200 - $3,800

Tips

For those short on time, consider focusing on key regions such as Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef for a 7-10 day trip, or the southern states including Melbourne and Tasmania if you prefer cooler climates and art experiences. To extend your adventure, add extra days to explore more remote areas like Tasmania's wilderness, additional Great Barrier Reef live-aboard cruises, or deeper outback explorations near Alice Springs.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version