How many days do you need in Australia?

This itinerary covers 10 days in Australia, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Australia?

Plan your perfect 10 days trip to Australia. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Australia: Hot Air Balloons and Underwater Wonders

Day 1: Brisbane Arrival

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Coffee Academy

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local favorite, known for its exceptional coffee and modern Australian breakfast.

AUD30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit South Bank Parklands

Stroll through the lush parklands, enjoy the beautiful gardens, visit the lagoon and take pictures by the iconic Wheel of Brisbane.

AUD0 (ferry fare varies), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at River Quay Fish

Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the river, featuring local catches and scrumptious dishes.

AUD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the breathtaking views of Brisbane's skyline and surrounding areas from hot air ballooning; an unforgettable family adventure.

AUD250 per person, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ejitesu

Experience a unique fusion of Japanese and Australian cuisine at this popular restaurant.

AUD120, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Brisbane

Day 2: Cairns Exploration

Cairns, Australia

6:30AM

Coffee & Breakfast at Caffiend

Kickstart your day with caffeine and light bites at this curated café known for its creative brunch options.

AUD35, 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight to Cairns

Take a morning flight for a scenic journey to Cairns to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

AUD150 for family, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Accommodations

Get settled into your hotel, refresh, and get ready for your adventure ahead.

AUD100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ochre Restaurant

Delight in a meal inspired by native Australian ingredients overlooking the Cairns Esplanade.

AUD130, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Cairns Esplanade

Walk along the promenade, enjoy its parkland, and take a dip in the lagoon-style swimming pool.

AUD0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Cairns Aquarium

Learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystem and see amazing marine life in this top-notch aquarium.

AUD100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Prawn Star

Wrap up your day with fresh seafood at this waterfront restaurant where prawns are served straight from the boat.

AUD90, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Cairns, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before an exciting day of underwater adventures.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

8:30AM

Scuba Diving at Great Barrier Reef

Embark on a diving excursion to explore the stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

AUD300 per person, 6 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up after an exhilarating day of diving.

AUD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Family Dinner at Flinders Bar & Grill

Indulge in a family-style meal with local ingredients and favorites at this cozy restaurant.

AUD110, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cairns

Day 4: Port Douglas Discovery

Port Douglas, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Cairns before heading to Port Douglas.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Port Douglas

Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast as you head towards the vibrant town of Port Douglas.

AUD30 (fuel cost), 1 hour

10:00AM

Mossman Gorge Visit

Explore this stunning rainforest area with beautiful swimming holes and walking trails, perfect for a family day out in nature.

AUD20 (entry fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Junction

Take a break at The Junction and enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes in a laid-back setting.

AUD80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Four Mile Beach

Wind down your day at the beautiful Four Mile Beach; enjoy swimming and relaxing on the sand.

AUD0 (free entry), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Salsa Bar & Grill

Savor a delicious meal featuring modern Australian cuisine paired with a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Port Douglas.

AUD120, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Port Douglas

Day 5: Port Douglas Relaxation

Port Douglas, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Opt for a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to refuel for a fun-filled day.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

9:30AM

Daintree Rainforest Tour

Embark on a guided tour through Daintree Rainforest to see unique wildlife, plants, and stunning landscapes.

AUD120 per person, 6 hours

4:30PM

Explore Wildlife Habitat

Engage with local wildlife at this interactive sanctuary where you can meet kangaroos and koalas.

AUD100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nautilus Restaurant

Finish your day with an exquisite dining experience in a tropical setting with a unique menu.

AUD150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Port Douglas

Day 6: Alice Springs Journey

Alice Springs, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel in Port Douglas before checking out.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Alice Springs

Take a morning flight that will take you to the heart of the Australian outback.

AUD300 for family, 2 hours

11:30AM

Arrive & Check-in

Check into your hotel and soak in the outback atmosphere before heading out to explore.

AUD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Epilogue Lounge

Indulge in a unique boutique café experience with modern Australian dishes paired with local flavors.

AUD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Alice Springs Desert Park

Discover the flora, fauna, and indigenous culture of the region, including the mesmerizing free-flying bird show.

AUD50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Overlanders Steakhouse

Enjoy a hearty and rustic meal showcasing Australian meats and local produce.

AUD90, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Alice Springs

Day 7: Exploring Uluru

Uluru, Australia

6:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your hotel in Alice Springs.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Uluru

Take an early drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, soaking in the changing landscapes of Central Australia.

AUD50 (fuel costs), 4.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Cultural Centre

Make a stop for lunch at the cultural centre and learn about Anangu culture while nurturing your body.

AUD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Uluru Base Walk

Engage in the unforgettable experience of walking around the breathtaking base of the iconic Uluru rock.

AUD0 (free entry), 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset Viewing at Uluru

Witness the magnificent sunset colors transforming Uluru into a stunning array of hues, the highlight of your day.

AUD0 (free entry), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ilkari Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at this upscale restaurant with influences from various culinary traditions.

AUD150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Uluru

Day 8: Melbourne Discovery

Melbourne, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a leisurely breakfast before departing to Melbourne.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Melbourne

Fly off to the vibrant city of Melbourne and prepare for your new adventure.

AUD350 for family, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Melbourne Hotel

Settle into your accommodation before heading out to explore the city.

AUD80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Explore the bustling food market and find delicious local foods to satisfy the whole family.

AUD60, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Melbourne Zoo

Spend the afternoon meeting diverse animals and engaging in fun educational activities.

AUD168 (family pass), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

End the day with modern Thai dishes that are full of flavor in this trendy restaurant.

AUD130, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 9: Melbourne Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy a French-inspired breakfast in a stylish cafe, perfect to kickstart your day.

AUD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Federation Square

Discover Melbourne’s cultural precinct and the iconic architecture surrounding it.

AUD0 (free entry), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Riverland Bar & Café

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with riverside views and a casual menu.

AUD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Royal Botanic Gardens

Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the serene park atmosphere.

AUD0 (free entry), 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping in Bourke Street Mall

Indulge in some shopping therapy at Melbourne’s famous shopping precinct.

AUD0 (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Attica

End your Melbourne adventure with an exquisite fine dining experience at one of Australia’s top restaurants.

AUD400, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Melbourne

Day 10: Farewell Australia

Brisbane, Australia

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Reflect on your adventure while enjoying breakfast at your hotel one last time.

AUD0 (included with stay), 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight to Brisbane

Catch your flight back to Brisbane, bringing back beautiful memories of Australia.

AUD300 for family, 2 hours

10:30AM

Return Home

Arrive in Brisbane and prepare for your return home or consider extending your adventure elsewhere.

AUD0 (free), 1 hour

Find Hotels in Brisbane

Step 1 Outline Preview:

10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Australia: Hot Air Balloons and Underwater Wonders

Day 1: Brisbane Arrival

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Cairns Exploration

6:30AM

8:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

7:00AM

8:30AM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Port Douglas Discovery

7:30AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Port Douglas Relaxation

8:00AM

9:30AM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Alice Springs Journey

7:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Exploring Uluru

6:00AM

8:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 8: Melbourne Discovery

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 9: Melbourne Exploration

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 10: Farewell Australia

6:00AM

8:00AM

10:30AM

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