The first stop in your itinerary is Sydney, easily Australia’s most iconic city. Sydney offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern attractions, making it an exciting destination for all types of travellers.
1. Sydney Opera House: Visit this world-famous landmark, take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture, or enjoy a performance in one of its theatres.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge: Walk or cycle across the bridge for stunning views of the harbour. For an unforgettable experience, join a BridgeClimb to the top.
3. Circular Quay & The Rocks: Explore the historic Rocks area with its cobblestone streets, markets, and colonial-era buildings. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Circular Quay with its cafes and street performers.
4. Royal Botanic Garden: Stroll through these beautiful gardens, visit the Calyx, and take in the harbour views from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.
5. Bondi Beach: Relax on this iconic beach, swim, surf, or take the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
6. Darling Harbour: Visit attractions like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Enjoy dining and entertainment along the waterfront.
7. Blue Mountains: Take a day trip to this stunning natural region. Visit Echo Point for views of the Three Sisters, ride the Scenic Railway, and explore charming villages like Leura.
8. Manly Beach: Take a ferry ride to Manly, enjoy its beaches, and explore the Corso with its shops and restaurants.
9. Queen Victoria Building: Shop in this beautiful historic building, which houses a variety of high-end stores and boutiques.
Day 4 – 7: Melbourne
Catch the flight from Sydney to Melbourne and experience the culture and vibrant street life.
1. Federation Square: Visit this cultural hub to explore art galleries, museums, and enjoy public events. The square is home to the Ian Potter Centre and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
2. Queen Victoria Market: Shop for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs at this bustling historic market.
3. Melbourne’s Laneways: Discover hidden gems in the city’s laneways, filled with vibrant street art, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and unique bars. Don’t miss Hosier Lane for its famous street art.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens: Take a relaxing walk through these expansive gardens, home to diverse plant collections and scenic picnic spots. The gardens also feature the serene Ornamental Lake and Guilfoyle’s Volcano.
5. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): Tour this iconic sports stadium, catch a cricket or AFL match, and visit the National Sports Museum.
6. St. Kilda: Enjoy a day at St. Kilda Beach, visit Luna Park for some fun rides, and stroll along the Esplanade Market. Don’t miss a sunset walk on the St. Kilda Pier.
7. Great Ocean Road: Take a day trip to experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Day 7 – 10: Cairns
After your time in Melbourne and surrounds, board a flight from Melbourne to Cairns. The flight will take a little over 3 hours and plant you at the very top of Australia. Cairns is a great starting point to explore some of Australia’s best beaches.
A must visit should be exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Take a boat tour to snorkel or dive in the world’s largest coral reef system, home to diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
Another fantastic day trip must be to Port Douglas. Drive or take a tour to this charming coastal town. Visit Four Mile Beach, the Wildlife Habitat, and take a trip to the outer reef.
Day 10 – 14: Alice Springs
Alice Springs is the gateway to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the most sacred places for indigenous Australians.
At Uluru (Ayers Rock) witness the changing colors of this massive sandstone monolith at sunrise and sunset. Take a guided base walk or a camel tour to learn about its cultural significance and natural features. Also visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to understand the Aboriginal heritage and stories of the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land.
Then explore Kata Tjuga which involves hiking the Valley of the Winds trail for spectacular views of the domed rock formations and surrounding landscape.
