I’m often asked, “Where should I to go?” or “What should I see and do?” when people are planning a visit to Australia. For me, it’s difficult to answer as there really is so much to see and do.
Australia is a big country – in fact, it’s the 6th biggest country in the world! It’s larger than the land area of the 48 joined states of America.
So how do you get the best value for money for your travel experience?
With that in mind, we’ve mapped out a simple 3-week itinerary visiting several much-loved destinations and some others along the way that we think you will love.
Your Itinerary
Your itinerary will take you on a journey to some of the most iconic attractions in Australia. It will bring you to some rare and ancient landscapes and seascapes, and it will give you many opportunities to explore one of the oldest cultures on earth.
Everything in this itinerary is flexible, so you can extend a segment that captures your interest, or stretch your stay if you find extra time is available.
Cherry-pick your adventure options with our linked travel-guides so you can explore it all.
Let’s get started with your Australian adventure.
First stop: Sydney – 4 days
Sydney is a great place to begin your Australian holiday experience with many world-famous attractions to kick-start your adventure.
Marvel over the architecture of the Sydney Opera House, explore the convict heritage of the Rocks, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, swim at Bondi Beach or go up into the magical Blue Mountains by train.
Fly to Alice Springs: 2.5-hour flight from Sydney – 3 + days
Alice Springs is one of those amazing places that is filled with culture and its own outback charm. There is plenty to see and do in Alice. Hire a car for a few days, and check out a few of my favourites.
Visit the award-winning Alice Springs Desert Park and the Kangaroo Sanctuary to see some of our unique Australian animals. Check out the School of the Air where radio conducts outback classrooms or take a trip out into the MacDonnell Ranges to see Standley Chasm and Simpsons’ Gap.
Fly to Uluru: 1-hour flight from Alice Springs – 2 nights
Once known as Ayres Rock, Uluru has been at the centre of Aboriginal culture for thousands of years.
Watching Uluru change colours at sunrise or sunset is one of outback Australia’s greatest experiences. Enjoy the walks, the cultural experience and the magical sunsets at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
Fly to Darwin: 2.5-hour flight – 4 + days
The Top End itinerary will take in Darwin and the world-famous Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Visit the Mindil Beach Markets and enjoy a tropical sunset. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service and learn about the bombing of Darwin, then take a tour out to Litchfield National Park.
Drive to Kakadu: 3-hour drive – 2 nights
View the world from atop of Ubirr Rock. Photograph the spectacular sunsets in a crocodile infested billabong, be amazed at the ancient rock art, learn about the pristine countryside and the 6 seasons of this ancient land.
Fly Darwin to Cairns – 2.5-hour flight – 5 + days
Tropical Far North Queensland is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree rainforest.
You will experience clear rainforest waterways, pristine ancient rainforest and protected ecosystems, unique plants and bird life native only to this region. Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel amongst beautiful corals and brightly coloured fish.
Return to Sydney – 4-hour flight
We’ve included favourite travel destinations such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, and tossed in a few of the unexpected ones, such as a Mindil Beach sunset, Litchfield National Park and the Daintree Rainforest.
This is “How to see the best of Australia” when time is of the essence.
Are you planning a trip to Australia? Will you travel-test our 3-week itinerary? If you have already visited Australia, how much were you able to see on your visit? Please share your experience!
