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How To Spend 1 Month In Australia – My 2023 Australia Itinerary

Trying to figure out how to spend 1 month travelling in Australia? Well check out my sample Australia itinerary to pack in the best of the East Coast trail!

Travelling the East Coast of Australia is one of the most popular backpacker routes in the world – it’s packed full of incredible destinations, activities and Aussie goodness and there’s heaps to pack into an Australia itinerary!

But the stretch between Sydney and Cairns is MASSIVE – over 2,000km in total if you’re busing it up the coast – so figuring out where to stop, what to do and how to piece it all together can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, picking the best places to visit in Australia is a tough task!!

yamba yha east coast australia surf backpacker travel

So how would I spend a month in Australia?

Well if you’re planning an adventure on the East Coast here’s a sample Australia itinerary to get you started – from where to stop to the best Fraser Island tours and best Whitsundays tours.

Given the fact that Greyhound Bus Passes are the most popular way to tackle this route I’ve also put in some info about the overnight buses you can use to link everything together too.

How To Spend 1 Month In Australia – My Sample Australia Itinerary

Sydney – 3 nights.

The perfect place to start your Australia itinerary – kicking back in the iconic city of Sydney! Chill on Bondi Beach, take a wander to the famous Opera House and Circular Key, stroll around the incredible coastal footpaths and take the ferry to Manly Beach.

Overnight bus to Yamba (10 hours, 10 mins)

Yamba – 2 nights

One of my favourite places in Australia and probably one of the most overlooked towns on the East Coast Trail. Stay with Shane and Justin at the Yamba Central, join one of their group surf trips or Shanes famous Yamba tour. Good vibes all round! If you have some more time to play with they now offer a Yamba Surf Camp too – so go hit the waves!

Day bus to Byron Bay (2 hours, 12 mins)

dolphin kayaking byron bay australia backpacker cape byron kayaks (2 of 2)

Byron Bay – 3 nights

If you’ve been following my adventures for a while you already know this is one of my favourite places on the planet! Kick back in the Byron bubble for a few days – go kayaking with dolphins , scuba dive at Julian Rocks , take a day trip to Nimbin , learn to surf or just wander up to Cape Byron Lighthouse and the most Easterly Point of Australia.

Check out my Ultimate Backpackers Guide To Byron Bay for more info!

Day bus to Brisbane (2 hours 30 mins – 5 hours 25 mins depending on departure time)

Brisbane – 2 nights

Although I’m not a huge fan of Brisbane I know a lot of you like the glitz and glamour of the city so I’ve included it! It’s also a great base to head to Australia Zoo for the day or head out to Moreton Island for some incredible shipwreck snorkelling.

If that’s not your thing you can always use these 2 nights to extend your stay in Byron ;)

Day bus to Noosa (2 hours 10 mins – 3 hours 15 mins depending on departure time)

fraser island tour noosa rainbow beach tag along australia

Noosa – 2 nights

Another great beachside town! Explore Noosa National Park and spot koalas in the wild, tae some surf lessons and of course make sure you head out on a canoe tour through the Noosa Everglades.

Day bus to Rainbow Beach (2 hours 30 mins) 

Rainbow Beach – 2 nights

(one pre and post Fraser Island trip)

More great beaches and an awesome pre and post Fraser Island party vibe!

Handy tip: you need to arrive in Rainbow Beach before 6pm for most of the pre Fraser safety briefings

fraser island tag along tour nomads australia queensland backpacker review

Fraser Island – 3 day, 2 nights tour

One of the must do Australia bucket list items and my personal highlight of any Australia itinerary! Cruise along the beach in a 4×4, drive through incredible rainforest tracks and stop off at locations like Lake Mackenzie, the Maheno Shipwreck, Eli Creek and Champagne Pools.

You could also do your Fraser Island tour from Noosa  too if you prefer an overnight hostel option.

Overnight bus to Airlie Beach (this is a bit of a beast at 18 hours 45 mins! You can break it up in Agnes Water/1770 but if you’re short on time suck it up!)

Airlie Beach – 3 nights

(split between pre and post Whitsundays Sailing Trip)

Heaps of party vibes here pre and post Whitsundays Sailing! When you’re not sipping cold beers you can nurse your hangover in the free lagoon swimming pool, hire a kayak and explore the bay or even take a scenic flights over Heart Reef.

sunset shakka airlie beach whitsundays backpacker travel australia

Whitsunday Islands – 2 day, 2 nights Tour

(or 3 day, 2 night if you have some extra days to play with)

Alongside Fraser Island this is one of the big to do’s in Australia. Sail amongst tropical islands, snorkel on the Souther End of the Great Barrier Reef , walk along the famous Whitehaven Beach and grab some postcard perfect shots from Hill Inlet Lookout.

There’s a range of boats to choose from – whether you want to party on the infamous Atlantic Clipper, enjoy the awesome vibes of the Tongarra or enjoy a bit more luxury on board Powerplay.

Day bus to Townsville (3 hours 40 mins – 5 hours depending on departure time)

Magnetic Island – 2 nights (from Townsville)

A great little island escape and the perfect spot to meet some incredible Aussie wildlife – including koalas and super friendly rock wallabies! You can grab a Magnetic Island Package deal for about $140, which includes your return ferry from Townville, accommodation, snorkel hire and even some meals.

Read more about why I love Magnetic Island here.

Day bus to Mission Beach (3 hours 20 mins)

Mission Beach – 2 nights

Time to get your adrenaline on the go! Mission Beach is the perfect base for white water rafting on the Tully River as well as being one of the most popular places to skydive in Australia as you get incredible views over the reef and land on the beach!

Day bus to Cairns (2 hours – 2 hours 15 min depending on departure time)

Cairns – 3 nights

The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Head out on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or if you have longer complete your open water dive course there too, there are plenty of epic Great Barrier Reef tours to choose from!

When you’re not on the ocean join the crew from AJ Hackett for some bungy jumping or take a day trip to Cape Tribulation or the Atherton Tablelands.

Make It Your Own!

Of course if you’re taking longer on the East Coast you can tailor this itinerary to suit your own time frame – add in some extra nights, some more trips or simply a few days chilling out by the beach!

You could also do your Fraser Island trip from Noosa like I did with Nomads Fraser Island if you prefer a more flash packer option in an on island hostel rather than camping.

2023 update: unfortunately Nomads Fraser Island isn’t currently running, but K’gari Adventures offer an awesome cabin accomodation option.

If you wanted some more surfing fun (like myself!) you can also adapt the start of the trip to include a Sydney to Byron Bay Surf Trip with Mojo Surf, which is a great alternative to the overnight bus.

Personally I’d say 4 weeks is the minimum amount of time you’d need to properly experience the East Coast without rushing it or spending too much time on buses. For more information on time frames check out my “ East Coast Australia – How Long Should You Take ” post.

However if you do only have 3 weeks to play with – check out my Australia 3 week itinerary post .

East Coast Australia Itinerary Package Deal

If you’re looking for the easiest way to get your East Coast Australia Itinerary all booked up and sorted I’ve teamed up with RTW Backpackers and you can book my sample itinerary as a complete package!

It includes accommodation, heaps of day trips and of course my recommended Fraser Island and Whitsundays Tours!

You can even book it all as an open dated Australia itinerary and spread it out over a longer period if you have more time to play with – the perfect opportunity to add in some more time in spots like Byron Bay, indulge in a surf camp or complete your open water dive course!

Plus use the promo code BPB100 to save an additional $100AUD off the price!

Or if you’d like something more customised check out my East Coast Australia Trip Planner and fit in everything you’ve got on your bucket list!

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1 month trip to australia

Itinerary for One Month in Australia: Cairns to Melbourne

This itinerary for one month in Australia, travelling the east coast from Cairns to Melbourne, covers some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and charming cities, from the Great Barrier Reef in the north to the Great Ocean Road in the south.

This travel itinerary covers Australia ‘s three largest cities, four state capital cities and four states. There is so much more to see in Australia, but these are the parts of the country I know best, and are accessible to each other in a short amount of time – Australia is an enormous country, around the same size as the USA and 32x the size of the UK!

Dreaming of a trip to Australia? Read my Australia Travel Guide for more ideas!

Itinerary: One Month in Australia

Cairns & great barrier reef (2 nights), townsville (1 night), airlie beach & the whitsundays islands (2 nights), noosa, sunshine coast (3 nights), brisbane (3 nights), gold coast or byron bay (3 nights), sydney (4 nights), hobart (2 nights), melbourne (4 nights), yarra valley (day trip), great ocean road (2 nights).

  • Cairns (2 Nights)
  • Airlie Beach & Whitsundays (2 Nights)
  • Sunshine Coast (3 Nights)
  • Gold Coast or Byron Bay (2 Nights)

This is a pretty tight itinerary, to give you an idea of what is possible if you have a month to spend on Australia’s east coast. Australia is a long way to come for many international travellers, so I totally understand wanting to see as much as possible while you’re in town!

1 month trip to australia

This itinerary starts in Queensland, in tropical Cairns. Cairns is the perfect base for exploring natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Heading south down the east coast of Australia, stop over for a night in Townsville, island hop in the Whitsundays archipelago before exploring the Queensland’s southeast in Noosa, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Alternatively, swap the Gold Coast for Byron Bay, before spending a few days exploring Australia’s biggest city, Sydney. Fly straight from Sydney to Hobart, the tiny capital of Australia’s island state, Tasmania.

Read more: Queensland Travel Guide

From Hobart, take a short flight back to the mainland to Melbourne, and find out once and for all whether you’re a Sydney person or a Melbourne person. Spend a few days exploring “Marvellous Melbourne”, including a day trip to the Yarra Valley , one of Australia’s best wine regions. Your last leg of the trip is a road trip along the fabled Great Ocean Road, which is the most beautiful scenic drive in Australia.

Inspo: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Australia

Start your Australian odyssey in Cairns , which is the largest city in Queensland’s tropics and the perfect base for exploring some of the country’s most precious natural treasures.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s most famous natural treasure, the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest coral reef in the world. You can arrange a day trip to a station in the Outer Reef, which you can snorkel and dive from, or you can do a day trip on a boat, or do as I did and take a day trip to gorgeous Green Island , and snorkel the reef straight from the beach.

Explore the Daintree Rainforest

Make sure to stop at Cape Tribulation , which is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites collide – at the point where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Ride the Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Railway

The journey along the Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Railway  are as much of a reason to visit mountaintop village of Kuranda as the village itself. On the journey up, glide over the treetops on the Kuranda Skyrail and on the return journey, weave your way down the mountain aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. While you’re in Kuranda, take a rainforestation tour or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Read more:  Itinerary for one week in Cairns & the Whitsundays .

Photo of Green Island Great Barrier Reef Queensland-1

Since there aren’t direct flights between Cairns and Airlie Beach, take a Greyhound Bus and go via Townsville. The bus trip from Cairns to Townsville will take most of the day, but you’ll have the late afternoon/evening free. When I did this trip, after I checked in to my hotel I took a the quick ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island   and had fish & chips for dinner on the beach at Horseshoe Bay. The sunset here was spectacular. Get the bus to Airlie Beach the next day.

magnetic Island Queensland

Airlie Beach is a backpacker town, with beautiful turquoise water that has to be seen to be believed, and honestly not much in the way of a beach. Save your swimming for the Whitsundays , an archipelago of 74 islands just off the coast of Airlie Beach.

Visit Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is the most beautiful beach in Australia, if not the world. It’s blindingly white sand is composed of silica, and it’s the only beach in the region like this. Freak tidal patterns millions of years ago crushed silica on the shore, to create a brilliantly white beach. You can’t stay on Whitsunday Island, which keeps the beach clean and pristine. If you have a full day here, make sure your tour includes the hike up to Hill Inlet for the famous view of the white sand swirling between the turquoise water.

Whitehaven Beach Whitsundays Australia

Visit Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is one of a handful of inhabited islands in the Whitsundays, and so the atmosphere is very different to isolated Whitsunday Island. You can take a day trip with Cruise Whitsundays that takes you to both islands, with lunch on Hamilton Island and time to swim and relax at Catseye Beach. The only downside of including Hamilton Island in your day trip is that there is no time for the walk to Hill Inlet on Whitehaven.

Hamilton Island Australia

Fly from Proserpine (the Airlie Beach airport) to Noosa, and enjoy a few more days on Queensland’s glorious beaches. The Sunshine Coast is a collection of beach towns and beautiful coastline, just north of Brisbane. Noosa is the most developed and most popular town in the area, but it’s a great place to stay because of its proximity to Noosa National Park. Other towns to stay in include Mooloolaba or Caloundra.

I strongly recommend hiring a car for this part of the trip, since you can drive to Brisbane, and then on to the Gold Coast or Byron Bay.

Read More: The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Sunshine Coast

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, and also my hometown. It might not be as cosmopolitan as Sydney or Melbourne, but lots of international visitors like visiting Brisbane precisely because it is so different to the older and more European larger Australian cities. It feels younger and has a lovely laidback atmosphere in contrast to the two bigger cities.

Eat Street Northshore

The Eat Street Markets quickly became Brisbane’s favourite way to spend an indulgent evening when they opened a few years ago. The markets is a collection of shipping containers, converted into market stalls from all around the world. Take the CityCat (high speed ferry) from the city to Hamilton, where the markets are. It’s a beautiful trip down the river at night, plus Hamilton is a bit of a drive from the city otherwise and parking is a nightmare. Come hungry, bring cash and wear comfy pants.

Brunch, boutiques & antiques in Paddington

I grew up in this part of Brisbane, and I still think it’s one of the most charming parts of town. Start for brunch at Naim, my favourite cafe in Brisbane, and then wander down Latrobe Terrace towards the Paddington Antique Centre (have a trawl!). Browse the fashion boutiques, homewares stores and antique shops, and by the time Latrobe Terrace has turned into Given Terrace, it will probably be time for lunch. Grab a bite or a drink at Darling & Co, a beautiful bar & restaurant at the end of Given Tce. If you want to keep bar hopping, check out Lefties on Caxton Street.

Dining & culture Southbank & West End

Southbank parklands is one of the most popular parts of Brisbane for visitors. Across the Brisbane River from the Brisbane CBD, Southbank is a pretty urban parkland that’s worth a wander.

Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the most popular art gallery in Australia. Check out an exhibition, they’re nearly always free, and then wander through Southbank in the afternoon. Southbank has a man-made lagoon and beach called Streets Beach, if it’s a hot day (so..September – May), bring your swimmers and go for a swim in the middle of the city.

Behind Southbank is West End, an eclectic and gritty neighbourhood with some of the best cheap and cheerful Greek and Asian restaurants in town, lots of op shops & cafes.

Southbank Brisbane

Choose between Australia’s two most famous beach towns for the next part of your trip. On the Queensland side of the border is the Gold Coast , which is a sea of skyscrapers and long stretches of beaches with rolling surf. Another hour south of the Gold Coast, across the border in New South Wales, is Byron Bay. Byron Bay is probably Australia’s favourite beach town, so it’s often very crowded and has prices to match. It’s still a beautiful part of the world, and certainly a bit more mellow than the Gold Coast.

Surf Life Savers Hut Broadbeach Gold Coast

No trip to Australia would be complete without visiting Sydney, Australia’s biggest and most famous city. Sydney can be challenging for travellers because it is a sprawling city with poor public transport. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing all over the city, stay centrally in the city or in Surry Hills, near a train station. Last time I stayed in Sydney, I stayed in Bondi, which I much prefer – but be warned, the public transport from Bondi is not very good, and I spent most of the weekend in Ubers.

See the Opera House

Circular Quay, where the Opera House is located, is probably the least charming part of Sydney and yet also the most striking at the same time. Circular Quay itself always has an undercurrent of chaos and confusion, and it’s basically just full of tourists all the time, yet the setting of the Opera House and Darling Harbour is undeniably beautiful. Be blinded by the white shells of the Opera House, and grab a drink at Opera Bar to spend a bit more time enjoying the view.

Catch the Manly Ferry

If the weather is clear and calm, jump aboard the Manly Ferry to enjoy the stunning ride across Darling Harbour and then spend an afternoon in Manly. Manly is one of my favourite parts of Sydney, check out Manly Wine Bar and nearby Shelly Beach.

Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk

This is my favourite thing I’ve ever done in Sydney. The Bondi to Coogee Walk, also sometimes known as the Bondi to Bronte walk which is the shorter version, is a six km (3.7 mi) walk with million dollar views over the ocean and Sydney’s renowned beaches. We started at Coogee, and walked north so we ended in Bondi. Try The Bucket List for lunch in Bondi.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Hobart  is the charming capital of Australia’s tiny island state, Tasmania . Hobart is one of my favourite small towns in the world – it just has small town down to a fine art. People are friendly, the tiny city centre is very walkable and it’s historic buildings are carefully preserved and the food, wine & spirits in Hobart are first rate.

Eat & Drink

Hobart is particularly known for it’s seafood and distilleries, so make sure you try some salmon, oysters and locally-made whiskey from Lark Distillery (in the city centre) while you’re there. If you go to MoNA, make time to visit the Moorilla Winery cellar door behind the museum, before you hop back on the ferry.

The Museum of Old & New Art (MoNA) put Hobart on the map. Opened by eccentric and generous billionaire David Walsh, MoNA is a privately owned art gallery/museum, so it’s programming always errs on the wild side. There are several ways to get to MoNA from Hobart, but make sure you take the MoNA ferry. The trip down the Derwent River is stunning, and the perfect start and end to your day.

Battery Point Hobart

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, but is considered the country’s capital of arts, culture, food & fashion. I’ve lived in Melbourne since 2015, and count myself very lucky to live in a city that was named the Most Liveable City in the World for seven years running.

Melbourne is famous for it’s street art, which can be found all over the city. The most popular spots are Hosier Lane, and other laneways branching of Flinders Lane, Little Collins Street & Little Bourke Street. You’ll also find a high concentration of street art in Fitzroy, Richmond, Windsor & Brunswick.

Melbourne is Australia’s top shopping destination, but skip the behemoth Chadstone Shopping Centre and instead check out the boutiques and op shops along Chapel Street. The boutiques tend to be higher end at the South Yarra end of Chapel Street, with more affordable shops the farther south you go towards the St Kilda end of Chapel Street.

Read more:   South Yarra neighbourhood guide

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, and there is always something on. Go to a musical, play, opera or ballet at one of Melbourne’s major theatres like the Arts Centre, the Princess Theatre,  Regent Theatre or the beautiful Palais Theatre in St Kilda , or time your visit with a festival like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival or the Melbourne International Film Festival. Museum-wise, you can’t miss the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), which has two outposts – one for international art on St Kilda Road ( my favourite) and one for Australian art in Fed Square. There’s also the Melbourne Museum & the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) which both have great exhibitions year-round.

I sound like a broken record and totally biased, but Melbourne is not just Australia’s sporting capital, but it’s recognised as one of the world’s greatest sporting capitals. If you’re here between March-September, experience an AFL game at the MCG and see what a sports mad city really looks like. Throughout the year, you can also catch the cricket, the Melbourne Cup in November and the Australian Open in January.

Bars & Restaurants

Melbourne is the most food obsessed city in Australia – Melburnians dine out more regularly than anyone else, and the city is home to Australia’s best restaurant, Attica. Even if fine dining isn’t on the cards, make sure you go beyond the familiar chains and try something new. Melbourne has a strong cafe culture, so it’s very hard to go wrong for breakfast, and every high street of each neighbourhood is lined with more fantastic restaurants than you could ever get around to trying. Don’t know where to start? Try one of my favourite restaurants in the Melbourne CBD.

I love how much Melbourne loves its markets – no doubt it helps make it such a food-obsessed city. Melbourne has three major fresh food markets, as well as dozens of other smaller ones. The big kahuna is the Queen Vic Markets, just north of the Melbourne CBD. The Queen Vic Markets are the oldest in Melbourne as well as the largest market in the southern hemisphere.

My favourite market in Melbourne is the South Melbourne Market – make sure you come hungry so you can eat lunch or breakfast at one of the food stalls lining the edge of the market. The third, and no less charming, is the Prahran Market in South Yarra . If your arteries can handle it, try the best grilled cheese sandwich at the cart in the middle of the market.

Fatto View Southbank Melbourne

The Yarra Valley is the most popular wine region in Victoria, and amongst the best in Australia. You can reach the Yarra Valley within around an hour’s drive from Melbourne and there are plenty of operators offering day tours of the wineries. My favourite wineries are De Bortoli, Dominique Portet and Tokar Estate.

Domaine Chandon Yarra Valley

The Great Ocean Road is the most scenic drive in Australia, famous for the crumbling Twelve Apostles rock formations. There’s so much more to the Great Ocean Road than the Twelve Apostles though, so give yourself enough time and spend two nights in Lorne. You physically could drive the GOR in a day, but it would be dangerously exhausting and you’d miss a lot.

Stay in Lorne, a beach town near the start of the Great Ocean Road. I love Lorne, it’s one of my favourite beach towns in Australia. Make sure you have breakfast at the surfboard hire shack near the beach. The best!

Twelve Apostles

Despite being the most over-photographed part of Victoria, nothing prepares you for the raw beauty of the Twelve Apostles. I admit, I wasn’t even that excited to see them, because photos of them didn’t excite me at all, and I was surprised by how enchanting I found them in person.

Port Campbell National Park

The Twelve Apostles are part of Port Campbell National Park, which spans much of the Great Ocean Road. There are stops all along the road, and it’s worth stopping at each and seeing where the next trail takes you. Loch Ard Gorge is a particularly beautiful swimming spot, if it’s warm enough to swim.

port campbell national park great ocean road victoria australia

After you’ve finished seeing the Great Ocean Road, drive back to Melbourne, from where you’ll fly home.

Itinerary One Month in Australia

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Your Perfect Australia Itinerary For 1-4 Weeks

  • Post last modified: January 3, 2024
  • Post category: 10+ Days / Australia / Itineraries

Australia is huge! Like the size of the continental U.S. huge. So don’t assume you can see it all in a few days. You need a month or more to travel to all of the territories in Australia. And Australia can be expensive. However, Australia is also the most amazing place we’ve ever been! And we want you to have an amazing Australian vacation too. So we’ve put together our three week Australia itinerary that includes all the best stops along the Eastern coast. We’ve also included plenty of suggestions to help you plan a 1, 2, 3, or 4 week Australia itinerary that is perfect for you.

Stuff In This Post

How Many Days In Australia Is Enough?

You need at least one week to see just one or two regions of Australia. If you want to see all the main tourism areas you’ll need at least one month.

Great Ocean Road

How To Plan Your Perfect Australia Itinerary?

First, you need to decide how much time you have. Next, you need to decide what you really want to see. Sure Cairns has the Great Barrier Reef , but if you don’t like snorkeling or scuba diving, do you really want to spend time there? So what is important to you?

We’ve broken down popular travel regions and listed how many days we think you need to visit that location. You can easily piece together your own itinerary with all of these mini itineraries.  

New South Wales – 1 week

  • Sydney – 3 days
  • Sydney Day Trips – 1-2 days
  • Pacific Coast road trip – 3-4 days

Northern Territory – 4 days

  • Alice Springs – 1 day
  • Uluru – 3 days

Queensland – 1+ week

  • Cairns – 4 days ( Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest)
  • Brisbane – 1 day
  • The Queensland Coast   – 4-5 days

South Australia – 3 days

  • Adelaide – 2 days
  • Kangaroo Island – 1 day

Tasmania – 5 days

Victoria – 5 days

  • Melbourne – 2 days
  • Phillip Island – 1 day
  • Great Ocean Road – 2 days

Western Australia – 9+ days

  • Perth – 2 days
  • Western Coast Road Trip – 1+ week

Australia road

How To Get Around Australia?

First, several areas of Australia are perfect for the road trip! And traveling by car in Australia is easy to do. It’s also much cheaper to rent a car in Australia than in the US – something about insurance – which was really nice. Road trips are an affordable way to get around Australia. However, gas can be expensive so make sure you get a vehicle that has good gas milage.  

However, Australia is HUGE – did we mention that already. So you can’t drive everywhere unless you have unlimited time. And quite honestly there are some places that you wouldn’t enjoy the drive either. This is where domestic Australian flights come in. Those are also really cheap compared with domestic flights in the US.  

By buying from the links below, we'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

So using a combination of domestic Australian flights and scenic road trips you’ll be able to see all of Australia without breaking the budget.  

Sydney Opera House

Three Week Australia Itinerary  

This is the three week Australia itinerary that we followed. It was our favorite vacation we’ve ever taken and also one of the cheapest per day. Feel free to use the entire vacation or pick and choose days to make your own perfect Australia itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrive in Australia

A big portion of your morning will likely be spent arriving in Australia and getting your rental car. Most international Australian flights from the U.S. arrive in Sydney so you’ll likely have to take a connecting flight to Melbourne to start this Australia itinerary. We arrived in Melbourne around 11 AM and started this itinerary from there.

First things first, listen to Down Under by Men At Work to start your vacation right!

Then drive straight through Melbourne and on to Phillip Island.  

Stay overnight on Phillip Island in a cute home rental.

Day 2 – Phillip Island

On our first day in Australia, we took it easy as we adjusted to the time difference. And what is more relaxing than seeing Australian critters and walking the beach?

While you await the nightly Penguin Parade, consider walking along the beaches or visiting the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit . We would have liked to visit the Grand Prix for a tour but there was an actual event happening when we visited so we walked the beaches instead. However, we did notice that most beaches in the area were beautiful but the waves were too aggressive for swimming when we visited.  

Phillip Island

Next, head to the Phillip Island Nature Park . Here you’ll get great views of the ocean and you’ll probably spot your first kangaroo/wallaby.

PS: We asked several Australians how to tell the difference between kangaroos and wallabies and the answer was size. When we asked how to tell the difference between a big wallaby and a small kangaroo, no one could tell us.

Grab a quick dinner before it gets dark.

Penguin parade

Once it gets dark, the Penguin Parade begins. Grab your tickets ahead of time and come ready to spot the cute tiny penguins as they go to their burrows from the ocean at the end of the day.

Stay overnight on Phillip Island again.

Old Melbourne Gaol

Day 3 – Melbourne

First, wake up early to start your journey back into Melbourne .  

Spend the day exploring Melbourne. Keep in mind that there is a free tram that goes through the Central Business District of Melbourne that you can use for all of your transportation needs. So find somewhere to park your car for the day. We chose Melbourne accommodations that had free parking.

For a full list of fun things to do in Melbourne, check out our post here.

Our most highly recommended piece of Melbourne advice for your day is to visit the Queen Victoria Market for lunch. This farmers market meets flea market is a great place to sample some of the local Australian fare. We bought little snacks throughout the market to make up our lunch.

Melbourne Cricket Grounds

Next, spend your evening enjoying a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. There are games almost every night and any game is impressive in this stadium.  

Stay overnight in Melbourne.

Twelve Apostles

Day 4 – The Great Ocean Road

First, drive west of Melbourne to take the greatest road trip of all time, The Great Ocean Road . This is one of the best road trips we’ve ever been on. The views are gorgeous.  

For this part of your Australia itinerary, you’ll drive as far west as you can get in the day along the coast. The Twelve Apostles are the show stopper along this road trip so plan to spend most of your time enjoying these viewpoints.

For more information on visiting the Twelve Apostles, check out the guide here.

Stay overnight along the Great Ocean Road; we stayed in a home rental in Port Campbell .

Day 5 – The Great Ocean Road

You may be able to spend a bit of your day continuing west to finish up any Twelve Apostle sights that   you weren’t able to see yesterday.

Then, head back east to Melbourne along the inland road.  

Maits Rainforest Walk

Here, you’ll want to spend plenty of time exploring the oldest rainforest and looking for koalas in the wild.  

For more details on this two day Great Ocean Road Trip, check out our complete itinerary here.

**Alternative transportation option** We like driving ourselves around and the freedom that gives us. However, if you don’t, you could forgo the self drive options here and ditch the rental car. There are Phillip Island half-day trips and Great Ocean road overnight trips that you can take with tour companies from Melbourne. By buying from this link , we’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you so we can afford to keep this blog up and running. 

Head back into Melbourne and stay overnight near the airport .

Barron Falls

Day 6 – Travel and Kuranda

First, catch an early morning flight from Melbourne to Cairns. This flight, with airport and travel time, took about 6 hours. You’ll need an early morning flight if you want to have time to visit Kuranda.

Next, take a taxi from the airport to your accommodations and get your bags stored before heading to Kuranda . You will not need a rental car in Cairns as you can rely on tours to get you around. Take the tram car up to the mountain to explore Kuranda before taking the railroad back down.  

Finally, spend the evening walking along the Esplanade Boardwalk and exploring the town of Cairns. Most shops along the boardwalk stay open late.

For more ideas on things to do in Cairns, check out our post here.

Lastly, eat at Prawn Stars . Period. The coolest seafood restaurant we’ve ever been to.  

Stay overnight in Cairns . Try to stay somewhere with free luggage storage so you can leave extra luggage on land when you explore the Great Barrier Reef. Lots of hotels in the area offer this as reef tours here are popular. 

Scuba divers

Day 7 & 8 – The Great Barrier Reef

Next, spend two days on a live aboard dive trip or an overnight snorkeling trip exploring the Great Barrier Reef . This is a bucket list worthy adventure and you need two days to do it. This is because most of the best dive sites are farther out and take several hours to get to. Two days exploring the Great Barrier Reef is totally worth the extra money this overnight tour will cost you. Read more about our tour here.  

Return to Cairns in the evening and stay another night there.  

Overlook - Cairns

Day 9 – Daintree National Park

Take a day tour into the Daintree National Park . Most day trips include visits to Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and plenty of time in the rainforest.  

Stay overnight in Cairns.

Brisbane

Day 10 – Brisbane

First, get another early morning flight from Cairns to Brisbane for the final leg of your trip. We caught another early flight and were in Brisbane before lunch. Once in Brisbane, rent a car as you’ll be driving the Pacific Coast from Brisbane to Sydney.

You’ll likely arrive in the afternoon and there are two great options. First, you can drive a few hours to the Australia Zoo .   Alternatively, you can drive a little less for an amazing beach just outside of Brisbane. Some of the best beaches are along this stretch of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Whatever you choose to do it will be fabulous.

Stay overnight in Brisbane.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - kangaroo feeding

Day 11 – Brisbane

Next, spend the day exploring Brisbane.

For a full list of activities, check out the things to do in Brisbane here.

Whatever you end of doing, make sure to check out the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary . This is one of the best zoos we’ve ever been to and the opportunity to interact with Australian critters here is amazing.  

Check out our full post on what to expect at Lone Pine here.

Cape Byron Walking Track

Day 12-15 – Australia’s Pacific Coast

Spend 4 days making your way down the sunshine coast as you drive one of Australia’s best road trips.  

Want more information on all of the stops, we wrote all about our road trip here.

One the end of day 14 of this Australia itinerary, stay overnight in Newcastle .  

Orient Cave

Day 16 – The Blue Mountains

Start early in the morning so you can spend one full day exploring the Blue Mountains . Additionally, don’t forget to take a tour of the Jeolan Caves as well.  

To learn more about our one day Blue Mountain itinerary, check out our post here.

Stay overnight in a home stay in Katoomba.

Bondi Beach

Day 17 – Bondi Beach

First, spend the morning driving to Sydney, specifically Bondi Beach . Spend a few hours here relaxing and soaking up the sun. After you’re done at the beach, do all or part of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk .

Next, return your rental car. You won’t need it to get around Sydney if you are staying near public transport so this will save you a bit of money. Then head to your Sydney accommodations to get checked in a drop off luggage.  

Stay overnight near public transportation in Sydney .

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Day 18 – Sydney Sights

Spend the first day in Sydney doing a hop-on-hop-off tour of Sydney . We love these types of tours in large cities as it gives us an opportunity to learn about everything but only focus time on the things that interest us.  

However, there are two sights that every Sydney visitor needs to see and that is the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera house .  

For the breakdown of how we spent our time in Sydney, check out our detailed Sydney itinerary here.

Sydney Opera House

Day 19 – More Sydney

Spend the final day of your Australia itinerary, exploring more of Sydney. There is plenty of history and nature to explore in Sydney. Don’t forget to stop in at the Australian Museum to learn all about the country you’ve been tramping around for the past three weeks of this Australian itinerary.  

For a full list of popular things to do in Sydney, check out our list here.

Day 20 – travel home.

Finally, wake up and enjoy your last breakfast in Australia on this final day of your Australia itinerary. Catch a flight home.  

Australia's Pacific Coast

Want To Adjust the Australia Itinerary?

One australia itinerary.

With one week in Australia, most people stick to New South Wales. Honestly, this wasn’t our favorite area in Australia . However, it is the region with the most to do packed into the smallest area, which makes it a great spot if you are short on time. It also makes it cheaper as you have to spend less on transportation costs.

  • Day 1-3 – Sydney – follow Days 17-19 above
  • Day 4 – Blue Mountains – follow Day 16 above
  • Day 5-7 – Drive Australia’s Pacific Coast from Sydney to Brisbane, make sure to stop at least one night in Byron Bay

Additionally, with one week in Australia, you could pick two cities to base yourself in and then explore farther afield with days trips.

Our suggestion would be Melbourne and Cairns, our two favorite cities in Australia.

  • Day 1 – Melbourne
  • Day 2-3 – Great Ocean Road trip
  • Day 4 – fly to Cairns, see Cairns
  • Day 5-6 – Great Barrier Reef liveaboard
  • Day 7 – Daintree Rainforest tour

However, we understand that most people want to see Sydney on a Australian vacation . So this one week in Australia itinerary includes Cairns and Sydney.

  • Day 1-2 – Sydney – follow Days 17-18 above
  • Day 3 – Blue Mountain day trip

Sydney Opera House

Two Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia is possibly the hardest Australia itinerary to decide upon. Because you can see a ton of different things OR you can really delve in to a few areas and do some road trips. We would recommend visiting Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne and doing short trips from those areas.

  • Day 1-2 – Melbourne, with a day trip (or half day trip) to Phillip island
  • Day 3-4 – Great Ocean Road trip
  • Day 5 – fly to Cairns, see Cairns
  • Day 6-7 – Great Barrier Reef liveaboard
  • Day 8 – Daintree Rainforest tour
  • Day 9 – fly to Sydney
  • Day 10-12 – Sydney , follow days 17-19 above
  • Day 13-14 – Blue Mountains

Twelve Apostles

Four Week Australia Itinerary

With four weeks in Australia, you can add in a visit to Uluru. Honestly, most three week Australia itineraries include a visit to Uluru and skip Victoria. However, when we visited Australia, we’d just got done spending a lot of time in Arizona, so we were kinda desert rock-ed out. However, with four weeks in Australia, you can visit Victoria, then South Australia, the Northern Territory, then Queensland and lastly New South Wales.

  • Days 1-5 – Victoria – follow the Day 1-5 itinerary above
  • Day 6 – Continue driving the Great Ocean Road on to Adelaide
  • Day 7 – Take a day trip to Kangaroo Island
  • Day 8 – Explore Adelaide in the morning, Fly to Alice Springs in the afternoon
  • Day 9 – Explore Alice Springs
  • Day 10-13 – Explore Uluru , including Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
  • Day 14-17 – Queensland – follow the Day 6-9 itinerary above
  • Day 18-28 – New South Wales – follow the Day 10-20 itinerary above

We hope that this three week Australian itinerary has helped you to plan your own Australia vacation. If you need more inspiration for planing your Australian vacation, check out all of our Australia posts here.  

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1 month trip to australia

Destinations

Experiences.

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Plan Your Trip

Australia starts here.

Let’s be clear: The average person doesn’t understand what a 1 month Australia itinerary looks like. I learned this first-hand many years ago in advance of my maiden voyage to Sydney, when a US Customs and Border Patrol officer threatened to detain me when I told him how long he was traveling.

“You’re spending more than 1 month in Australia?” he asked, as if I’d just declared membership in the Taliban. He seemed certain that there must’ve been something nefarious about the purpose of my trip, at least until I reminded him that Australia is the size of the continental US. (Pro tip: There’s no better way to get an authority figure off your back than making him feel stupid!)

This Australia travel blog will draw on wisdom I’ve gained during all my visits Down Under to help you plan the best trip, no matter how long you plan to travel. Here’s to hoping no one harasses you on your way there!

Practical Matters

When to visit australia.

The best time to visit Australia is somewhat subjective, since very little of the country is cold during the winter, and since so much of it is unbearably hot throughout the year. In general, many people prefer to travel during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February), though this also coincides with the hottest period in the Red Center and the wet season at the Great Barrier Reef. Personally, I love visiting Australia during the “shoulder” months of October, November, March and April.

Where to Stay in Australia

No matter what shape your Australia 1 month itinerary ultimately takes, where you stay is the most important foundation you can lay. With this being said, hotels in Australia (I’m thinking Sydney’s Little Albion and Treasury on Collins in Melbourne) can quickly bankrupt you, so plan carefully. For longer stays in cities, you might rent Airbnb apartments, while you can reserve splurges for unique properties such as Sails in the Desert near Uluru and Niramaya Villas & Spa in Port Douglas.

How to Get Around Australia

Not taking a road trip around Australia? You might wish you were when you discover how sparse the public transport in Australia can be. It’s not terrible, of course—Greyhound Buses run just about everywhere in the country, and rail systems in Sydney and Melbourne are actually quite good. But due to the size of Australia and the expense of rather remedial buses and trains, the small premium of being behind the wheel yourself can quickly seem worth it, even if you’re traveling on a budget. This is especially true for longer jaunts, such as a 6 month trip around Australia itinerary.

TIP: When it comes to getting into Australia, make sure you apply for an Australia ETA in advance.

Money, Cost and Communications

Speaking of which, I won’t mince words: Australia is expensive, even if the weak Australian dollar (as of mid-2023) takes the edge off somewhat. In general, I’d say that even backpackers can expect to pay 100 AUD per-person, per-day in Australia, and even this is somewhat conservative. In spite of the high cost of traveling in Australia and the generally high standard of living, communication remains a problem. WiFi is very slow and not as widespread as it should be; mobile data packages are exorbitantly priced.

The good news? eSIM technology has now made its way to Australia. The better news? If you buy your Australia eSIM online today , you can be connected the moment you land in Sydney!

Places to Visit in Australia

Many an Australia travel itinerary will begin in Sydney , and with good reason. Even from the plane, the sight of Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge will stir emotions deep within you, to say nothing of how fulfilling it is to visit other places in the city, such as rubbing elbows with animals at Taronga Zoo and eating seafood in Darling Harbour .

1 month trip to australia

And that’s not even speaking about excellent beaches, be they ones close to the city like Bondi and Coogee , or further afield in Manly . Ditto for the Blue Mountains , which are more of a day trip from Sydney than a city center destination, but that should definitely be part of your trip if you’re staying more than a few days.

I’ve long preferred Melbourne to Sydney, in spite of the fact that Sydney is larger and more beautiful, at least in terms of its natural setting. Melbourne simply seems more cosmopolitan, from bohemian Fitzroy to ocean-hugging St. Kilda , to say nothing of how I prefer the city’s milder climate more the older I get.

1 month trip to australia

Another reason I feature Melbourne so prominently in this Australia one month itinerary? The Great Ocean Road , which you can see either on a day trip from Melbourne or as a standalone destination. This is probably the most gorgeous scenery in the vicinity of so-called “Urban Australia,” though you can actually have a less impressive coastal experience closer to Melbourne’s center, in the form of Brighton Beach and its colorful “bathing boxes.”

Uluru and the Red Center

Perhaps my favorite place I saw when I first spent one month in Australia was the aptly-named Red Center . With this being said, you should avoid some common pitfalls of taking a trip to this part of Australia to ensure that you actually enjoy your trip. Namely, stay in Yulara (the town closest to Uluru , aka Ayers Rock ) and not Alice Springs (which is boring and unfulfilling).

1 month trip to australia

Another tip would be that if you rent a car in Australia, anywhere in the country, it should be here. Natural attractions like Kata Tjuta (aka The Olgas ) and Kings Canyon can be difficult or even impossible to reach otherwise. And considering that these were highlights of my Australian Outback trip, I’d hate for you to miss them!

Brisbane and Southern Queensland

Here’s where my Australia itinerary can get a little tricky. See, if you have plenty of time, I’d actually say you should head up the East Coast, by land, starting in Sydney and ending as far north as you can go, hitting up Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay en route. However, if time is more of a concern for you, then spend a day or two in underrated Brisbane , optionally visiting the surf hub of Gold Coast before heading north.

1 month trip to australia

Even within this there’s some flexibility. For instance, some travelers will take the “express route” stopping at Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island and then making a beeline for the north. If you have your own car, however, I’d recommend taking your time and getting lost a little bit. Some of the most beautiful places in Australia aren’t in any guidebook!

Northern Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef

I’ll be honest: The city of Cairns itself is kind of a hole. Conversely, I really love Townsville (a place most Australians and foreigners alike seem to hate) and not just because of the cute rock wallabies on Magnetic Island —what do I know? (I also find the Whitsunday Islands massively overrated.) Even if you base yourself far to the north in Port Douglas or along Cape Tribulation, you definitely need to dive the Great Barrier Reef .

1 month trip to australia

Yes, I said “dive,” even if you’re not certified. You can pay extra to do a “discover Scuba dive” alone a certified dive master, and it’s absolutely worth the additional expenditure. The most unique experience of an Australia itinerary 4 weeks (or longer) is feeling like Ariel from the Little Mermaid as you descend deep into the ocean.

Other Australia Destinations

I’ve focused primarily on Australia’s East Coast—this is not a coincidence. The fact is that if you have a month in Australia (or less) and/or if it’s your first trip, you probably won’t have time to go further west. I mean, you could take a city trip to Perth or hit up the wild beaches of Broome , but probably not both.

To be sure, on short trips like 10 days in Australia, you simply won’t be able to visit Tasmania or explore deep into the Northern Territory , at least not if you plan to see elsewhere in the country. You could take a hyper-focused regional trip to one of these destinations during that time, though the feasibility of that will depend on where you’re flying in from.

Awesome Australia Itinerary Examples

Australia 101.

If you have the time to see Australia in a month (or so) you can take a pretty expansive trip, as follows:

  • 3-5 days in Melbourne
  • 5-7 days in Sydney
  • 2-4 days in the Red Center
  • 2-4 days in northern New South Wales (i.e. Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour)
  • 2-3 days in Brisbane
  • 3-5 days traveling up the Queensland Coast
  • 2-3 days at the Great Barrier Reef

Modifications might include removing the Red Center and reducing the trip to three weeks in length, or adding Tasmania and then devoting five weeks.

Urban Australia

Want to execute a shorter Australia itinerary, but still have a diverse and fulfilling experience? Try this on for size:

  • 2-4 days in Brisbane
  • 3-5 days in Sydney
  • 2-4 days in Adelaide
  • 2-4 days in Perth

The great news? The longer you stay in each city, the more day trips you can take, which makes this seemingly pedestrian trip even more vibrant.

The Outback and the Reef

Still too long and hitting too many places? Well, if you have only a very short time (say one or 2 weeks in Australia), you could simply see the best of the best:

  • 3-5 days in the Red Center
  • 3-5 days at the Great Barrier Reef

You can pad this with a day or two in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on the way in and/or out, which will allow you to enjoy the basic feel of the one month Australia itinerary I posted earlier, but in a fraction of the time.

All of Australia in Two Months

The most important of the tips within my Australia travel plan is to spend as long in this huge country as possible. Two months, for example, allows you to see all of the following:

  • 7-10 days in Sydney
  • 3-5 days in Tasmania
  • 7-10 days in Melbourne, Adelaide and the Great Ocean Road between
  • 10-12 days in Western Australia
  • 3-5 days in and around Darwin
  • 7-10 days in coastal Queensland and New South Wales

If you spend longer than two months (assuming you’re not on a working holiday visa—you probably are), you can delve deeper into the parts of Australia you liked most.

How Long Should You Spend in Australia?

As is evident by the introduction to this post, the average person has no idea how many days in Australia are necessary to take. However, even many travelers feel flummoxed, in spite of grasping in a literal way the massive size of the country. This is especially true when it comes to people who want to visit a long list of places in a very short amount of time.

In general, I’d say to spend a minimum of a week in Australia for every state or major city you want to visit. For example, if you want to visit Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, then traveling the coast up to Cairns and Port Douglas to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, I’d recommend a minimum of one month in Australia—and that’s if you don’t mind traveling at a fast pace. If you’re really hardcore, you could rent a camper van and travel for 3 months in Australia, or even longer!

Other FAQ About Your Australia Itinerary

How much money do you need for a month in australia.

You generally need a lot of money for a 1 month Australia itinerary, but this isn’t always the case. Most travelers can get by on between 3,000-10,000 AUD, not including flights to and from Australia, during their month in the country. It should go without saying that you’ll need to double this cost if you plan to spend 2 months in Australia, triple for three months and so forth.

What are the best months to go to Australia?

If you’re saying “I want to travel Australia for a month” but don’t know when, I best like the “shoulder” months of March and November, just after the end and before the beginning of summer. Regardless of how long to spend in Australia you decide, I don’t recommend going when it’s cold!

Is it worth going to Australia in June?

June is the dead of the Australian winter, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit then. Depending on where your Australia one month itinerary takes place, June can be very worth it. This is especially the case in northern parts of the country, which are closer to the equator and less subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations, or in the mountains of Victoria if you plan to ski.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one way to approach planning a 1 month Australia itinerary (let alone a 3 month trip around Australia itinerary) but no matter what sort of trip you want to take, this post is the place to start. From Sydney and Melbourne in the south to the Great Barrier Reef in the north, I break down the best of Australia with entertaining flair so that you can quickly understand what to see—and what to skip when you see Australia for a month (or maybe longer). Still feel flummoxed about your month in Australia? Commission a custom Australia itinerary when you hire me as your Travel Coach!

1 month trip to australia

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1 month trip to australia

One month in Australia Itinerary – Now You Shut Up and Go!

1 month trip to australia

When I started my first significant solo travel- I decided that Australia was the place to go and be.  Safe and comfortable, for the first time travel and, also as a solo female traveler.   New Year’s day, I was on my way to one month in Australia. I had no plane on what I was going to do. I learned the hard way that it was not a good plan to not have a travel plan. My 10 first days in Australia were not the best due to a lack of planning. Now I will give an itinerary on what to do with one month in Australia. Let’s be honest, Australia is enormous –  “You want to take the bus? It will take you two days” .

When you have one month in Australia, you don’t have much time. Let’s get this itinerary started. Make sure that you do some travel planning before going because no plan is planning for disaster!

He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich

And he said:

“I come from a land down under Where beer does flow and men chunder Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder You better run, you better take cover.”

One Month in Australia Itinerary

One Month in Australia highlights - One month in Australia - A Samle Itinerary with Sydney, Byron Bay & Airlie Beach

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Some of the links are Affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. If you buy this from me, I’m getting closer to paying my hosting cost for Pauline Travels (not enough for a resort trip in the Maldives).

1. Sydney & the Opera House – 4 Days

Landing in Sydney and coping with Jet-lag is part of the travel if flying from Europe. Be gentle with yourself and give it maybe a day or two to relax and get yourself recovered from the jet-lag. I made a big mistake with exhausting myself the first days being in Sydney. You are in a new city, and it’s super exciting. You don’t want to be burned out on your first week and end in tears when you are staying for one month in Australia. Trust, me it’s not fun – I gave myself a burn out after three days, what a first-time traveler mistake.

You have to see Sydney and the neighborhoods; I would recommend doing a free walking tour either with your hostel or a company that has it –  Sydney free tours .  I did walk on my own in the city, and I wish that I went on a walking tour, it is just easier to see the city with people who know what you should see and what you can leave out. Sydney is not a small town. I was having a significant hike down there, such a tourist and rookie mistake.

I stayed at the  YHA Rocks , which was a fantastic backpacker, and I never found a place like this again in my one month in Australia travel. Just be aware that the YHA Rocks is closer to a hotel standard than what you will see for the rest of your journey in Australia. Hostel and Backpacker places in Australia are quite dirty, to be honest. If you are on a budget, they are a must. Just prepare yourself. 

The Rocks neighborhood  is an excellent location for walking to the Opera House, the bridge, harbor, and to give yourself a smooth start in Australia.

One month in Australia must include the Opera House

The Bridge Climb Looks Impressive If You Have the Money, Do it!

One month in Australia must include the Sydney Bridge

Take the ferry over to Manly and hit the local brewery or the beach and hang out with some locals. On your way back, you will have a fantastic view of the Opera House and the Harbour of Sydney. The trip to Manly can be a day trip.

Sydney Harbour - One month in Australia - A Samle Itinerary with Sydney, Byron Bay & Airlie Beach

2. Bondi Beach & Bondi Rescue – 3 Days

When you have done the city and need a break, then go to Bondi have a Brekkie (Breakfast). Then hang out with a hot Australian guy or girl on the beach or more like 1 000 other people going for a tan or some awesome waves. I loved Bondi because even do it is in the city, the vibe is relaxed, people are eating healthy, and there is no worries, mate. Only the sun and love. There are people and most likely a lof them.

One month in Australia must include Bondi Beach - One month in Australia - A Samle Itinerary with Sydney, Byron Bay & Airlie Beach

In the morning take the boardwalk to Coogee for some exercise and a great view of the ocean and Bondi.

3. Couch Surfing, G’Day Mate – 2 Days

I love meeting up with people who live in the area – If I’m lucky, they will show me something that I wouldn’t see if I was there as a tourist. Couch surfing is a great way to get to know the area and have advice from a local. Know your time, be polite, and return the favor when they come to visit your country if you can. Respect their home as it was yours. Couch surfing is a great way to save money on accommodation, learn more about the people and the country you are visiting.

One month in Australia must include a Keneguru - One month in Australia - A Samle Itinerary with Sydney, Byron Bay & Airlie Beach

4. Byron Bay & Easternmost Point of the Mainland of Australia – 3 Days

I loved Byron Bay, and even the Aussie people go her for the weekend. Why? Because it has great surfing, a good vibe, and a lot of choices when it comes to delicious food.  Byron Bay is the place where you should try to catch a wave on a surfboard. I went to a half-day surfing lesson, and it was so much fun! I even managed to stand a couple of times on the surfboard and was feeling the pleasure of catching a wave for 5 seconds – until I drop back in the water. Best feeling ever, big thanks to the guy helping me catching the waves. Did I mention that the guys were good looking surfer guys with the best smiles and did I say surfer body? I wanted help all the time, with catching the waves, of course.

One month in Australia most include a Sunrise from Byron Bay

When being in Byron, you must have an early morning and see the sunrise from the Lighthouse and the easternmost point of the mainland of Australia. If you are lucky, the hostel will arrange an early car ride for it.

If you are traveling, you should visit Nimbin and explore the Hippi hippie town, a lot of freedom, and a lot of green things to smoke. I learned a lot that day about this green plant and the free spirit. It all started back in 1973 when hippies arrived for the Aquarius festival. I loved going there because it was something unique and peaceful. It was my craziest bus ride ever in Australia, thank you  Grasshoppers.

IMG_0046_2

4. Fraser is the World’s Largest Sand Island – 3 Days

Fraser Island was the closest I went to the bush of Australia (really not the forest). I had three fantastic days on the island and exploring its beauty. Wow, this was a fantastic experience. I entered Fraser Island from Freedom Beach and left the Island to Hervey Bay.

From Hervey Bay, I went on a night bus to Airlie Beach.

One month in Australia must include a trip to Fraser ISLAND

I would recommend taking the small airplane ride over the island, and you are landing and taking off on the beach, which is Wicked Mate! You get a great panorama view over the island. 

UNESCO: Fraser Island lies just off the east coast of Australia. At 122 km long, it is the largest sand island in the world. Majestic remnants of tall rainforest growing on sand and half the world’s perched freshwater dune lakes are found inland from the beach. The combination of shifting sand-dunes, tropical rainforests and lakes makes it an exceptional site.

One month in Australia - A Samle Itinerary with Sydney, Byron & Airlie

5. Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef – 6 Days

The only way to do Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef is one boat! You have to get on some vessels. I decided to go on a sailboat for four days. We did a lot of great snorkeling, and I also had my first test-dive in the Great Barrier Reef. I don’t know if we were unlucky with the dive site, but it wasn’t that amazing (diving for the first time was an excellent experience). The snorkeling was way better than diving, colorful, and vibrant. On this boat, talking with all these divers, I decided that in  Koh Tao  – Thailand, I was going take my Open Water License with PADI. Wow, I have had so many fantastic adventures underwater after this decision.

Yes, We did See the Large Green Turtle

One month in Australia must include Withsundays

We had a brilliant crew, great people. They showed Australian beauty. Put me on a boat, Island, or a beach – I’m happy if you complete fulfilling them all, you get a thrilled kid.

UNESCO: The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusk. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.

Airlie Beach

Have a day or two at Airlie Beach for some brekkie and resting. One day before the boat, and one day after the boat tour. You use a lot of energy when being with a group of 15-20 people on a boat. It’s fantastic and fun, but you need some time to digest all the experience and explore it. It’s okay to take a break and relax.

One month in Australia must include eggs benedict

Last Pieces of Advice for One month in Australia

Accept that you can’t see everything with only one month in Australia. Make room for a couple of resting days. Exploring and changing the bed every third day can be exhausting. Make a list of your must-see and go from there. Talk with other travelers how they made their trip that can save you a lot of planning and wasting time on not essential sites. If you are backpacking, maybe sign up for a membership at  YHA hostel,  great hostels, and great prices. When planning a trip to Australia, don’t forget to have some time for  New Zealand  as well, when being down under your so close this scenic country – Shouldn’t be missed.

People in Australia are friendly and very helpful. You will love Australia; it has a culture and a life of everything. Whatever you do, do not drink wine, Goon. You will never recover. Good luck and happy traveling to Australia, the land down under, and also don’t bring any fruits to Australia if bringing anything you need to declare it.

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One month in Australia - A Samle Itinerary with Sydney, Byron & Airlie

The ultimate TravelBlog in Australia – Ytravel

Next time i’m returning: perth, melbourne, great ocean road, and uluru, share this:.

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1 month trip to australia

Australia er vert å få med seg 🙂 Når man er der, så er Whitsunday et must do på listen 🙂 Helt klart!

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Åh, Australia er et land jeg fremdeles har tilgode å oppleve! En venninne av meg er faktisk i Whitsunday nå, og jeg kjenner at jeg blir ørlite sjalu av alle snapchat-bildene hun sender! Tror dette er en tur jeg må planlegge snart 🙂

Ja er jo slik det blir når man studerer. Hadde samme følelsen selv når jeg var i Argentina, Buenos Aires. Whitsundays er helt utrolig å oppleve. Så vakkert!

Tusen takk 🙂 Ja det var maks uflaks, orkan kan jo man ikkje gjøre noe med. Om du hadde dratt så hadde snorkel og dykke forholdene sikkert vert elending på grunn av orkanen. Whitsunday var magisk! Fraserisland var også kult!

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Ser ut som en super rute! Du besøkte en del andre områder enn det jeg gjorde da jeg studerte i Australia (fikk sett mye – men dessverre ikke alt jeg ønsket…). Neste gang jeg skal tilbake skal jeg dit for å reise – og et av stedene jeg definitivt skal besøke, er Whitsundays! 😀

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Bra innlegg! Så mange fine steder du rakk innom 😀 Synd jeg aldri kom meg til Fraser Island og Whitsunday Islands, men så hadde riktignok sistnevnte blitt ramponert av en orkan samme helga som vi skulle ha vært der. :/

Må nok returnere til Australia engang soon 😉

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Backpacking East Coast Australia: A 1-Month Itinerary To Kick Start Your Travel Plans

Written by on January 9, 2022 . Posted in Australia , Byron Bay , Sydney , To Do , Travel Tips .

Planning out your first holiday to Australia is an unbelievably exciting time… only to get even better once you arrive and the trip begins! Being such an enormous country with a spectacularly diverse landscape, it can be difficult to know where to begin. An itinerary through East Coast Australia – whether you’re self-driving, on a tour, or a mix of both – is a popular backpacking option, and an excellent choice to begin.

Journeying from Sydney and heading north to Byron Bay, and eventually to Cairns in north-Queensland, the East Coast route showcases so much variety. You’ll encounter classic Australian wildlife, pristine beaches, national parks and rainforests, snorkeling and skydiving opportunities, and so much more.

To help kick start your East Coast Aussie travel plans, we’ve put together an example 1-month itinerary. Although this 30-day itinerary does give you a glimpse into the highlights of what lies along this coastline, we would suggest four weeks as an absolute minimum to experiencing this kind of trip.

1 month trip to australia

4 Week East Coast Australia Itinerary Plan

Day 1-7: sydney.

Capital cities don’t get much better than stunning Sydney, New South Wales. Arrive to Sydney for your first taste of Australia, and you’ll quickly notice the outdoor lifestyle, beautiful beaches and awesome energy that makes this city a favourite for so many. We could write forever about what to do here, so instead we recommend you check out our range of (free) travel guides and tips of what to do and where to go in Sydney . We recommend (at least) seven days in Sydney, to give you enough time to explore the city, enjoy a few themed nights out at Side Bar, as well as day trips to must-see locations like:

  • The Blue Mountains
  • Hunter Valley
  • Royal National Park
  • Hyams Beach and the South Coast

Where to stay: Look for centrally-located accommodation that enables you to easily travel for day trips out of the city. Wake Up! Sydney Central is conveniently located opposite Sydney’s Central Train Station, connecting you to the Blue Mountains, South Coast and beyond. Buses and trams are also right outside our doors, and you’ll find yourself within walking distance to suburbs like Surry Hills, Darling Harbour, Glebe, and more.

Backpacking or travelling Australia? Book your Sydney accommodation at Wake Up! Hostel in the centre of the city.

Day 7-9: Bondi Beach

In addition to seven days based in Sydney, we recommend staying two nights in Bondi to truly soak up that quintessentially Aussie beach lifestyle. And what better place to do that, than in the very heart of Bondi Beach. What to do in Bondi? Grab a surfboard (complimentary for all guests at Wake Up! Bondi Beach) and take to the famous waves of Bondi; soak in views on a Bondi to Coogee coastal walk; experience the weekend Bondi Markets; venture to Hornby Lighthouse and Watson’s Bay; eat and drink and the endless cafes and bars in the area.

Where to stay: Wake Up! Bondi Beach is your picture-perfect seaside accommodation . Located directly opposite Bondi Beach, you can soak up the views from the exclusive panoramic Rooftop (which also makes for one of the best outdoor gyms or yoga spots!).

Day 9-10: Newcastle or Port Stephens or Hunter Valley

It’s time to travel north to either Newcastle, Port Stephens or the Hunter Valley- depending on your preference. 

Port Stephens , on Worimi Country: go here for adventure and epic scenery! Hiking the 2.2km return Tomaree Head Summit trail gives you incredible views of Port Stephens (an instagrammable delight). You can also go sandboarding , quad-biking or camel riding on the Worimi Sand Dunes. These are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and have great Indigenous significance.

Newcastle : a student city, known for its nightlife! Enjoy the many pubs and bars this city has to offer, from breweries and pubs to cocktail joints and themed bars. Newcastle is also known for its beaches and awesome surf – experience it for yourself at Merewether Beach!

Hunter Valley : If you didn’t manage to do a day trip to the Hunter from Sydney, then you might want to spend a night here instead. One of Australia’s most famous wine regions, here you can enjoy cheese, chocolate, natural beauty and, of course, wine!

Day 10-15: Byron Bay

You’ve made it to a northern-NSW slice of paradise: Byron Bay! Blissed out Byron is an absolute must on everyone’s Australia adventure. This is your place to do as the town’s motto says: Cheer Up, Slow Down, Chill Out. In Byron, you can do as little or as much as you want, but to get you started we suggest having a read of our free travel guides and tips to the area. In just five days, you might not want to leave the town itself. However if you fancy a day trip, add towns like Yamba, Mullumbimby, Nimbin and Minyon Falls or Killen Falls to your list.

Where to stay: Wake Up! Byron Bay offers affordable, laidback Byron accommodation in a beachside paradise setting. Essentially: it’s your perfect paradise escape… while still being budget-friendly! Guests can enjoy complimentary activities every day (including yoga classes, sunrise lighthouse tours, and meditation classes); and you also have access to free bike, surfboard and SUP hire.

1 month trip to australia

Day 15-17: Brisbane

Despite being Queensland’s capital city and Australia’s third largest city, Brisbane has a small-town charm about it, which is welcomed at this half-way stage of the itinerary. In Brisbane, you can enjoy a bit of everything, with something for every type of traveller and personality. It’s got a beer scene, food markets, pumping nightlife, gorgeous botanic gardens, and also some fantastic day trips. We recommend:

  • Australia Zoo: the biggest zoo in Australia, made famous by the late Steve Irwin and his wife Terri
  • Moreton Island: take an island tour to spot wild dolphins and go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters
  • Stradbroke Island: revel in the sublime natural beauty of ‘Straddie’, including its nature hikes, surfing beaches and gorges
  • Lone Pine Sanctuary: the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. Hold a koala and get your photo snapped up, or even meet dingos and snakes!

Day 17-19: Noosa

Beautiful Noosa! As you head further north on this East Coast itinerary, you’ll come to experience the spectacular scenery of a more tropical Australia. While in Noosa, kayak the Noosa Everglades and soak in the pristine wilderness. This is a definite must-see and makes for stunning photos. Walk through Noosa National Park and look out (or up!) for sleepy wild koalas in the trees above.

Day 19-22: Fraser Island

The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island has the MOST incredible nature. And the passionate locals at K’gari Fraser Island Adventures will help you experience it all, with amazing travel experiences that don’t cost the earth. Learn how to drive a 4WD like a local, see the magical Lake McKenzie, swim in creeks with the world’s cleanest water, have fun wildlife spotting, and so much more.

Day 22-26: Whitsundays & Airlie Beach

There are 74 different islands that lie between the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Together, they make up the dreamy Whitsunday Islands. While on these islands, you’ll come to experience some of the whitest sand in the world, dense rainforest, hiking trails, and water so beautiful it’ll make all of your Australia dreams come true. Make sure to have a day out with Ocean Rafting which offers an awesome speed boat ride, snorkelling, and a guided walk. True Blue Sailing provides another guaranteed great option. We love their Atlantic Clipper and New Horizon boats, which both have huge waterslides, jumping platforms, and snorkelling opportunities. For a shorter boat experience, jump on the Solway Lass Sunset Cruise to experience a pirate ship with a rich history.

Day 26-28: Townsville & Magnetic Island

Picture a tropical island paradise, and Magnetic Island is what you’ll find. Accessible by ferry from Townsville (a town worth exploring in itself, particularly for its history), Magnetic Island is your go-to for beautiful coral reefs, sandy beaches, snorkelling adventures and sunshine. You’ll find no shortage of adventure in this part of the world. For the ultimate fun experience, get around the town in a Barbie Car or Topless Jeep Wrangler !

Day 28-30: Cairns

And finally, welcome to the adventure town of Cairns! As well as being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers up so many thrill-seeking activities to do and see. If scuba diving, snorkelling, bungee jumping, skydiving, or white water rafting are on your #backpackingaustralia bucket list – then this is the place to tick them off! You’re in Tropical North Queensland here, so expect to also see photogenic waterfalls. Drive the Waterfall Circuit that’ll have you soaking up the sights of Milla Milla Falls (one of Australia’s most photographed waterfalls), Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.

Phew! You made it! As you can tell, this 30-day East Coast Australia itinerary is a whirlwind adventure trip. It takes you through the highlights of what lies between Sydney in New South Wales and Cairns in Far North Queensland. While you can absolutely spend more time in virtually every destination, we hope this itinerary provides a base inspiration of where to start your travel-planning. 

1 month trip to australia

Personalised travel advice and assistance booking your Australia holiday

Our resident Travel Experts are the ones for you! Free for all guests, we have a dedicated travel team that can assist you in booking your Aussie adventure and making sure you’re set up for the trip of a lifetime! Get in touch today to start the conversation.

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Plan Your Trip to Australia: 7 Top Itineraries

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jul 26, 2022

Australia is a land of staggering contrasts spread out over a landmass almost as big as the continental US, so planning the perfect itinerary entails pinpointing your preferences. Coral reefs, islands, rainforests, and ravishing beaches rim the coast, and rugged canyons and red deserts of haunting beauty stretch across the interior.

Kangaroo on the beach

To get the most out of your visit to Australia, it's best to fly between the top places to visit and concentrate on a particular area of the country. If it's your first visit to the Land Down Under, you might want to start with a version of the top Australia itinerary on our trip planner: Sydney, Rainforest, & Reef, highlighting the east coast's most popular tourist attractions. Then, depending on your interests and time constraints, you can use the other Australia itineraries, organized by region, as building blocks to customize your adventures.

Travel to Australia can require some long flights — especially if you're visiting from the Northern Hemisphere. A week to 10 days is the minimum recommended time to visit Australia, as distances are vast, and jet lag can take a couple of days to pass. Note that if you're planning to see the highlights of both the east coast and the west coast, it takes about five hours to fly from Sydney to Perth.

Wherever and whenever you decide to go, Australia is one of the world's most rewarding places to visit, with spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife, and some of the friendliest people on the planet.

Plan your trip with these top Australia itineraries.

1. Sydney, Rainforest & Reef

2. the northern territory: the top end & the red centre, 3. queensland: the sunshine coast, fraser island, & the whitsunday islands, 4. melbourne and the great ocean road, 5. western australia: perth, coral reefs, broome, and the kimberley, 6. south australia: adelaide, the barossa & clare valleys, and kangaroo island, 7. tasmania: the apple isle loop, map of australia: top itineraries, when is the best time to visit australia.

Sydney Harbour

East Coast Itinerary Highlights : Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns/Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda, the Great Barrier Reef

Visiting Australia for the first time? This itinerary is ideal if you only have about a week to 10 days to see the highlights. It offers a quintessential slice of the stunning east coast.

Start in Sydney and visit all the iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House , the Sydney Harbour Bridge , Bondi Beach , and the Rocks . After exploring the top attractions in the city , choose from an alluring line-up of day trips from Sydney . The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular.

From Sydney, fly up to Cairns , the most popular gateway to Far North Queensland's top tropical attractions, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest ; the quaint rainforest village of Kuranda ; and Cape Tribulation , where two of the world's richest ecosystems (rainforest and reef) merge in a sublime mingling of blues and greens.

Alternatively, you can base yourself in the sleepy tropical town of Port Douglas (about 60 minutes' drive north of Cairns). It lies a little closer to the reef, and charms visitors with its relaxed tropical feel and friendly locals. If you have more time, consider adding on some of the itineraries below.

Read More: Top-Rated Beaches in Sydney, Australia

Uluru

Northern Territory Itinerary Highlights : Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)

The Northern Territory offers a taste of the Australian Outback. Stark red deserts, magnificent rock formations, and spectacular wilderness areas are some of the top things to see here.

Fly into Darwin, the main gateway for the tropical Top End, as it's called in Australia. Stay a night or two here soaking up all the fun attraction in Darwin , such as the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market , the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory , and Stokes Hill Wharf. Thrill seekers can cage-dive with saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove .

From Darwin, rent a car and drive about 255 kilometers to World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park , Australia's largest national park and one of the planet's most awe-inspiring wilderness areas. Take a Yellow Water or Guluyambi boat cruise to see crocodiles and water birds, or hike to ancient Aboriginal cave paintings.

From Kakadu, you can drive about 180 kilometers to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park , with its series of 13 stunning steep-walled gorges. Explore the area on a scenic cruise, hike the trails, or paddle along the Katherine River in a kayak or canoe.

From the nearby town of Katherine, fly to Alice Springs in Australia's Red Centre. This is the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , where Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), one of Australia's top tourist attractions, rises 348 meters above the red-hued desert. About 40 kilometers from here, you can explore the dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

If you have time, drive about 290 kilometers from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) for more breathtaking outback scenery and one of Australia's top hiking trails : Kings Canyon Rim Walk .

  • Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Australia's Northern Territory

Whitsunday Island beach

Central & Southeast Queensland Coastal Itinerary Highlights : Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands

Sun, sea, sand, and sailing are the top attractions of this tour through Southeast and Central Queensland. Fly into the Sunshine Coast airport in Marcoola (one hour and 35 minutes flight time from Sydney), and explore some of the Sunshine Coast's surf-lapped beach towns and gorgeous beaches .

Soak up the scene with a stroll along the Mooloolaba Boardwalk, one of the top things to do in Mooloolaba ; surf some waves at Coolum Beach ; or bask on the beaches of Caloundra . Traveling on a budget? Take your pick from some of the best campgrounds on the Sunshine Coast .

If you're looking for a stylish base, stay in the beautiful beach resort of Noosa Heads . You can rest your head at some of the Sunshine Coast's top resorts. While you're here, hike through Noosa National Park ; spend an afternoon on magnificent Main Beach , swimming, surfing, or sunning; and stroll along Hastings Street , with its fantastic restaurants and boutique shops.

From Noosa, you can take day trips to explore all the top things to do on the Sunshine Coast . Save time, too, for a visit to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Here, you can visit cute country towns like Maleny and nearby Montville.

You can also join a tour to K'Gari (Fraser Island ), the world's largest sand island, or rent a 4WD and embark on a self-drive tour of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay a night or two exploring the sparkling freshwater lakes, sweeping beaches, dunes, shipwrecks, and rainforests.

Hervey Bay , the gateway to Fraser Island, is also worth a visit. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities here, as well as fishing, sailing, and a range of other water sports.

From Marcoola, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine (PPP). It's about 25 kilometers from Airlie Beach , the gateway to the idyllic Whitsunday Islands . From here, charter a boat and sail around these sun-soaked islands strung along the southern stretches of the Great Barrier Reef, or hop aboard a multi-island cruise.

Popular islands include family-friendly Daydream Island , Hamilton Island (the only Whitsunday island with its own airport), Long Island , and Hook Island . For a luxury island hideaway, hop aboard a helicopter to Hayman Island . With its silky soft silica sand, Whitehaven Beach is one of the top beaches in Australia and a must-see destination on your island-hopping adventure.

  • Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Queensland

Great Ocean Road

Victoria Itinerary Highlights : Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Mornington Peninsula, Grampians National Park, Wilsons Promontory, the Yarra Valley, and Dandenong Ranges

Australia's rugged south coast is home to one of the country's most staggeringly beautiful stretches of coastline. Fly into Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria , and explore all the fantastic restaurants, shops, museums, galleries, and other attractions.

From here, you can choose from an adventure-filled list of Melbourne day trips . The most famous is a self-drive or guided tour along The Great Ocean Road , one of Australia's most breathtaking scenic drives. In Port Campbell National Park , gape at the Twelve Apostles , the wind-sculpted rock formations rising from the thrashing surf. Hike the Great Ocean Walk or, for a bird's-eye view, fly over the coast in a helicopter. In Torquay , surfers can ride the legendary swells of Bells Beach or visit the Australian National Surfing Museum .

In the hinterland, lush forests, zipline adventures, and treetop walking tours await. Other popular day trips from Melbourne include the Phillip Island Penguin Parade and the golden beaches of the Mornington Peninsula .

For fantastic hiking and bushland scenery, venture to Grampians National Park (260 kilometers from Melbourne), Wilsons Promontory (200 kilometers from Melbourne), or the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges (25 kilometers from Melbourne).

Roebuck Bay, Broome

Western Australia Itinerary Highlights : Perth, the Margaret River, Ningaloo Reef, Broome, the Kimberley

About a five-hour flight from Australia's east coast, Western Australia is a wonderland of wilderness areas, wildlife, coral reefs, and beautiful beaches. This diverse and sparsely populated state is often overlooked by international travelers due to its distance from Sydney, but it delivers jaw-dropping beauty without the crowds.

Look at a map of Australia, and you'll see the ebullient state capital of Perth flung in the southwestern corner of this vast state. Start your tour here, and spend a day or two exploring all the attractions in the city .

Save time to venture out of the city, too. Day trips from Perth are particularly appealing. Take a cruise up the winding Swan River to the Swan Valley , or down river to Fremantle , Perth's vibrant port city. From Fremantle, you can also catch a ferry to ravishing Rottnest Island , rimmed by beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise shallows.

Spend a few days at the Margaret River , about a three-hour drive from Perth. This prime grape-growing district offers great surf breaks, beautiful beaches, scenic coastal hikes, and a bounty of fresh produce and artisan foods.

After a taste of the city and surrounds, fly from Perth to Broome (flight time 2.5 hours) and ride a camel at sunset along the sweeping sands of Cable Beach . Want to get your heart pumping? Head to Horizontal Falls. One of Australia's top outdoor adventures , this exhilarating experience usually includes a seaplane flight over the falls and the rugged red cliffs of the northwest coast to Cape Leveque . Then you touch down for a succulent seafood lunch on the water, and a jet boat ride through the falls.

If you have more time, venture deep into the rugged Kimberley to see spectacular Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Mitchell Falls, or plan a rugged 4WD adventure along the Gibb River Road . Return to Perth.

Still more time? Fly from Perth to Exmouth (a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Learmonth airport) and explore nearby World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef , the world's largest fringing reef. Easily accessible from shore, this rich ecosystem is famous for the whale sharks that swim here from March through October, and you can swim with these gentle giants on an organized tour.

With more than 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral, the marine reserve is also a prime diving, snorkeling, and fishing destination . From here, drive 50 minutes to Cape Range National Park with its red-hued gorges and rugged canyons.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Western Australia

Adelaide

South Australia Itinerary Highlights : Adelaide, the Barossa & Clare Valleys, Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges National Park

Sophisticated yet refreshingly slow paced, Adelaide is one of Australia's underrated cities and the gateway to the top places to visit in South Australia .

Spend a day or two in this gracious state capital exploring the many museums, galleries, and gardens. Then rent a car and drive about an hour from the city to the beautiful Barossa Valley (about 60 kilometers north of Adelaide) and the Clare Valley . These fertile lands are prime grape-growing regions and favorite foodie destinations, thanks to their bounty of fresh produce and fantastic restaurants.

From Adelaide, you can also drive about 45 minutes south to the pretty Fleurieu Peninsula. This scenic region offers golden beaches, great surf, farms, and more fabulous restaurants.

From the Fleurieu Peninsula, catch a ferry to Kangaroo Island, one of the state's top tourist destinations. You can also fly here in about 30 minutes from Adelaide. The island is famous for its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. Fresh local produce is also a highlight — among the many gourmet delights are fresh seafood, free-range eggs, and Ligurian honey.

Close-up wildlife viewing is one of the top things to do on Kangaroo Island . In addition to the island's namesake marsupials, you can also see koalas, seal lions, New Zealand fur seals, echidnas, penguins, whales, and many species of birds. Save time to visit Flinders Chase National Park, with its strangely contorted rock formations and scenic hiking trails, as well as the fascinating limestone caves of Kelly Hill Conservation Park .

If you have more time, consider adding a safari to your itinerary and plan a road trip to Flinders Ranges National Park. About a five-hour drive from Adelaide, it's a favorite haunt of artists and photographers who appreciate the rich hues of shifting light on the arid landscapes.

Mount Field National Park

Highlights : Hobart, Port Arthur Historic Site, Freycinet National Park, Launceston, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Mount Field National Park

Tasmania (affectionately called "Tassie" by the Aussies) is a nirvana for nature lovers. The island is Australia's smallest state and an ideal destination for a self-drive tour. Almost half of its landmass is protected by national parks and World Heritage Areas, providing a pristine playground of wild rivers, misty peaks, lakes, and densely wooded forests. It's also called "the Apple Isle" because it was once one of the world's major apple producers.

Today, the state is famous for its fabulous fresh produce and artisan foods. No matter where you go, save time to savor some succulent seafood, fresh fruits, and creamy cheeses along the way. This loop through some of Tasmania's top attractions takes about five or six days plus a night or two in Hobart at each end.

Fly into Hobart, the state capital, and drive or hike to the top of kunanyi (Mount Wellington) for spectacular views over the city. Browse the shops and galleries at Salamanca Place and see cutting edge art at MONA.

After exploring Hobart , drive about an hour southeast of Hobart and tour the Port Arthur Historic Site , a former penal colony and one of the top things to do in Tasmania . After this sobering dose of convict history, explore the rugged sea cliffs and sheltered coves of nearby Tasman National Park . About 55 minutes from Hobart by car and ferry, Bruny Island is also worth a visit. Take a tasting tour of the island's gourmet treats and artisan produce, or explore the natural beauty of South Bruny National Park .

From Hobart, drive 2.5 hours northeast to World Heritage-listed Freycinet National Park for superb scenery and the perfect slice of white-sand beach at dazzling Wineglass Bay . You can explore the park on scenic drives and hiking trails — the Wineglass Bay Circuit is one of the top hikes in Australia .

From Freycinet National Park , drive about two hours to charming Launceston , Tasmania's second largest town. Here, you can admire the elegant Victorian architecture on heritage trails, visit beautiful Cataract Gorge, and tour World Heritage-listed country estates not far from the city.

From Launceston, drive south to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and explore stunning landscapes featuring alpine heathland, glacier-carved crags, sparkling lakes, and ancient forests. From here, drive about two hours to Strahan , a great base to explore the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park . Cruise along the Gordon River, or raft the whitewater rapids of the mighty Franklin River, one of Australia's top outdoor adventures.

From Strahan, drive 300 kilometers back to Hobart through Tasmania's World Heritage-listed wilderness areas. If you have time, stop by Mount Field National Park on the way. Hike the beautiful nature trails and see triple-tiered waterfalls.

The best time to visit Australia depends on where you want to go. To maximize your sightseeing, it's a good idea to avoid the tropics in the wet season (December to April), but every season offers unique experiences.

Winter (June through August) is a wonderful time to visit the Red Centre, when desert temperatures are milder during the day. Winter is also the dry season in Far North Queensland and the Whitsundays, which typically means sunny days and comfortable temperatures for swimming and island hopping. And of course, winter is a prime time to play in Australia's best ski resorts .

Summer (December through February) is a great time to visit the southern states, especially Tasmania. At this time of year, the warm, sunny days are perfect for basking on some of Australia's best beaches .

Planning to visit several destinations? Spring and autumn in Australia are usually good times to visit most parts of the country.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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More Australia Travel Itinerary Ideas : If you're planning a trip around Australia and you're looking for some thrills, check out our article on the Top Outdoor Adventures in Australia , from snorkeling with whale sharks to four-wheel driving on the golden beaches of Fraser Island.

Anglers will find some fantastic fishing. Discover the top spots with our list of the best fishing destinations in Australia . You can fly fish for trout, hook a marlin, or cast to cobia on crystal-clear flats.

Is trekking more your style? Add some of the top hikes Down Under to your Australia itinerary. Tackle the rugged Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the Northern Territory or climb to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak.

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Australia Solo Travel Guide and Adventure Itinerary (2023)

Australia is one of the most popular and diverse solo travel destinations in the world. Head Down Under and you can cuddle a koala, surf the Gold Coast, dive the Great Barrier Reef, catch the sunrise at Uluru and so much more!

In this ultimate guide to solo travel in Australia, you’ll find everything you need to plan the Ozzie adventure of a lifetime.

All the advice is tailored to people who will be travelling alone in Australia, including: the best destinations, things to do and see, accommodation, transport, costs, a packing list, safety tips and much more. 

After Australia, why don’t you continue on to solo travel New Zealand !

  • Solo Travel in Australia
  • 6 Best Places to Travel Alone
  • 10 Best Things to Do and See
  • Accommodation
  • Best Time to Visit Australia
  • Where to Start
  • How Long to Spend Travelling
  • Costs and Budgeting
  • Packing List
  • Visas and Entry Requirements
  • More guides and tips

Overview of Solo T ravel in Australia

Two kangaroos on a beach in Australia

Australia is one of the best solo travel destinations for both first-timers and experienced travellers. 

People love to travel solo in Australia because it is safe, easy to navigate and has an array of famous sites such as Sydney, Bondi Beach, Melbourne, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road and Kakadu. You will enjoy the relaxed environment and find it easy to make friends with the locals and other solo travellers. 

The most popular solo travel route in Australia is the East Coast (Melbourne – Sydney – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Cairns). However, if you have enough time, you may also want to travel into The Outback (Uluru, Kakadu, Broome, etc.)

Solo travel around Australia is particularly popular amongst young people (aged 18-30) (both male and female) thanks to its party atmosphere and visa options. However, it is also popular amongst older solo travellers (50+), sometimes referred to as ‘Grey Nomads’ in Australia (famous for travelling around in campervans and motorhomes).

It is easy to find accommodation all over Australia, with hostels and hotels found in every major town and city. It is also easy to arrange transport, with coaches travelling around most of the country and airports in major cities and large regional towns. 

Many people choose to solo travel in Australia during summer (December – February), because they think that the beaches will be more enjoyable in the heat. However, the cooler seasons are a great time to solo travel around Australia because the Northern Tropics are more accessible and it snows in the alpine regions of south-east Australia.

Note that Australia can be an expensive country to solo travel in. It is also a large place and you will need at least 1-3 months if you want to see most of the highlights. 

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary (1-6 Months) : 4 Best Places to Travel Alone

East Coast of Australia (1-3 Months)

Victoria (1 week to 1 month).

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

Victoria is the second most populous state and is located in the southeast of the country. It is famous for its buzzing metropolitan lifestyle, wine regions, natural wonders and sporting events.

The capital of Victoria is Melbourne. You can fly to Melbourne from many international airports around the world. You can also fly domestically or catch a coach or train from Sydney, Adelaide or Brisbane. Many people start their solo travel in Australia here.

Melbourne is famous for being a cultural hub of Australia and one of the most liveable cities in the world. Wander the laneways and admire the street art before stopping for a coffee (voted the best in the world). Then at night, enjoy a craft beer at a local brewery before hitting the nightclubs or catching a sporting event.

To the west of Melbourne is the Great Ocean Road, one of the most renowned coastal drives in the world. Along the way, stand in awe and admire geological wonders such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. You’ll also get to explore rainforests, waterfalls and Bell’s Beach (the home of surfing in Australia). 

Throughout the Victorian Countryside and the Mornington Peninsula, you will find vineyards responsible for producing some of the world’s best Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. And when you’re not wining and dining, you can soak away the afternoon in mineral hot baths or cast a line on the Murray River. 

New South Wales (1 Week to 1 Month)

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia

New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia and is located on the East Coast. It is famous for its iconic beaches, monumental landmarks and mountain ranges.

The capital of New South Wales is Sydney. You can fly to Sydney from many international airports around the world. You can also fly domestically or catch a coach or train from Melbourne or Brisbane. 

Sydney is known for its famous landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It is also home to the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. To the west of Sydney are the Blue Mountains, where you can see towering waterfalls and steep cliffs amongst the blue haze of the eucalyptus forests.

The northern coastline of NSW is lined with long, sandy beaches. The most famous of these is the celebrity hotspot Byron Bay, a hippy community that has become a playground for backpackers and wealthy travellers alike. When you’re not learning to surf, just kick back and relax or hit one of the nightclubs. 

In southern NSW are the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park, home to the highest peak in Australia and bush legends such as the Man From the Snowy River. Visit in the winter and you can ski or snowboard at large resorts such as Perisher and Thredbo. 

Queensland (2 Weeks – 1 Month)

A clownfish on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.

Queensland is the most popular destination for solo travel in Australia. This tropical paradise is famous for its sandy beaches, tropical rainforest, vibrant reef and party cities.

The capital of Queensland is Brisbane. You can fly to Brisbane from many international airports around the world. You can also fly domestically or catch a coach or train from Sydney or Melbourne. It is another great starting point for solo travel in Australia.

Brisbane is famous for its sub-tropical climate, riverside walkways, alfresco dining and annual Cockroach Races. It is also close to Stradbroke Island, a whale-watching paradise!

An hour from Brisbane is the Gold Coast, where solo travellers like to party by night and then recover on the beach by day. Here, you will find strips of nightclubs, bars and theme parks filled with young people looking for a good time. Some of the famous surf beaches include Surfer’s Paradise and Burleigh Heads.

A few hours further north is the Sunshine Coast, a more-upmarket beach destination with luxurious hotels and popular hostels. Visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, where you can hand feed kangaroos, pat a koala and watch the croc feeding show. Then catch a ferry to Fraser Island (K’Gari), where vivid blue lakes, rainforests and sand dunes adorn the world’s largest sand island.

In the Tropical North of Queensland, you will find cities such as Townsville and Cairns – both gateways to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel with turtles and visit heavenly spots such as Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island. Then, delve deep into the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest.

Tasmania (2 Weeks)

Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is an island state to the south of Australia. Whilst it may not be the most popular place to solo travel in Australia, it is perhaps the most underrated. Tasmania is famous for its spectacular scenery, convict and Aboriginal history, unique wildlife and cultural attractions.

The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. You can fly to Hobart from all of the major airports in Australia. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry to Tasmania from Melbourne.

Hobart is famous for its cultural attractions, such as the Salamanca Markets, which hosts over 300 artisan stalls every Saturday. You should also ride the ferry to the MONA Art Museum, the largest privately-funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere.

The East Coast of Tasmania is spoiled with amazing seafood and scenery, including sights such as Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires. You can also visit Port Arthur, which was once a brutal convict settlement but is today one of the best museums in Australia.

The West Coast of Tasmania is wild and rugged but beautiful. Climb Cradle Mountain and look out of vast swathes of remote Australian bushland before circling the crystal clear waters of Lake St Clair. And don’t miss out on the Tasmanian Devil sanctuary!

Western Australia (1-2 Months)

A whale shark swimming through the waters of Western Australia.

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia (about 3.5 times the size of Texas). It is less popular than the East Coast but is remarkable in its own right. It is famous for its rugged coastline, coral reefs and desert interior.

The capital of Western Australia is Perth. You can fly to Perth from all of the major airports in Australia. Otherwise, it is several days’ drive from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney.

Perth is famous for Cottesloe Beach and is a gateway to Rottnest Island, home of the Instagram-famous Quokka (a cute little kangaroo). To the south of Perth is the historic city of Fremantle and the Margaret River surf region. To the north is the Pinnacles Desert, where strange limestone pillars that are 30,000 years old rise out of the sands.

The Western Australian Coastline is vast and takes weeks to travel, but it is host to internationally-renowned marine attractions. Feed dolphins on the shore in Monkey Mia, swim with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Marine Park and ride a camel along Cable Beach in Broome.

The Western Australian Outback is even more vast but is equally remarkable. Explore the red soils, ginormous gorges and hidden swimming holes around Kalbarri National Park, Karijini National Park and the Kimberley. Then see Wave Rock before crossing the desert via the Nullarbor Plain, the longest straight road on the planet (147km/91mi).

The Outback (1 Month)

Solo travel to Uluru in The Outback, Australia.

The Australian Outback may seem dry and deserted but it is one of the most popular destinations for solo travel in Australia. Known as the Red Centre, it is famous for its amber sands, Aboriginal culture, natural wonders and wildlife. 

Most people start their Outback journey in the city of Adelaide, which is surrounded by internationally-renowned wine regions such as the Barossa Valley. Nature lovers will want to see the wildlife on Kangaroo Island or cage dive with Great White Sharks off of Port Lincoln. 

In the centre of Australia is the country’s most iconic landmark, Uluru, which stands 348m tall. Not far away are the equally impressive Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. And you can’t visit the Outback without stopping in the quirky town of Coober Pedy, where the people live underground to escape the heat.

In the north of Australia is Darwin, where you can watch jumping crocodiles on the nearby Adelaide River. And don’t miss Kakadu National Park, where you can see ancient Aboriginal rock art, swim amongst breathtaking gorges, cruise around billabongs and soak in thermal hot springs.

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Australia Solo Travel Itinerary : 10 Best Things to Do and See

A cassowary in the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia.

1. The Daintree Rainforest

Explore the world’s oldest tropical rainforest (180 million years old) and the place that Sir David Attenborough once called “the most extraordinary place on Earth.”

Delve into the shadowy depths of the Daintree Rainforest, following the boardwalks as they twist and turn underneath the lush canopy and dangling vines. Listen to the sounds of nature and keep an eye out for prehistoric wildlife – including the giant cassowary and crunching saltwater crocodiles. 

After all of that adventure, solo travellers can soak the day away in the trickling waters of Mossman Gorge or Masons Swimming Hole.

2. The Great Barrier Reef

Dive or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, which spans over 2,300km of Australia’s eastern coastline and is the largest living organism on Earth. 

Swim between vibrant corals that are 20 million years old and submerge yourself amongst the 1,600 species of fish, turtles, whales and dolphins that call this place home. Then dry yourself off on the soft and sandy shores of havens like Hamilton Island and Green Island.

Just be aware that summer is stinger season on the Great Barrier Reef and temperatures are scorching. It is best for solo travellers to visit during the winter when temperatures are still warm but pleasant and there are no stingers in the water.

3. Byron Bay

Chill out in Australia’s most famous beach town – Byron Bay. This slice of coastal bliss has become internationally renowned for its stunning beaches, laidback lifestyle and fun nightlife. 

Throw yourself into the hippy lifestyle and spend time doing yoga and pilates on the beach with the locals and other solo travellers. Pick up a board and learn to surf on the beautiful stretch of sand that is Main Beach. 

Take a sunset walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse on mainland Australia’s most easterly point. And then party the night away at local pubs and nightclubs like Stone & Wood or Cheeky Monkeys!

Sydney is the largest and most famous city in Australia thanks to its iconic attractions. Most solo travellers spend at least a week here seeing all the sights.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a guided tour before catching a gig at the Opera House next door. Kick back on Bondi Beach before following the coastal walk around to Coogee Beach. Then ride the ferry to Taronga Zoo, where you can snap photos of exotic and native wildlife with the city skyline in the background.

Catch the train for a day trip to the UNESCO World-Heritage Blue Mountains, an hour west of Sydney. Take the walking trails to sights such as the 230m tall Katoomba Falls and The Three Sisters rock formation before visiting quaint villages such as Leura.

5. Rottnest Island

A quokka on a beach on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

Enjoy a quick ferry ride from Perth to Rottnest Island, a slice of paradise with pristine beaches, abundant marine life and a famous little breed of wallaby known as the Quokka.

There are no cars allowed on Rottnest Island, so hire a bike and enjoy the freedom of peddling around the island. As you go, stop on one of the 63 white sand beaches and snorkel amongst the bright coral reefs – home to over 400 species of fish and fur seals.

Uncover the history of the island at Wadjemup Museum, where you can learn about the local Aboriginal heritage and how over 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys were imprisoned on the island from 1838 to 1931.

Finally, finish your visit by taking a selfie with a Quokka. You won’t find a cuter or friendlier creature when solo travelling around Australia!

6. Melbourne

Meander around Melbourne, a cultural hub for coffee, art, fashion, food and sport. Many people start their solo travel in Australia here and make their way north along the Eastern Coast.

Find your way through the maze of laneways, each lined with its own array of al fresco restaurants, trendy cafes and vibrant street art. Get buzzed on the world’s best coffee, drink with other solo travellers in pubs around Fitzroy or Carlton and dance the night away at one of the famous nightclubs such as Revolver.

Need some rest? Relax amongst the peaceful grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which hosts over 8,500 plant species. Then watch the sunset on St Kilda Beach or grab a photo of the colourful beach huts on Brighton Beach.

7. The Great Ocean Road

Cruise along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world and a must-visit on any Australia solo travel itinerary. At 244km, it can be driven in as little as one day.

Start in the beach town of Torquay (an hour west of Melbourne), the surfing capital of Australia and host to the Australian National Surfing Museum. Then explore the fern gullies and waterfalls around Lorne, such as the 30m cascade that is Erskine Falls. And wander amongst the koalas in the treetops of Great Otway National Park.

Trace the craggy cliff tops as you wind your way around the edge of the mighty Southern Ocean. Stop at the many panoramic lookouts along the way and take in iconic sights such as Loch Ard Gorge, the London Bridge, the Grotto and the Twelve Apostles – a series of 45m (150ft) tall limestone pillars that rise out of waves below.

8. Kakadu National Park

Take a solo outback adventure into the Top End and discover the ancient wonders of World Heritage-listed Kakadu – Australia’s largest national park.

Walk amongst towering ochre bluffs, drive through tropical rainforests, cool off in swimming holes and admire the thundering waterfalls around Nitmiluk National Park. 

Admire ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries (up to 20,000 years old), cruise the Yellow Water Billabong and soak in the thermal hot springs around Katherine. 

But take note, the best time to visit Kakadu National Park is in the Dry Season (May – October) when it doesn’t rain as much and the roads are more accessible. However, the waterfalls can be amazing during the Wet Season (November – April).

The middle of Australia is known as The Red Centre, where you will find the heart of the country and its culture – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. If you have enough time, this is a must-visit on your Australia solo travel itinerary.

At 348 metres tall and 550 million years old, it’s no wonder why the monolithic Uluru is revered as a place of cultural and spiritual significance. Wake up early for some special sunrise photos before joining an Aboriginal guided tour and hearing their Dreamtime stories.

Don’t want to walk the full 9.4km around the base of the rock? Take a break and ride a camel around the red sands instead. And don’t miss nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), massive rock domes that glow bright red at sunrise and sunset.

10. Ningaloo Reef

The Western Australia coastline is 12,895km long and adorned with remarkable attractions. One of the gems that you must add to your Australia solo travel itinerary is Ningaloo Reef. 

You will find the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef where the red soil of the outback runs into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Swim, snorkel and kayak through the calm waters and admire the manta rays, turtles and humpback whales that call this place home.

Ningaloo is also one of the best places in the world to see Whale Sharks each year (between March and July). Join a guided tour and watch as these gentle giants glide past you in the big blue.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Accommodation

A hostel dorm room with bunk beds and a double bed.

Solo travellers have four main accommodation options in Australia: camping, hostels, motels/hotels and Airbnb. 

Most people generally stay in hostels and motels when they solo travel in Australia.

Solo travellers can find designated camping spots all around Australia. The best and most scenic campsites tend to be in National Parks and holiday parks.

National Park campsites can cost anywhere from $0 – $20 per person per night. Holiday park campsites can cost anywhere from $20 – $75 per person per night. 

The cheaper the campsite, the more basic the facilities provided. A standard campsite should provide toilets, showers, water and picnic tables.

Camping is a fun option for adventurous solo travellers who want to be amongst nature and save money on accommodation. However, you will need to carry a tent or travel in a campervan. 

Some of Australia’s best camping spots include: 

  • Booderee National Park – Jervis Bay, NSW
  • Great Sandy National Park – Fraser Island, QLD
  • Ayers Rock Resort – Petermann, NT
  • Riba’s Underground Camping – Coober Pedy, SA
  • Bay of Fires – East Coast, Tasmania

The majority of solo travellers and backpackers in Australia stay at hostels. You can find hostels in most tourist destinations around the country.

The cost of a bed in a hostel dorm room ranges from about $25 – $70 per night. The cost of a private room in a hostel ranges from about $70 – $175 per night.

The cost of hostel accommodation increases in popular destinations (particularly cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast). Generally, dorm rooms with fewer beds also cost more.

Hostel accommodation is best for most solo travellers because it is affordable and a good way to make new friends. Women can also stay in female-only dorm rooms. However, hostels are not always as comfortable as motels or hotels.

Some of the most popular hostels for solo travel in Australia include:

  • Gilligan’s Hostel – Cairns, QLD
  • Bounce – Sydney, NSW
  • The Mansion – Melbourne, VIC
  • Nomads Hostel – Byron Bay, NSW
  • Kimberley Travellers Lodge YHA – Broome, WA

Motels and hotels

Many solo travellers in Australia stay in motels or hotels. You can find motels and hotels in almost every city and town around the country.

The cost of an average motel or hotel room (3-4 stars) ranges from about $50 to $150 per night. However, luxurious hotel rooms can cost more than $250+ per night.

Motel and hotel accommodation is best for solo travellers who are willing to pay more for privacy and comfort. You may also have to use this option when visiting regional towns that don’t have hostels. However, it is harder to befriend fellow travellers in a motel or hotel compared to a hostel.

Popular motel and hotel chains in Australia include:

  • Holiday Inn

Some solo travellers in Australia may choose to use Airbnb. You can find Airbnb accommodation in every city and most towns around the country.

The average cost of an apartment or home on Airbnb ranges from $150 – $250 per night. However, some rentals can cost up to $500+ per night.

Airbnb is best for solo travellers who want to enjoy luxury, privacy and comfort. It can also be a good option if you plan to stay at your destination long-term. You may even choose to split the cost between a group of friends or fellow travellers.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Transport

A Qantas flight taking off in Australia.

Australia is a large place and it can take days or even weeks to travel the long distances between major cities. Even the cities tend to be large in scale and you will often have to rely on public transport to get around.

It is best to break long journeys up into smaller parts by stopping in regional tourist destinations along the way. 

Public Transport

You will find reliable and affordable public transport in all Australian cities and major towns. This includes trains, buses, trams and ferries. 

The cost of using public transport in Australia ranges from about $4 – $8 per return trip. 

When you solo travel in Australia, you can use public transport as an affordable way to get around the city and see local attractions. It tends to be comfortable and safe, with security cameras and guards.

Most of the major cities have their own card system for public transport. You can buy these cards at news agencies and top them up with credit via an app or online. You can then use the card to tap on/off when using buses, trains and ferries:

  • Sydney – Opal card (alternatively, just use contactless payment).
  • Melbourne – Myki card .
  • Brisbane – Go Card (alternatively, just use contactless payment).
  • Perth – SmartRider Card .

Uber and Taxi

Ubers and taxis are available in all major cities and many regional cities around Australia, including the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Byron Bay and Alice Springs. 

Ubers are more affordable than taxis in Australia and charge about $1.50 per km. Taxis charge about $2.50 per km.

When you solo travel in Australia, you may want to use Uber or taxis as a convenient but more costly alternative to public transport when commuting around the city. 

Uber and taxis tend to be comfortable and safe. Check that your Uber driver has a good rating and familiarise yourself with the safety features on the app. 

There are a few long-distance coach services that solo travellers can use to travel between destinations in Australia.

The largest and most popular coach service for solo travel in Australia is Greyhound Buses. They can transport you all over the East Coast (including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra) and the Outback (including Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide and Broome). Along the way, you can hop on and hop off to visit the smaller regional cities and towns.

You can buy a travel pass, which lasts for a limited amount of time and allows you to travel in any direction and get off at any stop. The East Coast Pass costs $249 and lasts for 30 days. The National Pass costs $349 and lasts for 120 days.

Coaches are one of the most popular and affordable ways to solo travel around Australia. However, it is slower and less comfortable than taking the train or a domestic flight.

There are limited long-distance train services that solo travellers can use to travel between destinations in Australia. 

The most popular train services run along the East Coast (between Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns). These are relatively affordable for a solo traveller, with economy tickets costing:

  • Melbourne – Sydney: $110 – $130
  • Sydney – Brisbane: $110 – $130
  • Brisbane – Cairns: $275 – $370

These trains also offer sleeper coaches for about an extra $100-$150 per person.

There are also a few famous train services that run through the Outback, such as The Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin). However, these are expensive and luxurious journeys that most people consider once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A full journey can cost anywhere from $2150 – $4,200 per person.

Trains are a comfortable and easy way to solo travel around the East Coast of Australia. However, they are slightly more expensive than catching a coach.

The most popular way to solo travel in Australia is via domestic flight.

The average cost of a domestic flight for a solo traveller in Australia depends on the destination, distance and season: 

  • Shorter flights along the East Coast (Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns) may only cost around $100 – $250 per person one way (economy class).
  • Longer flights and regional destinations (Perth, Broome, Alice Springs) may cost more, at around $300-$500 per person one way (economy class).

You also have to consider the cost of baggage. Most domestic airlines in Australia do not include baggage in the ticket price and you will have to pay an extra fee of about $25 – $50 per flight. 

The most popular domestic airlines in Australia include:

  • Jetstar (most affordable)
  • Virgin Australia (second most affordable)
  • Qantas (most reliable)
  • Rex (best for regional flights)

Domestic flights are the fastest and most comfortable way to solo travel in Australia. However, flying is more expensive than some other options and you won’t get to see as much of the countryside.

Car and campervan rental

Car rental is another popular way to solo travel in Australia.

The cost of hiring a car in Australia depends on the type of car you hire, your age and any extras:

  • Aged 18-21: Most car rental agencies won’t let people younger than 21 hire a car.
  • It costs an average of $75 per day to hire a small car such as a Hyundai i30 or a Toyota Yaris. 
  • It costs an average of $100 per day to hire a medium or large car such as a Toyota Camry or Kia Cerato. 
  • It costs an average of $50 per day to hire a small car such as a Hyundai i30 or a Toyota Yaris. 
  • It costs an average of $75 per day to hire a medium or large car such as a Toyota Camry or Kia Cerato. 

The most popular car rental companies include Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Budget and Avis.

Car and campervan rental is the most flexible way to solo travel in Australia. You can adjust your Australia solo travel itinerary to your liking and see more of the country. However, it is more costly than other transport options.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Best Time to Visit Australia

Bondi and Coogee Beach in NSW, Australia.

The best time to solo travel in Australia is between Autumn and Spring because temperatures are reasonable, tourist crowds are minimal and the Tropical North (i.e. Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef) is more accessible. 

The worst time to solo travel in Australia is summer because temperatures can be scorching, tourist crowds are peaking and parts of the country are inaccessible due to the wet season.

Summer in Australia lasts from December – February. 

During summer, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 18℃ (64℉) to more than 45℃ (113℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during summer, try to stick to the southern parts of the country where the climate is cooler. Avoid the Outback and the wet season in the Northern Tropics.

Good solo travel destinations in summer include the Great Ocean Road, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Many tourists travel to Australia during summer, so expect large crowds.

Autumn in Australia lasts from March – May. 

During Autumn, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 12℃ (53℉) to 35℃ (95℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during autumn, try to see the changing foliage and cultural events (food, wine, comedy and sports) in the southern parts of the country. 

Good solo travel destinations in autumn include Tasmania, Melbourne, the Grampians, Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Fewer international tourists travel to Australia during autumn, so crowds are smaller. However, be aware that many Australians travel during the Easter holidays.

Winter in Australia lasts from June – August. 

During winter, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 0℃ (32℉) to 25℃ (77℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during winter, try to make the most of the dry season and visit the Outback and the Northern Tropics. You could also experience the alpine regions in the southeast. 

Good solo travel destinations in winter include Kakadu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Snowy Mountains and the Humpback Highway on the east coast.

Fewer international tourists travel to Australia during winter, so crowds are smaller. However, be aware that many Australians travel to the snow fields during the holidays.

Spring in Australia lasts from September – November.

During spring, daytime temperatures across Australia can range from 6℃ (43℉) to 33℃ (91℉). 

If you solo travel in Australia during winter, try to make the most of the end of the dry season in the Northern Tropics. It is also a great time to see wildflowers in the Outback and visit wineries.

Good solo travel destinations in spring include Uluru, Wave Rock, Adelaide, the Coral Coast, the Mornington Peninsula and the Hunter Valley.

Fewer international tourists travel to Australia during spring, so crowds are smaller. However, be aware that many Australians travel during the holidays.

Wet Season and Dry Season

In the north of Australia, there are two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

The wet season lasts from November – April. It is characterised by very hot days, high humidity and monsoonal storms. Much of Kakadu is inaccessible at this time of year due to flooding. It is also best to avoid the Great Barrier Reef as it is stinger season.

The dry season lasts from May – October. It is characterised by clear skies, warm days and cool nights. Visit Kakadu at the start of the dry season to see it whilst it is still lush. It is also a good time to visit the Great Barrier Reef because it is still warm but there are no stingers.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Where to Start

Brighton Beach boxes in Melbourne, Australia.

The best place to start your solo travel in Australia is in Melbourne. You can fly directly to Melbourne from many of the major international airports around the world. Once you arrive, you can adjust to the welcoming metropolitan environment. Then, you can travel north along Australia’s Eastern Coast.

Alternatively, you could fly into Brisbane and catch a connecting flight to Cairns. From Cairns, you could then travel south along the Eastern Coast.

If you wanted to solo travel New Zealand after touring Australia, it is also preferable to finish your trip on the East Coast. From Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, it is only about a 4-hour flight to Auckland.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: How Long to Spend Travelling Australia

The amount of time that you need to solo travel around Australia depends on which route you take. 

The East Coast of Australia can take anywhere from 1-3 months to travel. Whilst it can be done in as little as 1 month, you will only get to see the highlights and have to travel via flight. It is best to spend about 2-3 months and stop at smaller destinations along the way.

If you want to travel the East Coast of Australia and also see The Outback (e.g. Darwin, Kakadu and Uluru), you would need about 3-4 months.

If you wanted to see all of Australia, including the East Coast, The Outback and Western Australia, you would need about 4-6 months.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Costs and Budgeting

A stack of Australian dollars in cash.

On a backpacker budget, solo travellers can visit Australia for an average cost of $115 per day. On this budget, you would be staying in hostel dorm rooms, preparing most of your own meals, enjoying up to three alcoholic drinks per night, visiting mostly free or cheap attractions and travelling via public transport and coaches.

On a standard budget, solo travellers can visit Australia for an average cost of $275 per day. On this budget, you would be staying in private hostel or motel rooms, eating out once or twice a day, enjoying up to five alcoholic drinks per night, visiting one paid attraction per day and travelling via public transport and domestic flights.

On a luxury budget, solo travellers can visit Australia for an average cost of $550 per day. On this budget, you would be staying in hotels or Airbnb rentals, eating all of your meals out, enjoying a bottle of wine or two per night, visiting two or more paid attractions per day and travelling via Uber, car rental, train or flight.

The average daily costs in the table below are in AUD.

In Australia, the currency used is the Australian dollar ($ AUD). 

Solo travellers can use the following rates (based on a 5-year average) when performing rough conversions:

  • $1 AUD = $0.70 USD
  • $1 AUD = £0.50 GBP
  • $1 AUD = €0.60 EUR
  • $1 AUD = $0.90 CAD
  • $1 AUD = ¥0.90 JPY

For the most recent conversion rate, use an online currency converter .

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Packing List

Sunglasses, flip-flops and a towel on a beach.

There are ten essential items that you must add to your solo travel packing list for Australia:

  • Flip-flops: The staple footwear of most Australians. Flip flops will prevent you from burning your feet on the scorching hot pavements and beaches in summer.
  • Swimsuit: You’ll spend the majority of your solo travel in Australia swimming on coastal beaches or in Outback swimming holes. Bring a good pair of swimmers.
  • Beach towel: In summer, the sand on the beach in Australia can reach temperatures of over 50℃ (122℉) and cause burns. Protect your skin with a beach towel.
  • Mosquito repellent: Mosquitos are a problem all over Australia, particularly in the tropical north where they can transmit diseases. Prevent bites with repellent.
  • Hydrocortisone anti-scratch cream: You will inevitably be bitten by mosquitos in Australia. Calm the itching with hydrocortisone cream.
  • Australian adapter: You have to use a plug-type I adaptor to power your appliances when you solo travel in Australia and New Zealand . 
  • Plastic bags: After a trip to the beach, carry your wet clothes around in a plastic bag until you can dry them off that night.
  • Sunscreen: In Australia, you can suffer from sunburn in as little as ten minutes. Always slip, slop and slap before enjoying the sun.
  • Hat: Sunscreen alone is not always enough to protect your skin from the harsh sun in Australia. Protect your face and neck with a hat.
  • Pullover: It’s not always scorching hot in Australia. Temperatures often dip below 0℃ (32℉) in the southern states during winter. Wrap up, particularly at night.

Don’t leave anything behind. Before travelling Australia alone, use my solo travel packing list for males or solo travel packing list for females .

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Safety

A saltwater crocodile with its mouth open.

Is Australia safe to travel alone?

Solo travel in Australia is very safe for both females and males. Scams, theft and assault are rare. 

Call 000 if you ever need emergency assistance. Cities and towns are patrolled by police and ambulance services are fast to respond.

However, solo travellers should still remain cautious of the following dangers.

Snakes are active in Australia from Spring to Autumn. It is highly unlikely that you will come across a snake during your solo travels. Try to avoid them by making noise, wearing covered footwear and sticking to well-used trails when bushwalking. If you do come across a snake, back away without taking your eyes off it.

Spiders are a concern in Australia throughout the year. You will likely come across spiders during your solo travels. Avoid spiders by shaking out your shoes and clothing before putting them on. Never reach into piles of foliage or places where spiders may live.

In the north of Australia, you need to be aware of crocodiles and jellyfish. Never swim at the beach or in fresh water sources unless there is signage indicating that it is safe to do so. Avoid approaching the edge of the water and keep your distance from crocodile slide marks. Crocodiles are stealth predators and very fast runners over short distances.

Sharks are rarely a danger to swimmers in Australia. However, you can reduce your risk of encountering a shark by swimming close to the shore and between the flags at patrolled beaches. Avoid swimming at dusk or dawn. If you do see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible.

Mosquitos are a health risk and can spread disease in Australia (particularly in northern Queensland). Protect yourself when solo travelling by covering up with long-sleeve tops and pants when outside. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Mosquitoes are worst at dusk and dawn. 

Heat and sun

During summer, temperatures in Australia can reach more than 45℃ (113℉). You must stay well hydrated to avoid heat stroke. Try to drink about 2.5L (0.5 gals) of water per day whilst you solo travel.

Australia also has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. Your skin can burn in as little as ten minutes if you don’t properly protect yourself from the sun. Always wear sunscreen when spending more than half an hour outside. On particularly hot days, try to cover up with a hat and long sleeves. 

One of the biggest dangers to tourists in Australia is drowning whilst swimming. Whilst Australia’s beaches are beautiful, the surf is powerful and strong currents can be deadly. Only go swimming in Australia if you are a confident swimmer. And only swim on beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards, staying between the red and yellow flags. 

As mentioned above, you also need to be cautious of crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks when swimming in Australia. Always read the safety signage.

The biggest danger to tourists in Australia is driving and road safety. Drivers often get tired because of the long distances between destinations.

If you plan on driving whilst you solo travel in Australia, break long journeys into small chunks. Stop for a day or two in the regional towns between the major destinations.

Also, ensure that you have filled your car with enough fuel for the journey. Fuel stations can be few and far between in Australia, particularly in the outback.

Solo female safety

Solo female travellers in Australia should generally feel safe throughout their trip. However, as per usual, you should follow these solo travel safety tips .

Less than 1.5% of female travellers in Australia report witnessing or experiencing harassment, abuse or assault during their stay (according to the data above). However, young females as a demographic tend to suffer the most harassment.

See this article on solo travel safety in Australia for more information.

Australia Solo Travel Itinerary: Visas and Entry Requirements

An open passport with stamps and visas.

International tourists will need a valid visa to enter Australia. You must apply for a visa before leaving your home country. You’ll also need to meet the designated financial and medical requirements and maintain health insurance for the duration of your trip.

There are several different types of Australian tourist visas. The visa that you apply for will depend on the length of your solo travel in Australia, your passport, your age and whether or not you want to work whilst you travel:

  • Visitor visa (600): Visit Australia for tourism for up to three months (or up to 12 months in certain circumstances). Open to all nationalities.
  • Electronic Travel Authority visa (601): Visit Australia as often as you want in a 12-month period. You can stay up to 3 months each time you enter Australia. Only available to certain nationalities.
  • Working Holiday Visa (417): People aged 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) can visit Australia for up to 12 months and do short-term work to fund their trip. Can only be used once but you can apply for a second Working Holiday visa if you do three months of specified work. Only available to certain nationalities.

Related Posts

Is Australia safe to travel alone?

Is Australia Safe to Travel Alone? 15 Dangers to Beware

Solo Travel New Zealand Guide

New Zealand Solo Travel – Adventure Itinerary & Guide (2023)

New Zealand solo trip cost.

New Zealand Solo Trip Cost (2023)

More solo travel guides and tips on nomadic yak.

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You now know almost everything you need to know about travelling solo to Australia!

Nomadic Yak helps solo travellers to plan journeys that are adventurous and authentic.

Every article is written by me, Harry Dale. I’ve travelled to 40+ countries over the last 5 years – alone.

For even more information about solo travel in Australia, see our solo travel tips .

We also have destination guides to help you plan solo travel in nearby countries such as New Zealand.

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Creator of Nomadic Yak

At age 22, I had never travelled overseas. Six years later, I have travelled alone through 35 countries and work wherever I like as a freelance writer.

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1 Month+ Australia Tours & Trips

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5 Australia 1 month+ tour packages with 144 reviews

Grand Australian Sojourn: Newcastle to Broome Tour

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East Coast Australia: 6 Week  | ULTIMATE Tour

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Had such an amazing experience on the 6 week East Coast tour. Chloe, our guide, was so helpful 24/7 and was always recommending the best places to go visit, explore and even eat at on our free days, when she wasn’t taking us herself. Cannot thank her enough, she really made the experience the best it could be right until the very end. Unfortunately I had to leave the trip early due to the corona outbreak but Chloe helped us all the way until we was basically at the airport. I will definitely recommend Chloe and Ultimate Travel to others and I really hope you’re all able to get back to normal once the pandemic is over. Thankyou for everything! X
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East Coast Australia: 7 Week  | ULTIMATE Tour

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  • Australia Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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Australia Road Trip Itinerary for up to 5 Weeks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: November 13, 2023

Australia Road Trip Itinerary for up to 5 Weeks

Are you looking for the best Australia itinerary ? It’s a tough choice – there are just so many options… Nevertheless, in this post, we try to give you a good starting point on how to best plan your Australia road trip itinerary . Find out!

Good to know: This 5 weeks Australia itinerary is structured in such a way that it includes separate ‘itinerary blocks’ per area (Sydney, Melbourne, Red Center, etc.). So you can just pick the areas that interest you the most and plan your own perfect Australia road trip.

We visited Australia twice. The first time we followed a standard East Coast itinerary from Cairns to Sydney and, to tell you the truth, were quite disappointed. The 5-week Australia road trip itinerary that I share in this article is based on our second road trip in Australia. We planned this trip ourselves, spent many hours perfecting this itinerary and we absolutely loved this trip!

This Australia itinerary covers many highlights that we thought were worth our time the most. After all, when you fly to the other side of the world, you really want to see the best of the best, right?

We spent more than a month in Australia with kids and visited many different regions. Our Australia itinerary started in Sydney and the Blue Mountains , followed by the Red Centre . We then visited Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road . We spent 10 days in Tasmania and ended our Australian road trip in Melbourne .

Below you can find our 5-week Australia road trip itinerary in a nutshell. It includes a day to day planning of our Australian road trip and some practical tips.

Would I change anything to this Australia itinerary? Not much. I would add some extra days here and there, but this itinerary pretty much covers all the highlights in each place. And who has so much vacation time… We could only do this trip because our kids were still young and we weren’t tied to school holidays at that time…

Driving in Australia's Red Centre

There are a few popular regions of Australia we didn’t cover during this trip – the Great Barrier Reef and the Northern Territories around Darwin, also Western Australia.

We skipped the Great Barrier Reef because we had been there in the past and because our kids were too young to go snorkeling. We left Darwin for another time as well because we visited Australia in November and it’s rainy season in the North. But if you have more time, I definitely recommend adding these two areas to your Australia itinerary as well. Here you can find a suggested trip itinerary for Darwin area .

If you have even more time in your Australia itinerary, Western Australia is also beautiful, especially if you like nature destinations. Just keep in mind that distances are big and so you’ll need at least a few weeks extra if you want to add Perth and Western Australia to your Australian itinerary.

Australia trip itinerary featuring Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Red Centre, Kangaroo Island, the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians NP, Melbourne, Tasmania and more - plan your trip! #Australia

Planning tip: Below you can find our Australia road trip itinerary. To help you plan your trip easier, I split our Australia itinerary into separate blocks per region .

That way you can easily mix and match these ‘blocks’ depending on which areas you want to visit. This will allow you to plan your trip Down Under and create your own perfect Australia itinerary, using our tips and suggestions. Take a look!

Sydney and The Blue Mountains – 4 Days

Probably every Australia itinerary will start or end in Sydney. It’s such a beautiful city and there is so much to see – definitely worth a stop. We don’t spend much time in cities when we travel, but we spent two days in Sydney and loved it. We also visited the nearby Blue Mountains and I think that this stunning area is also a must when visiting Sydney.

Here is what our itinerary in the Sydney area looked like:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Sydney. Stay in Sydney for 2 nights (we recommend InterContinental Sydney ).
  • Day 2: One day in Sydney . With a family, check out these top attractions and/or Taronga Zoo .
  • Day 3: Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains. Stay in Leura for 1 night (or you can simply book a day tour from Sydney).
  • Day 4: Blue Mountains. Sleep near Sydney Airport for 1 night (we stayed at Novotel Sydney International Airport ).

TIP: You can either rent a car for the last two days or spend more time in Sydney, stay in the city, and book a day trip to the Blue Mountains . If you travel without kids, I think it’s a much better option to just stay in Sydney. Unless you want to spend more time exploring the Blue Mountains, of course. In that case, you may want to stay there for a few more days.

Sydney is a must in any Australia trip itinerary

Australia’s Red Center – 6 Days

If there is one part I would include in every Australia itinerary, it’s the Red Center. It’s just so typically Australian and so unique that you really shouldn’t miss it. The trip between Alice Springs and Ayers Rock including West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon is probably one of the most special trips we ever did, not just in Australia.

Below is a short version of our daily schedule. Here you can find our detailed 6- day itinerary for Australia’s Red Centre, from Alice Springs to Uluru.

  • Day 5: Flight Sydney – Alice Springs. Stay in Alice Springs for 1 night.
  • Day 6: Alice Springs – West MacDonnell Ranges – Glen Helen. Stay in Glen Helen for 1 night.
  • Day 7: Glen Helen – Kings Canyon. Stay in Kings Canyon for 1 night.
  • Day 8: Kings Canyon – Uluru (Ayers Rock). Stay in Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara) for 2 nights.
  • Day 9: Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park.
  • Day 10: Uluru – Kata Tjuta NP and drive back to Alice Springs. Stay in Alice Springs for 1 night.

TIP: You will need a 4WD for this itinerary. It’s possible to do this trip driving only on paved roads as well, but in that case, you will need to cover the distance of almost 700 km between Glen Helen and Kings Canyon on the paved road (instead of 250km via the Mereenie Loop).

If you decide to do that, then take your time to explore the gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges a bit more and spend a night in Alice Springs again, before continuing to Kings Canyon. If you are only planning to drive from Alice Springs to Uluru, you can do it in a regular car. We always use the RentalCars website to find the best deals for car hire.

READ MORE: Red Centre Itinerary – from Alice Springs to Uluru

Australia Red Centre itinerary for the most complete road trip including all the highlights like Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell ranges and more

Adelaide and Kangaroo Island – 5 Days

I am so glad we included Kangaroo Island in our Australia road trip itinerary. It became one of our favorite places Down Under and one I’d like to return to again.

Here is an overview of our Kangaroo Island itinerary:

  • Day 11: Flight from Alice Springs to Adelaide. Stay in Adelaide for 1 night.
  • Day 12: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island. Stay on Kangaroo Island for 4 nights.
  • Days 13 – 15: Kangaroo Island.

Good to know: You will need to rent a car in Adelaide and take a ferry to Kangaroo Island . We rented a car from Adelaide and dropped it off in Melbourne. After visiting Kangaroo Island, we continued our Australian road trip via the Grampians National Park and the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne (see further).

READ MORE: Kangaroo Island Itinerary

Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island Australia

Kangaroo Island to Melbourne via the Grampians NP and the Great Ocean Road – 7 Days

This part of our Australia itinerary required a bit more driving, but the two main highlights – Grampians National Park and the Great Ocean Road were more than worth it. Here is how our road trip itinerary between Adelaide and Melbourne looked like:

  • Day 16: Kangaroo Island to Robe. Stay in Robe for 1 night. There isn’t much to see in Robe, but you need to break the long drive somewhere in the area.
  • Day 17: Robe to the Grampians National Park. Stay in Halls Gap for 2 nights.
  • Day 18: The Grampians National Park.
  • Day 19: The Grampians to Warrnambool. Stay in Warrnambool for 1 night.
  • Day 20: Warrnambool to Lorne (Great Ocean Road). Stay in Lorne for 2 nights.
  • Day 21: The Great Ocean Road. TIP: try to spot some wild koalas at the Kennett River first thing in the morning.
  • Day 22: Lorne to Melbourne Airport and flight to Tasmania. Stay in Hobart for 1 night.

As you can see, we skipped the city of Melbourne at this point and flew straight to Tasmania. This is because we came back to Melbourne at the end of our Australia trip for the flight back to Europe (see further).

LEARN MORE: Best Stops on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the must see places in Australia

Tasmania – 10 Days

While not many people include Tasmania in their Australia trip itinerary, it’s really worth a trip if you have at least a week to spare. It’s probably worth it for just a few days as well, but it really depends on how much time you have. Below you can see what our itinerary in Tasmania looked like.

TIP: You will need to rent a car in Hobart for this Tasmania trip.

READ MORE: What to See and Do in Hobart

  • Day 23: Hobart to Freycinet NP. Stay in Coles Bay near Freycinet NP for 2 nights.
  • Day 24: Freycinet National Park.
  • Day 25: Freycinet NP to Scamander or Saint Helens. We stayed in Scamander and this is one thing I would have changed in our itinerary. I suggest to drive further till St Helens and stay there instead. Visit the Bay of Fires. Stay in St. Helens for 1 night.
  • Day 26: Saint Helens to Launceston. Stay in Launceston for 1 night.
  • Day 27: Launceston to Cradle Mountain NP. Stay in Cradle Mountain for 2 nights.
  • Day 28: Cradle Mountain National Park.
  • Day 29: Cradle Mountain to Strahan. Stay in Strahan for 2 nights.
  • Day 30: Strahan.
  • Day 31: Strahan to Hobart. Stay in Hobart for 1 night.
  • Day 32: Flight from Hobart to Melbourne. Stay in Melbourne .

Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania

Melbourne – 2 Days

  • Days 33-35: Melbourne and flight back to Europe.

If you like visiting cities, you can easily spend several days in Melbourne. We spent here one full day and half a day before heading back home.

READ MORE: One Day in Melbourne

If you are looking for more things to do near Melbourne, you could also visit the nearby Philip Island . It’s a great place to see penguins in Australia.

Flinders Street Station in Melbourne Australia

So this is our 5 week Australia itinerary in a nutshell.

As you can see, I link to some more detailed itineraries per region here and there, so you can find more information in the related posts. I never found the time to write about all the places we visited, so feel free to leave a comment if you have any specific questions about the areas that we visited, but which are not covered on the blog.

READ ALSO: Tips for Planning a Trip to Australia

In our previous posts, you can also find tips and information for visiting Australia with kids .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Australia trip itinerary ideas

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Saturday 28th of October 2023

Hello, Your 5 week itinerary looks very interesting. Can you tell when you did it. In what year and what period of that year? Thank you for your answer.

Friday 3rd of November 2023

Hi Peter, we did this trip in November.

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

Hi, is this a brochure that I can order. I love the sound of this trip. We would like to follow in your footsteps. We are going for 3 months. So may take more time, but, in the same places!

Thursday 19th of October 2023

Hi Maureen, this itinerary is based on our personal experience and highlights some of the best places to visit in Australia, with suggestions on how to plan your time in each area. We do not organize trips and therefore don't have brochures, but you can find some additional articles linked from this one where we share more info about different areas. And yes, you can easily spend a lot more time in each of these places - there's a lot to see everywhere. With three months in Australia, you may also want to add some time at the Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, and Perth areas.

Sunday 16th of July 2023

I love all of your posts. I took your suggestions for Switzerland and Dolomites hiking. It was perfect trips for us. We will visit Australia if Feb. 2024. We only have 5 nights in Tasmania. Where do you think we stay for 5 nights? I love landscaping view, hiking, sunrise/sunset view and taking pictures. For sure we need to stay one night at Hobart for flight out. Thank you!

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

@Jurga, thank you for your quick reply. I will scribble your newsletter and keep up your travel blogs.

Hi Fei, of all the places we visited in Tasmania, I think that Hobart, Freycinet National Park, and Cradle Mountain National Park were the most impressive. Take a look at our Hobart guide for more ideas for the city and surroundings - you could easily fill a few days in that area. Hope this helps.

Thursday 20th of October 2022

Hi Jurga! I'm going to Australia for a month beginning of November and wondering if I should reserve everything in advance. So far I only have my plane tickets and I'm planning to book my accommodation as well but I'd like to be more spontaneous regarding excursions and tours. I'm planning to do a cruise in the Whitsundays Islands, a tour of the Red Center (3-4 days) and some day trips (diving for example) departing from cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns). Do you think that's doable or there's a big chance everything will be fully booked? Thanks a lot for your input! Marina

Hi Marina, if your itinerary is somewhat set and you have the flights within the country and you are booking your accommodations, then I'd also do some research for the tours. It's not just about availability (day tours should normally be ok last-minute, but for multi-day trips, I'd definitely book in advance), but also about the time that it takes to research it all. It's so much simpler to do this at home where you can quietly compare the best options, read the itineraries, customer reviews, see at what time the tours start/end and plan it all. If you use websites like GetYourGuide (which we now use for all our tour bookings), usually, most tours offer free cancelation/date change until 24 hours in advance, so you can always adjust as needed. Also, a lot has changed in recent years and so many tours/tickets do indeed sell out. I'm not sure about Australia, but we just came back from Paris, and some tours I wanted to book were already not available 3-4 weeks before our trip. I don't expect this to be a problem for most day tours in rural Australia, but - as already said - I would definitely book the multi-day trips upfront. It's so much simpler to plan the rest of your itinerary that way. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip!

Paula Reed-Smith

Sunday 4th of September 2022

Hi Jurga I am loving your website. We are currently planning an 8 week trip to Australia next year, and am finding your blog and responses to questions so helpful in putting together an itinerary.

We are a family of 4, and my 2 daughters will be 16 and 14. One concern I have is luggage - we always seem to have loads of suitcases when we are away for a 2 week summer holiday🤦🏻‍♀️ What would your top tips and recommendations be for efficient travel packing for a long trip?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Paula, when we go on a longer trip, we typically pack clothes for max. 7-10 days and then do laundry a few times during the trip. This is really easy in Australia since many hotels and accommodations have excellent laundry facilities. So when booking places to stay, be sure to pay attention to this (at least once every 10 days or so). As for what to pack, take shoes that will fit on most occasions and depending on what you plan to see/do and where and when exactly you travel. For clothes, make sure you can layer and mix and match everything. Also, technical clothing or merino t-shirts can be great for trips like that since they wash easily and dry fast. For our 5-week Australia trip, we each had one sweater (fleece - dries fast), one light rain jacket, one pair of long pants and one pair of jeans, and I think 2 shorts. Plus around 10 t-shirts and swimwear. We also packed (each) one pair of light walking shoes (something like this) and one pair of sandals (like this). But we didn't really visit beaches or really warm destinations by the sea. For that, I'd certainly pack a light dress or two and flip-flops or very light summer sandals. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning and enjoy your trip!

TRAVEL to AUSTRALIA – Tips and Information (2024 Guide)

Everything you need to know about planning travel to Australia in our epic destination guide.

Australia is a vast and bountiful country that offers beauty, leisure and adventure at every turn.

It consists of not only gorgeous and unique landscapes and wildlife, but also the famous outback culture, quirky small towns and well-developed coastal cities making travel to Australia a must. 

Road trips are a great way to see the country. The same vastness that makes a road trip across Australia seem daunting is the very reason to explore it by vehicle. 

Travel To Australia Guide Tips

Wildlife is one of the main reasons to travel to Australia. Approximately 90% of the animals that are native to Australia cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Australia is also known for its world-class beaches . Whether you want to soak in the sun, catch a few waves or snorkel or scuba dive, there is plenty to do along the nearly 40,000 km of coastline!

And, of course, you could spend days or weeks exploring the stunning landscape of the Australian Outback . 

In case you couldn’t tell, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Australia.

Now let us help you plan your trip!

TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA: AT A GLANCE

Here are the basics of travel to Australia.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN AUSTRALIA

With so much to see and do in Australia , it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Australia you need to plan to add these 5 activities to your itinerary.

Great Barrier Reef, Things To Do In Cairns

Go Snorkelling/ Diving

The underwater world is at its finest in the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you are certified to dive, prefer to snorkel or just want to experience the largest reef in the world by boat, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef should be near the top of your list of things to do when travelling in Australia. 

Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef .

Hike Incredible Landscapes

Whether taking an excursion to Tasmania or a day trip to one of the many beautiful national parks, there are many great hikes to do throughout Australia.

Hike throughout Tasmania !

Cradle Mountain Places To Visit In Tasmania

Take an Epic Roadtrip

Australia is ripe for driving expeditions. Whether you are a hardcore overlander, prefer to drive by rental car or want to experience van life at its finest, Australia offers some of the best road trips in the world. Drive along the Great Ocean Road, head inland to Uluru or pick any two towns and drive.

Tour the most famous Australian road trip along the Great Ocean Road .

Catch a Wave

Bondi Beach is world-famous for its picturesque sand and clear blue water. Catch a wave on a surf or bodyboard or simply enjoy the beach for what it is. If you really want an experience world-class waves to surf your way up the Gold Coast.

Take a surf lesson at the famous Bondi Beach:

Surfing Winter Sydney

View Sydney from Above

Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Check out the busy city and bustling harbour by climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The views of the city are sure to not disappoint! 

See it all in this one-day Sydney itinerary .

Other Things to do in Australia

Swim with whale sharks . The Ningaloo Reef is the best place to swim with the gentle giants of the sea. A trip of this kind is not soon to be forgotten!

Explore the Blue Mountains . Just an hour outside of the busy streets of Sydney and you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine wilderness .

Head out on a vineyard tour . Australian wine is some of the best in the world and you can sample several as your tour Margaret River .

Go Whale Watching. It is mystical and spiritual to encounter massive whales in the wild. Enjoy an experience from Hervey Bay among others in Australia.

Skydive . Sure you won’t see the entire country. But if you skydive at one of the most popular places in Australia you will see Rottnest Island and the beautiful surrounding waters.

Climb Mount Kosciuszko . This mountain in mainland Australia’s tallest peak at just over 2,200 meters. Add it to the list of continental peaks you have to summit.

Sail around the Whitsunday Islands . These islands are among the most diverse in the world offering rainforest hikes, white sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Touring these islands is an absolute must.

Take the train across the country . Splurge on a little scenic luxury trip and enjoy the countryside of Australia as you zip around the country, er continent.

Take a tour of Kangaroo Island . The island is Australia’s third-largest and taking a tour will reveal that it is home to a variety of animal species and a vast wilderness to explore .

Visit Wineglass Bay . There are many reasons to visit Tasmania and Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park is among the top. Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the other great places to see in Tasmania .

Search for pearls in the sea . So you may not find any of your own, but Broome has a thriving pearl industry in its pristine waters and you are welcome to dive into the experience of making the world your oyster.

Hike the Larapinta Trail . This trail is among the top trails in all of the world and traverses the Northern Territory out of Alice Springs. Be sure to hike this trail as it is growing in popularity year after year.

Visit the Sydney Opera House . Perhaps the most iconic image of Australia, aside from a cuddly koala or kangaroo, that you can tour or take photos of from seemingly anywhere in Sydney.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN AUSTRALIA

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AUSTRALIA

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Australia. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

Narrowing down the best places to travel in Australia is difficult. From picturesque beaches to arid desert, Australia offers a wide range of places to visit and things to see and do. 

Here are our top 5 places to visit in Australia. 

Opera House Photographing Vivid Sydney

Here is where you will find Australia’s most famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera, the Harbour Bridge and its surrounded by plenty of national parks if you want a change from the city scenery.

Be sure to add these things to do in Sydney to your itinerary.

The capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s largest cities, Brisbane is a highly sought after destination for those coming Down Under. The city is rich with history, a vibrant food scene, beautiful views and so much to do.

Start planning with these awesome things to do in Brisbane .

World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship

Uluru is located in the centre of the country and is unique for being very isolated. Known for natural wonders such as the massive monolith Ayers Rock, Uluru is full of spectacular scenery and beautiful landscapes. 

See our guide on the top things to do in Uluru .

Of all the cities in Australia, Melbourne is seen as the cultural one. It is full of international visitors and residents, which is surely a testament to its attractive vibe. The city is equally adored by patriotic Melbournians; they will be the first to tell you how amazing it is, and they are usually happy to impart details of their favourite spots.

Spend the perfect 3 days in Melbourne with this itinerary.

Twelve Apostles Adventure Activities In Australia

Tasmania is especially well known for its natural beauty in breathtaking Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain. Simply put, there are so many things to do in Tasmania!

Plan your trip with the best 2-week Tasmania itinerary .

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Australia, reference our following city travel guides: 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN AUSTRALIA . 

BEST AUSTRALIA TRAVEL ITINERARY

Australia is huge and offers so many opportunities to explore its vastness. It would be easy to spend weeks or months in any one part of the country.

So trying to see the whole of Australia might seem overwhelming. 

Depending on how long you have to travel to Australia, where you plan to visit and what you plan to do, you have plenty of options.

We’ve put together a few Australia itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

Kangaroo Petting Australian Reptile Park

2-Week Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you only have 2 weeks you’re going to have to choose which side of Australia to visit and you’re going to miss out on a lot. But that’s OK because you can always plan a return trip!

The more popular side will be New South Wales + Queensland on the eastern shore of the continent. However, there is also plenty to see in Western Australia as well.

3-Weeks to 1 Month Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights

If you have between 3 weeks and a month to explore Australia then you can combine both the New South Wales + Queensland and Western Australia loops with some reasonably priced domestic flights to connect you in the bigger cities.

Additionally consider adding on the following cities/activities:

6 – 8 Weeks + Australia Travel Itinerary Highlights

Most people who travel to Australia will spend approximately 2 months visiting the country.

If you are trying to get a taste of the entire country, the quickest and most thorough way to see the country would be to follow this itinerary.

AUSTRALIA TRIP PLANNING

Best time to visit australia.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere and thus has opposite seasons from most of the world. This can be confusing, so make sure to plan accordingly! 

Additionally, the country is so large and offers such varied climates and landscapes that the weather you experience depends on the region and time of year in which you’re travelling.

If you are planning to travel to Australia during summer (December – February), know that this is the most popular time to visit Australia.

But during fall and spring, the tourism and temperatures fall off. This makes this time of year perhaps the most ideal time to visit any place in Australia.

You can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities for which Australia is known without dealing with the large crowds and expenses of the busy tourist season.

This is also an ideal time to explore the Australian Outback or to swim with whale sharks along the western coast. 

If you are interested in winter sports, Australia also offers plenty of opportunities to ski and snowboard. You can find yourself in great ski slopes within a few hours of landing at the airport. 

So really Australia has it all! Depending on what you would like to see and do, you can plan to travel to Australia at any time of the year!

AUSTRALIA TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

Travelling in Australia is not cheap, and many people are unprepared how expensive Australia really is.

However, if you plan accordingly you can find ways to have an amazing experience while not breaking the bank.

Be prepared with these Australia travel tips so that you do not end up spending more money than you should. 

Some of the average costs you can expect in Australia are as follows:

Note that transportation costs will vary by how much you intend to travel and these include budgeting for various domestic flights in addition to standard metro transportation.

Australia’s Iconic Whitsunday Islands Are Simply Breathtaking.

Budgeting Tips:

Here are some of our tips for spending less when travelling in Australia:

  • Cook as many of your meals as possible 
  • Use local transport when available
  • Couchsurf or look for AirBnB deals ( use our link to get $35 off your first Airbnb stay )
  • Seek free wifi in public places
  • Get a pre-paid phone plan from a supermarket. Telstra has the best coverage outside of major cities, but they are also the most expensive.
  • Work for your room – some hostels let you work a couple of hours daily in exchange for free room
  • Drink less (tough, we know!). The average price of a pint in Australia is AUD$8 -$9 and they can quickly add up!
  • WWOOF – is a program that connects young travellers with organic farms. You work in exchange for free accommodation and board.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($60-90 Single / $100+ Couples)

If you’re a backpacker and you stay in hostels, use local transport and cook many of your meals – you could plan to spend around AUD$60-90/per day.

Mid-Range Traveller ($100-200 Single / $150+ Couple)

Couples will share some expenses, such as accommodation, but will also incur more individual expenses.

To stay on a budget you will want to follow the general budgeting tips but also look to possibly purchase a used vehicle or campervan for longer trips to Australia.

This can combine your transportation and accommodation costs.

Luxury Traveller ($350+ Single / $500+ Couple)

You can spend as much as you want to spend when you travel to Australia.

It is likely the biggest difference in your budget will be upgrading your accommodation, adding a few extra drinks with your meals or nights out and catching flights around the country instead of overnight buses.

GETTING TO AND AROUND AUSTRALIA

As an island nation, Australia is most accessible from flights arranged from many of the larger cities of Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa.

But depending on where you are travelling from, expect to spend a fair amount on the plane ticket and quite a bit of time in the air.

Our best advice is to do research and buy your ticket as soon as possible. Booking several months in advance will provide you the most consistently lowest fares. 

Additionally, major airlines offer seasonal promotions and occasional discounts so stay alert!

One of the best ways to make sure you get the best deal is to sign up for email alerts to receive special offers from airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, United and Delta.

It is also a good idea to browse for flights in incognito mode. Or alternatively, you can clear the cache in your browser periodically.

Many travel sites will charge you higher fares if they know you are visiting their sites frequently to search for flights. 

Google Flights also offers some of the best initial research for fares from your destination.

However, be sure to check fares directly with the airline as there may be unspecified fees and regulations not listed in the Google Flights results. 

Karijini Roads Western Australia

Entry Requirements

You will need a visa to travel to Australia unless you are a citizen of New Zealand.

Most travellers to Australia will qualify for a free visa entitling them to stay in the country up to one year. 

Be sure to check this list of eligible countries  to determine if you can apply online for your 3-month travel visa.

Getting Around Australia

Transportation in and around Australia is as varied as the country itself.

However, because it is so large you will likely experience a combination of transportation options wherever you plan to travel in Australia. 

Australia has a fantastic domestic air network that allows you to connect to points all across the country. Some of the airlines that offer great deals to hop across the continent include:

  • Virgin Australia
  • Tiger Airways

The wide selection in airlines and routes offers fairly competitive prices especially when it comes to the Sydney-Melbourne leg of travel.

If you’re flying out to a remote destination such as Uluru, Hamilton Island or Darwin – your best bet is to book well in advance. But then still expect fares to be a little pricey. 

If you have the time and want a truly unique experience you can cross the country aboard the Indian Pacific railway .  Expect some of the best service, food and scenery you can imagine when travelling in Australia by train. 

This is the only way to cross the country by train. However, it is very expensive.

Bus is the best way to travel in Australia on a budget. Greyhound buses operate in most of the capital cities and will connect you to pretty much anywhere in the country you would like to go. 

The prices for intercity bus travel are modest. Additionally, many companies offer discounts for students. 

The bus is also a great way to travel in many of the larger cities.

Not only can you cover a lot of ground by using the public bus system in places like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth but also it will save you quite a bit of money to spend on other things. 

Rental Cars

If you’d like to travel in Australia at your own pace, renting a car is your best option .

However, it can be pricey especially if you plan to pick up the vehicle in one city and drop it in another. 

But nothing will beat the freedom you have to go to the places you want to see and do them at your own pace. 

If you are really into exploring the country with the most amount of freedom, consider renting a campervan .

Campervans combine the flexibility of driving at your own pace and itinerary with the freedom to stop and sleep pretty much anywhere along your journey.

Many campervans come fully equipped to be able to prepare your own meals and be self-sustainable for days on end as you explore the country. 

Petrol prices vary, depending on where you are travelling from. For example, they are lower than those in the UK and Europe, but higher than in many places in North and South America.

One thing to keep in mind is that distances between places in Australia are large. So it is very likely that you will be driving long distances while travelling in Australia.

The same vastness that makes a road trip across Australia seem daunting is the very reason to explore it by vehicle. Some of the best attractions are only reachable via car because they are remote and well off the beaten path.

Depending on how much time you are willing to commit to driving across the country, you could take weeks or months to absorb the landscape, wildlife and culture of the Australian people.

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.

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

Technology can help you stay safe and make the most of your travels to Australia.

Here are a few we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

  • XE Currency – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 
  • Express VPN – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in Australia. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 
  • The Happiest Hour – This app helps you find the best drink deals wherever you are travelling in Australia
  • BeachSafe – Search every beach in Australia and know the hazards before you get in the water.
  • Uber – Yep, you know what to use Uber for. Catch rides in any major Australia city for a fraction of taxi fares.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN AUSTRALIA

Australia has a variety of dishes to represent the varied cultural and historical aspects of the country.

While known more for its beer than its food, there are several types of food that you do not want to miss when travelling in Australia. 

Here are a few of the best options to explore: 

The Lamington – This is the national cake of Australia. It is a square-shaped sponge cake that comes with chocolate icing and has coconut sprinkled all over it. Sometimes it has jam in the middle.

Vegemite on toast – Vegemite is a brown food paste that doesn’t look appetising at all. But Australians swear on it. It is most popularly used like jam on toast.

Grilled Kangaroo – While many people visit Australia to view wildlife such as kangaroo ,  it is also a pretty popular meal. While it tends to dry out so it’s usually cooked from rare to medium, it is delicious when served with rosemary, plums, oranges, peppers, juniper, garlic and red currant.

Meat pies – Meat pies are every Australian’s favourite childhood snack. It is nearly always on the menu, whether it be as an appetiser at a restaurant, house party or sporting event. You’ll find meat pies usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Fish & Chips – One thing is for sure, Australia has plenty of fresh, delicious fish to create this traditional meal. Regardless of what part of the country you visit, it’s likely you’ll find this plate anywhere in Australia to compliment a nice cold beer. 

Vineyards Outside Adelaide

PLACES TO STAY IN AUSTRALIA

Australia has a variety of types of accommodations for which you will find suitable for most budgets. In general, expect to pay more for a night in Australia than most other countries in the world.

But for what you are searching, it is likely you will find the perfect place and price.

Types of Accommodations

As in nearly all other places in the world, accommodation is Australia is varied and depends on your desires, budget and location.

When travelling in Australia you can find accommodation that ranges from bed and breakfasts to hotels, hostels and homestays. 

Australian Bed & Breakfast & Guesthouses

You can find family-run guesthouses popping up all over Australia. They can vary a lot by style, from converted barns, bungalows to townhouses.

Rates vary as well depending on the location of the guesthouse and facilities offered.

They offer reasonably priced comfortable rooms and you can also enjoy the family feel, the home-cooked dinners and rely on information provided by the owners.

Hostels are the most popular way for budget travellers to find accommodation while travelling in Australia. However, they are no longer just for students and younger people.

Many hostels in the country offer the kind of amenities that attract people from all walks of life. Usually, they offer shared dorms, cooking facilities, communal area with TV, 24-hour reception and laundry facilities. 

Additionally, hostels are a great way to meet people and learn about other places to visit and things to do in Australia. 

Hotels can be considerably expensive in Australia. Even ones that are not deemed as luxury or boutique hotels can carry a pretty heavy cost. 

If you’re looking for maximum comfort then staying in a hotel is the right choice. But be prepared to shell out for that comfort when travelling in Australia. 

Camping & Caravan Parks

One of the most popular ways to see Australia is to travel by camper van.

Rent a camper or a caravan and you can go camping anywhere! Whether it be in national parks or outside of the city limits.

The best thing is that you will be able to experience the country more fully and save money that you’d otherwise spend on accommodation.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are popping up, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

AUSTRALIA TRAVEL TIPS

General australia travel tips .

While there are many basic travel tips we suggest you use when travelling to Australia, there is also plenty of Australia-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Australia: 

  • Time . One of the most common mistakes that first time travellers make is trying to experience Australia within 2-3 weeks. This is a continent not just a country. It is best to choose just two or three areas to focus on your first visit. Otherwise, you will risk spending most of your holiday in transit.
  • Cost . Australia is very expensive, make sure to either cut down your costs or apply one of our tips to get a decently priced accommodation – also make sure to bring twice as much money than how much you originally intended to.
  • Tipping . Tipping for services in Australia is not mandatory and most of them are not used to it. Only tip if you exceptionally enjoyed the service.
  • Sun Protection . The sun is very harsh – pack a lot of sunscreens!
  • Distances . The distances between major cities are bigger than in Europe or the US. Once you’re out of the city you already feel like you’re in the wild!
  • Seasons . Australia is in the southern hemisphere which means that all seasons are completely opposite of the northern hemisphere. That’s true for the southern part of the country but not the north. Which in returns means that it’s ideal to visit Sydney from November – April but it’s the exact opposite if they want to visit the Great Barrier Reef!

READ MORE: Our comprehensive list of Australia travel tips to make your journey safer, more enjoyable and more affordable!

AUSTRALIA PACKING LIST

We always travel with a core packing list wherever we go. And when it comes to Australia, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our travel essentials and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

STAYING SAFE IN AUSTRALIA

Generally speaking, Australia is regarded as a very safe country.

The crime rates are pretty low and if by any chance tourists end up being victims of crime it’s usually a case of pickpocketing.

In big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne you should take the usual precautions:

  • Do not walk alone at night in poorly lit areas
  • Don’t leave your valuables unattended
  • Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket

The biggest danger when travelling in Australia actually comes from natural hazards and animals.

Every year dozens of tourists drown on one of Australia’s busy beaches because of strong waves and riptides. Wildlife attacks account for a handful more incidents. 

But in general, you should feel very safe when you travel to Australia. 

A Sunset On The Beach Is The Best Ending For A Day In Jervis Bay.

MEDICAL SYSTEM IN AUSTRALIA

The public health care system in Australia is called Medicare. Australian hospitals are renowned for world-class medical facilities and the highest standards of care.

The Australian government has Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements with a couple of countries which allow travellers access to subsidised health services.

Since there’s always a risk from natural hazards, dangerous animals and simple accidents while exploring the country, it is always advised to buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance will cover loss, theft, accidents and various medical problems.

It is especially recommended if you plan on doing activities that carry a certain degree of risk such as scuba diving, travelling to remote areas, bushwalking etc.

STAYING CONNECTED IN AUSTRALIA

Staying connected in Australia is harder than you think it would be. The country is known for abysmally slow internet.

So if you’re trying to keep up with work while you are on the road, it may be a bit difficult.

But there are definitely economical ways to stay connected while you travel in Australia.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few other options. 

Good Idea: Rent a Portable WiFi Device

There are a variety of portable WiFi device rental companies throughout Australia.

Most plans include unlimited data use – although this is typically limited 4G which then reduces to 3G after some small consumption.

Remember that the internet in Australia is notoriously slow so be patient and prepared to spend around $5 -$10 per day for the services.

Reserve your mobile WiFi device .

Better Idea: Access Free WiFI

One of the best, and certainly the most affordable, ways to stay connected when you travel to Australia is by taking advantage of the many free WiFi hotspots throughout the country.

Of course, these are most commonly found in densely populated cities and at private establishments like McDonald’s.

But if you time your desire to surf the web with the need to grab a bite to eat or a cup of joe then it will still likely work out cheaper than either purchasing a SIM card or renting a mobile WiFi device.

Best Idea: Purchase a SIM Card

SIM Cards make staying connected during international travel much easier. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards in Australia to use in any unlocked mobile device.

These will give you the greatest flexibility in staying connected while you travel.

Purchase a SIM card today .

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER IN AUSTRALIA

As with most countries, when travelling to Australia there are several things you can do to be a responsible traveller.

Consider the following:

  • Mind your use of plastics. This includes straws, bags and bottles. Consider carrying a reusable straw, waterbottle and bags for shopping.
  • Buy local. Supporting smaller merchants helps local economies.
  • Choose sustainable tour operators. This is especially true for all tours into nature preserves, those that deal with animals, or those that will take you to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Leave it better than you found it. Pack out any of your waste, mind the local rules, stay on trails and don’t touch or feed the wild animals.
  • Avoid activities that involve touching wild animals. If a tour has to. pursue an animal in the wild, it is likely presenting more harm and discomfort to the animal than if you are approached by the animal.

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT AUSTRALIA

You’ve seen Crocodile Dundee and think you know everything about Australia? Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Australia. 

  • The Songlines (Bruce Chatwin) – Set in the Australian Outback, this novel documents the source of the “Dreaming Tracks” of the Aborigines. Buy here .
  • The Secret River (Kate Grenville) – Historical fiction about the settlement of New South Wales by an English convict in the early 1800s as part of his sentence. Buy on Amazon .
  • In A Sunburned Country (Bill Bryson) – Half scientific, half anecdotal account of the famous writer who set out to explore all of the wilderness of life in Australia. Buy on Amazon .
  • The True History of the Kelly Gang (Peter Carey) – A historical fiction tale about the famous Ned Kelly from the perspective of letters written to his young daughter while he was on the run. Buy on Amazon .
  • The Harp In The South (Ruth Park) – An Australian classic about life in Sydney during the Great Depression. Buy on Amazon.

BOOKING RESOURCES

I know, I know – we’ve already mentioned these resources a bunch in this travel guide.

But here’s the thing… we know you’re going to want and need these resources to help you save money and have a more enjoyable trip! 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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Travel itinerary for a one month trip to Australia

Walter Schaerer

For those looking at a one month stay in Australia we suggest the following itinerary that we travelled ourselves as a couple from mid November to mid December.

Travel Itinerary Eastern and South Australia

We arrived in Sydney and stayed there during 2 full days (arriving and leaving the day before and afterwards). If you are comfortable in a small and intimate setup we recommend The Establishment boutique hotel located in the central Rocks District.

Sydney Opera House

The flight from Sydney to Brisbane takes 1.5 hours and ends up in the next timezone. We hired a rental car for 7 days and took North to Fraser Island and then South to Byron Bay before returning to Brisbane.

Kingfisher Bay Beach at Fraser Island, Australia

From Brisbane we took the next flight (2 hours 20 minutes) to Cairns . We stayed comfortably in The Hotel Cairns .

With a rental car we drove on the Captain Cook Highway northwards which led us to Mossman, to the Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree National Park. We stayed there fore three days during which we made a one day trip to Cape Tribulation. Veeery nice!

Silky Oaks Lodge Hillside Bungalow, Mossmann, Queensland

Great Barrier Reef

After the expedition to the rainforest we boarded the Spirit of Freedom back in Cairns for a three day dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Needless to say that we spent a fantastic time on the reef .

Spirit of Freedom Dive Vessel, Great Barrier Reef

It was then time to say good bye to Queensland; we flew from Cairns to Melbourne, Victoria, which is approximately a 3.5 hours flight. In Melbourne we stayed one night at the Hotel Lindrum on Flinders Street. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Rod Laver arena.

Museum in Melbourne, Victoria

Great Ocean Road

From Melbourne we then drove along the amazing Great Ocean Raod with a rental car – what a stunning coast line! If you go to the southern part of Australia, you shouldn’t miss this part!

Twelve Apostles at Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Grampians National Park

Our journey continued and led us to the Grampians National Park . We stayed two nights at the wonderful Meringa Springs Lodge which we highly recommend!

Meringa Springs Lodge in the Grampians National Park, Victoria

Kangaroo Island

Sea Lions at Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Printed Travelogue

Read my Travelogue about Victoria, Australia , as published in the Californian VIVID Magazine in their August/September 2011 issue.

Vivid-Magazine-Cover-August-September-2011-Issue-Travelogue

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Walter’s extensive background in the travel industry, passionate enthusiasm for photography and a firm belief that luxury destinations can also be affordable; were some of the main factors that motivated him to create the travel blog travelmemo.com. In his day job Walter is an online marketing manager based out of Zurich, Switzerland.

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Itinerary Australia 10 Days: Exploring The Best Of Down Under

1 month trip to australia

Are you ready to embark on a journey to the land Down Under?

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, you’ll want to make the most of your time there. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to see. That’s why we’ve put together a 10-day itinerary that will take you to some of the best destinations in Australia.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Sydney

1 month trip to australia

Sydney is the perfect place to start your 10-day Australian adventure! Even if you only have one day to explore, you’ll be able to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Start your day at Circular Quay, where you can catch your first glimpse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the stunning views of the harbor.

Next, head to the Sydney Tower Eye, the city’s highest viewing point. From here, you can get a bird’s eye view of the city and orient yourself for the rest of the day. If you’re feeling brave, you can even step out onto the glass floor and look down at the city below!

After taking in the views from the Sydney Tower Eye, head to the Royal Botanic Garden. This beautiful garden is located right in the heart of the city and is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

Finally, end your day at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. Here, you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, or simply relax on the sand. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2-3: Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

1 month trip to australia

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and you’re in for a treat over the next two days! On day 2, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and spend the day snorkeling or diving among the stunning coral formations. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour if you prefer to stay dry.

On day 3, explore the city of Cairns itself. Start your day at the Cairns Esplanade, a beautiful stretch of waterfront parkland that’s perfect for a morning walk or jog. Next, head to the Cairns Botanic Gardens, where you can see a wide variety of tropical plants and wildlife.

After the Botanic Gardens, take a scenic drive up to the Kuranda Rainforest. Here, you can take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which will take you above the treetops and offer stunning views of the rainforest below. Once you reach Kuranda, you can explore the village and its many shops and cafes.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the local Indigenous people through interactive exhibits and performances.

Day 4-5: Uluru and the Red Centre

1 month trip to australia

Day 4-5 will be spent exploring Uluru and the Red Centre, a truly unique and breathtaking part of Australia. Start your visit with a sunrise or sunset viewing of Uluru, the iconic sandstone monolith that’s sacred to the local Indigenous people. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own.

Next, head to Kata Tjuta, a group of large rock formations that are equally stunning. Take a hike through the Valley of the Winds, where you’ll be surrounded by towering rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

After exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta, head to Kings Canyon for more hiking and sightseeing. The canyon is home to stunning rock formations, lush vegetation, and plenty of wildlife. Take a guided tour or explore on your own.

Finally, end your day with a visit to Alice Springs, a charming town in the heart of the Red Centre. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the region at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station or the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum.

Day 6-7: Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road

1 month trip to australia

Day 6-7 will be spent exploring Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. Start your visit to Melbourne by exploring the city’s many laneways and street art. Grab a coffee at one of the city’s many cafes and take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Next, head to the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most iconic drives. Along the way, you’ll see stunning coastal landscapes, charming seaside towns, and plenty of wildlife. Stop at the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks that rise out of the ocean, for a truly unforgettable view.

On day 7, continue your drive along the Great Ocean Road, and make sure to stop at the many lookout points and beaches along the way. You can also take a detour to the Otway Ranges, where you can hike through the lush rainforest and see stunning waterfalls.

Finally, end your day in the town of Port Fairy, a charming fishing village that’s home to plenty of shops and restaurants. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back to Melbourne.

Day 8-9: Tasmania

1 month trip to australia

Day 8-9 will be spent exploring the beautiful island of Tasmania. Start your visit in Hobart, the capital city. Take a stroll through Salamanca Place, a charming historic district that’s home to plenty of shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which is known for its unique and controversial exhibits.

Next, head to Freycinet National Park, where you can hike to Wineglass Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can also take a boat tour of the park’s many islands and see a wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins.

On day 9, explore the charming town of Bicheno, which is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. Take a guided tour to see the local penguin colony or explore the nearby Douglas-Apsley National Park, which is home to stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.

Finally, end your day in Launceston, a charming town in the north of Tasmania. Take a stroll through the Cataract Gorge Reserve, a beautiful park that’s home to stunning views and plenty of wildlife. You can also explore the town’s many shops and restaurants before heading back to your hotel.

Day 10: Adelaide and the Barossa Valley

1 month trip to australia

Start your day in Adelaide by visiting the Adelaide Central Market, a bustling marketplace full of fresh produce, local specialties, and plenty of vendors.

Next, head to the Barossa Valley for a wine-tasting tour. You can also explore the charming towns of Tanunda and Angaston, which are full of shops and restaurants.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the Whispering Wall, a unique acoustic phenomenon where you can hear someone whisper from over 100 meters away.

Here are some tips for the adventure:

  • Pack for the weather: Australia’s weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack for all types of weather. Bring lightweight clothing for hot days and warm layers for cooler days.
  • Plan ahead: Australia is a large country, so it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance. Make sure to book accommodations and tours ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
  • Stay hydrated: Australia can be hot and dry, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your trip. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and refill it at water fountains or cafes.
  • Be respectful of Indigenous culture: Australia has a rich Indigenous culture, so make sure to be respectful of their traditions and customs. Learn about their culture and history before your trip and be mindful of their sacred sites.
  • Try the local food: Australia has a unique and diverse culinary scene, so make sure to try the local food. From fresh seafood to meat pies, there’s something for everyone.
  • Embrace the outdoors: Australia is known for its stunning natural beauty, so make sure to spend time outdoors. Go for a hike, swim in the ocean, or take a scenic drive to see the best of what Australia has to offer.

Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Australia. You can apply for a visa online.

What is the best time of year to visit Australia?

The best time to visit Australia depends on where you’re going. Generally, the best time to visit is during the Australian summer (December to February) or the Australian winter (June to August).

Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Australia?

Yes, it is generally safe to swim in the ocean in Australia. However, be aware of strong currents and check for any warnings or signs before entering the water.

Can I drive in Australia with my overseas driver’s license?

Yes, you can drive in Australia with your overseas driver’s license. However, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your license.

What is the currency used in Australia?

The currency used in Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD).

Are there any dangerous animals in Australia?

Yes, Australia is home to several dangerous animals, including snakes, spiders, and crocodiles. However, as long as you take precautions and follow local advice, you should be safe.

Do I need to tip in Australia?

Tipping is not expected in Australia, but it is appreciated for exceptional service.

What is the drinking age in Australia?

The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old.

10 Day Itinerary Australia New Zealand

If you have 10 days to spare, you can explore both Australia and New Zealand.

Day 1-3: Sydney

Start your trip in Sydney, Australia’s most famous city. Spend three days exploring the city’s iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Take a ferry to Manly Beach or Bondi Beach and enjoy the sun and surf.

Day 4-5: Blue Mountains

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, a stunning natural wonder just outside of Sydney. Hike through the mountain trails and see the Three Sisters rock formation.

Day 6-7: Auckland

Fly to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Spend two days exploring the city’s vibrant culture and food scene. Visit the Sky Tower for breathtaking views of the city or take a stroll through the Auckland Domain park.

Day 8-9: Rotorua

Take a flight to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland. Spend two days exploring the geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. Take a cultural tour to learn about the Maori culture and enjoy a traditional Hangi meal.

Day 10: Queenstown

Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Spend the day bungee jumping, skydiving, or taking a scenic helicopter ride.

This itinerary will give you a taste of both Australia and New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and cultures in just 10 days.

10 Day Itinerary Western Australia

Western Australia is a vast and diverse state, with plenty of natural beauty and unique experiences to offer.

Day 1-2: Perth

Start your trip in the sunny capital of Perth. Spend the first day exploring the city and its many attractions, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth Zoo, and the Western Australian Museum.

On day two, take a day trip to Rottnest Island, where you can relax on the beach, cycle around the island, and take a selfie with a quokka.

Day 3-4: Bunbury

Next, head south to the coastal city of Bunbury. Here, you can see dolphins up close at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, stroll through the beautiful Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, and visit the historic King Cottage Museum.

Day 5-7: Margaret River

Continue south to the Margaret River region, famous for its wine, food, and stunning natural scenery.

Spend the next three days exploring the region’s wineries, breweries, and gourmet food producers, as well as its beautiful beaches and forests. Don’t miss the Margaret River Farmers Market, the Cape to Cape Track, and the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Day 8-9: Esperance

Head east to Esperance, a coastal town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters.

Spend the next two days relaxing on the beach, exploring the nearby Cape Le Grand National Park, and visiting the Pink Lake, a unique natural wonder.

Day 10: Return to Perth

On your final day, make your way back to Perth, stopping at any other attractions you may have missed along the way. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Perth’s many excellent restaurants.

This itinerary is just a suggestion – feel free to modify it to suit your interests and preferences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, Western Australia has something for everyone.

10 Day Itinerary South Australia

With its stunning natural beauty, incredible food and wine, and rich cultural heritage, South Australia has something for everyone.

Day 1-2: Adelaide

Start your trip in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

  • Spend your first day exploring the city’s many attractions, including the Adelaide Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum.
  • On your second day, take a day trip to the nearby Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Sample some of the world-class wines and enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the many wineries in the area.

Day 3-4: Kangaroo Island

Take a short flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, a wildlife haven and one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.

  • Spend your first day exploring the island’s natural wonders, including the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
  • On your second day, take a guided tour to see the island’s diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and sea lions.

Day 5-6: Flinders Ranges

Drive north from Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges, a stunning mountain range that is home to some of South Australia’s most breathtaking scenery.

Spend your first day exploring the Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering mountains. On your second day, take a guided tour to see the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage and learn about the local flora and fauna.

Day 7-8: Clare Valley

Drive south from the Flinders Ranges to the Clare Valley, another of South Australia’s premier wine regions.

Spend your first day exploring the valley’s many wineries and enjoying some of the region’s delicious food. On your second day, take a guided tour to see some of the valley’s historic towns and learn about the area’s rich colonial heritage.

Day 9-10: Fleurieu Peninsula

Drive west from Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula, a stunning coastal region that is home to some of South Australia’s most beautiful beaches.

Spend your first day exploring the area’s many attractions, including the McLaren Vale wine region and the historic town of Victor Harbor. On your second day, take a guided tour to see some of the area’s diverse wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and sea birds.

There you have it – a sample 10-day itinerary for South Australia. Of course, there are many more amazing places to see and things to do in this incredible part of Australia, so don’t be afraid to explore and make your own itinerary.

3 Months in Australia Itinerary

From the iconic cities to the rugged outback, Australia has something for everyone. Here is a sample itinerary for a three-month trip to Australia.

Month 1: East Coast

Start your trip in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, and spend a few days exploring its iconic landmarks, such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then, head north to Brisbane, where you can explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene and take a day trip to the nearby Gold Coast.

Next, head to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a few days exploring the reef and the surrounding rainforest before heading south to Airlie Beach, the starting point for a sailing trip to the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

Month 2: The Outback and the West Coast

From Airlie Beach, head west to Alice Springs, the gateway to the Australian Outback. Spend a few days exploring the rugged landscape, including Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

Next, head west to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Spend a few days exploring the city and its beautiful beaches before heading north to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks and manta rays.

Month 3: South Australia and Tasmania

From Perth, fly to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Spend a few days exploring the city’s cultural scene before heading south to Kangaroo Island, where you can see kangaroos, koalas, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Finally, head to Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state. Spend a few days exploring the island’s rugged coastline, stunning national parks, and charming towns before flying back to Sydney to end your trip.

2 Months in Australia Itinerary

Congratulations, you have two months to explore Australia! With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for your two months in Australia.

Month 1: East Coast Adventure

Your first month will be spent exploring the stunning East Coast of Australia.

Start in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, and spend a few days exploring its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then, head north to the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

From there, make your way to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Spend a few days exploring the city and nearby attractions like the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Then, head further north to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Take a boat trip to the reef and spend a few days exploring the tropical rainforests of the Daintree National Park.

Next, make your way to the Northern Territory and explore the stunning landscapes of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.

Finally, end your East Coast adventure in Darwin, where you can learn about the city’s fascinating history and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

Month 2: West Coast Exploration

For your second month, head over to Western Australia and explore its rugged coastline and stunning landscapes.

Start in Perth, the state’s capital, and spend a few days exploring its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene.

From there, head north to the Pinnacles Desert and explore the unique rock formations. Then, make your way to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks and explore the stunning coral reefs.

Next, head further north to the Kimberley region, where you can explore the stunning landscapes of the Bungle Bungle Range and the Gibb River Road.

Finally, end your trip in Broome, where you can relax on the beautiful Cable Beach and learn about the city’s fascinating pearling history.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to see the best of Australia’s East and West Coasts in two months. Enjoy your adventure Down Under!

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  • 7 Days in Northern Territory Australia Itinerary: Exploring the Best of the Outback
  • 7 Days in Tasmania Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Australia's Island State
  • 7 Days in South Australia Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Adelaide and Beyond
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  • Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Australia Cost?

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How much money should you budget for your trip to Australia?

  • How much does a one-week trip to Australia cost?
  • How much does a two-week trip to Australia cost?
  • How much does a one-month trip to Australia cost?
  • Hostel Prices
  • Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Australia

Visitors to Australia usually spend between $63 and $438 per day on average for one person and $125 to $876 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $163 (AU$250) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're planning an Independent trip to Australia, budget travelers should plan to spend around $63 (AU$96) per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $163 (AU$250) a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $438 (AU$671) a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Australia from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to Australia cost?

Most visitors spend between $438 and $3,067 for a one week trip to Australia, with the average being $1,140. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Australia, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are Sydney , Melbourne , and Cairns .

1 month trip to australia

How much does a two week trip to Australia cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $876 and $6,134 for your trip to Australia. The average price for a two week trip is $2,280. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Newcastle, Cairns, and Alice Springs.

How much does a one month trip to Australia cost?

When embarking on a month-long trip to Australia, expenses can range from $1,877 to $13,144, with an average cost falling around $4,886. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.

Hostel Prices in Australia

With more than 210 hostels in Australia, the average price is $25 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Australia not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Australia here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Australia.

  • $26 for a dorm bed at Wake Up! Sydney Central in Sydney more details
  • $28 for a dorm bed at Flinders Backpackers Melbourne in Melbourne more details
  • $12 for a dorm bed at Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns in Cairns more details

Hotel Prices in Australia

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Australia. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Australia .

Cambridge Cottages

Valentine on george.

1 month trip to australia

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Australia?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Australia. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Australia

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

  • An expert guide familiar with the culture
  • Convenient transportation
  • Fellow travelers to socialize with
  • Well researched activities
  • Efficient and thought out itinerary
  • The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
  • Limited options
  • Usually not customizable
  • The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
  • Usually more expensive than independent travel
  • There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

  • Completely customizable
  • Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
  • Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
  • Freedom to move at your own pace
  • Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
  • More affordable
  • Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
  • Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
  • Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
  • Popular sights may sell out well in advance
  • If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Australia?

Organized tours typically average around $422 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $163 (AU$250) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in Australia, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in Australia here .

Here are a few sample tours in Australia:

  • Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days ($3,199) 28 days, 12 destinations more details
  • Sydney to Cairns Best of Australia – 17 Day Boutique Comfort Tour ($4,565) 17 days, 20 destinations more details
  • Best of the Coast Sydney to Cairns - 16 Day Flashpacker Adventure Tour ($4,098) 16 days, 14 destinations more details
  • Tastes of Southern Australia (2025/2026, 11 Days) ($4,970) 11 days, 22 destinations more details
  • 3 Day Melbourne to Adelaide ($1,300) 3 days, 14 destinations more details

More for Australia

If you're planning a trip to Australia, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Live Work Play Travel

1 Month Across USA Road Trip Itinerary

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Jul 8, 2023 | Itineraries , Live Work Play Travel , USA Live Work Play

USA Flag. Stars and Strips flag.

Thanks to a car-friendly culture and an unrivalled network of highways, taking a road trip across America is very appealing. And if you are looking for inspiration for a USA road trip look no further. Based on my own American travels I have put together this 1 month USA road trip itinerary taking you to many of the best bits of America. Of course you can’t go everywhere in one month, but we give it a good try on this road trip in America.  

Table of Contents

Where to Start this American Road Trip?

This great American road trip starts in New York and ends in San Francisco. Of course, you can do the trip in reverse or even deviate. This itinerary is a driving itinerary of the USA so you will need a car. A car or a van. If you don’t have one you can rent one, get availability and a great rate here . If you aren’t taking your accommodation with you, you will need to find accommodation at each nightly stop. Either walk in to a motel when you have pulled into town or book in advance. I always use Booking.com when pre-booking accommodation. When searching for accommodation it shows me what accommodation is available, if it is available and the price.

Unfortunately, we can’t visit every state on this road trip, but this road trip is a good start. It includes visits to many cities as you cross the USA from coast to coast. There are many routes you could take across the USA, I hope you enjoy this one.

1 Month Across USA Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-3 – New York 4 – driving to Washington 5-6 – Washington 7 – driving to Chicago 8-10 – Chicago 11-20 – Route 66 – Chicago to Santa Monica 21-23 – Los Angeles 24-26 – driving to San Francisco 27-29 – San Francisco

Days 1-3 – New York City, NY

People, tall buildings, yellow cabs and lots of neon signs in Times Square, New York - first stop on 1 month across USA road trip.

Times Square, New York

New York is home to over eight million people and is where this one month USA road trip itinerary begins. There is so much to see and do here in New York to make the time to see as much as you can. After settling in to your accommodation, start making the most of your time in New York. I hope you’ve brought a good pair of walking shoes!

Where to Stay in New York

Hostel : Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel Budget Hotel : Bowery Grand Hotel Mid-range Hotel : Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West Splurge Hotel: Hyatt Grand Central New York

Best Things to See and Do in New York

  • You may wish to purchase a New York City Pass allowing you to save on entrance fees.  
  • Take the New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus to all the best bests in New York. Then you can go back to those spots you want to spend longer at.
  • Go on a walking tour of New York, which you can book through GetYourGuide .  
  • See the Statue of Liberty when you pay a visit to Ellis Island. Or take the Ferry to Staten Island and see it for free while passing by.
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – There is a park commemorating the victims of 9/11 at the base of the Freedom Tower. Head inside the museum and see over 14,000 artefacts from that that day.  
  • Go to the top of the Empire State Building for great views over the city. Hopefully, it is a clear day.
  • Wander Central Park . This 843 acre park is one of the bet free attractions in town. Walk, hike, picnic or just people watch.
  • Cross the Brooklyn Bridge for great Manhattan skyline views. It will take about 40 minutes to cross but this depends on how many photo stops you make.  
  • Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) to see some of the best art collections in the world.

For more ideas of things to see and do in New York City, here’s my suggested New York itinerary .

Days 4-6 – to Washington, DC

Statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in Washington DC.

Abraham Lincoln in the memorial

Distance: Washington is around 204 miles (329 km) from New York City and should take around four and a half hours to drive. Washington, DC, is the capital of the USA. There are plenty of iconic buildings to visit here.

Where to Stay in Washington

Hostel : DC International Hostel 2 Budget : The Westin Washington DC Mid-range Hotel : Washington Plaza Hotel Splurge Hotel : Sofitel Lafayette Hotel

Best Things to See and Do in Washington

  • Take the Washington Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour to see all the best spots in Washington. Then you can return to those you want to stay longer at.
  • Visit iconic buildings of the Capital , White House and Supreme Court .
  • See the Lincoln Memorial . This is a 19-foot statue of America’s 16th president that is surrounded by 36 columns – one for each state in the union at the time of his death in 1865. It is located on the National Mall.  
  • Tour the Smithsonian Institution which is a group of world-class museums and research centres. Definitely visit the Air and Space Museum and the American Art Museum.

Days 7 – Drive to Chicago via Pittsburg

Distance : Chicago is a long drive from Washington. Some 700 miles (1126 km) which will take anywhere up to 11-12 hours to undertake, depending on stops you make. You may want to even stop in Pittsburg for a day or so.  

Days 8-10 – Chicago, Illinois

Chicago Deep Pan Pizza. Must eat when in Chicago on a USA road trip.

When in Chicago eating Deep Pan Pizza is a must!

Welcome to the Windy City – Chicago. Why is it called the windy city? Two reasons. First because of strong winds that can hit the city plus, it was believed a lot of people were full of wind! Find out for yourself!

Where to Stay in Chicago

Hostel : Hi Chicago Hostel Budget : Gateway Inn Mid-range Hotel : Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Splurge Hotel : Viceroy Chicago

Best Things to See and Do in Chicago

  • Start your visit to Chicago on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour which will take you to all the best spots in Chicago. Then you can choose which ones you wish to return to.
  • Relax in Grant and Millennium Parks . Both parks are great to relax in, have a picnic or walk around.
  • Enjoy a Deep-dish Pizza . Chicago is known for deep-dish pizzas so definitely try this local favourite.

Start your drive along Route 66 at the sign on the northwest corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. Why not get a photo if you can to commemorate the beginning of this 1 month USA road trip journey.

Days 11-20 – Route 66

Route 66 is one of the world’s most iconic drives. It starts in Chicago and ends at Santa Monica Pier in California. Travelling some 2200 miles, if you drive direct it would take a couple of days. On this 1 month USA road trip, I have budgeted 10 days for the drive where you will take in some of the best things in the USA to see along the way. Head over to my post The Best Things to See and Do on Route 66 for this part of the road trip USA itinerary. Starting in Chicago, Illinois you will travel across 8 states. Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona before arriving in California and the end of the road at Santa Monica Pier.

There is plenty to see along Route 66 and you can deviate off the road to visit iconic places like the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Days 21-23 – Los Angeles

Disneyland Castle is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

See Disneyland Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, Los Angeles

Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier in California. You could stay here and use it as your base to discover Los Angeles .

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Hostel : Samesun Hollywood Budget Hotel : Metro Plaza Hotel Mid-range Hotel : Tuscon Garden Inn Splurge Hotel : Beverly Whilshire

Best Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

  • Take the Hop on Hop off LA Sightseeing Bus and be driven to all the best sights in Los Angeles.
  • Visit the Hollywood Sign high in Hollywood Hills.
  • Take a tour of Paramount Studios and or Warner Bros Studios or Universal Studios .
  • Spend the day or two at Disneyland.
  • Shop till you drop along Rodeo Drive.
  • Hit the beach at Malibu – or wait and visit on your drive up to San Francisco.

Days 24-26 drive to San Francisco

Bixby Creek Bridge along Pacific Coast Highway - LA to San Francisco.

Bixby Creek Bridge

The drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway is approximately 445 miles (716 km) long. If you were to drive directly without deviating you could complete the drive in about nine hours. However, there is plenty to see along this scenic drive and I have budgeted 3 days to drive it. Places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway could include:

  • Santa Monica . Home of the Santa Monica Pier where Route 66 ends, if you didn’t finish Route 66 here, then you might want to visit. Walk along the pier and get that tourist shot of you on the pier!
  • Next stop could be Malibu . Check out some of the multi-million dollar homes or visit some of the beautiful beaches. Depending on the weather you might want to relax at the beach for a couple of hours or enjoy a good meal.
  • Santa Barbara could be next on your list to visit. Stroll along the harbour or go one of Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trails. You will discover some of the best wine in California!
  • On leaving Santa Barbara pass a few beaches and deviate to Hearst Castle outside of San Simeon. This caslte was built by the newspaper mogul William Hearst. If you ever wanted to feel like you are in Europe, visit this castle!
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point could be your next stop. See elephant seals relaxing on the beach.
  • A highlight along the LA to San Francisco drive is Big Sur. You may want to spend a full day or more here enjoying the walks in the spectacular natural scenery. Ensure to stop at the iconic sites of Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Waterfall.
  • Stop in towns of Carmel , Monterey and Santa Cruz where you might want to spend the night!
  • Half Moon Bay is around 30 minutes south of San Francisco and is worth a stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee before arriving in San Francisco.

Days 27-29 San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a suspension bridge.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Ah, San Francisco, famous for its cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge and great restaurants. A stay of a few days is a must.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Hostel : Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel Budget Hotel : Hotel Amari Mid-range Hotel : Queen Anne Splurge Hotel : The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco

Best Things to See and Do in San Francisco

  • Take the Hop on Hop off Bus tour of San Francisco . Get taken to all the iconic spots that you can revisit at your leisure.
  • Go to the Golden Gate Bridge . Opened in 1937, it is one of the longest suspension bridges ever created. It links San Francisco Bay and Marin County.
  • Spend some time at San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community – Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Visit Alcatraz Island and discover for yourself how hard it would be to escape from.
  • Take a ride on a cable car .
  • Disney lovers may want to visit  The Walt Disney Family Museum and learn about the life of Walt Disney .

And so ends this 1 month across USA road trip itinerary.

Where to next? What about 1 month in Hawaiian Island Hopping ?

1 Month USA Road Trip Itinerary Starts in Times Square, New York and ends at Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.

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1 month trip to australia

Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to live work play travel around the world with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

Kim

I would love to do this trip one day. You have given great tips to do this one month and I wish I had this years ago when I was over there. Thanks for sharing.

Linda (LD Holland)

We have done quite a few road trips in the US but usually take the route more north than you followed. We would love to follow Route 66 all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica. I love that you planned long enough stops in key places to get to enjoy them along the way.

Jennifer Record

Clever idea..you’ve chosen some great spots.. but I wish there was more time for the Midwest!

Josy A

What an epic trip! I have never driven a fraction of this distance before, but at least you split it up with loooads of time for exploring and adventures. It sounds fab!

Kendra Monique Lucas

Great road trip ideas! We would love to take some time and really explore the US more. There are so many stops and detours that you can see along Route 66. It should be a fun trip.

Sharyn McCullum

I think 1 month should be the minimum amount of time to explore the USA. But not everyone gets that much holiday time! So you can only visit what you can in the timeframe you have.

Arfan

Thanks a ton for sharing these awesome safety tips! Your post is like a travel buddy, guiding us through the must-knows for a safe adventure. I love how you make things simple, highlighting the prep and being aware of our surroundings – things we might forget in the excitement!

Affan

I’m so happy to sharing this with my limousine transportation team! Your post made safety sound less like a lecture and more like chatting with a friend who’s got your back. Can’t wait for more tips from you – keep it up!”

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Exclusive pelorus private island opens on the great barrier reef.

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The setting of Pelorus Private Island in Australia's North Queensland

In order to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, you only have to step off the sandy, coral beach. Arrival is only by helicopter or private yacht. And once there, you’re the only residents on this 988 acre island. Pelorus Private Island is the most secluded and exclusive island in Australia’s North Queensland; it opened for bookings last month.

The project began when Australian billionaire Chris Morris , founder of the financial technology company Computershare and founder/Executive Chairman of the $272 million hospitality company Morris Group, saw that there was a growing market of guests booking out the group’s Orpheus Island Lodge for private use with their friends and family. That was in line with a trend he’d seen for high net worth travelers seeking ultra luxury experiences. He acquired Pelorus in 2017 and started the development process two years ago.

The deck of the infinity pool

“Pelorus Private Island caters to guests very similar to those that enjoy the group’s superyachts on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and the Mediterranean,” explains Morris. “They are seeking the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, as well as an experience uniquely designed to their bespoke needs, very similar to the guests of the group’s superyacht business. Up until now, this was the missing gap in Morris Group’s portfolio, which also includes Morris Aviation, offering helicopter transfer and tours to the group’s guests and a recently added private jet.”

One of the five suites within the residence.

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The four main suites (a fifth suite is designed for accompanying staff) are designed in contemporary lines with natural materials-whitewashed hardwood timber, limestone, quartzite-and decorated with handmade furniture and linen fabrics. They measure 560 square feet with 258 square foot terraces all facing the Coral Sea. Elsewhere in the residence are open, light filled lounges, a dining area and an open kitchen to observe what chef Grant Logan, a veteran of high level Cape Town restaurants and superyachts, is creating from seafood brought in by local fisherman and other native ingredients. Key presentations include an Australian barbeque of local reef-caught fish such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor or Giant Trevally or freshly caught Northern Bluefin Tuna prepared sashimi-style. But given his superyacht experience, Logan is used to providing whatever guests request.

Cruising the Palm Island archipelago and the coral underneath.

Central to the appeal of Pelorus, though, according to Morris, is the range of experiences available to guests, which can be coordinated by an activities manager. They can start the day with sunrise beach yoga and a swim in the solar heated pool. Invariably, they then snorkel or dive the diverse Palm Island archipelago including a visit to the Museum of Underwater Art in which art installations have been placed on the sea floor alongside the coral,. Other activities include fishing the reef, cruising the archipelago on guided tours of the sandy cays and pristine wilderness or exploring the sea with jet skis, kayaks or paddleboards. Guests can also cruise over to Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island National Park, for hiking through dense rainforest, home to an array of flora and wildlife, to cascading waterfalls.

Mulligan Falls on Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland, Australia.

Protecting the surroundings and minimizing environmental impact is a major element of this project, from the all-solar operation of the residence providing a self-sustainable energy supply to a fund to help preserve the reef. The Reef Keepers Fund, created by Morris Group, supports organizations working to safeguard the reef including the Forever Reef Project , an initiative to collect living specimens of the world's coral species and preserve them in a living ‘coral ark’. The area near Pelorus Private Island was selected due to the diversity in species of coral. The same coral which guests of the island can freely observe.

Laurie Werner

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