australia travel itinerary 2 months

Welcome to the glorious country of Australia! We were lucky enough to live and travel around Australia (in particular Melbourne, the Outback and all up the East Coast from Sydney to Cairns) for over 8 weeks. This extended length of time here allowed us to really slow travel and fully explore the majority of key destinations in-depth, plus finding plenty of hidden gems along the way!

From bustling cities, aboriginal culture, an abundance of incredible and whacky wildlife, the rich red Outback, dense lush rainforest, miles and miles of sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef bursting with marine life – Australia really is a destination of infinite wonder that everyone must visit in their lifetime.

From our travels here, we’ve perfected the exact 2 month itinerary we followed, explaining in-depth on all the key experiences we recommend, as seen below:

A 2 Month Itinerary for Backpacking East Coast Australia:

Stop 1: Melbourne (5 to 6 days)

• Melbourne Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Guide & Best Things To Do!
• 8 Epic Mornington Peninsula Tours: The Ultimate Guide!

Stop 2: The Outback & Alice Springs (3 to 4 days)

• Uluru Tour from Alice Springs: The Best 3 To 4 Day Options!

Stop 3: Sydney (7 days)

• 7 Days In Sydney: The Ultimate Itinerary & Best Things To Do!

Stop 4: Byron Bay (3 to 4 days)

• Byron Bay Itinerary: The Ultimate 3 Day Guide & Best Things To Do!

Stop 5: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast (3 to 4 days)

• 21 Epic Things To Do In Surfers Paradise: The Ultimate Guide!

Stop 6: Brisbane & Moreton Island (3 to 4 days)

• How Many Days In Brisbane Is Enough? 1 To 3 Days In Brisbane Itinerary Options!

Stop 7: Noosa Heads & Noosaville (3 days)

• Noosa Itinerary: The Ultimate 3 Day Guide & Best Things To Do!

Stop 8: Fraser Island & Hervey Bay (3 to 4 days)

• The Best Fraser Island 2 Day Tour From Hervey Bay: The Ultimate Guide!
• The Best Whale Watching Tour From Hervey Bay: Our In-Depth Review & How To Book!

Stop 9: Whitsunday Islands & Airlie Beach (3 to 4 days)

• 11 Epic Whitsunday Day Trips From Airlie Beach: Half Day, Full Day & Multi Day Options!

Stop 10: Magnetic Island (4 days)

• Magnetic Island Itinerary: The Ultimate 4 Day Guide & Best Things To Do!

Stop 11: Cairns & Great Barrier Reef (7 days)

• Cairns Itinerary: The Ultimate 7 Day Guide & Best Things To Do!

Useful Backpacking Guides

• Your First Backpacking Trip: The Ultimate Beginners Guide & Checklist!

Australia Facts

Despite its incredulous size, 90% of Australia’s population live on the coast. The majority of the inner land is vast, uninhabitable desert. Australia is home to one of the seven wonders of the world: The Great Barrier Reef. It is the largest eco-system in the world (it is visible from space!) and made up of over 2,500 individual reefs. Australia is the only continent in the world without an active volcano! Australia is home to the world’s only two mammals that lay eggs: the Platypus and the Echidna! We spotted a wild Echidna on Magnetic Island ! The Aboriginal people have lived here for approx 50,000+ years, however now only make up 1.5% of the entire population. The Box Jellyfish (found in warmer Queensland waters of the Great Barrier reef) kills more people than sharks, snakes and saltwater crocodiles combined! 80% of the animals here are endemic, and only found in Australia! Australia’s ‘Dingo Fence’, built to keep dingoes from venturing into sheep grazing land in south-east Australia, is the world’s longest fence – stretching over 3000+ miles! There is more than 10,000 different beaches across the country! If you visited a new beach everyday, it would take you approximately 29 years!

Australia Top Temperatures:

Hottest Temperature 50.7°c, recorded in January 1960, in a remote town in the Outback. Lowest Temperature -8°c, recorded in July 1976, in Yongala, a town near Airlie Beach.

Australia Weather and Seasons

Summer Australia’s Summer months are between  December-February . It brings warm, sun-filled days on the most part. The Outback and North Australia will be almost unbearably hot, for the best and most comfortable weather, head South. It also is jellyfish season on the Great Barrier Reef. On average, the hottest month is January.

Autumn Australia’s Autumn months are between  March-May . Temperatures begin to cool, presenting brilliant autumnal hues of orange and golds. Best weather is mid-East Coast (Byron Bay, Gold Coast or Brisbane).

Winter Australia’s Winter months are between  June-August . North Australia experiences lush warm weather, cooling considerably as you head South. Comfortable weather in the Outback. It is also Humpback whale watching season, see them best at Hervey Bay. On average, the coolest month is July.

Spring Australia’s Spring months are between  September-November . The perfect combination of sunny days, cool nights and beautiful new blooms. It is the last few months of the North’s dry season

Australia’s Wet and Dry Seasons

May – October (Dry Season) The perfect months to visit North of Australia, including Darwin, Broome, Cairns and the Whitsundays (Airlie Beach). Sunnier days, cool nights and virtually jelly-fish free waters.

December – April (Wet Season) Despite the warm weather, the Summer also brings the ‘wet season’ for the tropical North of Australia, bringing heavy ‘monsoon’ rainstorms to areas such as Darwin, Broome, Cairns and the Whitsundays (Airlie Beach).

Australia Wildlife

The Kangaroo Australia’s most well-known animal! There are four types species: red, eastern grey, western grey and antilopine kangaroos. Find out where to have a baby red kangaroo cuddle at  Alice Springs .

The Koala Found in Eucalyptus trees, these fluffy marsupials are native to Australia, sleeping almost 20 hours a day! We spotted them in the wild along the Great Ocean Road in outside of  Melbourne  and many can be found on Magnetic Island .

The Wombat These podgy, short-legged ‘teddy bear like’ marsupials grace Australia with three species: the common, northern and southern hairy-nosed wombats. We saw a few at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney .

The Echidna These intriguing, slow moving creatures are only one of two living egg-laying mammal species. We spotted a few wild ones on  Magnetic Island  outside our accommodation!

The Cockatoo These cheeky (and very noisy!) birds roam freely all across Australia, 14 species to be exact! We spotted  sulphur-crested cockatoo on the Great Ocean Road just outside of Melbourne , and  Airlie Beach . We spotted a yellow-tailed black cockatoo along the  Sydney  Bondi – Coogee walk.

The Duck-Billed Platypus The duck-billed Platypus, a seemingly cute and docile mammal endemic to Australia, has a hidden secret – It is venomous! That’s right, it is one of very few mammals that produces venom, strong enough to kill a small dog or inflict a lot of pain to a human!

The Kookaburra An Infamous Australian icon, known for its unique and noisy call (that sounds like laughter), spot many of these birds on  Magnetic Island . 

The Humpback Whale During April – November, the East Coast of Australia is full of migrating Humpback whales. Don’t miss your opportunity to see them up close and personal at  Hervey Bay . 

The Dugong These docile, slow-moving creatures graze on sea grass in the shallow coastal waters, especially on  Moreton Island , just outside of Brisbane.

The Sea Turtle Six species of sea turtle around Australia: Flatback, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley. We spotted many on  Moreton Island  and also  Green Island  (off Cairns coast).

The Dingo Introduced to Australia approx. 5,000 years ago, the Dingo is a wild, medium-sized canine and Australia’s largest land predator. Spot them roaming freely in The Outback and Fraser Island .

Camels Yes, you read that right, camels in Australia – Over 1 million wild camels roam the Australian Outback ! They were originally introduced to aid with the railway construction. They are of such pure heritage and breed, that Saudi Arabia actually import in camels from Australia!

Australia’s Capital City

CANBERRA The small city of Canberra was officially made Australia’s Capital in 1913. Sat halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, it was the perfect resolution to Sydney and Melbourne’s disagreements who was the true Capital city.  Fun Fact: In Aborigine, Canberra translates to “woman’s cleavage” – aptly named as the city is cradled between two mountains!

© THE FLAINS TRAVEL · 2024

The Ultimate East Coast Australia ​2 Month Itinerary

We travelled East Coast Australia, from Melbourne to Sydney and then Sydney all the way up to Cairns in around 2 months. We travelled using an Oz Experience pass which included travel with Greyhound Australia (Read my review here ).  We visited: Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Caloundra, Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, The Whitsundays, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Mission beach and Cairns. 

Disclosure: This post may contain some affiliate links, meaning that if you click one and purchase/book something, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a little commission. Read more here . 

For travel info, budget tips, basic costs, how to get around Australia, and other tips… visit my destination guide here .

Day 1 – 9: Melbourne

We started off our 8 week Aussie adventure in the beautiful city of Melbourne, just west of Sydney. Melbourne has been voted one of the friendliest cities in the world numerous times, and you’ll soon figure out why. 

As well as lots of shopping and some incredible artwork, there’s so many fun things to do in Melbourne ! Our favourite activities included exploring the ACMI – a museum of film, TV, video games and art, spotting penguins at St Kilda, and checking out the national gallery!

Where to stay in Melbourne: Base St Kilda or The Nunnery . Both are great budget hostels in awesome locations.

Things to do in Melbourne:

• Check out the street art
• Explore the lanes
• Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
• Have fun at Luna Park

• Visit the Block Arcade
• Wander Queen Victoria Markets
• See Aboriginal art at a number of galleries
• Ride the free tram line

Day 10 – 21: Sydney

​We flew into Sydney from Melbourne and spent just under 2 weeks exploring Sydney. We pro-longed our stay there as we wanted to spend new years in Sydney but unless you have lots of time or an open budget, I’d recommend spending less time in the hustle and bustle ‘capital’ of Australia. 

Where to stay in Sydney: Nomads , Sydney Harbour YHA or Central YHA . 

Things to see and do in Sydney:

• Pose with kangaroos at Featherdale wildlife park
• Watch the fireworks at darling harbour
• Check out some of the best sunset spots
• Hike the blue mountains
• Relax on Bondi Beach
• Wonder around the markets – try not to get lost at Paddys!
• Watch the sunset at Sydney Opera House

The Ultimate Guide: How to spend ​New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia

Day 21 – 23: byron bay.

Caught our first greyhound bus to Byron this morning – it was 12 hours or so. I’d recommend bringing a neck pillow, snacks and a hoodie. It got absolutely freezing on the bus, and it’s not very comfortable to sleep on at all. I personally use headphones to listen to music whilst I sleep on buses, but whatever works for you. I’d bring snacks as there is stopovers but the food is usually super expensive.

Surf lesson

I had my first ever surf lesson in Byron Bay, I grew up boogie boarding on the Aussie ocean so didn’t think much of it – but it was very tricky!  Make sure to wear plenty of suncream as we got super burnt noses! 

Apart from surfing, tanning and curing a hangover with a cuppa and a lil mooch about the shops, there isn’t much t do. I, personally, wouldn’t spend more than 2 days here but I heard a lot of mixed reviews and some guys I met spent a whole month here! I really wish we stayed longer and done a surf camp.

Where to stay in Byron Bay: We stayed at Backpackers Inn , which was right on the beach and also where we did a surfing lesson! If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Arts Factory Lodge is very popular.

Things to do in Byron Bay:

• Explore by electric bicycle
• Wander the town, stopping at cute stores and cafés along the way
• Go surfing! Or if you’re not a pro, have a lesson. 
• Hang out at Apex Park

Day 23 – 25: Surfers Paradise

​Caught our next bus to Surfers Paradise the next morning. I LOVE surfers. There’s so much to do, but be warned – it’s very expensive. As we’re on a budget, we tried to stick to the cheap activities. Like… sunbathing all day. We actually ended up doing a club crawl – there’s booths on the street with people who try to persuade you to sign up and, well, we were persuaded quite easily… who doesn’t like a night out? I’d recommend doing these if you’re a solo traveller as you meet lots of people and can make friends easily. Just a heads up – you arrive at the first club at like 8pm, so it’s very quiet. You spend about an hour in each club until you get to your final one and then the group leader type people leave you to it. Bedroom was cool – it had beds in the club itself and also in the female bathroom.

We also purchased a 3 activity pass but personally, I think this was a rip off. We did the aquaduck, afternoon cruise & infinity and honestly, I was quite disappointed. Wish we’d’ve spent the extra $15 to go to warner brothers.

Where to stay in Surfers Paradise: Bunk

Things to do in Surfers Paradise:

• Play crazy gold at Holey Moley
• Explore the beach esplanade via bicycle 
• Learn to surf
• Go on a bar crawl 
• Visit Burleigh Heads National Park
• See the view from the SkyPoint Deck at Q1

Day 25 – 28: Brisbane

Our next destination was Brisbane. From what I could remember as a kid, I hated Brisbane. But it was actually pretty nice. We shopped til we dropped. Cycled around Southbank. Took the free elevator up the clocktower. And if you’re there at the weekend –  make sure you check out Eat Street, Northshore. It’s a little area filled with hipster shipping containers. You can find pretty much every type of cuisine for sale as well as some cute shops, bars and a place that does henna tattoos. 

Where to stay in Brisbane: Nomads or Bunk . 

Things to do in Brisbane:

• Visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary
• See the Botanic Gardens
• Wander the Queensland Cultural Centre
• Explore South Bank

Day 28 – 32: Caloundra

We then spent 4 nights in Caloundra… a small town that I spent around 5 months of my childhood in. We had some friends and family living there so it was a no brainer to go visit. We went to Australia Zoo on our first day which was sick. And to our surprise, when we were watching the show at the Croccoseum, none other than Terri, Bindi & Robert did the croc show!!! Absolutley iconic. We also went to Moolooba, which has some great shops and a lovely beach. Headed to Buderim Forest park to see the waterfall. And it was super nice to be staying in a house with a family. I loved it.

Day 32 – 34: Noosa

Arrived in Noosa. We checked out Hastings Street and had an early night. Next day we did the 10km coastal walk which is absolutely stunning. Checked out Laguna Lookout. And headed to Rainbow beach for our Fraser Island tour.

Where to stay in Noosa: Nomads

What to do in Noosa:

• Explore Noosa National Park
• Climb to the top of the pineapple at Big Pineapple
• Stroll Eumundi Markets
• See the view from Laguna Lookout
• Find the fairy pools
• Kayak the Everglades

Day 34 – 37: Fraser Island

​We did our Fraser Island tour through cool dingos . It was the 2D 1N one and was brill. On the first day we spent hours at the beautiful Lake McKenzie, drove along the 75 mile beach in a huge truck, checked out the maheno ship wreck, visited the pinnacles ‘coloured sands’, took a dip in the champagne pools and watched the sunset. On our 2nd day we cruised down Eli creek in tubes, climbed Indian head where we spotted lots of sharks, rays and dolphins. Some of our group also opted to do ‘air fraser’ which is an optional activity. We stayed at the lodges in the kingfisher bay resort which was cool and there was also the ‘dingo bar’ which had drinking games on pretty much every night.

We got dropped of back to Hervey Bay where we spent an extra night before moving on to Airlie.

Day 37 – 41: Airlie Beach 

​Next day, we got the night bus to Airlie beach, 2 hours after arriving we got on our explore whitsundays british defender boat tour. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t brilliant and we didn’t get to see the instagram famous whitsundays but an overcast rainy one was still beautiful! Being on a boat for 2 nights was awesome, it felt so strange to be back on non-moving ground. I loved the sailing part of the trip – the boat tilted 90 degrees and you felt like you could’ve fallen into the ocean at any point, but luckily, none of us did. The food was brilliant but watch out for greedy eaters – make sure you get in there first.

Spent a few more nights in Airlie beach when we got back from our boat trip, as we were hoping to do the skydive over the Whitsundays. This didn’t happen. It kept getting moved ‘inland’ due to high winds and things weren’t explained properly etc etc in the end we ran out of time and asked for a refund. If this happens to you, make sure to ask to see the video of the in land skydive as for me, this wasn’t what I wanted to do and I definitely wouldn’t pay the same.

Where to stay in Airlie Beach: Nomads or Backpackers by the bay

Things to do in Airlie Beach:

• Chill at Airlie Beach Lagoon
• Explore Conway National Park
• Shop at the markets
• Conway Circuit walk

Day 41 – 43: Townsville/Magnetic Island

After Airlie, we headed up to Townsville. Townsville itself was a ghost town – there was a lot of potential and the hostel we stayed at was gorgeous but there was just no one around. Magnetic island itself was absolutely stunning. It felt like we were wondering around Jurassic park. If you are over 21 you can rent these ‘barbie’ cars – which looked sick. But we were under 21 and on a budget, so the $7.50 all day bus pass did just fine.

Where to stay in Townsville: Rambutan YHA   – The nicest hostel I stayed at in Australia.

Where to stay in Magnetic Island: Base

Apart from visiting Magnetic Island, here are some other things to do in Townsville:

• Wander the Botanic Gardens
• Dive the SS Yongala shipwreck, one of the top 10 dives in the world!
• Drive north-west to see Australia’s Largest Single Drop Waterfall
• Go on a platypus safari 

Day 43 – 46: Mission Beach

I really didn’t have a good time at Mission Beach, but I think was due to (a) the hostel location – we stayed at Scotty’s but really wish we stayed at Jackaroo Treehouse , (b) it was over Australia day so everything was shut, and (c) it thunder-stormed the entire time!

A lot of people go to mission to do the skydive or the tully river white water rafting, so unless either of those 2 activities are on your bucket list – I’d personally skip mission beach. 

Things to do in Mission Beach:

• Spot some cassowaries
• Go sky-diving
• See the view from Bicton Hill
• Take insta-famous pics with the palm trees
• Relax on the beaches

Day 46 – 56: Cairns

We spent a lot of time in Carins as we missed being in a city, and there is just soooo much to do. We did an Uncle Brian’s tour to Atherton tablelands and one with Tropic Wings to the Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest. As well as snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, we spent the rest of our time in Cairns exploring, partying, shopping and relaxing before catching a flight back down to Sydney to then catch our flight out of the country the next morning.

Where to stay in Cairns: The most ‘famous’ hostel in Cairns is  Gilligan’s , which is where we stayed. But I’d also recommend one (I think there’s 3?) of the Mad Monkey hostels .

Other things to do in Cairns:

• Relax in Cairns’ Lagoon
• Go white water rafting
• Wander the Botanical Gardens
• Go scuba diving

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The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 weeks in Australia, here are some suggestions for an Australia itinerary that will help you make the most of this huge, diverse, and stunning country!

Planning a trip to Australia can be quite difficult, simply because the country is so huge. 

Lots of its best attractions, cities, and natural landmarks are very spread out, so it’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time. 

Australia is also an expensive country to visit, so most backpackers and average travellers won’t be able to visit every single point of interest without spending a lot. 

Despite these challenges, planning an epic trip to Australia is definitely possible. 

You just have to be smart about your Australia itinerary, sticking to one or two major areas and picking travel routes that are logical. 

For example, you won’t be able to fit Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, and beaches and national parks of Western Australia and the Northern Territory into a 1 week Australia itinerary. 

To see all those incredible places, you’d need at least one month, and even then you’d be rushing to get everywhere. 

What you can do, is pick the areas that appeal to you the most and plan your trip accordingly. 

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about travelling in Australia !

So you’d be better off picking either the east coast or the west coast and hanging around there if you only have 1 or 2 weeks in Australia. 

In this article, I’ll provide a few sample Australia travel itineraries. 

Each Australia itinerary will include a few of the country’s best places to visit, while maintaining reasonable travel times.

Whether it’s your first trip to Australia or you’ve been here for a while, there is always something incredible to see!

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Australia

Days 1-2: sydney, days 3-5: brisbane , days 6-7: airlie beach and the whitsundays, days 1-3: sydney, days 3-6: melbourne , day 7-8: the great ocean road, day 9-10: adelaide, day 11: kangaroo island, day 12-14: perth, days 3-4: byron bay, days 5-6: the gold coast, days 7-8: cairns, days 9-10: port douglas and the great barrier reef, days 11-13: cape tribulation and the daintree rainforest, day 14: darwin, days 15-17: kakadu national park, days 18-20: uluru and the red centre, the ultimate australia itinerary travel guide.

Having travelled all around the country, we’re excited to share these epic 1, 2 and 3 week Australian itineraries that’ll cover the best places around.

But first, a tip…

It’s also important to consider how you’ll get around Australia during your visit. 

As I mentioned, the country is huge and public transport like buses or trains is expensive. 

If you’re staying in one area, it’s worth renting a car for a few days so you can explore and do day trips, but driving from one city to the next may take 12+ hours of driving. 

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.

Catching cheap domestic flights is the best way to jump from one state to the next, and you can take public transport or drive within smaller areas. 

Though every traveller will have their own unique preferences and modify these itineraries as necessary, here are some sample Australia itineraries that will hopefully help you plan your dream trip!

7 Day Australia Itinerary

One week in Australia goes by quickly, but some people can’t afford to take much longer off of work or their other responsibilities. 

You can still manage to experience some of the Aussie culture and natural beauty in one week. 

In this 7 day Australia itinerary, you’ll be sticking to the middle east coast. 

You’ll begin in Sydney, then head up to Queensland to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. 

This plan is perfect for 7 days in Australia because it doesn’t require huge amounts of travel time. 

READ NEXT: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Australia

After arriving in  Sydney  and getting settled, you have two days to enjoy the city. 

You can spend one day visiting all the popular tourist attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe some of the museums. 

Another day can be spent swimming and sunbathing on one of the city’s main beaches. 

The northern beaches around Manly, or the western beaches around Bondi and Bronte are great options for a fun day in Sydney.

Bondi Beach has a very strong health and fitness scene, so they have lots of incredible healthy cafes where all the locals like to fuel up. 

Visit  Berri Bar Bondi Beach  for a refreshing Acai bowl,  Porch and Parlour  for a healthy breakfast on homemade bread, or  Umu  for some nourishing organic lunch bowls. 

After 2 days in Sydney, you can catch a quick, 1-hour flight up to Brisbane. 

Check out this post on how to spend one day in Sydney if that’s all the time you have.

Brisbane is another incredible city to visit in Australia. 

After 2 days in Sydney, however, you may be sick of the crowded city streets. 

Luckily, Brisbane makes a great gateway for exploring more peaceful areas of Queensland. 

There are tons of amazing day trips from Brisbane that allow you to explore nature and see more of Australia, including:

• Burleigh Heads:  a charming coastal town with a massive beach and national park
• Hervey Bay:  one of the best spots in Australia for whale-watching
• Lamington National Park:  full of hiking trails and waterfalls
• Stradbroke Island:  a beautiful location that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and trying other water sports
• Fraser Island:  the world’s largest sand island

After exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas, catch another cheap domestic flight from the city up to Airlie Beach. 

Read our list of the best things to do in Brisbane for more inspiration!

Airlie Beach is known as one of Australia’s most stunning beaches, complete with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. 

From here, you can soak in the postcard-worthy views in the Whitsundays Islands and do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Whitehaven Beach. 

Book an  ocean rafting day tour  that include all your snorkelling gear and takes you to Whitehaven Beach and the best locations in the Whitsundays.

BONUS –  Booking ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount code  “NOMADS10”  on the website when checking out, you’ll get $10 off your first booking!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing through the Great Barrier Reef will make an unforgettable ending to your 7 day Australia itinerary.

At the end of your week in Australia, you can fly from Airlie Beach back to Sydney for your departing flight. 

2 Week Australia Itinerary

Two weeks in Australia allows you a bit more time to see different areas of the country. 

This two week Australia itinerary will start in Sydney, move down to Victoria to explore Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road , and will then curve up to Adelaide in South Australia and end in Perth in Western Australia. 

So with two weeks in Australia, you can still manage to visit 4 states! If you’d prefer to spend more time in one place rather than jumping around so much, you can always modify this. 

For example, you could skip Perth and spend a few more days exploring New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia. 

But here is a sample two weeks in Australia itinerary. 

Once again, you’ll fly into Sydney and begin your Australian adventure in the capital city of New South Wales. 

In addition to all the touristy stuff like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and touring a local art gallery, you could spend one of your days in the lush nature surrounding the city. 

Two perfect day trips from Sydney are:

The Blue Mountains:  Full of waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails, connected to Sydney by train so you don’t even need a car. Here’s what you should do there .

The Royal National Park:  Dramatic coastal scenery with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. Check out these awesome Royal National Park walks .

After 3 days in Sydney, hop on a plane for a 1-hour flight down to Melbourne.

As one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia,  Melbourne  is a favourite among travellers and locals alike. 

Spend your days in Melbourne visiting street markets, sipping cocktails from rooftop bars, checking out all the cool cafes and restaurants, and experiencing the wild nightlife. 

You can also visit St. Kilda Beach in the south of Melbourne, or head to Brighton Beach to photograph the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Or take a day trip to Phillip Island or tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground .

After you visit Melbourne, continue on to the famous Great Ocean Road.

One of the highlights of Victoria is the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road. 

This coastal road runs for 243 kilometers in total and is full of Australian wildlife, quaint little towns, surfing spots, picturesque viewpoints, campgrounds, and overall gorgeous scenery.  

Be sure to see the Twelve Apostles, Split Point Lighthouse, Port Campbell National Park, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and other stunning landscapes along the way.

You can either rent a car from Melbourne and drive the road on your own, or  book a day tour . 

It only takes one day to see all the best spots along the road, but you’ll need to save some time to make your way back to Melbourne and you don’t want to rush. 

You can also stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide. 

Spend the next days of your two weeks in Australia itinerary soaking in the culture of  Adelaide . 

Enjoy the delicious food, the museums and galleries, and the laid-back charm of South Australia’s capital. 

One of your 2 days in Adelaide should definitely be spent touring a vineyard and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. 

Again, you can either rent a car in the city and drive yourself around the vineyards (make sure you don’t drink too much!), or you can book a day trip. 

As one of the most unique places in South Australia, Kangaroo Island makes a super fun day trip from Adelaide. 

Take photos of the interesting rock formations in Flinders Chase National Park , stroll along the pristine golden beaches, or search for some local animals like wallabies, koalas, and of course, kangaroos. 

Head back to Adelaide after Kangaroo Island and hop on another quick flight to Perth to finish up this two week Australia trip.

Read next: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Kangaroo Island, Australia

Your last few days of visiting Australia will be well-spent in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. 

Enjoy the beaches, explore the Fremantle Markets, visit wineries and wildlife parks, and more.

You could also treat yourself to one last epic adventure in Australia by taking a day trip to Rottnest Island . 

This island is full of fun activities, natural wonders, beautiful views, and cute little quokkas, which are small, native Australian marsupials similar to wallabies. 

After a few days in Perth, either catch your departing flight from here or fly back to Sydney if your flight leaves from there. 

You could also consider a day trip to Margaret River , one of the top wine and surfing regions in Western Australia.

It’s a 3 hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so only make the trek if you feel like you have time.

3 Week Australia Itinerary

3 weeks in Australia allows you to visit some big cities and tourist spots, but it also allows you to venture out to more remote and isolated areas. 

In this 3 week Australia Itinerary, you’ll visit Sydney and Byron Bay at the start. 

Then you’ll head up to The Gold Coast, and tropical north Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. 

Continue your journey up north by travelling to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and then venture inland to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). 

Again, spend your first couple days in Australia checking out Sydney and maybe doing a day trip to the Blue Mountains of the Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Be sure to visit Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the famous Bondi Beach during your time in Australia’s largest city.

Then fly to Ballina, a small airport 30 minutes away from Byron Bay. 

Check out our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide if you’d prefer to rent a car and drive up the east coast.

Byron Bay  is a hub for backpackers, and it is a very fun place to experience when you visit Australia. 

From bar crawls and drum circles on the beach, to night markets and street art, to coastal walks and lovely beaches, a couple days in Byron Bay will feel like bliss. 

Even if you aren’t on a strict backpacker budget, Byron Bay has so many great hostels that it’s worth immersing yourself in the backpacker scene. 

Some of the best hostels in Byron Bay include Wake Up! Byron Bay and Byron Bay Beach hostel. 

Both of these have hundreds of great reviews from travellers cost around $30 per night, which is pretty cheap for Australia. 

If you want to meet other cool people and take part in all the fun social activities of Byron Bay, you may want to stay in one of these fun hostels instead of a hotel!

You can choose to hang out in Byron Bay for a few more days, or catch a flight from Ballina to the Gold Coast for a taste of the Sunshine Coast surf vibes. 

The  Gold Coast  is one of the best places to learn how surfing when you visit Australia. 

You can take a surf lesson from an experienced local and ride the waves, or just relax on the beach, eat some great food, and hit the bars and nightclubs in the evening. 

The Gold Coast combines the excitement of the city with the salty air and water sports of a beachside town, so it’s a diverse and fun place to visit. 

Fly from the Gold Coast up to Cairns. 

The next few days of your 3 week Australia Itinerary will take you up along the coast of Tropical North Queensland. 

This corner of Australia is hot, humid, and jam-packed with rich jungles, Aboriginal culture, waterfalls and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Keep in mind that during the rainy season, from October to April, you can’t swim in the ocean here because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish. 

Cairns  is the gateway to tropical north Queensland. 

The real beauty lies outside the city, but spend a couple days adjusting to the heat, partying with the many backpackers, shopping at Rusty’s Fruit Market, and swimming in the big public swimming pool called the Lagoon. 

Also check out Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the nearby Barron Gorge National Park near Kuranda.

Then you’ll take the local bus up to Port Douglas. You can buy your bus ticket from any tourism agency or from the main bus station, and take the Cairns to Cooktown route. 

Only about an hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, a small, relaxed town with one backpacker hostel, a few amazing restaurants, and a nice park lined with palm trees for viewing the sunset. 

This is one of the best places to book a Great Barrier Reef  snorkelling or diving tour  because up here, the reef isn’t as crowded as near Cairns. A snorkelling reef trip is one of the most popular Australia tours and shouldn’t be missed!

So spend one of your days in Port Douglas swimming in the crisp, blue waters of the reef and seeing some incredible, colourful marine life. 

From here, get back on Cairns to Cooktown bus and continue north up to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in the midst of the jungle, Cape Tribulation is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. 

There is only one main road running through the town, if you can even call it a town. 

Cape Tribulation has a few resorts and hostels, a couple tourism companies and about two shops, and that’s it. 

But the powerful presence of the rainforest is more than enough to entertain you for a couple days.

The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world, and is one of the true natural wonders of Australia.

Go hiking, ride horses on the beach, book an ATV sightseeing tour, do an exotic fruit tasting at Cape Trib Farm, visit the Daintree Discovery Center, or take a boat cruise on the Daintree River to spot some crocodiles. 

Try to avoid visiting Tropical North Queensland in December through February, however. This is the wet season and many roads may be flooded and tours will be closed.

On your third day, take the bus back to Cairns then fly to Darwin. 

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and it is a convenient starting point for a trip into Central Australia and Ayers Rock, in the south of the state.

Use this day to walk around and sightsee a bit, relax and unwind, and plan your journey into Kakadu National Park. 

Check out our guide for the best things to do in Darwin!

Rent a car in Darwin and spend the next couple days exploring the largest national park in Australia!

You can swim in waterfalls, find ancient Aboriginal rock art, and go hiking through some incredible landscapes. 

If you have a van or a tent, you can camp at one of the park’s campgrounds. Otherwise there is a handful of resorts where you can stay overnight in Kakadu. 

Most of the accommodation in Kakadu is located in Jabiru, the main town of the park. 

You could also  book a guided tour  to Kakadu as a day trip from Darwin. This is a good option for those who want to take a break from planning and driving. A tour will take you right to the best spots in the park, which is handy because the park is so huge.

After exploring the national park, drive back to Darwin and then fly to Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. 

(Alternatively if you don’t want to keep travelling so much, you could stay in the Northern Territory and explore more natural wonders like Nitmiluk National Park.)

From Alice Springs in the center of the Northern Territory, it’s time to begin your journey to Uluru!

The Red Centre is the central desert area of Australia, consisting of Alice Springs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a sacred monolith and it one of the most famous places to see on a trip to Australia.

You have two options for getting to Uluru. 

Option 1:  Rent a car in Alice Springs and complete the 5-hour drive on your own. Keep in mind it’s also 5 hours to get back, so that’s a 10 hour road trip in total. You should also have your own camping gear and pack enough food and water for the road trip.

Option 2:  Book a tour from Alice Springs if you are tired of driving. You can  choose a straightforward day trip . It’s a bit pricier to do a guided tour, but it takes away a lot of the effort on your part. 

Either way, watching the sunrise and sunset bathe Uluru in soft, natural hues is a sight you’ll never forget, so the journey is worth it. 

If you are renting a car and doing your own road trip, consider also heading out to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. This amazing spot is a 3 hour drive from Ayers Rock, which is a short drive for the Outback!

READ MORE: Check out all the incredible things to do in Uluru !

Your final day of the 3 week Australia itinerary will mostly be spent travelling. 

Drive back to Alice Springs, then fly back to Sydney for your flight home.

I just want to add that there are many other natural wonders that I didn’t get to mention!

Australia is massive so it’s hard to fit in so many cool places in a short time.

For example, the north of Western Australia is stunning, but it’s very remote and not convenient to add to a few weeks in Australia.

Few Australians even make it out here on holiday.

But riding a camel on Cable Beach , snorkelling with Whale Sharks in Exmouth , or camping in Cape Range National Park are amazing experiences that you can have if you have the time to venture out there.

Tasmania is also one of the most gorgeous places in Australia. The island is home to some of the best hiking and camping in the country , but it requires lots of prior planning and preparation and gear.

You could also road trip around Australia, taking more time to see all the attractions and not having to rush.

But it would take you months or even years to road trip all of Australia!

Regardless of how much time you spend here, don’t stress about seeing everything!

It’s impossible to see everything, and no matter where you go, you’re sure to have an epic time.

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!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Have you got any info/tips about Central Australia? Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs to Darwin (Stuart Hwy).

Would like more information on all inclusive 3 wk itinerary for family of about 12.

All the best with your research. Have a great trip.

Terrific article. Thanks so much for the insight!

Thank you so much. Glad the article was helpful 🙂

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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.

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

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.  

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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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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 .

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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 .  

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.

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 .

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.

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.  

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

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

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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2 month itinerary for our Great Australia Road Trip

In one weeks time we embark on our next adventure – nearly 2 month road trip in Australia – famous for having some of the world’s most unique wildlife and diverse natural environments – pristine beaches, rainforests, red deserts and home to a several natural world heritage sites. We will be traveling through Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland (might try to touch on North Territory as well). It is a one way journey starting in Melbourne March 24th and finishing off in Cairns May 12th. In between we travel a distance of approximately 6000 km over 50 days passing through stunning coastal areas, mountains, rainforests, beaches, wetlands, scrubland, cities and lot of nothingness in between!

In a nutshell, here is our route from Point A to Point B, but there are lots of point C,D,E etc as we weave inland and explore the Outback from somewhere in Queensland (still working that out.)

How are we travelling?

We fly to Melbourne from Auckland and after spending a few days there city sightseeing, we take the Spirit of Tasmania  overnight ferry to Devonport, Tasmania. Ferry leaves at 9pm, gets in at 7am. Once there we have a rented a car from Europcar for five days and are doing loop around Tasmania (details further below) before we return to Melbourne via ferry. There we have rented a car from Hertz for 2 weeks from Melbourne which we return in Sydney. Tip: We rented the car in Tasmania Monday to Friday and got a really good deal as no weekend involved.  We searched at different car rental comparison sites, found the cheapest and then went directly into their own websites and booked with them.

In Sydney we pick up our tried and trusted Britz campervan Hire and Rental  which we have used for all three campervan trips in New Zealand . We love the freedom that comes with campervan travels and are excited to be doing this adventure in a new country. See post here on why we thought campervan travel with the kids was such a great idea! We slow travel by campervan from Sydney to Cairns , zigzagging through different national parks, islands, beaches and explore bit of the outback in northern Queensland. After 4 weeks we return the campervan in Cairns and fly out to Bali, Indonesia.

Britz campervan

Where are we staying?

We are doing it differently this time – in the past we have done AirBnB – had some unique experiences with this , self catered apartments, motels and the odd hotel here and there. We use booking.com mostly, read reviews on tripadvisor, and usually go with the cheapest (best) offer. Our needs are basic – clean and enough space for four of us to sleep in! Thrown in a pool sometimes, kids are happy. We also stay with family and friends scattered across the world.

Our review of  Ossies Chalet Apartments, Ohakune  and what ticks our boxes when choosing accommodation

We are adding couchsurfing to the mix now! In the past we have hosted several couchsurfers at our home in Sheffield and met some really awesome and interesting travellers. We plan to do the same this time and are staying with lovely couchsurfing hosts who were kind and generous enough to accommodate our family of four. We will tell you all about this new experiencing surfing once we have stayed with hosts in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. We are also staying with friends in Melbourne, Ocean Grove and Sydney. We still have several gaps in between April 4th and 11th so do give a shout out if you know of anyone who can host us – we have our own mattresses, sleeping bags and are willing to floor it – near Yarra Valley, Gippsland and Alpine Park National Park (see details below on what’s planned so far.)  The last 4 weeks, we are in our campervan.

What are we taking?

Our packing and travel planning for road trips hasn’t changed too much since we did the 3 week epic road trip in Europe through seven countries – see post here with more details on what we take.

• 4 day bagpacks and 3 small carry ons
• 5 tops, 3 trousers/shorts, 1 jumper/jacket, bathing costumes (I sneaked in a dress or two for me and Shama).
• Gadgets – laptop so I can blog, camera, 2 kindles, 1 DS, chargers, 2 pairs of Binoculars
• Medicine and Emergency Kit
• Insect repellant, sunblock, toiletries
• 2 portable mattresses and 2 sleeping bags
• 1 pair of sandals and 1 pair of hiking/walking shoes each
• few books, study materials (kids missing school for 5 months), arts and crafts, Australia Lonely Planet
• Board games -we are big on family bonding over board games 🙂
• Impractical but fun stuff we are taking – BB8 – so we can share a picture of this cute little robot droid travelling down under. Shama is also taking a cuddly toy penguin which turns into a pillow.

Size of the kids backpacks, we bought these 1.5 years ago when we went to Morocco

What is our budget?

So far campervan hire, car rental and our return ferry tickets to Tasmania – which itself cost $1200 for four of us, expensive , could have flown for half that price – have cost roughly $4200. We have another $5800 for accommodation, food, fuel and attractions for 50 days – that $116 a day for four people (kids are quite big now and eat as much as me, rooms cost more for 4 people, hardly any discounts with our 8 and 10 year old now.)

I read up a few posts on how much to budget for Australia road trips and it varies depending on travel style – this article was the most helpful for our kind of travel with lots of useful tips on saving money. Steph at Big World Small Pockets has oodles of information on budget travels in Australia, super helpful 🙂 Our goal is to spend under $10,000 for the two months in one of the most expensive countries one can travel in, Yikes! We did our Europe trip on €100 a day (for 4 people) so let’s see if we can make it happen here too…there will lot of supermarket/BBQ food, bread and cheese, cutting down on the wine and beer (right.) Good thing we are working with a few tourism partners throughout Australia which I am super excited about promoting! More on that once we start the trip 🙂 

What’s planned so far?

Here a snapshot of our trip planning so far ( all plans subject to change as we get on the road).

Melbourne – We are staying with friends in Melbourne and plan to hang out with them, do some city sightseeing and see wildlife at Phillip Island for the day.

Tasmania – We get here early morning by ferry and head to the East Coast, explore Freycinet National Park  -“dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches and abundant birdlife” and the surrounding region, onwards to Hobart for 2 days and back up to Devonport via Cradle Mountain National Park  -“ancient rainforests and alpine heath.” I am most excited about seeing Tasmanian Devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary !

Great Ocean Road – one of the greatest coastal drives in a the world, a 243km road along the southern coastline of Victoria, I must have read a dozen posts on this trip and seen hundreds of pictures! The one that excited me the most is this one from fellow travel blogger from Travel Tales of Life who had just been here 2 weeks before. In fact, I loved following their entire 3 weeks in Australia as we are doing lot of the same things during our time in Tasmania, Sydney and Great Ocean Road.

12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road

After this it’s a bit hazy as we make our way to Sydney over 10 days – and we still don’t have much of the accommodation sorted here, only one couchsurfing host in Canberra. We plan to make a loop suggested by Mark from Wyldfamilytravel  who hails from Gippsland and we love nothing better than advice from locals!

Melbourne to Sydney Route

Enjoy vineyards in the Yarra Valley region, get down to  Wilson Promontory National Park , go fishing in Gippsland Lakes , hike in Alpine National Park and then make our way to Canberra. We hope to do little bit of sightseeing before making our way to Sydney where we drop off the car and pick up Campervan.

Between Sydney to Brisbaine and onwards to Cairns -No plans made yet – Fraser Island-Gold Coast-Sunshine Coast-Noosa-White Sunday Island-Cairns-Great Barrier Reef-Daintree Rainforest-Outback Queensland – All plans free flowing and will pan out over the course of four weeks and dependent on budget.

Some of the wildlife we hope to see:

What we hope to not see!

Sydney Funnel Web, Redback spiders and other venomous spiders in Australia :-/ These 2 months will be very different from all the nature travel we did in New Zealand past one year! Few other deadly creatures to look out for – box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, Taipin and other snakes..the list goes on..

How are we feeling? What else do we need to do?

We are really looking forward to our upcoming adventures in Australia and after. We are a little nervous about leaving our ‘paradise bubble’ in New Zealand – we had such an amazing one year here – and moving to Bangladesh. It will a big change for the kids, for the whole family.

We would LOVE to get your feedback on anything else we should be considering for road trip and campervan travel around Australia, any must see off the beaten track destinations in all these places? We look forward to meeting new people, hanging out with old friends and having new experiences and adventures.  Give us a shout out if you are a local and want to meet up anywhere along this route. Am pretty sure over the course of 7 weeks, we might tire of each other’s company 😉

Most recent shot of us, farewell dinner in Auckland

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Have a fabulous time! I am so jealous of your 2 months and so excited for you all at the same time. Two weeks was definitely not enough. Thanks so much for the shout out. Looking forward to following along!

Great trip, we did the same trip 3 years ago (excluding tasmania ). From the great ocean road, you can take a ferry to the other side of Melbourne. It saves a lot of time. Wilsons promotory is really worth it! ! We had lots of rain between Melbourne and Sydney, indeed we were just a couple of hours ahead of road closures because of the floods. If I remember well, we spent around 4000€-5000€ in a month and it was just the two of us.

Will have to look up your blog for any posts you might have of your trip! good to know that Wilsons Promontory is great and about the ferry too. Australia is such an expensive country to travel in, lets see how far we can stretch our money for the four of us 🙂

Awesome post and awesome plans – so excited for you and thanks for the shout out too 🙂

So jealous, even we’ve just finished our month long road trip in Australia. Hope you’ll have a great time there you guys. Look forward to your updates during your trip. We’ve been there twice, and used Britz both times – it’s a good company. Drive safe and watch out for the kangaroos 😉

The Gippsland area is incredible, I lived there for 2 years and hope you get a chance to explore there. Check out Yarra Valley, Sassafras, Dandenong Ranges (1000 step Kokoda walk in Fern Tree Gully), Black Spur drive, Yarragon and the surrounding areas (where I lived), Latrobe Valley, the Great Alpine Road, Lake Eildon, and before you board Spirit of Australia while in Port Phillip Bay check out St Kilda. I could go on and on, my post Winter in Melbourne has pics of some of these areas.

Awesome! Thanks for all the suggestions Lyn, starring them on google maps now 🙂 I will head to your blog now and check out the Melbourne posts, I remember reading them a while back. We are in Melbourne for 3/4 days so should have time to check out a bit!

I think it’s great how we can all share our tips and ideas. God bless you Lyn, there’s more than enough to do in your list to keep everyone entertained. You’ve gotta love how much Australia has to offer! We’ve talked about an epic drive like this so I’m really looking forward to reading Samiya’s posts, just as I have with yours. 🙂

It’s been great watching the kids grow up a bit over the past year. What intrepid little travelers now adding couch surfing to the mix! I hope your journey is as wonderful as possible. With all the preparation and your deep travel experience, I’m sure it will be wonderful.

I have never been to Australia but when we do I am going to take your advice! Awesome post.

I would love to do this! Sounds pretty expensive, considering you have a camper van, but I hear that’s par for the course with Australia. Will need to start saving!

Wow. Amazing. I didn’t know that Australia is expensive. But Australia is definitely on my bucket list. 😉

What a detailed, useful itinerary! You’re inspiring me to finally pack our family of four into a plane to traverse the world from Boston and follow your footsteps!

haha 😀 Thanks Lillie, happy to inspire other families to travel too!

Super tips 🙂 I’ve shared it on Pinterest!

I am curious why you chose a car from Melbourne to Sydney? A campervan is what I’m considering for that route. In 2013 spouse and I did a car trip from Sydney to Daintree, then Cairns, over 28 days and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wishing for campervan for our next travel to OZ.

good question! We had lot of friends and family we could stay with that part of our journey so it made more sense economically to rent a car. We also couchsurfed a few times this route, hence we chose rented car. In hindsight, we enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of campervan travel far more and would have preferred to do that the whole trip! good luck for planning your journey, and feel free to ask any questions 🙂

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How to Plan the Perfect East Coast Australia Itinerary on a Budget

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

The East Coast of Australia is a must-do for every backpacker in the country. It is the most popular route for travellers and easily has the most things to see in Australia. There is a very beaten backpacker trail as you as either go north or south so you’ll most likely run into people along your trip.

The East Coast is a very long route as you will be travelling most of the country. The first mistake people make is thinking it can be done quickly. Australia is about the size of the USA so driving the entire strech of the East Coast will take days. So even through there are so many things to do in Australia along this trip they will still take time to get to so be prepared to buckle up and plan to spend some time in Australia to really see it all.

The best part of an East Coast trip is that most places to visit in Australia are natural. From stunning beaches to gorgeous islands and even the oldest rainforest in the world, you’ll find them all and what to do in Australia in this sample itinerary.

Table of Contents

East Coast Australia Itinerary

Recommended australia tours.

• Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
• Australian Highlights
• Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventures (I personally did this tour and highly recommend it!)

Daily Breakdown of My Australia Trip Itinerary

How this itinerary works:  In order to accommodate itineraries varying from 2-6 weeks I list the minimum amount of days to the maximum amount of days to spend in each spot to give you a rough idea of how much there is to do in each stop along the coast. I list typical activities to do in each stop, day trips and then link to further resources to help you create the perfect itinerary for each destination.

This East Coast Australia guide is made specifically for backpacking Australia but it can also be used for anyone travelling the East Coast as it covers what to see in Australia and the best places to visit in Australia.

Suggested Time: 2-5 days

There are so many things to do in Melbourne that you could easily spend a week here. Spend a day roaming around the CBD (central business district), exploring the hidden bars and street art in the alleyways. Grab a bite to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants along the Yarra River and find a rooftop bar to hangout for the evening.

Hit up St Kilda beach for an afternoon, wander through the Botanical Gardens and don’t miss out on trying a freakshake! Melbourne is a foodies paradise so the chances are that there will be some kind of food festival going on while you’re visiting. Most of the museums are also free and you can find out tourist info in Fed Square.

There are also a number of days trips from Melbourne that are totally worth it:

• Great Ocean Road :  A stunning 2-day road trip or day tour, if you do any day trips from Melbourne make it this one
• Philip Island : See the fairy penguins, famous because they’re so small and adorable
• Yarra Valley : Wine lovers head here to one of Australia’s biggest and best wine regions for a day of tastings
• Peninsula Hot Springs :  Take a day to relax in the cave pool, hot springs, sauna and bath house

READ MORE: 51 Things to do in Melbourne (21 of Them are Free!)

Suggested Time: 3-4 days

A stop in Sydney is a no-brainer. You simply must day a take to wander through the CBD, making your way over to the Sydney Opera House where you can stop for a drink and take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From there walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens for even better views. Roam around The Rocks and find yourself at Darling Harbour for the evening for dinner and drinks.

A second day should be spent at one of the many beaches such as Bondi Beach, the most famous. Don’t skip the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for breathtaking views of the water and beaches. And if you’re feeling adventurous try climbing the Harbour Bridge for an epic photo opp.

A third day can be spent on another beach, Manly Beach, cruising around the water or visiting the zoo .

Sydney also has a number of really great day trips:

• Blue Mountains : This national park is famous for the Three Sisters. You can get here by public transport, hike around the stunning area and be back in Sydney for dinner
• Hunter Valley : Another treat for wine lovers, Hunter Valley is another one of Australia’s best wine regions
• Royal National Park : If want Insta pictures in those cool figure eight pools, this is where you find them
• READ MORE: 5 Easy Trips from Sydney

Suggested Time: 2-3 days

With so many places to go in Australia the smaller spots are often overlooked or unherd of. Yamba is a small town that is off the beaten track but it is quickly becoming popular. It’s the perfect place to chill out for a few days on one of the 12 beaches with its laid back vibe. And if you’re Canadian you’ll find the most folks from home in Australia in this spot!

Surfers must stop here as it is home to the best surfing in Australia, is where a number of pro surfers live and the creator of Billabong. Surf lessons here are extremely cheap, I’m talking under $20 so if you want to give it a go you won’t find any cheaper.

There’s only one hostel where you can sign up for surf lessons and you must do Shane’s Yamba tour, for $15 it’s probably the cheapest tour in Australia.

Suggested Time: 2-4 days

So many people fall in love with Byron Bay and end up staying here longer than planned. I don’t blame them and you’ll see why too. This is another top spot for surfers but has more action for those who don’t like spending so much time in the water.

Here you can still get outdoors by hiking up to the Cape Byron lighthouse and visiting the most easternly point in Australia close by. Or spend your days chilling out on one of the many beaches such as Main Beach, Clarks Beach, The Pass and more. Byron Bay is also known for its dolphins which you have a very high chance of spotting. So jump in a kayak and have a leader take you to the best lookout spots.

Byron Bay is a popular hangout for backpackers, it is also quite touristy but still has a very laid back vibe. So shop your heart out at the chain and local stores or at some of the top markets such as the Byron Bay Artisan Market (Saturday nights, October-March) and   Byron Bay Markets (first Sunday of every month). And spend your evenings partying at the local bars.

There is one popular day tour from Byron Bay:

• Nimbin :  This small hippie town is completely stuck in the 60s and is known for its “special” treats. Many tours include waterfalls and cliff jumping too

If you love to party you’ll love Gold Coast. Gold Coast is not actually an area like the Sunshine Coast is but a city in itself. It is the most touristy city in Australia. Despite its most popular area’s name, Surfers Paradie, the surfing is only okay. The beach itself is fine but my best advice is to only spend a few days as there are much better beaches along the coast.

You can spend a lot of time shopping and partying here. All the main tourist attractions are here and day trips can be taken to amusement parks such as Sea World, Dreamworld and many more. Plus there’s spectaular natural scenery on the city’s doorstep like these waterfalls .

In all honesty I found Brisbane to be the most boring city in Australia. However a stop here will break up your trip between Gold Coast and Noosa and it will be the last city you see until the end of the this trip!

Spend a day roaming around the CBD where there are lots of shops and make your way over to Southbank. It’s here that you’ll find the famous Brisbane sign along the river. Walk a little further and there are a ton of restaurants, a pool and a manmade beach in the middle of the city.

A trip to the city’s West End will show you the quirkier side of Brisbane with some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The city’s best collection of art can be found at GOMA. And don’t miss the chance to hop on the free ferry for a ride down the river where you can jump off to explore more of the city. As for nightlife the trendy hot spot is Fortitude Valley.

The most popular day trip from Brisbane is:

• Australia Zoo :  Made famous by Steve Irwin himself, this is the biggest zoo in Australia

I’m a little obsessed with Noosa. It is hands down my favourite place in Australia, but I won’t hype it up too much. People always prefer one or the other: Noosa or Byron Bay. Noosa has an even more chill vibe, there is less partying and more beach time with sunsets.

Spend some time on the Main Beach, watch sunset from that beach or walk along it to where the river meets the ocean for even better views. Surfing here is also quite good.

But the best part about Noosa is the national park that has an amazing coastal walk. Get up early and watch the sunrise from Hell’s Gate or walk it during the day, seriously it could be a daily activity. Stop by the fairy pools for a dip in the natural pools in the rocks during low tide. Stop and just take in the stunning views and watch the surfers along the way.

Shop along the main street, Hastings Street, but bring your credit card. Window browsing is all you’ll be able to do if you’re on a budget. Though you can find cheaper places for coffee and gelato here too. Lastly take a 30 minute bus ride to the Emundi Markers which are every Wednesday and Saturday until about 1PM. There is everything here from local crafts, food, jewelry, photography and so much more.

Noosa also has popular day trips:

• Noosa Everglades :  There’s only two in the world, so if you love nature jump in a boat and tour to see the River of Mirrors where you can canoe or kayak, a self-guided tour is always a cheaper option
• Australia Zoo : You can also do a day trip to the Australia Zoo from here as it’s about half way between Brisbane and Noosa

READ MORE: 14 Things to do in Noosa

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It is a must-do trip so you can drive along the beach, star gaze, learn about the history and culture of the island and see local wildlife such as dingoes. You can do a trip to Fraser Island from one of 3 jumping off points: Noosa, Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. There are also options to start in Noosa and then finish in Rainbow Beach which is more north so you can continue your East Coast trip up.

I will warn you that a Fraser Island tour is not cheap but it is well worth the splurge to see this incredible place. A 2-3 day tour is recommended, but one-day tours are available if you’re limited on time.

READ MORE: The Australian Island You Can’t Miss: Fraser Island Tours with Drop Bear Adventures

Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Suggested Time: 1-2 days

A stop here breaks up the long trip between Noosa or Rainbow Beach and Airlie Beach as bus journeys are about 9 hours between Noosa and Agnes Water and Agnes Water and Airlie Beach (be sure to get night buses!).

Agnes Water is really just a small tourist town so you don’t need long here. Stop by for some surfing (lessons here are also very cheap) or hire a bike to get to some areas for hiking such as the scenic trail to the Captain Cook monument. You could also do a Larc tour, a boat that drives on land as well as in the water.

What you absolutely can not miss is the Scooteroo tour. They’ll be given a leather jacket and will drive around Agnes Water and 1770 in a group to see the area and then watch sunset. Even if you don’t do Scooteroo a sunset is in order as the Town of 1770 is one of the best spots along the East Coast to watch.

Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands

In Airlie Beach itself there is not a whole lot to do. It mainly acts as a jumping-off point for the Whitsunday Islands. However you will most likely have some time to kill before of after your tour so you can chill out at the Airlie Beach lagoon, visit the beaches such as Boathaven Beach or do the coastal walk to Cannonvale Beach.

This is most certainly not a budget option but I highly recommend it. I swear a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the outer Great Barrier Reef was the best splurge I had on my trip along the coast. I paid $179 but I’ve heard you can find them for as cheap as $99! This is where you can see the famous Heart Reef.

And while you’re here don’t miss a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands. This is what everyone comes here to do! Spend 2-3 days on a sailboat where you can visit one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and soak up the sun on the deck. Prices range significantly on tours and some boats are known to be party boats. I recommend using BookMe where you can find tours with big discounts or Get Your Guide because they have an awesome selection that shows you majority of the tours available.

Townsville is another stop to help break up long trips and is also the jumping-off point for Magnetic Island. There’s no need to spend long here, you can explore the entire coastal city in just 2 days. One of the most popular things to do in Townsville is a hike to the top of Castle Hill for views of the city and Magnetic Island.

Spend some time along The Strand where you’ll find beaches, restaurants and parks. The Reef HQ is awesome for those who don’t like diving or snorkelling as you can see a ton of underwater life as it’s the largest living coral reef aquarium. Then there’s the Billabong Sanctuary where you can experience Australian wildlife and interact with the animals.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is a quick half an hour ferry ride from Townsvile and one of my favourite places in Australia. The locals often refer to it as Maggie, since Australian’s shorten everything. What’s so special about this island is its unique formation of rocks that jut out to create a different landscape.

Activities on the island include lots of hiking. Some of the best trails are The Forts Walk where you can spot wild koalas and the hike to Radical Bay from Horseshoe Bay. Be sure to time getting back to Horseshoe Bay for sunset as it’s stunning with islands in the background.

If you haven’t already you can get your picture with a koala or have breakfast with koalas at Bungalow Bay which is also the hostel I recommend staying at. By far the coolest thing to do is rent one of the famous Barbie cars to cruise around to different hiking spots. It isn’t cheap but if split 4 ways it is affordable. And you must visit the rock wallabies, they are tiny wallabies that live in the rocks that are just too cute!

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is Queensland’s little secret. This small town of only 3000 people is most known for being the best spot to sky dive in Australia . My best advice is to wait until you get here to do it as you’ll fall through the sky over the Great Barrier Reef and it is the only spot in Australia to guarantee a beach landing.

If sky diving isn’t for you then you can walk along the beach, it’s perfect to because of its packed sand. Or try a day trip of white water rafting in nearby Tully. There are also hikes throughout the area in the tropical rainforest. However if you don’t have a car exploring Mission Beach is a challenge.

Suggested Time: 3-5 days

Cairns is the most popular for one of the top Australia attractions: diving and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. There are so many options available from multi-day dives to half day snorkelling tours . The city itself is a bit of a party town as it’s the biggest city since Brisbane and people tend to get a little wild.

But being back in a city means art galleries are around but luckily it still have a small-town feel. You can explore the markets such as the Cairns Night Market and The Esplanade Market. And during the day you can hangout at The Lagoon, a manmade spot by the water with a swimming pool and beach that’s a favourite among locals and tourists.

There are also the Botanical Gardens which has a few hikes. But what Cairns has the most of is days trips.

• Snorkelling and Diving Tours : The most popular islands to visit off the coast are Fitzroy Island and Green Island
• Cape Tribulation : An area known for its ecotourism in the Daintree Rainforest, people visit here for the wildlife and jungle surfing (zipling through the trees)
• Atherton Tablelands : A part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that also inclues the Daintree Rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands are an area with ancient rainforest and contain the popular waterfall route that will take you to stunning waterfalls in the region

When you visit Australia you’ll quickly notice how expensive things are but if you’re smart, plan ahead and know what to look out for you will be able to do all of the pricey activities and not miss any of the best sights in Australia.

Best Time to Travel East Coast Australia

If you plan on spending a lot of time on the beach or in the water the best time to visit Australia’s East Coast is during the summer (December-February) however it will be wildly hot and rainy season in tropical Northern Queensland. This is also peak tourist season. My recommendation is to travel in the off seasons, spring (September-November) or fall (March-May) when prices are lower, there are less crowds and the weather is decent on all parts of the coast.

That being said, there really is no bad time to travel Australia’s East Coast as it will be warm throughout the year in Queensland but prepare for the cool weather in New South Wales and Victoria! By cool I mean it can snow in Melbourne in the winter (December-February).

How Long Does it Take to Travel East Coast Australia?

If you don’t have a lot of time it can be done it two weeks. This just covers the highlights. If you want the full East Coast experience plan to spend 4-6 weeks. With this timeframe you will be able to see and do everything plus have time to relax.

Backpacking Australia on a Budget

A budget in Australia is like splurging in places like Southeast Asia, but a budget trip can be done if you’re smart, know what to budget for and plan.

Food and Drinks

The easiest way to save money is on food and drinks. It can be difficult because drinking is a huge part of travel down the East Coast but save your money for some of the more expensive experiences instead.

Eating about can cost you anywhere from $5 at fast food restaurants to $15 at sit down restaurants with a lunch special to $20+ for dinner. When buying your food from grocery stores and cooking you can spend as little as $6 a day! I’m proof, I did this while living in Melbourne.

For drinks pre-drink before going out by picking up booze at bottleshops such as Dan Murphy’s where you can stock up on Goon, boxed wine for around $15. But expect a hangover and I can’t claim that it tastes delicious. When going out use an app like Happiest Hour to help you find the closest drink deals around.

READ MORE: Australian Cuisine

Travelling Around Australia

Australia road trip.

The most budget-friendly option is to road trip Australia and it is also a very popular option. Some people even buy a car at the start and then sell it at the end. Finding used cars is very easy and common in Australia. But as a solo traveller (like me) you may not want to drive alone, you may not want to drive or camping isn’t your thing.

Travel in Australia is the easiest with the next best option, getting a bus pass. The most popular companies are Greyhound and Premier that travel not just along the East Coast but across the entire country. There are passes available based on kilometres travelled and hop on hop off passes. The main difference is that with a kilometres pass you can back track, with a hop on hop off pass you can’t. I personally recommend the hop on hop off as it works out cheaper and gives you 90 days of use between point A to B. A Sydney to Cairns pass will start at $410 with Greyhound but that is all of your travel covered!

You can also book buses pretty last minute as well so you can be flexible with your travel and change bookings for each stretch of your journey.

If you are short on time flying is the best option for you as it will be the quickest. Australia is huge and you don’t want to waste precious time spending days (yes driving can take that long!) getting between destinations. Luckily Australia has budget airlines and if you book in advance you can score awesome prices. You can also watch out for sales by signing up for budget airlines newsletters such as Tigerair and Jetstar.

Australia Accommodation

Camping on the Australia East Coast is the cheapest option. Some campsites will be free, others can be pricey. You can use books like Camps Australia Wide to find free campsites along the coast. If you have a campervan you can also pay to park in some hostels parking lots and use the bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Hostels in Australia

Personally I stayed in hostels because camping is not my thing and they’re a great place to meet people as a solo traveller. Hostels cost anywhere from $20-50 a night in a dorm room. Prices vary depending on where you are. Sydney is the most expensive so expect to pay $50 a night when there. Breakfast is often included and is typically cereal, toast and condiments, coffee and tea. Sometimes you’ll get pancakes! Be sure to check out Booking.com for an excellent selection of hostels with reviews from previous travellers and great deals.

Travel Insurance Australia

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MyFunkyTravel

Backpacking | Budget Travel | Living Abroad

Australia Backpacking Route

Our itinerary for backpacking Australia takes in six states, all the main cities, the best beaches, idyllic islands and loads of nature. It’s one of the safest destinations for first time backpackers with high class facilities and English as the main language. There’s a fairly well established Oz backpacker trail although more adventurous types won’t struggle to get off the beaten track given the size of the place. Read on for our suggested three month Australia backpacking route which you can easily shorten and pick sections of if you have less time.

Table of Contents

Backpacking australia – route info, 2. townsville & magnetic island, 3. airlie beach (gateway to the whitsundays), 4. agnes water, 5. hervey bay (for fraser island), 6. noosa (sunshine coast), 7. brisbane, 8. gold coast (surfers paradise).

• 9. Byron Bay

12. Melbourne

13. great ocean road.

• 14. Kangaroo Island

15. Adelaide

16. uluru (ayers rock), 17. alice springs, australia backpacking route – how long to spend in each place.

TIME NEEDED – 2-3 MONTHS

The typical time for a backpacking trip around Australia might be in the region of 2 to 3 months. The route outlined below should fit that time-frame, although many travellers also turn a backpacking trip to Australia into a working holiday and stay for much longer.

POSSIBLE BUDGET: £5400 €6100 $6000

This is based on prices and exchange rates at the time of writing and works out at just over 9000 Australian Dollars but doesn’t include flights to Australia which can obviously be very expensive. It will obviously depend on your style of travel but Australia is an expensive country and even by staying in the largest dorms and taking the cheapest transport options, you will struggle to get by on much less than this.

Read more on the cost of travel in Australia for a look at sample prices and typical backpacking budgets in the country.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR BACKPACKERS IN AUSTRALIA

The cost of travel insurance isn’t included in the budget figures above. You can get a quote in less than a minute from Heymondo who provide well reviewed travel insurance for backpacking Australia.

Note that you will want to consider which “high risk” adventure sports and activities are covered as these are popular in Oz. If you think you may require more extensive coverage, this rundown of the best travel insurance companies for backpackers  may help.

AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING JOBS & WORK EXCHANGES

One way to save money and potentially learn a few new skills whilst travelling in Oz is to look for work exchanges or short-term jobs. Sign up to Worldpackers to get access to work exchanges in Australia . You can get $10 off the annual membership fee by using the Worldpackers promo code “MYFUNKYTRAVELWP”.

We also have a section on work and travel which you may find useful.

Backpacking Australia – A 2-3 Month Itinerary

It may be a city and quite a decent one at that but Cairns is primarily a base for exploring some of nature’s great wonders. This is the best spot to check out the Great Barrier Reef, one of our ten once in a lifetime trips with plenty of scuba-diving options available for you to get close up to the coral. Thrill seekers will enjoy the opportunity to bungee-jump or sky-dive while the Wet Tropics Rainforest is another essential visit.

Sparsely populated Magnetic Island is reachable from Townsville. It’s good for jet skiing, bush walks and boozy nights and is Australia’s best destination for full moon parties . A very popular stop for party-loving independent travellers or those on an Australia backpacking tour. Things have been a lot quieter here in recent years due to the pandemic but should liven up in 2023 and beyond as backpackers return to Australia in larger numbers once more.

Airlie Beach is another of the best places to backpack in Australia with a very chilled out vibe in the day but also plenty of nightlife options with parties going on well into the small hours. The Whitsundays are gorgeous and are made up of 74 stunning islands. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending longer than you planned here!

This was the site of the original landing spot of Captain Cook in 1770 which was effectively year 0 for Australia as we know it today. It’s a nice spot to relax on the beach and read up on a bit of history at the Agnes Water Museum which documents the life of Cook and his voyages.

From late July to early November, Hervey Bay is a fantastic place to spot some whales. The other main reason to visit is to access Fraser Island and the southern Great Barrier Reef. Fraser Island is 120 km long and with a mild year-round climate and lots of beautiful scenery including crystal lakes and endless beaches, it’s a great place for camping out for a few days. Swimming isn’t recommended though due to dangerous tides and lots of hungry sharks.

Yet more glorious long sandy beaches and nearby national parks make Noosa another popular stop with backpackers in Australia. Make it to the Glasshouse Mountains and you will get a terrific panoramic view of the whole Sunshine Coast.

City lovers rejoice as this is the capital of Australia’s sunshine state and a good chance to stock up on anything you need at the 700+ stores in the city’s central shopping mall. It’s a lively city famed for its live music and large numbers of bars and clubs. With a relaxed riverside location, Australia’s third largest and fastest growing city generally leaves a positive impression on visitors and it has been chosen as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games.

Just south of Brisbane is Gold Coast, a city of around 500,000 people based as the name would suggest on the coast. Surfers Paradise is its touristy hub with an array of high rise structures, late night venues (some very seedy) and lots of drunk people. It’s a popular destination with Australian teens celebrating the end of high school. You’ll either love it or hate it.

9. Byron Bay

A relaxing beach setting and another essential stop for anyone solo backpacking Australia. Byron Bay is a popular place to learn to surf while you can also kayak alongside dolphins and even do a bit of skydiving if that’s your thing. Note that doing lots of these kinds of extra activities will quickly eat into your budget. Consider allowing a bit more than the suggested figures at the top of the page if that’s your plan.

The next stop on our Australia backpacking route is Nimbin which has gained a reputation as a bit of a hippy town and it’s a nice inland spot if you’re getting a bit sick of the whole beach thing. It can be visited on its own or on a day-trip from Byron Bay. The nearby Nightcap national park is home to an array of peaks, waterfalls and wildlife.

One of the most easily recognisable cities in the world thanks to the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Its setting is one of the best of any major city in the world and a boat trip or water-taxi in and around the Darling Harbour area is a must.

You could easily spend up to a week in Sydney exploring its different districts and just getting a feel for what life is like for locals and the thousands of foreigners who have made this their home. There are ways to experience culture in Sydney on a budget too, although prices are certainly high here.

With a distinctly different vibe from Sydney, Melbourne is less brash and maintains a European cultural vibe with plenty of quaint remnants of Britain. Melbourne is viewed by some as the sports capital of the world , with sports mad residents and major international events such as the Australian Open Tennis and Formula 1 taking place in the city as well as numerous teams in Australia’s sports leagues. There are also enough museums, galleries and theatres to entertain culture vultures while the multicultural population serves up a range of different cuisines.

Some of the best hostels in Melbourne are also good places to meet other travellers and perhaps make plans for a longer venture west. Options for trips out of town include a visit to Phillip Island where you can see the nightly penguin parade.

This 150 mile stretch of road that runs west from Melbourne features numerous points that are worth short visits but perhaps not overnight stays. These include traditional fishing villages, surfer beaches, lush rainforests and the bizarre cliff formation of the 12 Apostles.

For those backpacking Australia on a tighter budget or heading on to a New Zealand backpacking route , this may be a logical point to end your trip having seen the main cities and more than enough of Australia’s golden coastline. However for travellers who want the full Australian experience, the route continues through South Australia into the wilderness of Northern Territory before finishing in the Western Australian city of Perth. Get ready for some long (and expensive) journeys.

14. Kangaroo Island

A large island off the coast of Southern Australia home to an abundance of wildlife including – you guessed it – kangaroos! It’s a very scenic place and has a few different settlements so pick one and base yourself there for a few days whilst getting out and exploring the many nature reserves.

Adelaide is the capital of otherwise sparsely populated South Australia. It’s the fifth largest city in the country and although it might not have as much going for it as some of the other big ones it makes for a nice stop for a couple of days to break up the journey. This is also a big wine producing area so vineyard visits are popular.

The trip from here to Northern territory is also very long but you can break it up by visiting one of the many mining communities for a perspective on a less glamorous side to Australia which isn’t all about sun, sea and surfing.

Ayers Rock is a giant lump of earth in the middle of the world’s largest island. For some it’s an amazing sight, but non-rock lovers may end up moaning about the distance and time it takes to get here (although it does now have its own airport). It is found in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which contains a couple of other sites that are considered sacred by Aborigines. You will have to stay outside the park though probably at the nearby resort of Yulara where camping is possible. It is also worth noting that climbing the rock is strongly discouraged by the local community.

There is a sense of achievement for anyone who reaches Alice Springs. Most people have heard the name but given that it is 1200 km from the ocean and 1500 km from the nearest city, relatively few make the long trip here. Alice Springs is a base for exploring the surrounding outback and learning about the extensive indigenous history in these parts.

Unless you have a sadistic love of coach journeys that last days then you will probably need to fly from Alice Springs to Perth but unfortunately there are no direct connections at the time of writing. Therefore it can set you back as much as 500 AUD to reach the city by air and anyone primarily focused on an doing an East Coast Australia backpacking route will need to consider whether it is really worth the cost and effort of heading this far west.

Perth is a large but relaxed place and incredibly isolated from the rest of the county’s urban areas. Days can be spent on the beach, cycling around the city or visiting nearby nature reserves. At night, enjoy a drink in one of the many pubs or delve into the indie or drum and bass music scenes.

On a slightly more positive note, as the westernmost city in Australia, ending in Perth will probably make your onward journey or trip home a fraction shorter and many major international airlines do fly in and out of the city. If you are planning on visiting New Zealand after Australia, it may be more sensible to do this trip in reverse and start in Perth before ending in Cairns.

Australia Map & Itinerary Overview

The map corresponds to the destinations listed above starting in Cairns and travelling south along Australia’s Pacific Coast before darting west across the country to end up in Perth. You can of course do the trip in reverse. If you’re pushed for times or funds, consider just doing Cairns to Melbourne or vice-versa.

The above is just a guideline and you can easily tailor it to your own interest levels. For those with a bit less time looking to do a 2 month Australia itinerary without rushing, consider following the route above but ending at the Great Ocean Road just south of Melbourne where you can backtrack to for a flight home.

The entire route may make for a nice 3 month Australia itinerary and would still give you a bit of leeway to stay longer in certain places you really like. If you do make it all the way to Perth, it’s worth noting that several days will be lost to just travelling from A to B so factor that in when planning your travels. Those with more than three months in the country, will be able to get off the beaten path a bit and discover some of the more unusual things to see in Australia .

In terms of combining backpacking in Australia with other countries in the region, New Zealand and Fiji are the most obvious options. The northern part of the country, where this route starts is very close to Indonesia and therefore it’d be easy to combine this with our backpacking route for Indonesia . There are loads of flights to/from Bali from all over Australia so it would link in nicely and would provide a bit of a contrast to your trip.

If you follow this route right through to Perth, you could consider flying on to South Africa or one of the East African countries such as Kenya. This would be a nice option, particularly for anyone who is doing a round-the-world trip and eventually flying home to Europe or North America. Alternatively you could fly back via Southeast Asia or take on our India backpacking route .

This Australia itinerary was last updated in September 2022.

5 thoughts on “ Australia Backpacking Route ”

Can a person of 57 backback and work in Australia if not can I do the backpacking and what kind of insurance would I need

Hi Sonia, there’s absolutely no reason why a person of 57 cannot backpack through Australia. We’ve an article here on travel insurance for backpackers . You may have to pay more than someone in their 20’s for insurance but you should still be able to find a suitable package.

The working holiday visa that many travellers get, appears to be limited to people under 30 or 35 (depending on your country) so you may not be able to do that but you may still be able to volunteer or do work exchanges where you get accommodation in exchange for your labour.

Hi if I was traveling from south east asia and wanted to come austraila where would I start..work and travel hopefully 1 ,2 years

Hi – Please could you send a time line for visiting each place like you have with the SEA? We are planning on going from Signapore onto Aus, would you suggest starting in Cairns? Many thanks 🙂

I’d suggest Cairns would be the best starting point. As mentioned the last part of the trip is quite lengthy and expensive just to visit two or three more places so if you’re worried about money lasting then maybe you could do Cairns to Melbourne and then decide if you wish to continue onwards. That said you could just as easily do Melbourne to Cairns and then fly on to Ayers Rock/Perth if you wanted. I guess it depends where you’re coming from and going next.

It terms of a breakdown perhaps something along the lines of:

Cairns 4 days, more if you want to do lots of diving. Magnetic Island 3 days Whitsundays 1 week. Less if you’re not fussed by beaches but they are beautiful islands.

Agnes Water 1/2 days Hervery Bay 2/3 days

Noosa 2/3 days Brisbane 2/3 days Surfers Paradise 1 day to 1 week depending on whether you love it or hate it! Byron Bay 3 days Ninbin 1/2 days Sydney 5 days Melbourne 4 days Great Ocean Road 2/3 days Kangaroo Island 2/3 days Adelaide 1/2 days Ayers Rock 2/3 days

Alice Springs 2/3 days

Perth 3/4 days

The coastal places at the beginning are pretty chilled out and you could easily hang around for longer if you so wished.

If anyone has any thoughts on that schedule or other suggestions then please comment!

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Backpacking Travel Guide

Backpacking East Coast Australia Travel Guide (2024)

G’day Mate! I hear you’re packing a bag and heading to the East Coast of Australia – you lucky thing. You’re in for an absolute CRACKER.

Packed with adventure; the East Coast of Australia has got it all for us backpackers. With endless coastlines, pumping nightlife, fascinating wildlife (yes, I’m talkin’ kangaroos!) and so much more. 

If sailing the Whitsundays, camping among the dingoes on Fraser Island and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef sounds up your alley – you better get booking! 

As one of the top backpacker spots in the world, you won’t be alone when you embark on your adventure down under. Many travellers traverse the East Coast of Australia every year. The people you meet along the way are one of the best parts of travel and they will forever hold a special place in your soul. 

Whether you’re up for bumping around the hostels, splashing out somewhere a bit boujee or packing up a van and hitting the open roads – there are loads of different ways to explore the East Coast. 

To make the most of your time backpacking the East Coast of Australia , it’s important to be prepared. You’ll want to decide what your travel budget and style is, as well as some of the top places you want to see.

That’s where I come in! In this guide, I’ve got everything you need to know before you set off on your trip of a lifetime to the big ol’ land at the bottom of the world. From the best itineraries and things to do to the boring stuff like travel insurance – I’ve got it all covered. 

So, let’s dive into the good stuff and get you fully equipped for your East Coast adventure.

Why Go Backpacking in East Coast Australia

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Australia’s East Coast is an expansive land of never-ending, picturesque beaches stretching 3,150 kilometres, all the way from Sydney to Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest. And these sandy stretches are the biggest reason the East Coast has become such an iconic backpacker destination.

Sure, the surf is epic, but in addition, you can snorkel and scuba dive on the world’s most famous reef, sail among the most beautiful islands in Australia, or just lounge in a hammock with your Kindle.

But the East Coast is so much more than just its beaches. Venture out to the bush and spot koalas, kangaroos and cassowary in the best national parks in Australia ; or get your fill of big city culture in the metropolises of Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

The best way to experience this stunning and varied land is by hitting the road on an East Coast Australian road trip . The long, beautiful highway is made for road-tripping!

East Coast Australia is chock-full of some of the most iconic vistas in the country. That’s why, if you’re in Australia for the first time, taking on the East Coast is a great way to meet the land down under. It’s also the best route to take if you’ve only got a few weeks to travel Australia.

So, now that you know that you must absolutely experience backpacking East Coast Australia, what should you see and do while there? Let’s take a look at the main backpacker hangouts!

I have compiled the following East Coast Australia itineraries to help you plan your trip. It’s ideal if you can spend at least 3-4 weeks on the East Coast but honestly, when it comes to Australia, the more time you have the better!

However, feel free to tweak these itineraries depending on your time and budget constraints. However much or little time you spend backpacking the East Coast Australia, you’re sure to have an epic time.

7 Days Travel Itinerary for East Coast Australia: Sydney & Surroundings

So you’re only spending one week on the East Coast? Maybe you prefer spending more time in other parts of Australia but still wanna check out what the famed Eastern part has to offer. In that case, you can easily spend a whole week in Sydney and its surrounding areas.

Sydney , the faux-capital of Australia (the one people always think is the capital, when the real one is Canberra), can easily keep a backpacker entertained for a few days.

You can go pub crawling at night, then spend the days hanging out in the city’s green areas and world-famous harbours. Or make a trip to the famed Bondi Beach and walk along the coastline, if you feel like it.

From Sydney, you can take a day trip to Hunter Valley which is said to be the best wine region in Australia.

Then take a train to the hills and do an overnight trip to the gorgeous Blue Mountains.

Return to Sydney for at least one more day which you should spend on the super-cool Manly Beach .

2-Week Travel Itinerary for East Coast Australia: All the Classics

Got two weeks? Great! That gives you enough time to check out the most happening backpacker spots on the East Coast.

Start in Sydney , of course! After a couple of days of rapid sightseeing, head up the coast to Byron Bay. This chill surfer town is a great place to hang out for two days, especially if you also wanna check out the ultra-hippie hangout Nimbin.

Next stop: Gold Coast . (Alternatively, Noosa and Sunshine Coast.) Backpacking Gold Coast is your time to experience prime parties and surfing, before heading out for more parties in the backpacker hostels in Brisbane .

The last stop on this 2-week East Coast Australia itinerary is Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, where you can arrange a trip to Fraser Island , one of the best wildlife areas in the great Oz.

1+ Months Travel Itinerary for East Coast Australia: The Whole Thing!

This is the best itinerary for tackling an East Coast Australia trip! After all, you’ve come all the way down under – why not try out as many of Australia’s best adventures as you can?

Follow along the second itinerary: Sydney – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Brisbane – Fraser Island. Make sure to stop by in Noosa , too!

Then it’s time to add some new waters. Literally – travel to Airlie Beach , where you can arrange a sailing trip around the stunning Whitsunday Islands for a few days.

Once back on dry land, head to Townsville where you can catch a ferry to Magnetic Island.

Make a quick stop in Mission Beach before staying in Cairns . From there, you can continue to Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest.

There are a few places where travellers love to visit while backpacking East Coast Australia. Here are the best places to visit on your East Coast Australia budget trip, from the ultra-popular to more off-beat.

Get ready for some surf, sun, and adventure!

Backpacking Sydney

Backpacking Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia, is a great experience since the city has so much to offer.

You can explore the district of The Rocks , full of historical streets near the harbour, or cross the bridge for great city views and visit the Luna Park amusement park.

Circular Quay is likely your first stop in the city since it’s home to Sydney’s most iconic attractions : the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge . You can enjoy an exceptional view of the steel bridge and the harbour while having a drink at the Opera Bar.

If you’re feeling brave, you can climb the Harbour Bridge . It’s well worth doing because you’ll get to see the whole of Sydney Harbour as it was meant to be seen. They’ll even give you a certificate of achievement at the end and the option to propose to your significant other at the top (as long as you mention it beforehand).

Check out Darling Harbour for Paddy’s Market, Aboriginal Centre, the casino, Sydney Aquarium, and just a lovely space to stroll around.

Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens are some of the best green spaces in the city, and the best parties happen in King’s Cross. There are tons of backpacker hostels in Sydney to choose from – just pick your vibe.

And even though you’re in a big city, this wouldn’t be Australia if you didn’t clock in some beach time. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia. Take a dip at the Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club or take the beautiful coastal walk to Coogee.

However, the locals’ favourite beach is located a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. Manly Beach has a lovely promenade, many restaurants, shops, nightlife, and more.

Need help deciding between Sydney or Melbourne ? Check out our helpful guide.

Backpacking Brisbane

Whether you’re staying for a bit or just passing through Brisbane for the weekend, there is plenty to experience. Brisbane, or Brissy as Australians call it, is the capital of Queensland.

Brissy is defined by the Brisbane River winding through the city centre, which divides the city into a north and south side.

South Bank is the cultural precinct and home to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and several museums like the Queensland Maritime Museum.

Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find lots of places to stay in Brisbane on a budget!

Visit Streets Beach , a man-made, beach-style lagoon in the heart of the city. Make time for a stroll along the Rainforest Walk in the South Bank Parklands. Be sure to snap a shot of the giant BRISBANE sign while you are here or check out some live music on Saturday nights at City Sounds.

If you’re up for a party and want something more memorable, you can even charter your own yacht and have one helluva boat party.

Enjoy the Riverwalk , a permanent pathway extending from the CBD to New Farm Park. Take a ride across the Brisbane River with CityHopper, a free transportation vessel.

Shop at the Queen Street Mall or grab a bite at Eat Street Markets in the Portside Wharf. Restaurants here have been reconfigured out of old shipping containers — cool! Oh, and there are craft stores and live music in the evenings.

Backpacking Byron Bay

Oh yes, Byron Bay. Known for its laid-back, chill vibe worldwide. Shoes are optional, weed is plentiful, and the surf culture is huge. Come early, and stay late. No matter what time of day, backpacking Byron Bay does not disappoint.

At Byron Bay, you can check out local markets, dance in a sunset drum circle, or most importantly, catch some rays at the beach – all free of charge.

Many backpackers like to camp on the beach but there are loads of epic hostels in Byron Bay , too.

The Cape Byron Lighthouse stands on the most easterly point of mainland Australia. The lighthouse walk is one of the prettiest in the Byron Bay area.

This walk takes about 2.5 hours but it is well worth the exercise. Swim along the walk and try to spot some whales or catch a spectacular sunrise at the lighthouse.

If you have ever wanted to surf, Byron Bay is a great place to learn. Take a lesson at Main Beach or rent a longboard and head to Wategos .

For adventure, check out the experienced surfers at The Wreck or Tallows. Rent a kayak to be among the sea turtles and dolphins, go horseback riding along the beach, or snorkel in the turquoise waters.

When you’re staying in Byron Bay , allow an extra day for a trip to Nimbin . Nimbin is a small, quirky town known as the Amsterdam of Australia.

This is a tiny hippie town. Marijuana is illegal here, but absolutely everyone is going to try and sell you “special” cookies. Enjoy yourself (just know how very potent these cookies can be), and have a wander around the local shops and art galleries.

Backpacking Gold Coast

Just as you cross the border into the sunshine state of Queensland, about an hour outside of Byron Bay, you arrive at Australia’s Gold Coast. With tons of stuff to do in Gold Coast , most backpackers make a stop here!

Known for its surfing beaches, like Surfers Paradise , Gold Coast has a completely different vibe than most of Australia’s East Coast. Often called “Australia’s Hollywood”, this is the core of the nation’s entertainment industry. High-rise buildings are sprawled along the coast.

The Gold Coast embraces its touristy image, and the local culture has been impacted greatly by the “sun, sand, surf, and sex” marketing tactics.

Make sure to include a visit to Tamborine Mountain in your Gold Coast itinerary . There you can explore some rainforests, stare at some gorgeous views, and meet some animals.

Go surfing, then grab a bite at one of the many oceanfront restaurants or do some shopping. Stay as little or long as you want, the weather stays great all year round, anyway!

Backpackers will love the vibrant nightlife. Pub crawls hosted by hostels in Gold Coast are a great way to socialize and meet other travellers, and party the night away.

Backpacking Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Just up the road north of Brissy is the Sunshine Coast. Backpacking Sunshine Coast is a must while backpacking East Coast Australia, and Noosa, its most well-known area, is my personal favourite spot on the coast!

Noosa is a vibrant area that maintains a small, beach town feel. Hastings Street, conveniently located near the beach, has lovely cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Noosa is most noted for the Noose National Park, which is an easy place to spot a koala resting in a tree. UNESCO has classified Noosa as an official Biosphere Reserve.

There are a few great hostels in Noosa that won’t break the bank if you decide to stay in the area for a couple of nights.

The best way to enjoy Noosa is to rent a surfboard or soak up the sun at one of the best beaches in Australia.

Also make sure to allow an additional day to explore the Noosa Everglades , one of only two everglades systems in the world and an Australian best-kept secret. It’s best to go with a tour company since all parts won’t be accessible for just a casual wanderer.

But Noosa is just one point of interest in the awesome Sunshine Coast Area. You’ll also find other backpackers hanging out in Mooloolaba and Gympie . For nature-lovers The Hinterland – home to the famous Glass House Mountains – is an awesome place to check out.

Backpacking Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay and Fraser Island

Fraser Island is one of the top attractions on this East Coast Australia budget trip. But first, let’s take a look at the two towns that are the gateways to this unique island!

Rainbow Beach is a beauty in its own right. The town’s name derives from the rainbow-coloured sand dunes that surround the area.

Carlo Sand Blow is an impressive stretch of land with a moon-like appearance and is an amazing place to view the sunrise or sunset. Here you can slide down the colourful dunes or try paragliding.

Visit Double Island Point Lighthouse , and try to spot marine life like dugongs and sharks. This is also the longest wave break in all of Australia.

Hervey Bay doesn’t have quite as much going on for it but there is some affordable backpacker accommodation in Hervey Bay in case you want to visit Fraser Island on a day trip.

Then, to the crown jewel – Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. It’s best visited on a tour that you can book from either in Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. If you do have the time to experience Fraser Island on your own, shop for groceries and gas on the mainland, and remember to arrange park and camping permits.

Fraser Island is a true wonder of the world. You can take a dip in Lake Mackenzie or Lake Wabby with sparkling clean waters, or the Champagne Pool , the island’s natural jacuzzi.

The main “road” on Fraser Island is the Seventy-Five Mile Beach where you can drive to some of the island’s best attractions like the incredible Maheno Shipwreck and Eli Creek .

Indian Head , a coastal headland and the most easterly point of the island, offers spectacular views of the ocean. Here you can climb the rocky outcrop and search for rays, sea turtles, and sharks down below.

The most special treat of Fraser Island is the dingoes. These are some of the last remaining pure dingoes in Eastern Australia.

Backpacking Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is a smaller town that comes to life at night. This is a destination with many bars, backpackers, and clubs, and you will not have a dull night during your layover here. Stay in one of Airlie Beach’s epic hostels to get in on a true backpacker pub crawl.

To be honest, there isn’t much to see in the town. You can take an afternoon dip in Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made lagoon in the heart of the city. Or, embark on the most picturesque boat ride of your life from the Port of Arlie at 8 a.m. for a full day of adventure. There’s an included all-you-can-eat BBQ, morning and afternoon tea, unlimited drinks, and Whitsunday island beach exploration.

Airlie Beach is mostly known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands !

Ahh, the Whitsunday Islands. They are what dreams are made of with their indescribable beauty. These islands form part of the Great Barrier Reef.

Due to its stunning beauty, The Whitsunday Islands are made up of luxury resorts – no hostels. However, camping is possible on some of the islands if you have a boat to reach the sites and bring your own food.

The truest way to experience the 74 Whitsunday Islands is with a sailing trip. Embark on the most picturesque boat ride of your life from the Port of Arlie at 8 a.m. for a full day of adventure. There’s an included all-you-can-eat BBQ, morning and afternoon tea, unlimited drinks, and Whitsunday island beach exploration. Or, if you’ve got more than a day available for a boat ride, I highly recommend taking a three-day cruise that includes scuba diving, beach-hopping, and epic onboard parties.

Who would have thought, a broke backpacker like you would have the opportunity to experience the sweet, sweet sailing life ?

Backpacking Townsville and Magnetic Island

Townsville is often just a pit stop for most backpackers but if you wanna make a proper stop, there are some epic hostels in Townsville . Rumour has it that Townsville has some awesome parties to offer, too.

Top recommendations for places to visit include the Reef HQ Aquarium with hundreds of coral, fish, and other sea species, as well as a turtle hospital. Just south of the city is The Billabong Sanctuary. Considered “Australia’s best interactive wildlife sanctuary”, there are over 100 species of Australian animals on site.

SeaLink, Townsville’s Ferry, will get you to and from Magnetic Island, which is no doubt The Reason you came here.

Magnetic Island is a mountainous island some 8 km off the coast. Named after its mysterious magnetic effect, Magnetic Island has a lot of curious characteristics to be discovered. Fun fact: Magnetic Island is also the sunniest place in Australia with more sunny days in a year than anywhere else in Australia.

Another World Heritage-listed site, Magnetic Island is rich in forests and boasts 23 secluded beaches and bays. You can rent out a snorkel, a kayak, or jet skis and water skis to explore the waters around the island.

Magnetic Island also has some great trails waiting to be hiked. With so many spectacular views, cover more distance by renting a bike or scooter.

There’s also the Bungalow Bay Koala Village where you can hold a koala in your arms, among other Aussie wildlife staples. I’m not sure I would recommend it, though… The animals seemed well taken care of but always be on extra alert when you’re participating in animal tourism.

Oh, and Magnetic Island is home to Australia’s premier full moon beach party! Keep that in mind, party people.

Backpacking Cairns

Backpacking Cairns is not to be missed. The city is known for its tropical climate and is the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef . There isn’t all that much to do in the city itself – but I absolutely love it.

Cairns esplanade has a large swimming lagoon, which is not unusual for most Australian cities, but at this lagoon, you can sunbathe topless. Hey, it is extra humid here!

Cairns is also home to Australia’s only bungee jump, with the option to jump as many times as you would like, for those real daredevils.

There are plenty of affordable hostels in Cairns as well as options for food, drinks, and shopping on a backpacker’s budget.

Cairns’ crown jewel, one of the 7 wonders of the natural world and the largest living organism on Earth, is the Great Barrier Reef. The best way to explore the colourful corals is on a scuba diving expedition. This will put a dent in your budget but trust me, it’s worth it!

The perfect way to end your time in Cairns is at the Insta-famous waterfalls at  Atherton Tablelands.

Herbal Essence filmed their rainforest commercial here, and for good reason. Girls, or long-haired lads, let those locks down and get an awesome hair flip shot in front of Millaa Millaa Falls:  a cool reminder of your ultimate backpack journey to the land down under.

Backpacking the Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas

The Daintree Rainforest , an ancient landscape, is the oldest rainforest in the world. The forest can be explored from Cairns, or even better, stay closer to the rainforest.

Head to Cape Tribulation to learn about the indigenous peoples of Australia.

View the fascinating Cassowary bird, spot crocodiles, swim, and of course stop at the rainforest’s best scenic locations.

Cape Tribulation is one of the finest beaches in Australia. There is a huge stretch of bleached sand, the likes of which are juxtaposed wonderfully by the verdant jungles of the Daintree.

Do be careful of the crocs as they like to hang out in the estuaries around the cape. Also, know that this is about as far north as you can go without having a powerful 4×4 vehicle.

If you want an alternative base to Cairns, try staying in Port Douglas on the edge of the Daintree – it’s more resorty but has a great beach and some down-tempo hostels as well. You can participate in many of the same activities as Cairns and at comparable rates.

The Great Barrier Reef is actually closer to Port Douglas as well so the boat trip out is shorter.

Off the Beaten Path on the East Coast of Australia

The East Coast of Australia isn’t just made up of the ultra-popular backpacker hangs – there are tons more to discover. Take some time out of your East Coast Backpacking trip and visit one of these spectacular destinations.

Mission Beach is another holiday gem known for its natural beauty and adventure. I recommend you arrange a trip to the nearby Dunk Island , which is blessed with amazing trails with panoramic views and excellent snorkelling waters .

Mission Beach is also a fav for adrenaline junkies: go white-water rafting down the Tully River or head out mountain biking, fishing or sailing. For the ultimate thrill, go skydiving with an incredible beach landing.

Another off-the-beaten-path town is Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. This is one of the last places you will find surf on the East Coast before hitting the reef region, and the lessons here are some of the cheapest.

The historical Town of 1770 is home to mini “Harley-style” chopper tours, which are its main attraction.

Closer to Sydney, The Blue Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Australia. You should view them either by one of the many drive-up viewpoints, from the trail, or even by canyoneering. The Blue Mountains are a feast for the eyes.

The best place to stay in the Blue Mountains is its main town Katoomba . Other settlements include Springwood , Leura , and Blackheath .

Katoomba is the best though. It’s a very artsy commune and has a reputation for being full of hippies, but it also offers a lot of Blue Mountain’s best hostels .

From just about any town you can arrange a walk and go hiking on one of many trails. Popular trails in the area include the Giant Stairway, the Grand Canyon, and National Pass Trail. If you’re the really adventurous type, try canyoneering!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

If you read through all the little snippets about the best places to visit in East Coast Australia on a budget, you probably already have a pretty good idea of all the awesome things you can do during your trip!

But a bit of concise repetition is always good, right? Here are some of the absolute most fun, most epic, best things to do in East Coast Australia.

Spoiler alert: most of them are not very budget-friendly, but all of them are worth the spend.

1. Surf in Noosa

Noosa, the backpackers’ most beloved stop on the Sunshine Coast, is known for chill vibes, rich nature, and awesome waves. Surfing in Noosa is not just about learning to stand on the board – it’s also about diving into the local surfer culture. You’ll also find plenty of yoga retreats in this area.

2. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

The world’s largest coral reef is one of the top things to do in the whole of Australia, and it’s an incredible experience whether you’re underwater in scuba gear or snorkelling along. The reef has unfortunately experienced a lot of bleaching and damage in recent years but it is still worth the visit.

3. Sail the Whitsundays

Ever dream of a pirate’s life? In the Whitsundays, you can experience what it’s like to sail between some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world.

Add in a sprinkle of underwater exploration, on-board parties, and lounging on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen, it’s easy to see why sailing the Whitsundays is one of the top things to do in East Coast Australia.

4. Celebrate New Year in Sydney

Sure, there are a few time zones before Australia, but as one of the first places where the year changes, Sydney is easily one of the best places to spend the New Year’s in the world. The fireworks over the Harbour Bridge are usually televised all over the planet.

5. Hunt Down Oversized Fruit

East Coast Australia is super backpacker-friendly not just because of its many attractions but its great farm work opportunities.

Many towns on the coast lean heavily into their status as the fruit-picking capital of the country, and have erected statues of giant fruit. One of the most famous ones is the Big Banana in Coff’s Harbour.

6. Chill out at Nimbin

If Byron Bay is the capital of hippies in Australia, then Nimbin is their administrative centre. This small town near Byron has got more and more touristy, but it still has plenty of chill vibes and good smokes to offer (although, if you’re gonna partake in drugs on the road, you should know they are illegal in Australia).

7. Party Like There’s No Tomorrow

The East Coast is without a doubt the most popular spot for solo backpackers in Australia – which means that this is where you’ll find the wildest, most debauched travellers to the land down under. Australian backpacker parties are truly something to experience – and so are the hangovers.

8. Road Trip the Coast

The long, well-kept roads of the coast are calling… There is no better way to travel the East Coast than on a road trip! Hire or buy a campervan or find other backpackers with a car to experience Australia from Sydney to Cairns in the best possible way. Plus, you’ll be getting a real taste of the awesome van life.

My highest praise for rental companies goes to JUCY Rentals . Reasonable prices. Great customer service. And bloody comfy vans. They are the ideal home on four wheels for your trip around the coast!

9. Hang out with the Dingos

Fraser Island is the world’s biggest sand island and definitely one of the most unique things to add to your budget trip on East Coast Australia. It’s also the best place to see dingoes, Australia’s indigenous wild dogs. But don’t try to pet them – these wild dogs are for watching only.

10. Explore the World’s Oldest Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest in Northern Queensland is a little off the beaten path and unfortunately skipped by many backpackers. You might not stumble on too many epic parties down here but you’ll definitely find awesome natural peace and great snorkelling opportunities.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacking East Coast Australia is all about the hostel experience. Airbnb and Couchsurfing are always an option if you’re craving some peace and quiet but they can get quite expensive in Australia .

So, to keep your East Coast Australia travel costs low, always pick hostels! There are some absolutely epic hostels in Australia and each destination has a plethora of accommodation choices.

From my humble personal experience, Australia is one of the best places in the world to live da sweet, sweet hostel life .

Well, at least if you’re young, broke, and relatively new to travelling. (These days I would definitely pick camping over the rowdy hostel rooms.) Cause yo, Australian hostels are FUN. There’s always some sort of a pub crawl, snorkel trip, movie night, or quiz going on, and meeting other travellers is super easy.

There are as many hostel experiences as there are hostels in Australia. Read reviews beforehand. Some hostels are total shitholes, and some are fancy boutique-style, offering even women-only accommodation and other rare extras.

Your average 8-12 bed mixed dorm is going to run at about 20 AUD per night, depending on your location.

 The Best Places to Stay in East Coast Australia

With so many places to choose from, let me get you started on picking an affordable hostel or cheap hotel for your East Coast Australia budget trip. Here are some of the best cities to hit, and the top accommodation options in them.

If you’re not looking to share dorms in a hostel, you can find some affordable beach houses in Australia . Just book well in advance!

Let me be honest, Australia is not cheap , but the price to travel there is worth every cent.

Your costs are going to depend on where you stay, how you travel, what you eat, the activities you choose, and your alcohol intake. The following are a few guidelines to keep your travel costs down.

Activities, like a surf lesson, a snorkel trip or a skydive are easily gonna cut $80-100 USD out of your budget.

A bus pass can seriously save you on travel and sometimes include deals for activities as well. However, the absolute cheapest way to travel is to find a friend with a car and chip in for the gas!

Stay in large mixed-bed dorms at hostels that offer freebies like breakfast, tea, coffee, and surfboard rentals. Staying within budget sometimes means staying in the shabbier hostels but this rarely stops the stay from being a good time 🙂

Try to grocery shop, pack snacks, and cook dinner with your friends because the food will be one of the biggest costs in Australia. Buy all alcohol from the bottle shop to avoid paying high prices at the bar.

A Daily Budget in East Coast Australia

With some savvy spending, you can keep hold of the travel costs in East Coast Australia. Here are some example budgets for different style spenders.

Money in Australia

Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar. In May 2022, the exchange rate is 1 AUD: 0.70 USD / 0.66 Euro.

Major credit and debit cards are accepted throughout Australia. Being a first-world nation, you will find many banks, currency exchange locations, and ATMs.

The process for opening a bank account is fairly easy even for those on a working holiday visa, and it is a good idea for smart travel banking to steer clear of international transaction fees.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise!

Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – East Coast Australia on a Budget

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst backpacking East Coast Australia, I recommend sticking to the basic rules of budget adventuring. Here are some travel tips to keep your budget in check.

• Camp:  You cannot get much cheaper than free when it comes to accommodation. Grab an  awesome backpacking tent to take with you, or if you’re wanting to go super light-weight, a  camping hammock .
• Couchsurfing: If roughing it in nature is not your thing, try to see if you could meet some laid-back locals and crash a couch for some nights.
• Eat supermarket food:  Oh yes, the local supermarkets where you can purchase every backpacker’s favourite meal: instant noodles. If you are camping on a tight budget or your hostel doesn’t have a kitchen, it’s worth taking a portable stove .
• Hitchhike: If you have the time, save significant amounts of money on transportation by hitchhiking.’
• Pack a travel water bottle  and save money every day!

Why Should You Travel to East Coast Australia with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem.

And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The Australian continent is in the Southern Hemisphere, so it celebrates its summer from December to March and winter from June to September. On this East Coast itinerary, you’ll be travelling through two states: New South Wales and Queensland.

New South Wales is in a subtropical zone with hot summers and cool winters. Queensland, on the other hand, is in a tropical region with warm temperatures year-round which means it has both the wet and the dry season.

In Queensland, the wet season – summer – is said to be a poor time to drive north due to serious rainfalls and the threat of cyclones. The early dry season (April to May) is when the land begins to rejuvenate itself.

Accordingly, you may want to consider your arrival in Sydney during late Australian summer when the weather is sunny and warm.

Then continue up the coast during the early dry season to avoid natural disasters. However, I travelled East Coast Australia through January and caught amazing weather, little rain, and serious sunburn. I took a risk, but I am also not bothered by hot temperatures.

If you get to Sydney in the European summer, bring a good jacket – it gets seriously cold.

What to Pack for East Coast Australia

On every adventure, there are a few things I always add to my  backpacking packing list. These things will definitely also come in handy on your budget trip to East Coast Australia!

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Australia is a safe country with a low crime rate. In order to stay safe, follow this advice: “Don’t be stupid!”

People who’ve never been to Australia love to think that everything there is out to kill them. The venomous snakes and spiders start to seem like the tip of the iceberg when you hear stories about baby-eating dingos, highway murderers, and plants that can paralyse you.

While Australia does have its fair share of “WTF is that” level nature and animals, you’ll likely be perfectly safe wherever you go, as long as you follow the usual backpacker safety tips .

The Australian sun is really hard on poor pale-skinned travellers, and can be a real safety threat. Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothing when going out in the Australian sun.

Drink water and always carry fluids with you. A surefire way to destroy your trip is by ending up in the hospital with dehydration or sunstroke.

The ocean is another potential point of danger. Swim between the flags on the beach – although seeing a shark on a beach is very rare, the marked areas are safe for swimmers. Similarly, if there are signs telling you not to swim there, obey them! Out there be crocodiles.

The sea itself also hides many secret riptides and currents which is exactly why you should only swim in the marked areas. Unless you REALLY want to end up on TV on Bondi Rescue.

Although it may not be common, there is the risk of being bitten by a snake or spider while backpacking East Coast Australia. Always tell someone the areas you are exploring, and try to find a buddy to join if you are headed into the bush.

I was stung by a bluebottle jellyfish after accidentally sitting on it at the beach! Thankfully, the lifeguard knew exactly what to do and there were showers nearby to rinse off. I would have been frightened had I been all alone.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Australia

Backpackers and Australians alike are down to party. Every stop you make will have places to drink and, generally, several choices: clubs, bars, pubs, music venues, strip clubs, hostels. You name it; Australia’s East Coast has it.

Be sure to pre-game to stay on budget. Set an alarm before you go out. You do not want to miss your bus or be charged an extra night for failing to check out of your hostel on time.

Partying is all fun and games but it’s such an easy hole to fall into that you really should keep your alcohol use in check – drinking too much is one of the biggest backpacker mistakes you could make.

Party drugs should be easy to come by especially in places like Gold Coast and Sydney.

If you are looking to get high, the people of Nimbin or Byron Bay are sure to offer up advice. As backpackers, we are all in this together, and your fellow travellers are likely to invite you to join them while smoking.

One of the best parts about travelling is meeting new people, drinking, smoking, and sharing stories.

Do note that drugs are illegal in Australia – yep, even in Nimbin. Blaze at your own risk.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting East Coast Australia

Stung by a jellyfish or dropped your new iPhone in the toilet after one too many pub crawls? You never think you need insurance – until you do.

Travelling without insurance could be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The best way to fly to the east coast internationally is through Sydney. there are also airports in other bigger cities along the coast, and especially if you’re flying domestically, it could make sense to fly to Brisbane or Cairns.

Purchase your visa prior to your flight and have a valid passport. Declare any items necessary on your Incoming Passenger Card. Most importantly, do not do anything stupid and respect Australia! This means no import/export of any illegal items or substances.

Australia Entry Requirements

There are several different types of tourist visas available to those who want to go backpacking in Australia. The three primary tourist visa types are:

• Visitor visa (subclass 600)
• Electronic Travel Authority Visa (ETA) (subclass 601)
• eVisitor (subclass 651)

The 601 and 651 visas essentially function in the same way albeit with different application processes. The 600 is for those who want to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months at a time and for those who don’t qualify for either a 601 or 651. The grand majority of nationalities can apply for all of these visas online.

The ETA (601) and eVisitors (651) are the simplest and easiest visas to acquire. Both enable unlimited entries into Australia within the span of a year – the duration of stay cannot exceed 3 months at a time.

The biggest difference between these two types of visas is that they are only available to specific countries. Americans and Canadians, in addition to several other nations, must apply for an ETA. British, as well as most European citizens, must apply for an eVisitors visa.

The Visitor visa (600) is the most expensive of Australian visas but can grant the most time. Applicants can apply for a 3, 6, or 12-month duration at rates that vary from AUD140 to AUD1020. For any nation that doesn’t qualify for a 601 or 651, the 600 visa is the only means of entering Australia.

The best way to enter Australia, though? The famed working holiday visa. This is essentially a one-year visa (extendable to 2 years under certain conditions).

This is the only tourist visa that also legally allows you to work while in the Oz, and if you’re planning to stay in the country for longer than a couple of months, it’s your absolute best visa option.

If you’re over the age of 30, you might need to look at other options. This visa is designed to help those travellers on their gap year in Australia , and apparently, if you’re over 30 you can’t get away with being on a gap year and so you can’t apply for this visa …hey, I don’t make the rules, but I don’t have to agree with them either. Sorry 30+ year olds!

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Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

You can hire a car, camper van, or take the greyhound bus — these are the most popular options.

Bad news: bus travel can get hella expensive. Good news: bus passes can offer some serious savings.

The Greyhound hop on, hop off pass is one of the best options to give you the most bang for your buck.

The OZ Experience includes bundle packages to places like Fraser Island, which saves you hassle and money. The Premier bus system  is a cheaper option than Greyhound, but timetables and stops are a bit limited; therefore, this pass requires more precise planning.

Road tripping is the BEST way to travel the Australian east coast! If you plan your trip well and share the vehicle with a few friends, it can also be the cheapest option while giving you the most freedom and flexibility.

There are many epic stops on NSW or Queensland road trips.

Renting a car or a campervan is pretty easy since there are lots of places offering rentals. Check out my top pick: JUCY Rentals .

It’s also popular for longer-time backpackers to buy a used car and sell it again at the end of their trip.

The bigger initial investment is not ideal fro the brokest of backpackers but you’re likely to get most of your money back in the end when you sell your trusty steed.

Train travel in Australia is a rarer way of getting around as a backpacker. Travel times are long and trips are expensive, plus limited stations can make your trip a little inflexible.

However, watching the beautiful Aussie landscapes roll past as you sit in your comfy train seat… Now that’s an experience! Going by rail can show you some of the best train trips in the world .

As I’ve already said, distances in Australia are long! Which makes for great road-tripping if you’re not in a rush  – and a nightmare if you only have limited time.

There are airports in most major cities on the East Coast and with some luck, domestic flights can be cheaper than trains or busses, especially if you’re travelling light.

Don’t want to buy or rent a car – maybe you’re not a confident driver, or just don’t have the money? Well, finding a rideshare in the East Coast is not all that difficult!

Keep an eye on the information board at your hostel or post a note yourself and you’re sure to find other backpackers going the same way.

Many backpackers also use websites like Gumtree to find rideshares.

Just a note for young solo female travellers: I met some seedy characters through Gumtree (essentially the Aussie Craigslist) so I’d advise keeping your guard up and maybe meeting your rideshare before the trip, especially if they’re Australian.

Hitchhiking is always a fun option to get around and completely for free!

Note that distances are HUGE and it will take time to get from place to place. You will need far more water than you anticipate, and then you will need even more than that .

Dehydration is very serious and a real threat in the land down under.

Hitching also obviously comes with its own risks, re: who’s picking you up. Australia is generally a very safe country but thanks to the infamous backpacker killer Ivan Milat and the loosely-inspired movie  Wolf Creek , you won’t find lots of Aussies recommending hitchhiking.

Is it actually dangerous, though? Probably not. But there are long stretches of absolutely nothing out there, and very little hope of getting help if you need it.

Onward Travel From East Coast Australia

Australia, being in Oceania, may not share borders with another country, but that should not deter you from travelling onward. Backpacking Oceania is a pretty epic adventure!

Popular travel destinations for Australians include Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Fiji. Bali and Thailand are also huge backpacker favourites. These countries can be reached at fairly reasonable prices from OZ.

You came all of this way, though. Why leave now? While the country as a whole could take years to fully travel, Australia has so many regions for backpackers to discover.

Head to the Red Centre to discover the Outback. Go north to see the crocodiles in Darwin. Ride Camels on the beach in Broome.

Travel up the West Coast and compare the Ningaloo Reef to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy wineries in Adelaide. Cruise the Great Ocean Road and wind up in Melbourne. Catch a ferry or flight to Tasmania, under down under.

Australia is a magical land so take the time to discover all of its wonders.

• Backpacking Oceania
• Backpacking Australia Travel Guide
• Backpacking Tasmania Travel Guide
• Backpacking Bali Travel Guide
• Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide
• Backpacking Japan Travel Guide

If you want to work in Australia, it’s actually pretty easy!

Australia offers something called the working holiday visa which is a tourist visa that allows 18-30-year-old travellers to stay in Australia for up to one year and work at the same time.

Australia might be an expensive place to travel but the salaries are on par with the standard of living. Meaning that even a minimum wage job is going to contribute massively to your travel budget!

On the East Coast, fruit picking jobs are especially plentiful, but you can also find jobs in cafés, restaurants, hostels, and many other places.

The one-year working holiday visa can in some cases be extended to two years if you’ve done a few months of farm work.

One popular means for emigrating to Australia is with a work sponsorship. Your chance of receiving a sponsorship is going to increase exponentially if you are already living and working in the country. It’s not necessarily easy to find a work sponsor unless you’ve got skills that Australia is looking for – for example, in the trades or in nursing.

You can also find farm work as an unpaid volunteer in Australia relatively easily. WWOOFing is popular and even though it doesn’t pay, it goes towards earning your second-year working holiday visa.

Here at The Broke Backpacker we absolutely love Worldpackers! They’re community-driven, responsible and just an awesome platform all around.

When you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity, it’s a good idea to use a reputable website like Workaway or one of its alternatives .

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Australia is a Western culture, but that does not mean that Aussies subscribe to the same values as other Westerners. Religion and politics are not often discussed in everyday conversations. As a multicultural society, consisting of many ethnic groups, Australia is optimistic and welcoming.

Aussies are known for their laid-back attitudes, love for sports and the beach, drinking and BBQs, friendliness, and most importantly their adventurous personalities.

Australians also love to mess with tourists. One thing you should never do in Australia is believe everything you’re told. Aussies are the masters of spewing the most outrageous fiction with a poker face, and there’s nothing they love more than getting a poor little tourist to fall for one of their jokes.

Take everything Australians say with a grain of salt… Except for drop bears. Drop bears are definitely real.

Aboriginal Australians are considered to be the oldest known civilization on Earth. You won’t find many of them on the East Coast due to injustices committed by white people over two centuries of colonization. In 2008, the Prime Minister delivered a historic apology for the mistreatment of Aboriginal Australians.

Today, Australia has made it a national commitment to close the gap in employment, education, and health between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

You will often find that most white Australians share the same sentiment that Aboriginal Australians were horribly mistreated and misunderstood. Many try their best to show respect for the native people’s culture, and feel remorse for the choices of many of their ancestors.

Useful Travel Phrases for East Coast Australia  

English is the spoken language of Australia, but the Aussie vernacular may leave even a native English speaker perplexed. Slang is so commonly used that you may question if Australians are speaking English at all. No one has time to use full words in Straya!

I have compiled some of the most popular phrases, so you are not left dumbfounded while having a chat with the locals.

Arvo  – afternoon

Barbie  – barbeque

Bottle-O  – liquor store

Esky  – cooler

Mozzie  – mosquito

Fair dinkum  – true, genuine

Grog  – liquor, beer

Roo  – kangaroo

Sheila  – woman

Thong  – flip-flops

Tinny  – can of beer

Stubby  – can of beer

Dunny  – toilet

Bush  – the Outback or anywhere outside of town

What to Eat in Australia

You can find any cuisine you desire in Australia’s major cities.

If you would like to eat like a local does then your diet is going to consist heavily upon meat. Common meals include meat pies, fish and chips, roast dinners, lamb, and Australian bush food.

Native fruit is always a great snack or breakfast idea.

Australians love to stop for ice cream — hey, it is hot!

For an authentic Australian experience be sure to try: Kangaroo, Emu, Vegemite, Tim Tams, and Lamingtons.

Wine is a huge export for Australia with many wine regions throughout the continent. Be sure to try local wine during your visit. Goon— boxed wine — is huge for budget travellers. Beer always remains a popular Aussie staple. Common names in beer include XXXX, VB, Tooheys New, and Carlton Draught.

A Brief History of Australia

Aboriginal Australians arrived on the Australia mainland between 40,000 and 70,000 years ago. Their traditions relating to music, art, and spirituality are among the longest surviving in human history. Before the arrival of the British, the number of Aboriginal people living in Australia was between 300,000 and 1 million.

In 1770, Lieutenant James Cook claimed the land for Great Britain, after the Dutch first sighted Australia in 1606. In 1788, a fleet of 11 boats arrived in Botany Bay to establish New South Wales as a Penal Colony.

Furthermore, convicts were sent to all states, but South Australia became a free colony in 1836. More than 162,000 convicts were transported to Australia from Great Britain.

Australia began to look like a desirable location after the discovery of gold and the kickstart to its economy. The Eureka Stockade at Ballarat, in 1854, was a rebellion against taxation. Some see this as a crucial event in the evolution of Australia’s democracy.

Chinese immigration began during this period with 50,000 Chinese establishing roots in Australia.

In 1901, a federation of all of the states, the Commonwealth of Australia was created. The creation of Canberra marked it as the capital of New South Wales, with a temporary parliament in Melbourne.

The Australian and New Zealand Anzac Corps took part in the World War I Gallipoli Campaign, in 1915. April 25, ANZAC Day, was the same date as the first landing at Gallipoli. Australians remember and pay their respects to the sacrifices of their armed forces on this day.

After World War II and the Vietnam War, an influx of migrants moved to Australia. Between 1949-1974, The Snowy Mountains Scheme employed 100,000 people.

70% of these people were migrants from 30 different nations. Today, people from all over the world call Australia home. The continent has become known for its equality and lack of clear class distinctions.

East Coast Australia is maybe the best region in the country for backpackers thanks to its huge array of fun things to do! These activities do come with a bit of a price tag but if you’ve taken them into account already in your East Coast Australia budget, they’re totally worth the splurge.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Surfing in East Coast Australia

Surfing is basically a national sport. If you’ve never been on a board before, Australia is a good place to start! You’ll find waves for all skill levels, and even better – you’ll get a taste of the laid-back surfer culture in the small, chill towns on the coast.

There are so many amazing surfing spots in East Coast Australia that it would seem more logical to note where you  couldn’t  actually surf.

Everywhere you go there seems to be good breaks and swells. Of course, you won’t be surfing in the Sydney Harbour but travel less than an hour and, boom, you’ll be right in the middle of some prime waves.

Some of the best spots for surfing on the east coast are Byron Bay, Gold Coast (especially Surfer’s Paradise! ), and Noosa.

Most of the towns on the East Coast are a good find for surfers. Going further north, surf waters end around Agnes Waters. The Great Barrier Reef stops the formation of really good waves, and up north, you’ll also have to worry about jellyfish and crocodiles.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling in East Coast Australia

You can dive nearly everywhere in Australia, so naturally, there is no shortage of dive centres.

Obviously, on the East Coast you’ll find the Holy Grail of diving sites: The Great barrier reef. It’s not quite as glorious as it used to be since climate change and tourism have caused it to erode and bleach quite a bit, but it’s still a fantastic sight with lots of varied, colourful ocean life.

Some of the best places to find excursions to the reef are Cairns and Port Douglas.

Getting underwater is also very accessible for snorkelers so if scuba diving is out of your budget, you still get to enjoy the company of cool fishies.

If a diving certificate is something you would like to pursue, you can easily schedule a course to become PADI Open Water Certified . Prices do vary depending on the course you choose and location. The total cost of scuba diving certification will likely run at about $350-$450.

Festivals in Australia

Australia’s gorgeous weather allows festival-goers the opportunity to celebrate all year round.

Luckily, a tour up the East Coast will offer many options for events and festivals in Sydney and Brisbane, entertainment capital Gold Coast, and super hip Byron Bay. During any given month you can search event pages for all local festivals, concerts, and shows.

Splendour in the Grass, Stereosonic, and Vivid Sydney are all awesome music festivals featured at East Coast venues.

Got questions about backpacking East Coast Australia on a budget? I’ve got answers! Here are some things that many other backpackers have also wondered about.

How much does it cost to backpack around East Coast Australia?

I’d budget $50 a day. The trade-off to being the Land of the High Minimum Wage is that Australia is also the home of pricey everything . With a dorm bed costing around $15 USD per night and food is so expensive you might consider dumpster diving. Luckily, you can work your way around Australia and make some of that cashback.

Where is the best destination for backpackers on East Coast Australia?

Well, everyone goes to Sydney, Byron Bay, and Brisbane. The coast in general is prized backpacking territory but I’d recommend also going inland. The outback is less crowded and beautiful!

Can I travel alone to East Coast Australia?

Helllll yeah! Especially if you stick to backpacking the East Coast, you can always find travel buddies and you won’t feel like you’re travelling alone. However, if you get your own car and head to the outback, Australia is the perfect place to seek solitude as a solo traveller.

What should I drink on East Coast Australia?

Goon and Australian beer are the cheapest options but I don’t know if I can recommend them in good conscience since they’re pretty terrible. My tip is to befriend a local Aussie or an Irish backpacker – the kind of party type that would be sad to see your glass empty.

Are drop bears real? 😉

100% mate, you better watch it.

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East Coast Australia is a backpacker dreamland. An endless coast of pristine beaches makes it the ideal journey for relaxation or adventure.

By the way – tipping in Australia is not expected and can sometimes be considered rude. I once told a cute bartender in Byron Bay to, “keep the change” and he looked at me like I was a huge bitch.

You can use that line on taxi drivers, though, and it will be okay. Restaurants will accept tips if the service was exceptionally good.

The opportunity to discover new wildlife, rainforests and islands is a daily treat. Sailing, surfing, and scuba diving are all worth doing, and you can party in some of the most famous cities in the world.

It does not matter if you are a first-time backpacker or experienced and well versed, East Coast Australia is a land of wonders ready to be explored by anyone!

• Backpacking Fiji
• How to Find Cheap Flights
• Wilderness Cooking 101
• The Best Travel Fishing Rods

Updated in May 2022 by Elina Mattila.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alexandria Zboyovski

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My best memories are the three months I spent diving and sailing along the east coast of Australia. Your article hits many of the highlights – Coogee Coastal Walk, the Great Barrier reef, and the Blue Mountains in Katoomba.

This is an excellent article. Many people do not realise the extent of Australia and how it has so many different climates and cultures. I have not visited yet but hope to do so in the next year or so and top of my list will be snorkeling, followed closely by surfing, and perhaps some bush walking!

Very insightful.. Thanks Much!

Excellent article written by a true explorer.

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Action-packed Australia travel itineraries for every length of trip

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During our family’s gap year trip around the world , we spent a generous seven weeks touring around Australia, hitting five different states including countless cities, towns, villages and national parks. For most of the world, Australia is not close or inexpensive to get to – we figured we might as well explore as much as possible once we got there! If your family is considering a trip Down Under, check out our best itineraries for Australia, the top things to do in Australia with kids and our tips for visiting Australia on a budget (as much as possible – the country is expensive compared to many others, no matter how you slice it).

A note about car seats in Australia

Be advised that Australia has very specific laws on car seat usage. While most countries allow visitors to use their approved seats from home, in Australia it is only legal to use seats that meet the joint Australia/New Zealand standard.

We have heard that enforcement of that rule is most stringent in Victoria (Melbourne) and New South Wales (Sydney) and we spent tons of time there road tripping, so we opted to rent car seats with our car rental for that leg of our journey. You may be able to get away with using a US- or European-approved full-size car seat (NO backless boosters allowed) but if you are stopped it is a ticketable offense.

We used our portable car seats for the rest of our time in Australia without incident. Find out more in our detailed guide to travel with car seats .

Best itineraries for Australia

Every family has their own time constraints when planning a vacation – school, work and money all come into play. In general, we’d recommend allowing at least two weeks for a trip around Australia. It will probably take a few days to adjust to the very different time zone and the country is massive.

Itinerary for one week in Australia

Sydney area – 3 days

Port Douglas – 4 days

If you can really only muster one week to visit Australia, we recommend spending two or three days in Sydney (since you most likely have to fly there anyway) and then fly up to Cairns to explore  tropical North Queensland for the remaining time. This east coast Australia itinerary will show you some of the country’s highlights in a very short time. If possible, book an open jaw ticket that arrives in Sydney and departs from Cairns. If that isn’t possible, there are many affordable flights connecting the two airports.

While we liked Sydney, we found that it’s similar enough to other major cities (like our home base in Los Angeles) that it doesn’t warrant that much time. In your two days you can hit the highlights: take in a view of the Opera House from the Royal Botanical Gardens, pop into the Art Gallery of New South Wales for a brief visit to see some contemporary Aboriginal art, enjoy a ferry across the harbor, and tackle the famed coastal walk between Bondi and Bronte beaches. If you have a few extra hours, we’ve heard that Taronga Zoo is lovely and has wonderful views (though it’s very expensive to visit).

You may also need a little time to let your body adjust to the time difference, but the good news is that Sydney’s bountiful sunshine and clean coastal air should speed up the process. Check out these tips for beating jetlag with little kids.

Far North tropical Queensland, on the other hand, offers a much more unique experience! There are so many awesome things to do in Cairns and Port Douglas that you won’t find anywhere else in the world – like walking rainforest bush tracks with an Aboriginal guide or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef . Check out our full itinerary for five days in Port Douglas .

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Port Douglas, Australia

Australia itinerary: 2 weeks

Sydney area – 7 days

Port Douglas – 7 days

With two weeks to visit Australia, you can give Sydney and the surrounding area a more complete look and at a slower pace. In addition to the activities mentioned above, consider taking a day trip or two outside of the city. Kaiama is just two hours away by train, and gives you a taste of the charming seaside towns and impressive blowholes that dot the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. While we didn’t make it to the Blue Mountains, that’s another easy day trip by train if you’re interested in seeing waterfalls and doing some hiking.  Check out these awesome spots in New South Wales !

Allow a week to explore the tropics   with our Cairns itinerary. You’ll see the rainforest, the reef and more. You can consider heading to one of the nearby islands for crocodile-free swimming and snorkeling, exploring Cape Tribulation or spending a little time in the city of Cairns at its stunning botanical garden (or the super-cool playground). If you’re looking for an Australia itinerary for 10 days, just cut two days off of Sydney and Queensland each.

Australia itinerary: 3 weeks

Melbourne area – 5 days

Sapphire Coast drive – 6 days

Sydney area – 5 days

Port Douglas – 5 days

If you can allow three weeks for your time in Australia, things start to get really interesting! Instead of zooming around taking in high-impact tourist sites every day, you’ll have time to slow down and travel through one of our favorite parts of Australia, the Sapphire Coast !

Rather than starting in Sydney, book your tickets to fly into Melbourne . Spend a few days exploring the city and nearby areas – some of our top things to do in Melbourne include family-favorite ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), eating at Lakhsa King, a daytrip to the nearby Mornington Peninsula for a winery lunch and tasting at Foxey’s Hangout and a one-night trip along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles. Consider taking a trip out to Phillip Island to see the nightly penguin parade !  If you’re visiting with kids, check out these family-friendly Melbourne activities suggested by a local.

While we opted to rent a car in Australia to go explore outside of the cities and found it very easy, if you aren’t comfortable driving overseas you can always research one of these Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne and spend the rest of your time in the city.

With a rental car at your disposal, drive the whole way up from Melbourne to Sydney instead of flying! There are so many picture-perfect coastal towns, peaceful natural parks and secluded beaches that it’s impossible to see everything. You’ll have amazing opportunities to see Australia’s most famous residents in their natural habitat. We spent four nights on the drive, and would have spent more if we’d known just how amazing the region is. Check out our complete guide to the drive from Melbourne to Sydney .

Be aware that the car rental companies do charge a one-way drop off fee – and if you pick up your car at the airport, even that fee will be subject to the extra airport surcharge. If you rent car seats, those will be subject to the airport surcharge. It’s extremely frustrating! Our advice ( which we sadly didn’t follow ) is to pick up the car in town when you need it rather than from the airport. Check our rentalcars.com for the best rates.

Once you get to Sydney, check back above for our two week itinerary to find out our top things to do in Sydney and a full itinerary for visiting Queensland .

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Sapphire Coast drive, Australia here

Australia itinerary: 4 weeks (or more!)

Perth/ Margaret River or Red Center or Tasmania – 7 days

If you plan to spend a month or more, you can follow our three week itinerary for Australia above and then tack on a visit to Western Australia (including Perth and Margaret River), to Australia’s Red Center to see majestic Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) rising from the desert (make sure to pack these essentials if you’re heading to the outback) or even to rugged Tasmania.

We really debated which of these areas to visit, and we decided on WA and Tassie. Visiting Uluru has long been one of my dream destinations, but we were in Australia during the hottest part of summer and we were pretty sure the kids would be miserable in the inhospitable temperatures surrounded by hoards of flies ( every single person we know who has visited told us about the flies!). There are several ways to get to Uluru – you can fly to Ayers Rock Airport directly or you can fly to Alice Springs and then drive 450km. We hope to include a visit to the Red Center on our next family trip to Australia!

Western Australia, on the other hand, is extremely family friendly and easy to access! We took a non-stop flight on Jetstar from Cairns to Perth, and then enjoyed five days each in Perth and Margaret River at free HomeExchange homes. Check out our favorite things to do in Margaret River with kids , or learn about our action-packed day tour from Perth to see the famous Pinnacles of WA.

If you have more time in Western Australia (and perhaps even the inclination to rent a camper van) there are tons of places off the beaten path to explore. Check out this awesome two-week itinerary for road tripping Western Australia !

Tasmania was our first stop in Australia, and flights are blessedly cheap between the island’s two airports and Melbourne on the mainland. Beware the open-jaw here: you’d have to pay a one-way drop off fee, but the drive between the two airports is just an easy two hour trip. We decided to save the money and fly in and out of Hobart. Though we spent ten days in Tassie, in truth it would take much more to explore all of its offerings. We didn’t see the unspoiled west side at all! We split our time between Hobart, Bicheno and the Tamar Valley just north of Launceston. Our top things to do in Tasmania include:

Things to do in Hobart

-visiting Port Arthur Historic Site (make sure to head out to Eaglehawk Neck for some awesome fish ‘n chips next to the blowhole)

-an afternoon exploring Richmond (see the bridge and old gaol/jail, and eat ice cream)

-a wine tasting lunch at Cole Valley Winery (buy some bread to take with you!)

-meeting the creatures of Bonorong Wildlife Reserve

Things to do in Bicheno

– kayaking Coles Bay at sunset

-tracking tiny penguins along the beach

-eating amazing fish ‘n chips at the harbor

-taking the very affordable glass-bottom boat tour

Things to do in Tamar Valley

-wine tasting at Holm Oak

-visiting Platypus House to learn about Australia’s unique monotremes

-soaring across Cataract Gorge

Another option, especially if you already plan to drive out on the Great Ocean Road, is to pay a visit to South Australia. You can enjoy the city of Adelaide, taste wine in the Barossa Valley, explore Kangaroo Island and much more. Check out what our Aussie friends at Thrifty Family Travels recommend to do in South Australia  and Gold Coast .

Read more: Best things to do in Gold Coast with kids

Tips to budget travel Australia

We aren’t ultra-low budget travelers. But we do try to save money where possible without scrimping on the experiences that make a destination special. Australia is not a cheap place to travel. Our visit to Tasmania (which coincided with school holidays, and for which we didn’t book accommodations very far in advance) was one of our most expensive travel periods during our gap year! Here are a few hints we found for saving money while traveling in Australia

Thinking of making your trip to Australia permanent? Throw yourself an Aussie-themed going away party !

How to save on accommodation in Australia

We were really lucky to be hosted by friends and family for a good chunk of our time in Australia. Thanks guys! We also found wonderful HomeExchange homes to stay in for free during our time in Perth and Margaret River – find out more about HomeExchange here . There are also many options for HomeExchange in Melbourne and Sydney, though in the end we didn’t need to use them. We probably wouldn’t have stayed for as long without the free accommodation we scored.

For all of our other destinations, we used booking.com to find family-friendly places to stay in Australia. Now that we’re such frequent customers, we even get 10% off most bookings with our Genius discount! Check out our favorite simple tips to save more on every reservation.

How to save on food in Australia

Restaurant dining in Australia is pricey thanks to the requirement that workers be paid a living wage and the overall higher cost of food. There isn’t much way around that! We found that by arranging accommodations through HomeExchange or booking.com with a kitchen, we could prepare most of our own meals but still take advantage of Australia’s amazing local produce, meat and dairy. We also ate an unbelievable number of PB&J sandwiches, especially when we were staying on our own.

How to save on flights in Australia

We had been warned about flying Australian low-cost carrier Jet Star. In the end, they offered not only the lowest prices but also the best flight schedules for every single leg! We ended up with three flights on Jetstar and the service was basic but pleasant. We honestly have no complaints. We saved money on Jetstar by paying $49 upfront to join Club Jetstar, which offered additional discounts on tickets and add-ons. We booked the Starter fare for every flight, added seat assignments for everyone and  then added only two bags . If we had booked tickets at the Starter Plus level, we would have been paying for two extra bags even though the kids didn’t have luggage! Check our family-favorite Skyscanner for the best flight deals. If you have points with Qantas or Virgin Australia, read about these tricks for maximizing your distance-based awards.

How to save on rental cars in Australia

As I mentioned above, we always find our best rental car deals on rentalcars.com . Fortunately, travelers with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink for Business credit cards can reject all of the insurance offers and use the free credit card coverage in case an issue arises. Our biggest unexpected expense was that the airports impose their extra 30% airport fee even on additional charges like one-way drop off fees and car seat rentals. Boooo! Whether you choose to pick up your rental car in Sydney or in Melbourne, neither city requires a car to get around. So either skip the car entirely, or pick it up in town when you  really need it.

Start planning your trip to Australia

Be sure to read these articles to jumpstart your Australia trip planning!

• Melbourne to Sydney drive: the ultimate guide
• Your 5 day Australia adventure in Port Douglas
• Quicksilver Reef Cruises: the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef with kids
• The best way to visit Kuranda, the village in Australia’s rainforest
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: a family-friendly crocodile tour in Cairns
• The Best 10 Things to do on the Gold Coast with Kids
• An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Kangaroo Island, Australia
• Top 7 awesome family experiences in Margaret River
• A spectacular way to see Coles Bay, Tasmania: kayaking with Freycinet Adventures

What to read next

7 thoughts on “action-packed australia travel itineraries for every length of trip”.

What a great guide! Australia is totally on my bucket list one day!

I’m so glad you found it useful!

Great blog post! Australia is on my travel bucket list. This was so informative! Thank you! ~Elizabeth

Thanks! You’ll get there one day ?

Some good tips here. I loved the port douglas area! Another place Id recommend is byron bay – i lived there for 2 years and theres something very special and unique about that place!

It looks so beautiful! When we eventually get back, I’d definitely like to explore the rest of coastal Queensland more ?

That sounds wonderful. This trip is now on my to-go list! And to go soon! Australia is sooo beautiful.

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East Coast of Australia – A Complete Travel Guide

By: Author Sunset Travellers

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

Categories Australia , East Coast Of Australia

So you are planning to travel the East Coast of Australia?

Awesome! There is a lot of East Coast of Australia must do’s, and it is one of the most popular backpacker routes.

We spent a month travelling the East Coast of Australia and attempted to see everything it has to offer.

From pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, natural wonders to iconic sites and cosmopolitan cities, it is one of the best road trips anyone could do in Australia.

What cities are on the East Coast of Australia?

The East Coast has a lot of larger and smaller cities worth exploring. From the famous Sydney to lesser-known places such as Seventeen Seventy. 

Here are the top 10 cities to include on your East Coast itinerary:

• Magnetic Island
• Whitsunday Islands
• Fraser Island
• Rockhampton
• Rainbow Beach
• Sunshine Coast
• Coffs Harbour

Here are the most important tips for travelling the East Coast of Australia

How long does it take driving up the east coast of australia:.

As I’m sure you know, Australia is huge so make sure you plan out how much time you have (sounds obvious but it can be a lot bigger than you think!).

So how long is Australia’s East Coast???

The distance between Cairns and Sydney on the coastal route is almost 2 600 km which is about 30 hours of solid driving time.

You could easily drive the distance in a week, but you won’t be able to explore what the coast has to offer.

Ideally, you need a month or two to travel the East Coast of Australia and truly explore it.

If you are on a budget and have less time, two-three weeks will also be sufficient enough. It will just mean that you won’t be able to spend too much time sightseeing.

Most of the popular destinations such as Cairns, Whitsundays and Sydney will require at least three+ nights to experience these places.

We highly recommend at least one month.

Best time to travel the East Coast of Australia ( Australian weather):

The most popular time to travel the East Coast of Australia is during the summer (December-February), however, it is also the hottest and rainiest season in tropical Northern Queensland.

We recommend travelling in the offseason, spring (September-November) or fall (March-May), when there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the weather is still good along the coast.

Make an actual plan on where are you are going to make your stops, what you want to see, and how much you wish to spend in each place.

Travelling up or down the east coast of Australia can be a nightmare if you are short on time!

Ideally, you are looking at 48-72 hrs+ at each location.

How to travel the East Coast of Australia on a budget:

Well, you can make it as cheap as you want or splash out a stay at Airbnb’s and hotels. Keep in mind Australia is expensive, so expect to pay top $ for accommodation.

The most popular cities are going to be much more expensive than you might be prepared for. 

Unless you seriously budget, you are looking at 2-3k+(depending on how long you are travelling and where you are going to sleep).

But I highly recommend you book one of these East Coast Australia tours!

Here are typical prices you will find on the East Coast road trip:

$20-40 per night in a hostel dorm booked via Hostelworld . 

$90-200 for a hotel room via Booking.com.

$4 for a long black coffee.

$10 for a pint of beer ( you might want to opt-in instead for the goon, i.e. boxed wine).

$10-20 for a main course in a restaurant.

If you are on a budget and relying on hostels, you might want to buy your own groceries and cook your own food to cut down the costs. 

Don’t worry we will talk about prices and give you more info on how much everything costs further down.

Driving the East Coast of Australia:

Here are our five best ways of getting around Australia’s East Coast:

• Greyhound or Premier busses
• Hop on Hop off with Oz Experience, Loka or Stray Travel
• Go on a fully guided tour 

The best and cheapest way to travel is in your own car or a campervan.

If you don’t own a car, hiring a campervan in Australia might be your best option.

There are a lot of budget-friendly campervan hire websites, such as :

• Wicked campers
•   Aussie campervans
• Vroom  – they compare most websites for the best price and availability.
• Holiday Autos – comparison car rental website.

If you are very flexible, you can get a relocation deal where you hire a campervan for $1 a day. Here you usually get 5-7 days to travel from point A to B.

Keep in mind that there is usually $1000 deposit required and little to no fuel allowance.

If you want to know more about relocations read this guide.

Cost of fuel on the East Coast of Australia can be high. Expect to pay $500-700 for fuel depending on the length of your journey.

To find free and low-cost campsites make sure to download CampsAustraliawideApp and check CaravanTour.com .

Greyhound buses in Australia are another great option for the east coast of Australia. They do ‘hop on hop off’ passes.

Cairns to Sydney pass, for example, costs $469 and you have three months to travel.

Keep in mind that with these passes there are few rules:

• the first day of travel must commence within 12 months of purchase date
• they are valid for one-way travel only
• valid for 90 days from the date the first sector is travelled
• the pass is non-transferrable
• once you have started travel, you cannot change direction

If you have little time, we recommend looking into flights, they, however, tend to be expensive.

We always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest deals.

Don’t forget to join as many Facebook groups as you can; people constantly post spare seats there.

Accommodation options on the East Coast of Australia road trip:

The options are limitless, but if you want to stay within a budget, then hostels are your best bet.

Hostelworld.com    and Tripadvisor are the most popular websites when it comes to finding a discounted place.

Hostel dorm prices start at $20-50 and up. Depending on the city and location, the prices may vary.

Keep in mind that Sydney is one of the most expensive places when it comes to accommodation, therefore, expect to pay $50+ for a bed in a dorm.

We usually book via  AirBnB as the accommodation is not too expensive, in great locations, and you get excellent advice from the locals.

Food cost on the East Coast of Australia road trip:

If you are staying in hostels or self-contained accommodation, then it’s easy (well besides the cooking part).

Food is expensive , and if you add parties to it, then it is easy to spend $70-150 a day!

Yes, we know that from our experience, again that’s for two people.

There is a lot of fast food places where you can get a burger for $5. When it comes to restaurants, they are more expensive, and a meal can cost anything from $10-30+ depending on what you want to order.

Here is a list of the best restaurants on the East Coast of Australia.

We recommend buying cheap drinks such as 3l of goon (boxed wine).

Connecting with other travelling the East Coast of Australia backpackers:

There is a great app called Backpackr that can help you chat with others like-minded backpackers and get good advice on where to go, what to see or where to eat.

The app helped us a lot, and you can meet cool people near you for a coffee, pint or just to hang out with.

Make sure to join Facebook groups to find travel mates.

What are the best places to visit on the East Coast?

Australia East Coast must-see places:

The perfect east coast of australia itinerary for 4 week’s holiday, cairns – 4-day itinerary.

The main reason most people travel to Cairns is to explore The Great Barrier Reef and pristine white sand beaches.

Cairns doesn’t have a beach, but there is the Cairns Lagoon where you can relax, go for a swim, have a picnic or BBQ.

It is a very lively backpacker town packed with great bars, restaurants, hotels and tour agencies.

There is a lot of travel desks offering cruises to the reef. We did a lot of research before decided on the company.

Here are the best Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or diving cruise companies:

• Silverswift ($216+ per person for cruise and snorkelling)
• Passions of Paradise ($159+ per person).

If you are thinking about a cheaper company, make sure that they are going to the outer reef as the waters are much clearer there.

Cairns also has an amazing Rainforest, and you can explore it via rail.

The Kuranda Village , located in the rainforest is accessible via the   Kuranda Scenic Railway . On the way back, we decided to take a cable car called the Skyrail .

The price is about $116.50 per person for both experiences and a return transfer to your hotel, well worth it!. In high season, book this tour in advance, as it gets fully booked.

Also, make sure to experience it in the order we did, as it’s the most amazing experience you will ever have!

While in Kuranda visit the markets, art galleries and the  Butterfly Sanctuary .

While in Cairns, make a trip to Fitzroy Island .

You can take a ferry there for the day since is close to mainland or book overnight accommodation. It’s a lied back place, great for relaxing and getting a bit of tan on the beach.

Just make sure you won’t go there to experience the reef as you will be disappointed.

Townsville and Magnetic Island – 3 day itinerary (approximately 4 hours drive from Cairns)

Magnetic Island is located within 30 minutes ferry ride from Townsville. The island is famous for hiking and exploring nature.

The main trails include The Forest Walk where you can spot koalas in their natural habitat and the Radical Bay .

The second walk goes from Horseshoe Bay and to get most of it, make sure to return back to the base before sunset as the Horseshoe Bay is famous for its stunning sunsets.

To book the ferry to the island simply go to Sealink Queensland website. The return ferry costs $30 per person.

The island has plenty of accommodation and you can find a nice Airbnb for as little as $20 per night.

Airlie Beach and The Whitsunday Islands – 4-day itinerary (approximately 3-4 hours drive from Townsville)

Airlie Beach is the getaway point to Whitsunday Islands. We stayed here for 4 days at an Airbnb .

There are other accommodation options, however, most of the centrally located hostels and hotels host parties until late at night.

The Whitsunday Islands are East Coast of Australia must do!

To explore the islands we recommend a cruise with Cruise Whitsundays.

For an all-day package including breakfast on Daydream Island, lunch on Hamilton Island and all afternoon at Whitehaven Beach we paid $200 per person.

Airlie Beach is also well known for Great Barrier Reef day cruises to Reefworld .

We highly recommend this cruise as you get to explore the most beautiful parts of the reef.

If you have more time book a sailing cruise through Whitsunday Sailing Adventure . They have amazing deals for sailing trips around the Whitsundays!

For those on a very tight budget looking to see the Whitehaven Beach, therefore we recommend checking some of these tours .

Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island – 3 day itinerary (approximately 11 hours drive from Airlie Beach)

Since there isn’t much between Airlie Beach and Rainbow Beach, you can drive this distance in a day.

We, however, don’t recommend doing so.

Instead, split this distance into two parts.

Part one: Arlie Beach to Rockhampton (approximately 6 hrs drive)

Here stay at campground, hotel or hostel and explore the Capricorn Caves .

Part two: Rockhampton to Rainbow Beach (approximately 5.5 hrs drive)

On the way to Rainbow Beach stop at the Bundaberg Distillery .

Once you reach Rainbow Beach, there are several companies available to explore Fraser Island.

East Coast of Australia tour companies worth checking out:

• Fraser explore tours
• tours to go
• cool dingo tours

Prices for the two-day tours usually start at $350 per person. It isn’t one of the cheapest experiences, but if you can afford it we highly recommend to do 2+ day trip to Fraser.

Make sure to book your tour well in advance, most of all we want you to avoid disappointment.

Fraser Island is worlds biggest sand island, therefore you simply cannot explore it in one day.

Sunshine Coast – 4 day itinerary (approximately 2 hours drive from Rainbow Beach)

Sunshine Coast has the perfect beach – mountains combination and it is a perfect stop on the East Coast of Australia trip.

Make sure to first explore the long stretches of golden sandy beaches and then wander into Glasshouse Mountains and the  Blackall Range ( download pdf map here ).

Spend a day at the Kondalilla National Park , the park has incredible mountain views and stunning waterfalls. There is usually no one around the park during the shoulder and offseasons.

You will also find here Steve Irwin’s Zoo where for $59 (adult general admission), you can explore this world-famous attraction.

The Gold Coast – 3 day itinerary (approximately 2 hours drive from Sunshine Coast)

Gold Coast is famous for Surfers Paradise, skyscrapers, number of theme parks and endless walking/cycling tracks.

Make sure to rent a bike for the day and explore the area. On day two, cycle all the way to Miami and Burleigh Heads.

Burleigh Heads is a much quieter area, where you can relax at small cafes or soak up the views of Gold Coast from the beach.

Gold Coast is packed with bars and restaurants and has a lively nightlife.

If you are here for something different and looking to relax, head to one of the World Heritage-listed parks such as:

• Tamborine Mountain
• Springbrook

Sydney – 7 day itinerary (approximately 10 hours drive from Gold Coast)

The distance between the Gold Coast and Sydney is over 800km, therefore, it might be a long journey for one day.

Instead, we recommend splitting it into two days.

Part one: Gold Coast to Coffs Harbour (approximately 4 hours drive)

Here take a detour to nearby Dorrigo National Park (one hour drive from Coffs Harbour) and explore this World Heritage-listed rainforest.

The park has a beautiful waterfall, plenty of breathtaking viewpoints and lots of rest/BBQ areas. It’s a perfect destination for all nature and bird lovers.

Part two: Coffs Harbour to Sydney (approximately 5.5 hours drive)

We spent over a week here and highly recommend 5-7 days Sydney itinerary to explore the city.

Accommodation in Sydney is very expensive (in fact, one of the most expensive so far), therefore we decided to take Airbnb as the prices were much lower in comparison at the time.

While here go to the worlds biggest IMAX Cinema  screen.

Take ‘ Sydney Hop on Hop off ‘ bus to Bondi Beach  and explore each area (about $40 per adult for a day pass).

Also, don’t miss out on checking out  Sydney Opera House and the famous  Sydney Bridge .

Make sure to visit Manly Beach reachable by ferry for about $18.20 per person/return.

If you are looking for something different and close to nature, then go to the Blue Mountains .

The Blue Mountains are only 2 hours outside of Sydney and are easily accessible via train (less than $20 one way).

If you want to take a great picture of the Opera House at sunset, go to a park by Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. You don’t have to take a boat tour to get excellent pictures.

If you are going to Manly by ferry, you will swim right by Sydney Opera House,  probably the best selfie opportunity.

See as much as you can and spend some time in each place so that you will never regret that you missed something!

Wondering what is the best month to go to australia.

Seasons in  Australia  are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December through February, and winter from June through August. The exact type of weather you’ll experience depends largely on the region.  

 Useful links for your East Coast of Australia road trip:

Airbnb  – We love Airbnb and use it everywhere you travel! If you are new to Airbnb follow the link for up to $76 discount of your first stay.

Booking.com  – Perfect alternative to Airbnb when you need a short place to stay.

Hostelworld  –  If you need a cheap place to stay where you can meet other travellers, Hostelworld is the best.

CurrencyFair – Our favourite money transfer company. They are 8x cheaper than banks. Follow the link for 10 free transfers with CurrencyFair.

OFX  – Another great money transfer company for larger transfers. We use them for large lump sums. Follow the link for free transfers for life over 1k.

SafetyWing and TrueTraveller  – The best travel insurance companies on the market! We personally used them both and can highly recommend them.

Sendmybag  – Best company to ship your excess luggage to and from Australia. Follow our link for 5% discount of your shipment.

Be sure to Pin this image 🙂 

Safe Travels,

Steve and Sabina

Be sure to share this if you found it useful; we appreciate it.

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Thursday 13th of August 2020

Thanks for sharing detail info.

Emily Jonhson

Saturday 21st of September 2019

Great detail of putting the best routes, then it's confusing and you end up taking alternate routes not so interesting.

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Awesome! So happy to be able to read your blog. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge about holidays. Theapartmentscanggu.com

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

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).

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

Related Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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? 15 Dangers to Beware

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

New Zealand Solo Trip Cost (2023)

More solo travel guides and tips on nomadic yak.

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.

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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Itineraries East Coast Australia: Ultimate road trips for 2 to 6 weeks traveling along the coast!

Creating an itinerary for the east coast of Australia can be quite difficult. This coastline is very large and has more than enough sights to keep you entertained for months. In short, how do you choose a manageable itinerary along the east coast of Australia?

We have also written travel guides for a number of Australian hotspots. These travel guides are full of our travel experiences, photos, fun things to do and great hotels to sleep in. This gives you a good impression of a destination and what it is like to travel along the east coast of Australia.

5 itineraries for an unforgettable road trip along the east coast of Australia!

Australia is a wonderful camping country to travel through. Camping facilities are plentiful. In many places, you will find opportunities to barbecue, shower or use a toilet for free. Along the road, you also have campgrounds where you can spend the night for free. In short, Australia is a perfect destination to discover the great outdoors by campervan.

Last year there have been heavy bush fires that have destroyed a lot of nature. Above Sydney, you hardly see (any) traces of these fires. The further you go southwards to Melbourne, the more consequences you will see from these forest fires. However, the coastal itinerary to Melbourne is still very impressive to make . So don’t be put off by this and just go on that road trip with the camper!

We’ve put together 5 itineraries to help you plan your Australian East Coast journey. Varying from 2 weeks to 2 months ! In this way, you get some inspiration for planning your road trip and you immediately get an impression of how big Australia is regarding travel distances.

East Coast Australia map: Highlights and top attractions for your road trip

To help you plan your trip, we’ve created a map showing almost all the sights and top attractions of Australia’s east coast. To keep this map lean, not all attractions are listed. Think of nature parks, special waterfalls, smaller coastal villages, etc. These places are mentioned in various travel blogs about Australia.

Curious which hotels, hostels and accommodation we like in Australia? Then read our Australia hotels east coast blog!

5 great itineraries among the east coast of Australia per campervan

These 5 itineraries built up in terms of weeks. The first travel itinerary is for travellers who only have 2 weeks. The next itineraries are for backpackers who have more time available for exploring all the highlights of the gorgeous east coast of Australia.

1. Itinerary Sydney to Brisbane including a visit to Fraser Island | 2 weeks

Are you travelling along the east coast of Australia and do you want to include Byron Bay in your itinerary? Then consider travelling itinerary from Sydney to Brisbane on a two-week road trip ! The highlights of this trip are:

Sydney – Blue Mountains – Hunters Valley – Port Macquarie – Byron Bay – Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast) – Noosa – Fraser Island  – Brisbane

Read here our free travel guide for Brisbane : 12 cool things to do in just 2 days!

2. Itinerary Cairns to Sydney | 3+ weeks

Is diving in the Great Barrier Reef, sailing the Whitsundays and surfing in Byron Bay already at the top of your list of destinations to visit during your road trip through Australia? Then consider travelling from Cairns to Sydney on a 3-week road trip. In 3 weeks it is possible to make this beautiful itinerary along the coast. Highlights of this road trip by campervan are:

Cairns – Palm Cove – Great Barrier Reef – Whitsundays – Fraser Island – Sunshine Coast – Brisbane – Gold Coast – Byron Bay – Hunter Valley – Blue Mountains – Sydney

Read here everything you need to know when visiting Fraser Island on a self-drive !

3. Itinerary Melbourne to Brisbane  | 4 weeks

Are you travelling along the east coast of Australia and want to drive the famous Great Ocean Road , discover vibrant Sydney and surf ? Then consider traveling from Sydney to Brisbane on a 4-week road trip! This beautiful 4-week itinerary brings you along the coast, high cliffs, national parks, vineyards, golden beaches and impressive cities. Do you love nature parks and climbing as well? Then consider adding Grampians National Park , Great Otway National park or Springbrook National Park to this trip.

Melbourne – Great Ocean Road – Philip Island – Wilson Promontory/Mount Oberon – Jervisbaai – Sydney – Blue Mountains – Hunters Valley – Port Macquarie – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Fraser Island  – Brisbane

Do you love surfing, hiking and shopping all together? Then, visit this lovely cozy village Noosa !

4. Itinerary Melbourne to Cairns | 6 weeks

This itinerary from Melbourne to Cairns takes you across the 3 states of the Australian east coast: Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. In this road trip, you will pass all the beautiful sights and top attractions the east coast has to offer. A possible 6-week itinerary per campervan could be:

Melbourne – Great Ocean Road – Yara Valley –Philip Island – Wilson Promontory/Mount Oberon – Sydney – Blue Mountains – Hunters Valley – Port Macquarie – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Brisbane  – Sunshine Coast/Noosa – Fraser Island – Whitsundays  – Great Barrier Reef – Cairns

Looking for the best hotspots in Byron Bay ? Read here our travel guide about this amazing surf town including the best places to eat!

5. Itinerary among the east coast, countryside and Alice Springs | 2 months

Do you have plenty of time for discovering Australia? Then consider exploring the entire East Coast and driving back to Melbourne via the mainland. In this 2-month round trip ,  you come across the beautiful Alice Springs and Uluru . Besides, you have more options for free campgrounds in the countryside than along the coast. In this adventurous 2-month itinerary you will visit:

Melbourne –  Yara Valley – Philip Island – Wilson Promontory/Mount Oberon – Sydney – Blue Mountains – Hunters Valley – Port Macquarie – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Brisbane  – Sunshine Coast/Noosa – Fraser Island – Whitsundays  – Great Barrier Reef – Cairns – Alice Springs – Grampians National Park – Great Ocean Road – Melbourne

How expensive is a road trip through Australia? Read here our Australia travel budget blog!

Must-do activities for your road trip along the east coast of Australia!

These are 5 special things to do during your road trip along the east coast of Australia. These unique activities range from skydiving to sailing through Whitsundays. Below, 5 cool experiences for your journey along the east coast of Australia.

1 Skydiving and sailing to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

Adventure junkies pay attention! Cairns is the place for skydiving in Australia! This is possible from €154.65 per person. Read here all about this adventure activity! Cairns is also a great base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef . Have you always wanted to visit this famous place? You can easily book a day tour by catamaran here . From €98.86 per person.

2. Rafting and discovering the Whitsundays!

Do you only have one day to explore Whitsundays from Arlie Beach ? Then consider this cool day activity and go rafting, snorkelling and hiking in this energetic day-trip! From €92.50 per person. Click here for more information. Do you prefer to experience the Whitsundays by catamaran ? This family-friendly activity can you book here! 

3. Day tour to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay

Not enough time or budget to discover Fraser Island by 4×4? You might consider visiting the largest sand island in the world on a day trip from Harvey Bay. This is possible from €105 per person. Click here for more information and availability .

4. Experience Coles Bay in Tasmania with a nice glass of wine on a cruise ship!

If you visit Tasmania you shouldn’t skip Coles Bay . A relaxed way to explore Coles Bay is by boat. During this tour, you will be pampered with drinks. This relaxing activity can be booked from €93.21 per person. Click her e for more information.

5. Experience a hot air balloon ride in Alice Springs!

A special way to experience Alice Springs is by hot air balloon! This is possible from €166 per person. After this unforgettable flight, champagne is awaiting you. For more information about this special highlight of Australia click here !

Best time to visit the east coast of Australia

The continent of Australia has 3 different climate zones. This makes it difficult to say what the best travel time for Australia is. If you visit the entire east coast of Australia you will not have nice weather everywhere.

The most popular travel time is f rom October to March . The most expensive month to travel is January when the whole of Australia also has a holiday too. Airlines, hotels and car rental companies charge high prices. Depending on your destination, you can expect temperatures in January between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius . In the north, you can encounter have rain showers since it is the rainy season.

The east coast of Australia borders 3 states. It is not possible to visit all states in the “best time”. Below, you find the best travel time by state:

• Queensland (Brisbane and surrounding area): June to October
• New South Wales (think Sydney and surrounding area): November through April
• Victoria (think Melbourne and surrounding area): November to March

Tip : know that Australian seasons run opposite to those of Europe. If it is winter in Europe, then it is summer in Australia.

Get a 20% discount on a Spaceships campervan for your last minute vacation in Australia! Book & travel before the 20th of December and have the same pick up and delivery location!  Click here for the deal and more information!

How long do you need for visiting the east coast of Australia?

From the Netherlands point of view, Australia is almost on the other side of the world. You don’t go there quickly. Besides, this continent is very large. In short, 2 weeks is really the minimum . In 3 to 4 weeks you have more time and you can travel at a slower pace. If you have more than 4 weeks, that is great and gives you plenty of space to explore this beautiful western country.

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Hola! Great information thank you. We are an older couple, 60 and 55) and we are planning our first trip to Australia(and outside the USA and Mexico). My husband dream is to explore and see first hand kangaroos. We will be there in June 2023 and I read so much and still have so many doubts and questions. Where is the best place to do this? I read about Kangaroo Island (not seen in your blog; unless is known with a different name) Please advise and yes we will like to rent a campervan for part of the trip. Best of luck to you and husband.

Hi Isabel! Oh how nice that you will be visiting Australia! It is such a beautiful country! I am not sure what the very very very best place to do this is, but we can recommend Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. There they are tam and do not live in the wild. Other locations could be Yuraygir National park where you will be able to see many in the wild (don't approach them close by) and at North Strandbroke Island you might also see some in wild. Hopefully this helps? Kind regards, Charlotte

Hola Isabel, We have kangaroos in many places around Australia - don't worry they are easy to see! Kangaroo Island is off the coast of South Australia, and though the name suggests it is a kangaroo haven, it is many things - beautiful and rugged. The only thing is, it was devastated by bushfires in 2019-20, so many animals were killed. Today it is growing back and welcoming visitors again. Good luck! A beautiful country.

I am reasearching for our trip to Australia, and your's is the bestest blog I have seen on this topic. You are amazing at what you do! Thanks a ton for easy to consume representation (image) and descriptions.

Ooo so happy to hear that we can help you!! Enjoy your trip and its preparations!

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Australia Itineraries

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Given Australia’s vast scale, it makes more sense to focus on one, two or perhaps three regions, depending on your time frame. Whether you are looking for itineraries for seven days or a month, the following itineraries showcase both classic attractions and less well-known gems, from the elegant attractions of the coastal cities to the mesmerizing desert interior. Our pick of Australia itineraries can suit any time frame or budget.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Australia, created by local experts

12 days  / from 2900 USD

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.

16 days  / from 3300 USD

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

23 days  / from 4150 USD

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

14 days  / from 10070 USD

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

Explore the best of Australia's cities and nature! From Sydney and Melbourne's urban charm to the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Cairns' reef adventures, to the lush rainforests of Kuranda. End with nature's embrace at Burleigh Head and Lamington National Parks on the Gold Coast.

10 days  / from 6900 USD

The Best of Australia

Discover Australia's allure through this tour! You'll witness Sydney's iconic landmarks and explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Dive into Cairns' reef and rainforest wonders before marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

Recommended Australia itineraries

If you are planning your travel to Australia by yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

Australia Itinerary 1 - East Coast Beaches Itinerary

Plentiful East Coast beaches means that Australia is fringed by some of the most glorious beaches you’ll ever see. Many of these are in surprisingly built-up areas – you’ll find pristine sand practically in the heart of Sydney, for example. Elsewhere, coral, tropical fish and shipwrecks provide wonderful coastal adventures. Touring through East Coast Australia’s beaches, these can be reached by public transport, but for maximum flexibility, you’ll want to hire a car or campervan and allow yourself three or four weeks to explore. It’s straightforward to use this as an Australian travel itinerary template.

1. Whitehaven Beach

This Whitsunday Island beach is comprised of 5km of pure white sand, making it a lure for pleasure boats. Camp at the southern end, snorkel and enjoy the glorious sunsets.

2. Fraser Island

Take your pick of seashore spots at Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Eli Creek is one of the most attractive options, or head for the Maheno shipwreck which peeks out of the sand. The Champagne Pools are natural indentations which make for a safe and serene swim.

At the swisher end of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Noosa is a high-end resort with an unspoilt beach and a national park, where you might see koalas on your coastal walk.

4. Byron Bay

Backed by rainforest, Byron Bay features 30km of sandy strands. Keep your eyes peeled for passing dolphins and humpback whales, and enjoy the increasingly hip restaurant scene and nightlife once the sun has set.

5. Crescent Head

A New South Wales beach, and the site of an important native title claim. A stunning arc of blond sand, the beach is safe for swimming and has some excellent surf spots.

6. Bondi Beach

This 1.5km-long stretch of sand is the ultimate in Australian beach glamour, with buffed lifesavers, surfer dudes, big waves, passing rollerbladers and a great café scene.

Australia Itinerary 2 - Natural Wonders Itinerary

The country is blessed with spectacular and varied landscapes, from eucalyptus-cloaked hills to epic desert and the great monolith of Uluru. To tick off the highlights in a single trip, set aside two or three weeks for a 4WD safari or a string of domestic flights. Hiking is the best way to travel and explore the flora, fauna and rock art.

1. Undara Lava Tubes

Vast subterranean pipes formed by an ancient volcano, which shelter microbats and brown tree snakes, known as “night tigers”, which hang from the trees.

2. The Kimberley

Western Australian frontier land, with a crocodile coast, wide rivers and deep isolated gorges. A unique sight here is the bulbous boab tree, whose nuts are carved by Aboriginal artists.

Epic and elemental, this massive rock is one of the country’s great natural sights. Aboriginal and ranger-led tours introduce you to some fascinating wildlife, including more than seventy reptile species.

4. Mungo National Park

Take a camping trip in a desert wilderness where Australia’s megafauna once roamed: you’ll see crowds of emus and kangaroos. The dome of stars in the night sky in this remote region is a sight in itself.

5. Kangaroo Island

Just off South Australia, the country’s third-largest island is remarkably unspoilt. As well as having a spectacular coastline, sand dunes and cave networks to explore, the island simply teems with wildlife.

6. Cradle Mountain

Tasmanian wilderness cut through by iconic hiking trails. Look out for wombats, echidnas and platypus. In the same region is Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake.

7. Blue Mountains

Endlessly receding mountain ranges, tinged blue by gum oil in the atmosphere. The region is home to the Wollemi pine, or dinosaur tree, which dates back sixty million years and until recently was thought only to exist in fossil form.

8. Lord Howe Island

A tiny island ringed by coral, with unique flora, rare flightless birds, umpteen sea birds and dazzling tropical fish. Snorkelers might catch sight of imposing but unthreatening Galapagos sharks.

Australia Itinerary 3 - Foodie Tour Australia Itinerary

If you’re planning of touring through Australia’s food scene, then you’re in for a treat. Immigrants to Australia from Mediterranean Europe and the Far East have brought some wonderful food traditions to the country, and the sunny climate means bountiful produce. The food-obsessed coastal cities in particular offer a top-notch range of eating opportunities. You could cover this as a three-week itinerary.

You’ll find no end of top-notch restaurants in Sydney, the most famous being Japanese/French Tetsuya’s , which offers a ten-course degustation.

At F.O.O.D. Week in April you can learn about local food, browse markets, meet producers, listen to talks, and take part in the justly popular FORAGE walk, a gentle stroll with chances to gather and devour local produce.

3. High Country Gourmet Regions

Some of Victoria’s finest food, wine and beer can be found in the “High Country” of the Victorian Alps and along the Murray River. The vineyards, fields, orchards and olive groves result in some wonderful produce, including handmade butter and artisan cheeses.

4. Melbourne

From funky up-cycled coffee shops to high-end rooftop restaurants and bountiful farmers’ markets, Melbourne is a city that takes food seriously. Just listen to your waiter effuse about the specials and you’ll see what we mean.

5. Tasmania

The temperate Tasmanian climate results in excellent fruit and veg, cool-climate wine and high-quality beef, cheeses, beers and honey. The island’s oysters are also renowned.

6. Adelaide

With strong Greek and Italian influences, Adelaide has a lively eating and drinking scene, focused on the Central Market, home to scores of great stalls, cafés and restaurants.

7. Barossa Valley

You’ll find terrific wine across the country, but the Barossa region near Adelaide is the largest and best-established region. Visit between March and May for the harvest; the Barossa Vintage Festival is celebrated from Easter Monday in odd-numbered years.

8. The Kimberley

Catch your own mangrove jack or barramundi on a wilderness cruise and have it cooked up on board. You might also get a bite from a golden snapper, blue bone groper or red emperor.

Australia Itinerary 4 - Top to Bottom Itinerary

Touring through Australia from top to bottom is an adventurous travel itinerary for which you need a minimum of two weeks. From Darwin, make a foray into the Kakadu National Park. Then take the Outback Ghan train via Alice Springs to visit Uluru, winding up in Adelaide.

An ocean city with a revitalized waterfront area. Fast-growing and multicultural, it’s a great place for food: the sunset markets provide Malay laksa , peanut satays and even bushtucker.

2. Kakadu National Park

This Aboriginal-managed region features weird and wonderful wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, jabiru birds and dingoes. The indigenous rock art, including images in the X-ray style, is outstanding.

3. The Ghan

Cutting into the Red Centre, the legendary Ghan train takes its name from the nineteenth-century camel drivers who explored the Australian interior. Red earth and inky blue skies provide a fantastic panorama.

4. Alice Springs

The modern desert town of Alice Springs makes an attractive stop-off, where you can browse art galleries and find some welcome good-quality cafés and restaurants. It’s a great place to shop for Aboriginal art.

Perhaps Australia’s defining sight, this mighty monolith is also a keystone in the country’s cultural history. Once seen by visitors as simply a challenging lump of rock to climb, it is now recognized for its deep significance to the local Aboriginal population.

Elegant Adelaide is the end of this particular line, with attractions including bountiful botanic gardens, bluestone mansions and a host of museums and cultural centres.

Australia Itinerary 5 - Western Australia Itinerary

The Western Australia itinerary (two weeks) takes you along the Indian Ocean coast, from tropical Broome in the north to cosmopolitan Perth in the south. Treats en route include sparkling beaches, river gorges and opportunities to dolphin-spot.

Broome is a bustling little place, first made wealthy by an 1880s pearl rush; remnants of the industry still pervade the town, and you can visit one of the world’s oldest cinemas.

If you fancy a bit of bushcamping, make a stop at the northern beaches here. You’ll find some lovely white-sand stretches and isolated creeks.

3. Ningaloo Reef

Take to the waters to snorkel and dive among the corals, and five hundred species of fish.

4. Monkey Mia

You’re pretty much guaranteed to see dolphins here, which is the main draw, but there’s also a lovely beach, and plenty of resorts and attractions to explore in the enclosing Shark Bay.

5. Kalbarri

The river and coastal gorges at Kalbarri comprise a spectacular national park which features wonderful hiking trails.

6. Nambung National Park

As you wend your way south, don’t miss the extraordinary limestone pinnacles of this park: the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre fills you in on the geological detail.

Sunny Perth is an ideal stopover after the great outdoors. Check out the fine collection of galleries, see rare flora at the Botanic Garden, and catch up on some nightlife.

Australia Itinerary 6 - Western Australian Road Trip Itinerary

For an Australian road trip itinerary, check out the Great Ocean Road. This is a classic drive, taking in dramatic rock formations, submerged shipwrecks and some lively and attractive beach resorts. Allow a week to explore the road at leisure, including a couple of days immersed in the café culture and arts scene of Melbourne.

1. Melbourne

Australia’s “European” city, with large Greek and Italian communities, stand-out restaurants, arts festivals and ornate Victorian architecture. There’s a varied selection of live music venues and some excellent galleries.

Picturesque seaside Lorne is an ideal holiday resort, combining a laidback surfie vibe with some fine restaurants, delis and boutiques. Plunge into the chilly waters, then warm up on a hiking trail among the ferns and eucalypts.

3. Great Otway National Park

A triangle of national park designated an Important Bird Area for its populations of bristlebirds, fieldwrens and pink robins. The lush hills and gullies are hugely scenic, and don’t miss the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse.

4. Twelve Apostles

These ocean-set limestone pillars are an icon of the Great Ocean Road, rising up to 65m. Watch out for the fairy penguins crowding onto the shore at dusk.

5. Port Fairy

A lovely place to end your trip, this early whaling settlement has some of the oldest houses you’ll see in Australia, as well as enticing beaches. The sight of umpteen muttonbirds roosting here is unforgettable.

Top image: Kangaroos at Batemans Bay, Australia - Shutterstock

The Rough Guides to Australia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Australia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Australia

• Eating and drinking in Australia
• Getting around Australia: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health Australia
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Australia
• How to get to Australia
• Travel Tips Australia for planning and on the go
• Travelling with children in Australia
• Best time to visit Australia

Find even more inspiration here

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Wild Junket

Two Weeks in Australia: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

Can you see anything with two weeks in Australia? Hell yeh! Here is the ultimate two-week Australia itinerary.

Let me start with the obvious: Australia is HUGE. It’s a country and a continent, almost as big as USA (not including Alaska).

Australia’s coastline stretches almost 50,000 kilometers and the country has a myriad of landscapes, ranging from tropical rainforests in the north to deserts in the center and mountains in the south.

Of the 130+ countries that I’ve been, Australia has to be one of the most diverse. I’ve traveled all over Australia (on five trips in total), exploring the Top End, South Australia, Sunshine Coast, and Tasmania. For those who have limited time, I’ve compiled the perfect two-week Australia itinerary and guide. 

Table of Contents

Visas for Australia

Travel insurance for australia, how to get to australia, travel australia independently or on guided tours, when to travel australia, cost of travel in australia, the ultimate two-week itinerary in australia, days 1-2: explore the vibrant city of sydney, where to stay in sydney, day 3: day trip to the blue mountains, day 4: wander around the colonial city of melbourne, where to stay in melbourne:, day 5: day trip to phillip island, day 6: day trip to the great ocean road, days 7-8: soak up the sun in cairns, where to stay in cairns:, day 9: day trip to the great barrier reef, day 10: day trip to daintree and cape tribulation, day 11: get to know alice springs, where to stay in alice springs:, day 12: camping trip in uluru, days 13-14: camping trip in kings canyon, day 15: fly back to sydney, victoria & tasmania: for a mix of everything.

• Northern Territory: For Adventure Seekers (my favorite!)

Western Australia: For Family-Friendly Adventures

Queensland: for underwater lovers, travel resources, two weeks in australia.

Australia has a strict visa rule in that every non-citizen must have a visa to enter the country, except for citizens of New Zealand .

Citizens of EU member countries need to obtain an eVisitor visa online before arriving in Australia. This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period.  Apply here.

Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, US, UK and Canada can get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) online as well. The official website to apply for the ETA is here . It costs AU$20.

It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re in Australia for 2 weeks or 2 months. Travel insurance covers any expenses you might have to fork out for flight delay, trip cancellation, loss of baggage and even accidents.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

The most popular international airport to fly in and out of is the Sydney International Airport.

There are direct flights from Los Angeles LAX to Sydney for under $1000 return and from London Heathrow to Sydney for around 600GBP.

I also recommend making a stopover in Dubai or Singapore to break down your journey to Australia. Many airlines don’t charge an extra fee for the layover.

There are lots of budget airlines that fly from Asia to Australia for just US$200+ return.

Check for flights to Sydney here

How to Travel Around Australia

Since you’ve only got two weeks in Australia, the best way to travel around the country and see as much as possible is by domestic flight. Thankfully airfares to travel within Australia are affordable.

E.g. a flight from Sydney to Melbourne is US$100 return (you can get them as cheap as $50).

Here are the best budget airlines that can get you across Australia:

• Qantas — Australia’s national airline
• Virgin Australia — Affordable luxurious airline
• Jetstar Airways — Australian low-cost airline
• Tigerair Australia — Another budget airline with good deals
• Scoot — Singaporean low-cost airline with cheapest fares

Search for domestic flights here

Australia is most famous for its spectacular national parks and remote islands, and driving is the best way to see them. Renting a car in Australia will set you back at around US$70/day or $160 for a week.

Petrol is particularly expensive in the remote regions such as the Red Centre, at almost $2.80 per liter. 

It is very easy to do road trips in Australia . There are road signs everywhere and they’re in English.  The main thing you need to be careful about when driving in Australia is wildlife. Kangaroos often dash out to the roads especially at night, so be extra alert. Your best bet is to avoid driving at night.

Book Your Car Rental!

Backpackers with lots of time on their hands might prefer to take the bus around Australia. It’s the cheapest option and buses in Australia are comfortable and punctual. Greyhound Australia is the main coach service within this beautiful country. Book your bus tickets here to ensure availability.

You can choose from hop-on and hop-off passes which give you lots of flexibility. Choose your start and end points from the routes, and then enjoy three months to hop-on and off where you please. You have 90 days to complete your travel (or extend to 180 days for a nominal fee) and your first day of travel must commence within 12 months of purchase. You can get the bus passes here.

Australia is safe and easy to travel around on your own. My first trip there was when I was 17 and I backpacked around Australia with a group of friends without any difficulty or challenges. 

If you prefer to travel with a group, check out this 15-Day Outback to the Top End tour with small-group operator G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them many times (to Mongolia, Antarctica, Brazil, Svalbard and Nepal) and can highly recommend them. Every single trip was epic and I’ve made some lifelong friendships on my trips with them.

Another alternative is to travel independently but go on day tours when necessary. You can find a wide range of day trips with prices and reviews at Viator.   They have free cancellations and mobile vouchers which make it really convenient. We did a   three-day camping trip in Uluru and it was the best experience we had in the whole of Australia.

Most day trips in Australia cost around US$100 and upwards. If you book them when you arrive, they’re more expensive at local travel agencies or hotels.

Australia is a huge country, so this really depends on which part of the country you’re planning to travel.

Keep in mind that Australia is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are reversed to the northern hemisphere. Summer in Australia runs from December to February  and winter goes from June to September.

For our ultimate itinerary below, December to February is the best time to take the trip. The weather will be warm and sunny and temperatures won’t go below 20°C (68°F).

However, it can get very hot in Alice Springs , Northern Territory, with average daytime temperatures around 32 to 36°C (90 to 97°F). This is also peak travel season in Australia so prices are higher.

Winter can be quite cold in Melbourne and Sydney, with temperatures dipping to 7 to 9°C (45 to 48°F). You’ll definitely need to pack warm clothing and a winter coat.

Prices in Australia are quite high, comparable to prices in the US and Western Europe. Expect to pay US$15-25 for a restaurant meal and at least $70 for a standard three-star hotel room.

Renting a car can set you back at around US$70/day or $160 for a week. Petrol is particularly expensive in the remote regions such as the Red Centre, at almost $2.80 per liter. Keep that extra cost in mind as well.

However, there are ways to travel on a budget in Australia. It is quite backpacker-friendly with a strong network of YHA hostels and inter-city bus services.

A bed in a YHA hostel is usually around $25-40 per night, and Greyhound buses are around $50-100 each way (book your flights early and you’ll pay almost the same).

Please keep in mind that this itinerary is designed to help those of you who want to get an overview of Australia in a short time.

The itinerary packs in a lot, so be prepared to be on the go a lot and to spend quite a bit on domestic flights and day trips.

I have included all my favorite states in the itinerary and what I think are the essential areas to explore in Australia. If you’d like to slow down a bit, I would suggest removing one state and extending your stay in the other three states.

Here’s an overview of where the itinerary covers:

• Sydney – 3 days (day-trip to the Blue Mountains)
• Melbourne  – 4 days (day-trips to Phillip Island & Great Ocean Road)
• Cairns – 3 days (day-trips to Great Barrier Reef & Daintree)
• Alice Springs – 4 days (camping trip to Uluru and Kata Tjuta)

Sydney makes a great introduction to Australia, so make sure to spend at least two days exploring Australia’s biggest city. The multi-cultural city has a vibrant and lively flair, and the best places to get a sense of that are the Rocks district and Darling Harbour .

Head to Sydney Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city; you can even walk 250m (820 feet) above the ground on the Observation Deck.  A must-see in Sydney is its most iconic landmark: the Sydney Opera House and the nearby Harbour Bridge. I recommend doing the Sydney Bridge Climb , where you get to climb up the Harbour Bridge with a harness and get fantastic 360-degree panoramas of the city from above. I did that when I was 18 years old and absolutely loved the thrill of it.

Sign up for a bike tour to see some highlights of Sydney or a food tour in Sydney’s historical quarters . Spend an afternoon surfing on Bondi Beach or just people watch at King’s Cross.

In the evening, go on a Sydney harbor sunset dinner cruise for an unforgettable experience.

Budget: Noah’s @ Bondi Beach

This backpackers’ hostel is just a two-minute walk from the surfing hotspot, Bondi beach. It’s got lively vibes, a social atmosphere, and affordable prices. There’s a rooftop BBQ area with unobstructed beach views. Book your stay here!

Another good budget option is Ibis Budget – St Peters, where we stayed at. It is cheaper than Noah’s and offers more privacy than a hostel does. Check the latest prices.

Midrange: Glenferrie Lodge

Housed in a charming historical building, this lodge has an excellent location right next to Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s located in Kirribilli Wharf, where ferry services to Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House depart regularly. Kirribilli has a nice village atmosphere and lovely Victorian buildings. Book your stay here.

Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Boasting the best views of Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons is definitely a top choice for luxury travelers. It has a rooftop pool overlooking Sydney’s CBD and harbor-facing rooms all have spectacular water views. Check the latest rates here.

It’s time to head out to see Australia’s beautiful natural landscapes. An hour west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a stunning region with rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and eucalyptus trees.

Katoomba is the biggest town, located on the fringe of the Blue Mountains National Park and its bushwalking trails. For the best views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation, head to Echo Point.

I recommend renting a car for the day or booking a day trip . Each has its own advantage: renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and allows you to seek out secret corners; booking a day tour is easier and you’ll an expert to show you the hiking trails and the best viewpoints. 

Fly to Melbourne, my absolute favorite city in Australia. This multi-faceted city has gorgeous colonial Victorian architecture and a fun city beach. The 1.5-hour flight from Sydney to Melbourne costs around $30-50 one way. 

Kick off your first day in Melbourne by hopping on the City Circle Tram that’s free for everyone. The historical tram travels through Melbourne’s central business district, specifically Flinders, La Trobe, and Victoria Streets. 

Next, stroll through the historic Queen Victoria Market for some fresh Australian produce and arts and craft. Every Wednesday night between November and April, it also plays host to the Night Market.

Then head out to St Kilda, a coastal village just a tram ride away from the city. Here you can ride a paddle board or take a lesson , also explore the nightlife of this place. Luna Park Melbourne is free entry and it’s an excellent spot for families.

Budget: Melbourne Metro YHA

I stayed at this Melbourne YHA on my first trip to Australia when I was 17 and had a blast! It’s a fun and budget-friendly place perfect for those who want to mingle. Located on the city fringe, it has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Melbourne.  Book your stay here!

Midrange: Hotel Causeway

Housed in an Art Deco building, this boutique hotel is just steps from bustling Bourke Street Mall and the restaurants of Swanston Street. Despite its prime location and good quality accommodation, prices are reasonable. Check the latest rates here.

Luxury: Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Easily the best hotel in Melbourne, Grand Hyatt is perfectly positioned on Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne. Rooms here have views of either Melbourne’s skyline or the Yarra River. It’s well worth checking out the signature restaurant Collins Kitchen, and its stylish, modern bar Ru-Co. Check the latest rates here.

Next day, rise early for a day trip to Phillip Island , home to the world’s largest fur seal colony. Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne, this wildlife island features impressive landscapes and an overload of Australian wildlife.

Visit the Penguin Parade at sunset,   go whale-watching , see koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre, or go on an EcoBoat Tour. Don’t miss the Nobbies outcrop, where you’ll find the Australian fur seals.

I recommend booking this day trip as it includes hotel pickup and entrance to all the above-mentioned centers on Phillip Island. The tour leaves at 13:15 and gets you back to your hotel at 21:00 (from April to September) or 22:30 (from October to March).

For your last day in Victoria, head to the spectacular Great Ocean Road , one of Australia’s most visited destinations. This meandering road snakes its way along the dramatic coastline, revealing unique rock stacks and the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges (home to quite a few wild koalas).

Driving along the Great Ocean Road makes for one of best road trips in Australia . With so much to see, the Great Ocean Road definitely merits more than one day to explore, but those tight on time will have to make do with a day trip .

From Melbourne, drive west to the start of the Great Ocean Road, passing the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. You will also see the iconic Split Point Lighthouse .

Spend some time exploring the Shipwreck Coast and admiring the Loch Ard Gorge. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is the 12 Apostles (twelve rock stacks rising from the waters). Descend the Gibson’s Steps to the beach, where you will get new perspectives of the enormous offshore stacks and cliffs.

Your next stop is Queensland, the sunshine state full of pristine beaches, castaway islands and miles upon miles of reef. Fly from Melbourne to Cairns for around $100 one way. It’s a 3.5-hour flight. Check for flights here.

Cairns is the liveliest city in Queensland and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. I recommend spending your first day on the beach and soaking up some sunshine.

Located on the Esplanade is the Lagoon, a lively area to swim and chill. On Sundays, the Lagoon also hosts live music on a temporary stage. Don’t miss the Saturday Esplanade market for local artwork and jewelry.

If you’ve got some extra time, head to the many swimming holes outside of Cairns. Fairy Falls and Crystal Cascades are only a 10-minute drive from Cairns. A bit further away is Ross and Locke where you can go tubing along the rapids – just watch out for crocodiles!

Budget: YAL Cairns

This well-priced budget hotel offers great value for money, with a nice swimming pool and a comfortable outdoor lounge area. All rooms come with air conditioning, microwave, fridge, and shower. This hostel is great for couples and backpackers who are traveling on a budget. Book your stay here!

Midrange: Palm Royale Cairns

Set amidst 2.5 acres of tropical gardens, Palm Royale is a surprisingly affordable resort with two gorgeous pools. The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the city center. I would definitely stay here again on my next trip to Cairns. Check the latest rates here.

Luxury: Treetops Retreat Cairns

Perched on the treetops of the Crystal Cascades rainforest, this elegant yet rustic retreat is walking distance to swimming holes, hiking trails and waterfalls. The tree house has a spacious deck high in the canopy, with an outdoor pool and a private rainforest spa deck, perfect for star gazing. Check the latest rates here.

On your second day, take a catamaran sailing trip to the Great Barrier Reef for some snorkeling and sailing. The world’s largest coral reef system is made up of nearly 3000 individual reefs sprawled across an area of almost 135,000 square miles (350,000 square kilometers).

During the sailing trip , you’ll get to snorkel at two of 24 authorized reef locations depending on the day’s sea conditions. All of the sites offer exotic marine life like turtles and parrot fish. You’ll also get interpretation talks on board from experts about the reef.

Alternatively, book an eco-adventure day trip to Green Island , a private island resort in the Great Barrier Reef. The island also has a lush rainforest with over 120 native plant species and a rich bird life.

At just 45 minutes from Cairns, Green Island gives you the unique chance to do a combined reef and rainforest tour . . You can explore the island’s lush rainforest on foot, see the reef from the glass bottom boat, or snorkel off the beach.

For your last day in Queensland, head inland on an adventurous day trip to the Daintree Rainforests and Cape Tribulation . Daintree is Australia’s biggest tropical rainforest, and also the oldest rainforest on Earth at 135 million years old. Here you will find kingfishers, lorikeets, tree frogs, and entwining strangler figs.

By foot,   walk through the Daintree and find the point where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation. Ditch your hiking shoes and dip your feet in the white sand beaches.

Don’t miss Alexandra Lookout where you can get spectacular views of the Daintree River and the Coral Sea. Cruise along the Daintree River among rainforest jungles, mangroves, and crocodile-infested waters before returning to Cairns.

I have saved the best for last! Australia’s Red Centre is my favorite part of Australia and it’s where the raw and rugged Outback lies. Alice Springs is a small town and the gateway into the Red Centre. As low-cost airlines don’t fly there, airfares are slightly more expensive. A one-way flight from Cairns to Alice Springs costs around $200 on Qantas. 

Just 7km outside of town is the Alice Springs Desert Park , a wildlife sanctuary and botanic garden. Standing at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges, the desert park is a beautiful nature park where kangaroos roam, birds fly overhead, and endangered bilby burrows underground.

You get to see unique Australian animals like the thorny devil, echidna, and bearded dragon. For an interesting experience, sign up for a guided night tour to see rare and endangered animals under the stars.

If you’ve got some extra cash, I recommend treating yourself to a hot air balloon flight in Alice Springs . From the air, the landscape looks different and you get a real sense of the magnitude of the desert. Flights usually take place at dawn so you might need an extra day for this excursion. Read about our experience on a hot air balloon flight in Alice Springs .

Book your hot air balloon flight here!

Budget: Alice Lodge Backpackers

Just 5 minutes’ walk from Alice Springs town center, this great hostel is the best budget place to stay in town. Rooms are clean and spacious, plus they have cheap private rooms. The outdoor swimming pool is a great area to hang out and they organize barbecue nights occasionally. Check the latest rates here.

Midrange: Diplomat Motel

We stayed at this well-priced hotel and highly recommend it to travelers seeking affordable comfort and convenience. It’s located in the center of Alice Springs, just a few minutes’ walk from stores and restaurants. We hung out at the swimming pool in the evening and had a barbecued dinner that night! Check the latest rates here.

Luxury: DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

As one of the best hotels in town, DoubleTree by Hilton is a luxury resort awarded for its environmental-friendly ethos. The hotel has a beautiful setting, with the MacDonnell Ranges as a backdrop. All rooms have balconies that overlook either the mountains, swimming pool or gardens. Book your stay here!

For some real Australian Outback adventure, head into the Red Centre on a three-day camping tour of Uluru , Kings Canyon and the Kata Tjuta National Park.

This trip is power-packed and you’ll need a medium level of fitness for the walks. They are not technically difficult, but the high temperatures in summer can make them slightly challenging. Check out the trip details here.

You’ll travel around on a sturdy overland truck and your guide will prepare barbecued meals every day. Plus you get to sleep in cozy swags under the stars every night!  We did this camping trip in 2013 and it was definitely THE best experience we had in Australia to date. Read about my experience here.

Next day, you’ll head straight to Kings Canyon for a three-hour hike through the sandstone domes of the Lost City. Admire the many natural amphitheaters and see the North and South walls on the way to the Garden of Eden.

The next day, take a guided walk in the Kata Tjuta or the Olgas and learn about the spiritual significance of the area.

Then visit the Aboriginal Cultural Center and listen to tales from the Tjukurpa Dreamtime. On the last day, watch the sun rise over Uluru, the world’s largest rock.

Do a base walk at Uluru to see beautiful Aboriginal cave paintings. You’ll get back to Alice Springs in the evening of the last day.

Book the camping trip here!

Sadly your trip has come to an end! Fly from Alice Springs to Sydney direct for around $150 one-way, just in time to catch your flight home.

Other Two-Week Itineraries in Australia

Because Australia is such a massive place, you could easily spend two weeks focusing on one particular state in Australia that fits your interest.

Consider what your interests are: do you prefer hiking in the outback or exploring cities? These itineraries will help you narrow down your focus and show you the best in one state. You’ll also save money as you won’t need to book domestic flights to get around.

Here are some examples of two-week itineraries in Australia:

Victoria is a micro-Australia, with dramatic coastlines, outstanding landscapes, wildlife-rich islands, and buzzing beach vibes. This state is great for road trips and a mixture of adventure, urban life, and relaxation.

Tasmania is an outstanding, scenic island that every nature lover needs to visit!

• Visit Melbourne and its Victorian buildings and markets
• Drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road
• Go wine-tasting in Mornington Peninsula
• Take a day trip to Phillip Island to see penguins and the world’s largest fur seal colony
• Fly to Tasmania, a paradise for nature lovers
• Hike in the famous Cradle Mountain National Park
• Enjoy a wineglass bay cruise and visit its national park

Northern Territory : For Adventure Seekers (my favorite!)

This is where you’ll see the real Outback, where termite mounds rise above the rose red sand and Aboriginal artwork sprawl across ancient rocks. Adventure seekers would love this itinerary as it involves lots of hiking and camping in the deserts.

You can easily do a road trip from Darwin, driving from Australia’s Top End to the Red Centre and flying back from Alice Springs.

• Experience the tropical city of Darwin
• Swim with the mighty saltwater crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove
• Take the ferry to the Tiwi Islands to learn Aboriginal island culture
• Hike amongst waterfalls in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks
• Camp in the Red Centre to explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Parks

Western Australia is the sunniest part of the country as it averages an annual eight hours of sunshine per day. This itinerary is great for families who are looking to get outdoors and experience Australia’s wildlife and beaches.

Read this two-week itinerary of Western Australia for more details or click the links below for day trip ideas.

• Explore the sunny capital of Perth: King’s Park, Cottesloe Beach, and Fremantle
• Take a day trip to Rottnest Island to bike around and see quokkas
• See koalas and kangaroos at Yanchep National Park
• Have a 4WD adventure in the Pinnacles and try sandboarding
• Wine-tasting in Margaret River

The sunshine state is more than just blue skies and never-ending beaches. With five World Heritage Listed sites and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is Australia’s favorite natural playground.

This itinerary is perfect for underwater enthusiasts and those who want to see the lush rainforests and pristine islands of Australia.

• Fly to Cairns, a modern coastal city
• Take a catamaran sailing trip to the Great Barrier Reef for some snorkeling
• Spend a few days on Green Island to dive and explore the coral life
• Explore the rainforests in Daintree and Cape Tribulation on 4WD
• Visit the Chillagoe caves and waterfalls
• Take a historic scenic train to the village of Kuranda nestled within a UNESCO forest

That’s a wrap! Hope you’ve found this Australia itinerary to be useful. Feel free to print it out and bring it with you on your trip. Any trip to Australia is an adventure and a trip of a lifetime. Enjoy the journey!

Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

• Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
• Accommodations:  I always use  Booking.com   to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
• Travel Insurance:  It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
• Health Advice:  I always refer to the travel guides on the   CDC website  for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours:  If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with  Viator  and  GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
• Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
• Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using  Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
• Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
• Travel WiFi: I always travel with my Travel WiFi Sapphire 2 device; it’s the most convenient way to get internet data on the go. Instead of getting a local SIM card in every country I travel, I get an internet data package online and the device works immediately when I land.

Inspired? Pin it!

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

I love this post so much – but it’s making me homesick!! I’ve just realised how little of my own country I’ve seen.

Andy Shuman

Excellent post, Nellie. It’s going to be helpful for my first trip to Australia when I finally get down to it. One thing though: Are you sure that Scoot can carry passengers on domestic flights in Australia. I’m quite sure that would be a violation of anti-cabotage rules.

hi Andy, good to know you find it useful! Yes Scoot does run domestic flights in Australia. I’ve just double checked. Scoot is a Singaporean budget airline – I flew them once to Taipei and they were really good. I’m not sure about the anti-cabotage rules though, sorry can’t be of much help there!

Stunning captures! In love with the blue mountains. Cheers!

Looks like an amazing place to explore. Loved it.

Jean-Robert Corvington

Hi Nellie! Great recommendations for our first trip to Australia. What if you only have 10-12 days and are flying out of Melbourne on the return? We are also wine lovers and would love at least a 1 night camping experience. We’ll be landing first in Sydney so we can easily follow the first part of the trip. What should we skip or add?

hi Jean-Robert! Thanks for dropping by! If you only have 10-12 days, I would recommend spending your time mostly in Sydney and Melbourne. There are loads to do in and around both cities. For wine lovers, I recommend checking out Yarra Valley near Melbourne, it’s a very popular place for Australians. You can also easily book an adventure/camping trip along the Great Ocean Road. Many people drive that, but you can also hike it and do short walks. Hope this helps!

good info. it just drive me crazy. that y i love to travel. travel more to see more. cant wait to visit Australia again. thanks. cheers!.

Gill Solnick

thanks this is a really exciting and helpful site. We are going to Sydney for a wedding and would love to find a sane itinerary for the old but adventurous.

Hi Nellie, what a great site! So lucky to see your recoms before my first trip to Australia in 3 weeks. I ll definitely do some day trips u recommended. I got days from 19/12/19 to 02/01/20. I was planning to stay in Sydney for 4 days and then flying to Melbourne and staying there for another 3-4 nights. Then I dont know where I should go for another 3 days and fly back to Sydney on 30th to see New Year fireworks. Any recommendation for me? Thank you so much.

Hey Joy, thanks for the comment! It depends on your interest. Check out the last part of my article. I share more 2-week itineraries based on your interests. If you’re into hiking and camping, then I definitely recommend the Red Center in Alice Springs.

Carol Bracey

Hello Nellie: Great information on Australia. Three fairly active seniors are planning a trip for about 15 days in April next year 2023. We love nature, wildlife, cultural adventures, and other non-strenuous experiences. Would you change or add anything in your recommendations for 2 week tours? Carol Bracey

hi Carol, thanks for dropping by! :) I have packed in ALOT to this itinerary. If you prefer to slow it down, I would suggest removing the Cairns (Queensland) part of the itinerary. The Uluru part of the trip is spectacular and it’s my favorite part of Australia, full of nature and interesting aboriginal interactions – but it would involve more hiking and strenuous activity. As long as you’re active and mobile, I think you’ll do just fine. Plus, you can sign up for a tour that doesn’t require camping or too much hiking to make things easier. Hope this helps!

Thank you but.. hiking compass in (almost) 2023? I wonder, what year was the original article written?

The original article was published 3 years ago. Many backcountry hikers prefer to rely on a hiking compass than phone because it never runs out of battery (unlike a phone) and is far more accurate.

Hi Nellie, thank you so much for the post!! I’m planning my first trip to Australia and this was super helpful. Do you happen to have any other recommendations for the 3 day camping trip to Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta? The link you’ve provided didn’t lead to that tour. Thank you!!

hi Rachel, oh sorry the link is not working. I will update it. We actually traveled with Wayoutback Safaris on this tour . You can read about our experience here .

Thank you Nellie for this wonderful information. My husband, daughter and I are planning a trip in January 2025 and we were wondering about the 3 day camping trip alternative as well. The trip sounds so amazing however, the link does not appear to be the 3 day trip any longer.

hi Jo, sorry about that, I’ll update the link. I’ve sent some suggestions below. Hope you guys get to go on a camping trip at Uluru/Kata Tjuta. It was the highlight for us!

Thanks for the post. When I asked for advise on trip advisor they said the itinerary is too busy and can not enjoy all of above in 2 weeks.

Did you do all of this in 2 weeks? If you did, then its doable and I can do it too in last week of May/Early June.

Any alternatives to camping as I don’t like to sleep in tent. I like hotel rooms with out own restroom.

I don’t mind doing day trips to experience camping?

I don’t think there is nay place for Brisbane in this itinerary?

hi Sam, yes we did it in 2 weeks. It’s definitely pretty intense and if you’re the kind who like to chill and relax, it might not be for you. But if you like to pack your itinerary fully and see as much as possible, then it’s totally doable. There are definitely hotels and guest houses available in the outback, you don’t have to camp if you don’t want to. There’s no room for Brisbane I’m afraid; I went to Brisbane on a separate trip and had a great time in the Gold Coast but if it’s your first time in Australia, I think it’s ok to skip Brisbane.

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Driving from alice springs to adelaide, swimming in jellyfish lake, palau, camping in uluru – part i: learning aboriginal culture.

Travelling Without a Passport

The Best Four-Week Travel Itineraries in Australia

We’ve got plenty of inspiration to help you plan an unforgettable four-week trip Down Under

For most adventurers, a trip to Australia is a dream come true. And if you have four weeks in Australia, well, you won’t want to waste a second. With so much to see and do in this vast country — Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and the biggest island on the planet — and the lengths you may go to travel Down Under — it makes sense to not only create a wishlist, but plan a full-on itinerary. That’s where we come in!

Before embarking on a four-week itinerary in Australia, consider the Australian continent’s geography. If you’re a nature lover drawn to remote landscapes, then head to the outback of sparsely populated Western Australia — but be sure to allot time in its super-sunny capital of Perth , a metropolis boasting beaches, botanical gardens, vineyards, and off the coast, an island reserve called Rottnest Island. On the East Coast, between Brisbane and  Cairns , you’ll find Australia’s largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne , and unlimited opportunities for adventure, from driving the scenic Great Ocean Road to deep-sea diving off the Great Barrier Reef . 

And if four weeks in Australia and New Zealand is more the ticket, we’ve got itineraries for that incredible journey, too, including stargazing in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region and bungee jumping in Queenstown , a gorgeous natural wonder that’s truly earned its stripes as the world’s “Adventure Capital.” Let the itinerary planning begin!

Our top itinerary for four weeks in Australia

Perth to kalbarri.

Start your four-week tour of Australia in sunny Perth. And we do mean sunny — Western Australia’s vibrant capital is one of the sunniest cities in the world! Head north to Nambung National Park to explore The Pinnacles Desert, carving out time to swim at one of the gorgeous beaches. Next up: Jurien Bay Marine Park, where you can snorkel, dive and kayak along the limestone reef, or sand-board down the massive expanse of white sand dunes. Capping off the excursion: a trip through Geraldton to the chill beach town of Kalbarri.

Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay

Take a short drive to the ancient Kalbarri National Park. Explore the spectacular Skywalk, with two cantilevered structures suspended over Murchison Gorge, and jaw-dropping views that defy the imagination. Hike the Loop Walk and scope out Nature’s Window, an iconic natural attraction formed from Tumblagooda Sandstone. Discuss it all over lunch, then it’s straight on to Shell Beach, composed entirely of white cockle shells—truly a rare phenomenon. End the day in charming Denham, a former pearling town, now the gateway to Shark Bay.

Monkey Mia to Coral Bay

Drive across the Peron Peninsula to the nature reserve, Monkey Mia, to meet the bottlenose dolphins that frequent the shallows. More treasures await as you continue on your Australia itinerary, 4 weeks and counting, including Carnarvon, a tropical haven, and two hours drive south, Hamelin Pool, a marine nature reserve where fascinating stromatolites known as “living fossils” await. Continue along the highway to Coral Bay, a scenic coastline known for its manta rays, white sand beaches, and red outback desert.

Coral Bay to Yardie Creek

Head to picturesque Coral Bay, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ningaloo Reef, famous for its humongous whale sharks. Take a snorkeling or diving tour in the pristine waters or cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat offering a front-row seat to the coral formations and marine life below. Later, drive to the campsite at Yardie Creek in Cape Range National Park, where you can take a nature walk or boat tour and explore Yardie Creek Gorge, with its enormous cliffs, wildlife, and astonishing views.  

Exmouth and Cape Range National Park

Drive from Exmouth to Cape Range National Park, a snorkelers’ nirvana, offering a window to over 500 species of fish and 220 species of coral. Next, head to the hilltop Vlamingh Head Lighthouse with sensational views of the Indian Ocean, but time it right—it’s one of the few places in Australia where you can watch the sun both rise and set. Wander the seaside town of Exmouth before settling down in a permanent campsite. 

Karijini National Park

Head inland through the vast cattle-grazing stations of the dry, red-earth Pilbara region. Pass through the little mining town of Tom Price, nicknamed “Top Town in Western Australia” thanks to its position as the country’s highest town above sea level. Spend the night at a campsite overlooking the Hamersley Range, a natural wonder in Karijini, notable for its ancient canyons, gorges, and rocks, plus Mount Bruce, Western Australia’s second-highest peak. Discover the full itinerary here: West Coast Discovery (From Perth to Darwin)

Four-week itinerary for Australia and New Zealand

Start your sightseeing at gorgeous Fitzroy Gardens, the city’s most historic gardens, then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, renowned for its plant diversity and scenic lakes. Next, it’s on to the Victorian Arts Center, famous for its architecture, as well as its performance spaces. Enjoy dinner at one of the local standout restaurants—Melbourne’s innovative food and drink scene is without equal—then browse Chapel and Brunswick Streets for vintage finds and designer clothing.

Fly to the coastal city of Cairns and spend a day relaxing in this tropical paradise. Catch some rays and enjoy year-round swimming at Palm Bay, explore the splendor of Cairns Botanical Gardens, or nearby Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest, where you can zipline, hike, or hop on a river cruise—the options are endless!

The Great Barrier Reef

One of the rewards of spending four weeks in Australia and New Zealand? A trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef—definitely the experience of a lifetime. Board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Reefs where you can snorkel, scuba-dive, and swim among turtles and fish in this dazzling underwater world. Or take a glass-bottom boat tour and view the reef’s brilliant beauty without taking the plunge.

Fly to Australia’s largest and most famous city. First stop: the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning architectural masterpiece. Want a peek of the performance spaces? Take a guided tour—or score tickets to a show. Next, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone landmark within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney beckons—the perfect photo-op with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Visit beautiful Bondi Beach (surfing, anyone?) then hop on a Sydney Harbour cruise and enjoy postcard-worthy vistas.

Christchurch

Fly to Christchurch, a must-visit when spending four weeks in Australia and New Zealand. Divided by the Avon River, it’s the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Travel south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a hiker’s heaven named after New Zealand’s highest peak. If weather permits, join a stargazing tour—the Mount Cook region has some of the darkest skies in the world, perfect for viewing the southern night sky with the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes.

Start the day at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, spotlighting the history and culture of the Aoraki/Mount Cook region—and don’t sleep on the domed digital planetarium. Then enjoy the adrenaline rush of Queenstown, dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” There’s no limit to the exciting activities on offer, from bungee jumping, jet-boat rides, skydiving, and canyoning, to snow sports. Discover the full itinerary here: The Complete South Pacific: Melbourne to Queenstown

Randi Gollin

Randi Gollin is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s covered everything from travel, food, and cocktails, to shopping and business topics for digital publications and tech and media brands.

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All Destinations , Australasia , Australia , Road Trip Itineraries

Road trip in australia: an itinerary for the whole country.

G’day mates, I’m here to take you on a 6 month long road trip in Australia.

Well, I’m not actually taking you (although maybe I’ll get the chance to do guided road trips around this beautiful country at some point, watch this space!), but, with this 6 month itinerary for the ultimate Australian road trip, you’ll know exactly where to go and when .

This Australia road trip planner is customizable depending on your wishes, but I’ve added suggested lengths of times in each location. I

’m recommending at least six months to orbit Australia (this Australia road trip itinerary takes you into the centre as well).

Australia is big and some days will consist of just driving.

Also, this itinerary doesn’t include for rest and admin days – so do take that into account when you plan your road trip in Australia.

I’ve also got dozens of more detailed itineraries for different segments of the road trip, as well as city and region itineraries for different parts of the country.

You can click through to them using the links below – all links open in a new window.

So wherever you’re visiting on this island, and whether you’re backpacking in Australia or on a road trip with toddlers , you can use this 6 month itinerary to plan your ultimate Australia road trip.

Shall we begin?

When to take the road trip in Australia?

I recommend that you begin the road trip in Melbourne in March or April.

Of course, you don’t have to begin at this time, or even in Melbourne. Most travellers fly into Melbourne or Sydney, and as Melbourne is the most temperamental weather – wise, I thought it would be nice to give you two chances to see it in its glory.

Plus, Tasmania, which I’ve put on the end of this road trip Australia itinerary, is accessible from Melbourne.

I’d recommend starting your road trip from Melbourne in March or April, as this should give you the best weather everywhere – it’ll be a bit cold in the south at first, but it will quickly warm up.

Then once you’ve returned to Melbourne, you’ll have a summer there!

Of course, if you want to start in Darwin (which is the cheapest place to fly into from Asia), then you could do this loop starting in September or October, skipping the rainy season in the north and arriving back there for the high season.

Bear in mind that some parts of the north, like Kakadu and the Gibb River Road, are inaccessible during the rainy season.

The south is still great during the winter, but may be a bit chilly and it is more rainy. Some rough outback roads all over the country can be closed when it rains.

What to pack for the Australia road trip

I’m going to be writing a full road trip Australia packing list very soon, but here’s some staples you’re not going to want to forget:

• A car or van (just in case you forget!). If you want a car like my Subaru, you can find deals on a Subaru model on KBB, BCP, Edmunds and other huge sites. For my budget, I couldn’t have asked for a better car in Australia. It’s a great vehicle for road tripping, with AWD capacities and a fantastic reputation for reliability – actually, its Outback model is on the Consumer Reports’s best road trip vehicle lists!
• High quality tent if you’re not sleeping in your car/ van
• High quality sleeping bag suitable for both tropical and temperate climates
• Mattress – a blow up, camping mat or full on double inflatable mattress (you might want to opt for the latter if you’re camping for six months).
• An esky – that’s Australian for coolbox, by the way – or a cooler bag .
• A camping stove
• Gas for said stove
• Pots and pans
• High quality torches
• Coolant, oil, jump leads, and a spare fuel tank for the car
• Ask for some of these gifts for campers for Christmas as some extras!
• If you’re planning on doing some serious off-roading and have a 4×4 (only do off-roading in a 4×4!) You might also want some quality 4×4 accessories. Check out Lifestyle 4x4s range here. 

If you haven’t left your home country yet, check out my what to pack for Australia list to check you’ve got all of the essentials covered.

Where to stay during your road trip around Australia

I’m presuming you’ll be camping around most of Australia – download the app WikiCamps to help you find free and paid campsites, and check out my free camping in Australia post to get the basics.

In places where campsites, free or paid, aren’t readily available, I’ve recommended some hostels and hotels.

You can also of course use Airbnb (click here for money off your first booking) and Couchsurfing, depending on your travelling style.

Road Trip Australia Itinerary for 6 Months on the Road

Melbourne: 3 days.

There are so many things to do in Melbourne; it’s been voted the world’s most liveable city time and time again for a reason.

From the wealth of museums to the amazing coffee, to cultural attractions like the AMCI and the Victoria Art Gallery, to the many vintage stores, to the beautiful library, you certainly won’t get bored during your time here!

You might not quite have seven days in the city, but this Melbourne itinerary will help you get to grips with the place.

Oh, and are you conscious of not spending too much at your first stop? I got ya! I had an erm… interesting time in Melbourne where I only had about $14 to my name.

Check out my tips for visiting Melbourne on a budget here.

There aren’t many places to free camp near Melbourne – I stayed at Urban Central Hostel, which is decent (although no free parking). You can book in by clicking here .

Victoria Hotel Backpackers is 5km from the city centre, but does have free parking. Click here to book .

Want to stay somewhere a bit more upscale? The Novotel Melbourne is a good option, close to the centre and with free parking. Click here for rates and to reserve .

Melbourne to Sydney: 1 week

The Melbourne to Sydney road trip is one that’s well-trodden with travelers, but it still isn’t hard to find somewhere that’s a little off the beaten path.

Highlights include Wilson’s Promontory National Park , Lakes Entrance , Eden , camping in a NSW state forest and Jervis Bay .

Once you reach Jervis Bay, if you want, you can take a detour inland to Canberra , the nation’s capital and to the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park – a must-see about 3 hours west of Sydney.

Sydney: 3 days

Sydney’s the most famous city of Australia, and one that all tourists want to visit, but there’s more here than just an opera house. Once you’ve seen the crowning glory from a few different angles – from Darling Harbour, Mrs Macquaries Seat and of course, up close are my favourites – check out some of the other things to do in Sydney.

It’s famous for its beaches of course; Bondi, Glebe and Manly are firm favourites. Click here for my three days in Sydney itinerary. There are some really great hostels in Sydney – although they’re bladdy expensive.

Bounce is really well facilitated, but it’ll set you back around $40 for a dorm room. I also really like YHA Railway Square, where you can stay in dorms in train cabins! Click here to book .

If you want free parking, you’ll need to stay a bit further out. I’ve also stayed in Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel which is near Newtown – it has cheap dorm rates (for Sydney) and free parking. Click here to book .

If you’re looking for a hotel, Veriu Broadway is in a good location and has free parking. Click here to book .

Sydney to Brisbane: 1 week

The Sydney to Brisbane road trip takes in some amazing nature spots, as well as my favourite place in the world, Byron Bay.

Driving north, you’ll reach Newcastle fun things to do in this town here (check out some ) and Port Macquarie before turning inland towards the Waterfall Way .

This hinterland is beautiful, so give yourself a bit of time to properly absorb it all.

Then head out toward Coffs Harbour and up to Yamba , a chill beach town with some great natural spots.

Then it’s time for Byron Bay and its surrounds – check out these great things to do in Bryon Bay and don’t forget to see its hinterland.

Then you’ll cross into Queensland – the Gold Coast is your first point of call, with Surfer’s Paradise being a place to let your hair down before relaxing on some of the other beaches!

Finally, you’ll arrive into the capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane .

Brisbane: 3 days

Brisbane is often an overlooked Australian city, but it’s well worthy of a spot on your road trip around Australia. It’s a chilled out, breathable place, with lots of attractions to pass a few days in.

Check out the Brisbane Botanical Garden, the Brisbane Museum, the City Beach and the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

If you’re already missing nature, head to Stradbroke Island which is very close to the centre and feasible as a day or overnight trip. You could even go camping at Adder Rock if you don’t want to return to the city for accommodation!

City Backpackers HQ is my preferred Brisbane hostel – and it has free parking! It’s reasonably priced and has a bar, a pool, a terrace with city views and $10 nightly dinner deals. Click here to book .

For a hotel option, Ibis Styles is a great option in the middle of the city. Click here for rates and book today .

Brisbane to Cairns: 3 weeks

The most popular one of all the Australian road trips, Brisbane to Cairns is the one where you’ll see the most travellers – and for good reason.

There are tons of amazing spots here, and it’s also the perfect spot to make some friends!

Highlights include Noosa National Park , Fraser Island , surfing at Agnes Water , the Aboriginal cultural centre at Rockhampton , the Whitsunday Islands , Magnetic Island , diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef , and the beautiful Daintree Rainforest .

Cairns is another place you’ll probably be wanting to stay in a hostel – all of the free campsites are quite far out.

Gilligans has free parking, and the rest – it’s a really well facilitated place, with lots going on, but is only for those who are dedicated to partying!

If you want somewhere a bit more chilled, Cairns City Backpackers has free parking as well and has a calm courtyard and good atmosphere. It’s a 15 – 20 minute walk from the centre. Click here for rates and book today .

Want a hotel? Double Tree Hilton Cairns is a great place to relax and unwind! Click here for rates and book today .

You’ll need a four-wheel drive for this segment of the road trip; and it’s somewhere really off the beaten track. Think rainforest, crocodiles, rugged tracks and beautiful beaches, eventually making it to the tip of Australia.

Accommodation on the way will be free camping, and there’s only the odd roadhouse or pub – this is proper off the grid living.

Cape York was a spot I didn’t make it to (and I can’t wait to return to Australia and go!) – here’s a great 7 day itinerary for the trip to the tip .

Cape York to Uluru: 1 week

From the base of Cape York, rejoin the highway and head westwards, towards the Northern Territory border .

You’ll see a really distinct landscape here as the terrain changes, and experience towns like Karumba and Burketown (if you take highway one) or Charters Towers and Mount Isa (if you take the A6).

Either way, it’s a lot of country towns, desolate scenery and hot temperatures! Once you reach the Stuart Highway, turn down and head towards your ultimate destination: Uluru .

You’ll be able to see the attractions on the Stuart Highway on the way back up, but by all means stop at them on the way down as well!

Uluru is an unmissable place in Australia and at least 2 full days should be spent here.

Take some time to walk around the base and see the rock art, do some of the walks in the area to the gorges, and see Katja Tutja on the Valley of the Winds walk.

Uluru to Darwin: 2 weeks

After some time at beautiful Uluru, make your way north. If you have a 4WD or an AWD (or you can do it in a 2WD if you’re daring – do double check road conditions before you head out though!) take on the Red Centre Way .

This is a loop that takes you to King’s Canyon and then to Alice Springs the back way.

You’ll get to check out the West McDonnell Ranges , which are really spectacular, and drive along rough, outback roads. You might see wild ponies and camels!

Then head to Alice Springs for a couple of nights.

Next, head north to Tennant Creek , stopping in Wycliffe Well – the UFO capital of Australia – and at the Devil’s Marbles . You’re approaching the top end now; after Tennant Creek spend a night at Daly Waters , a fantastic pub and campground.

Mataranka has some beautiful springs and sweltering Katherine is your next stop, with the Nitmiluk National Park . Then it’s on to Kakadu National Park and finally, to Darwin .

Darwin: 3 days

I love and hate Darwin at the same time.

It’s a great place to let your hair down and party, if that’s your scene – but the backpacker crowd is typically pretty OTT.

There are some fun things to do in Darwin , however – the Military Museum is a must, as is the Art Gallery and Museum of the Northern Territory.

If you have the funds, a day trip to the Tiwi Islands is a must-do as well.

Plus there’s Charles Darwin National Park and the lagoon which is perfect for a dip on a sweltering Darwin day.

Darwin hostels are… interesting. If you’re there to party and don’t mind sacrificing on sleep and erm a certain standard of cleanliness, Youth Shack is an option – I found the dorms and bathrooms not the cleanest, but there is a really nice pool area. (Have I sold it? Click here if you want to book after my rave review 😉 )

Melaleuca has higher cleanliness, but is even more of a party place (if possible!). Click here for more information .

If you want somewhere chill on a budget in Darwin, I’d recommend staying at a campsite out of the city, finding somewhere on Airbnb – use this link for $44 off your first booking – or Couchsurfing .

I’ve done all of these in Darwin!

The Argus Hotel is modern, comfortable and clean and has a pool and on-site restaurant. Click here for rates and to book .

Darwin to Broome (via the Gibb River Road): 2 weeks

Heading south, your first stop should be Litchfield National Park .

I don’t find it as breathtaking as Kakadu, but it’s worth the stop.

Then head west, towards the border with Western Australia. It’s a long old drive, but once you’ve crossed it, head into Kununurra and check out some of the town’s attractions.

Then it’s time for Lake Argyle – this beautiful spot is perfect for kicking back in for a couple of days. Make sure you stay in the Lake Argyle campsite and enjoy its amazing infinity pool!

If you have a 4WD or AWD (I did it in an AWD, much to a lot of people’s disbelief!), take on the Gibb River Road .

This is my favourite part of Australia – 660 kilometres of gorges, waterfalls, secluded campsites and unmissable nature.

You’ll get off the road at Derby, from which it is a 2-hour drive to Broome.

Broome to Perth: 3 weeks

Spend a few days recharging in beautiful Broome , making sure you don’t miss a sunset!

If you’re there during Staircase to the Moon, it’s well worth checking out.

Gantheaume Point is amazing for dinosaur footprints and cliff jumping, and if you have a 4WD Cape Leveque is a great spot to head up to.

Broome town centre has some interesting attractions which nods to its Indigenous heritage and history as a pearling town. If you’re wanting to stay in the heart of Broome or Cable Beach, you’ll need to pay for accommodation.

I spent a month at Cable Beach Backpackers, which is a small hostel with a really nice atmosphere. Click here for more information and to book .

If you want to stay in Broome town Kimberley Klub YHA is a good option. Click here for rates and book today .

For somewhere a bit more private, try Broome Vacation Village. Click here for more information and to book .

Once you hit the road again, your first stop will be 80 Mile Beach and then Port Hedland .

From Port, you can head southwards to Karijini National Park – one of the best in Australia.

Then head out to the west coast to Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef .

If it is the right time of year, you can go snorkeling with whale sharks here; a bucket list experience.

Diving at the Navy Pier is also incredible. From Exmouth, head south to the country town of Canarvon and then Shark Bay .

Going south more will take you to Kalbarri National Park , Geraldton and then the Coral Coast .

The Indian Ocean Drive here is incredible, as you drive right next to the sea. The Pinnacles, Lancelin and New Norcia round off your west coast itinerary before arriving in Perth.

Perth: 4 days

Perth is my favourite Australian city .

I love the spaciousness, the blue skies, the copious amounts of water. Spend a day in the CBD, seeing the attractions there like Elizabeth Quay and King’s Park.

Day two should be spent in funky Fremantle, a hip suburb with lots of attractions .

On day three, head to the Perth Hills to see another side of the city.

Finally, take a ferry over to Rottnest Island for a slice of island livin’. Billabong Backpackers in Perth offers free parking and also has a pool, a large common area and free breakfast. Click here for more information and to book .

If you’re wanting to stay in Fremantle, the Old Fire Station is the one – check out my review here and book using this link .

OFS does have parking but it’s kind of expensive – I used to park at South Beach and take the free CAT bus there.

For a hotel option, Tribe Perth is clean, contemporary and has free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Perth to Esperance: 1 week

Once you’ve had your fill of Perth, head back down south (you could stop back into Freo on the way down, I wouldn’t blame you!) toward Margaret River .

This is a beautiful area where you could easily spend a few days. Next on your trip is the karri forests of Pemberton and swing by D’entrecasteaux national park .

There are some amazing beaches around Denmark and Albany , as well as some intriguing natural attractions. Then head to Fitzgerald River National Park and check out the unique biosphere here.

After, it’s time for Esperance , which has a picturesque ocean drive. Head to Cape le Grand National Park after, which has famous white sand beaches and lots of kangaroos.

If you have a 4WD, Cape Arid National Park is worth a visit too, before you head back to Esperance and start the drive north to the Nullarbor Plain.

The Nullarbor: 3 days

The Nullarbor Plain is a place of mystery; it’s a long, arid stretch of road with not much at all to see. But it’s really beautiful, and the feeling of being so in the middle of nowhere is unbeatable.

Take three days to drive it, as you’ll want to take it in properly and avoid driver fatigue. Highlights include Australia’s longest straight road, various quirky road houses and the beautiful Great Australian Bight .

You can free camp near here and watch the sunrise in the morning – it’s a magical experience. At the end of the Nullarbor, the seaside towns of Ceduna and Streaky Bay are worth popping into.

The Eyre Peninsula: 2 days

The Eyre Peninsula juts down at the bottom of South Australia, and is a great destination for 4WDing, beautiful beaches and wild camping.

The terrain varies from what you’ve just experienced on the Nullarbor, and there are a few small towns that are worth checking out around the peninsula.

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy: 4 days

At the top eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, arriving in Port Augusta will feel like you’ve reached a city. It’s time to head north, up the Stuart Highway, to a town called Coober Pedy.

This is a 550-kilometre detour (plus the return trip) to see a population 3,500 town where everyone lives underground; and I do think it’s worth it.

If you love the weird and wonderful, you’ll find lots of entertaining things to do in Coober Pedy . The drive up there is pretty mesmerizing as well!

Coober Pedy to the Flinders Ranges: 5 days

And the good news is you don’t have to go back the way you came; from Coober Pedy, you can head south east on the Oodnadatta Track – an unsealed but generally in good condition (check before you head out) road connecting the Stuart Highway with the Outback Highway.

You’ll drive around the south side of Lake Eyre (if you have a 4WD and a sense of adventure you might have the chance to go off the track and see it more) and experience even more outback living.

It’s hard to ever get enough, really!

The Flinders Ranges are a beautiful national park that twin mountains and outback – looking otherworldly.

Adelaide: 3 days

From the southern end of the Flinders Ranges, it is about a fiv hour drive to Adelaide (and this is their local national park – told ya Australia was big!).

Adelaide, like Perth, seems to get a reputation for being ‘boring’ but it’s actually a bundle of joy.

The city is really gorgeous, with markets, museums, a great state library and there’s lots of nature around the city, including beaches and vineyards. Make sure you check out the Barossa Valley.

Backpack Oz in Adelaide has a great atmosphere with a bar and organized trips, and is set in a historic building. There isn’t free parking right by the hostel, but there are spots nearby – the hostel staff can advise you. Click here for rates and to book .

If you’re after a hotel, Pullman Adelaide is a good option with free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Adelaide to Melbourne: 1 week

Between Adelaide to Melbourne, there are a few great attractions, both coastal and inland. Coolong National Park and Mount Gambier are great spots to visit with South Australia, and once you cross over the border, head north towards Gariwerd (The Grampians) National Park .

A couple of hours east from here is the historic city of Ballarat , with attractions geared around its gold-rush history.

From here, zig-zag back down to Warrnambool, where you can enjoy the gorgeous Great Ocean Road. Spend a few days here enjoying the beaches and attractions before completing your loop and reaching Melbourne city once again.

Tasmania: 3 weeks

But your trip doesn’t stop here!

From Melbourne, catch the Spirit of Tasmania over to Devonport .

From here, you can do a circuit of the island state, enjoying attractions like the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, the Tasman Peninsula, the capital Hobart (which is worthy of a few days in itself) and the mighty Cradle Mountain . Make sure you check out the north coast and the beautiful town of Stanley as well.

Three weeks is a great time to see everything properly, although because Tasmania is small compared to the rest of Australia, you can do it in less.

You’ll be able to free camp most of the way around Tasmania, but in Hobart, I recommend staying at Montacute Bunkhouse. It’s a beautiful boutique hostel with lots of features to make a really pleasant night’s stay. Click here for rates and book today .

If you want a bit more space, Riverfront Motel and Villas makes you feel like you’re still in nature while being very close to Hobart city! Click here for rates and to reserve .

Then take the spirit back over to Melbourne and conclude your road trip around Australia!

End: Melbourne, VIC in SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER

You’ve done it! You’ve circumnavigated Australia, seeing the very best of the country.

If you’re in the country on a year’s working holiday visa, you’ve arrived in Melbourne just as the summer kicks off and the city comes alive. You’ve even got time to do your regional work for another year down under!

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13 thoughts on “ Road Trip in Australia: An Itinerary for the Whole Country! ”

Oh my goodness, this itinerary is AMAZING!!! What an adventure you would have had!! This is a total dream for my husband and I. I’ve stayed at the Urban Hostel in Melbourne, it’s a great little hostel. I wonder did you do much freedom camping? We dream of kitting out a van or minibus but we’ve heard it can be hard to find places to camp free. Will be bookmarking this itinerary to come back to if we’re lucky enough to get to do this trip someday!

I’m glad you enjoyed this Rhiannon! Are you based in Australia currently? It’s a cool spot isn’t it! Yes I did mainly free camping 🙂 Wikicamps has lots of options and I never had any issues – many of them are serviced by pubs or roadhouses so I just spent a little in the establishments. I have an article about free camping in Australia as well! I hope you get to do this trip, it’s not too expensive and it’s the adventure of a lifetime!!

Hi Claire! Going to Australia early in may to do my 3 months of work asap after arrival. Hopefully i will be ready to kick off my roadtrip somewhere in september starting in Southwestern Aus and travelling the country in a –> (N) <– looking route if you can understand what i mean. Doing this because a want the eastcoast summer and will probably stay there for a while. Im guessing this will take me approximately 7 moths to complete, I dont really have a timeline, but would like to get a full year on my second year visa to settle down and work etc.

What do you think about the route, does it make sense to you considering the weather and all or does it sound completely crazy?

Thank you for your inspo, noted many tips from you! 😉

I think it’s a great idea to do your farm work as soon as you get there. You should be able to find something in Southwestern, I’m not sure what the harvest seasons are like in Margaret River but I know it’s a popular spot for farm work.

In September I actually think I’d go the other way. It’ll be warming up by then down south, you’ll get over to the east coast around November and will still be there for summer (although you don’t really need to be there then above Brisbane, I’d say spring/ autumn are better weather, it is rainy season during the summer as well!), and then after summer you’ll get to enjoy the NT and the Kimberleys after the wet season (when waterfalls are at their best).

The other way would work too, but you’d need to rush the west coast/ Kimberleys/ NT to get it done before the wet season starts and they’re not places you want to rush, trust me!

But do whatever you think is best depending on your preferences 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions and I’m glad the blog helped!

This looks like an awesome trip! I will probably fly to Australia at the end of august/ beginning of september. Not sure where I will be landing yet, keeping my options open for now. If I would want to start this roadtrip , where would you suggest me to start if i would want to start in september?

Your blog is very helpfull btw!

Hi Claire, We are a family of four (kids 3y and 5y) living in Rocky for one year. We are thinking of a roadtrip Rockhampton-Cairns-back to Townsville-Alice springs- Kings canyon- Aderlaide-Melbourne in 1,5-2 months. What do you think about that? We have a 2w car at the moment, would that be enough? Also thinking about getting a camper trailer for this roadtrip, or du you think it would be enough B&B, motels or hostel on the way to be ok? And we are thinking about doing it between May-August sometime. Or is it preferable a 4W car doing that roadtrip? We are just in the beginning of this plan, so I am happy with every advice you can give me. Regards Frida

Amazing! Your itinerary sounds good, although I’m guessing with kids you’ll want to add some time on so I’d definitely go towards 2 months in your case. As far as I know the only way you’d get from Townsville to Alice Springs on a 2WD track is via Tennant Creek, certainly doable but it will take a while. There is the Outback Way that stretches from Queensland all the way to Western Australia via the red centre but that’s 4WD only.

I love camping and would always recommend it, it does save a lot of money as well. If you’re happy to use tents they’re a great option without having to get a camper trailer! If not, you could probably just about get by without (staying at roadhouses and hostels in bigger places) but I wouldn’t want to say 100%.

May – August is a good time! It might be a bit cold in the south, so you might want to opt for some indoor accommodation then, but it’s still beautiful.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Claire, I have been planing a solo Australian cross country driving trip from Sydney to Darwin. What have learned is that car rental in Australia is different then USA. My original plan was to land in Sydney, rent a suv and start driving but it doesn’t seems that easy due to your car rental laws.

That said would you be able to advise the best approach to achieve my goal.

Kind regards Tom K. [email protected]

So I’m actually British but spent a long time in Australia, I bought a car in Melbourne no problem and sold it again 8 months later. I did however rent a car in Australia and didn’t have any issues. What is the problem that you are finding with the car rental? Let me know and hopefully I can help!

Hi Claire, I am planning to do road trip with roughly the same itinerary, and I was wondering wether you think a 4*4 car is necessary or not ? And weather 4 or 5 months would be enough to do it? Thanks, Taís.

Myself, my partner and our 2 yr old son are planning to go from Melbourne to Broome via Perth along the West Coast. Then possibly up to Darwin and back down through Alice Springs to Melbourne. We are taking a caravan with us. Firstly, do you think it’s going to be too long and uncomfortable for a 2 old to cope with being on the road so long. And also is 2 months long enough for this trip?

This is a great itinerary! I’m looking to come to Aus and do a roadtrip of as much of the country as possible without rushing too much. I’ll be there late May-August. How much do you think is doable for 3 months? What would you cut out to squeeze this itinerary down?

Thank you!!

hi lovely! wow your trip looked incredible! what an experience. i have 2 months with hubby and 2 kids to do round trip… any tips? i am using some of your stop off as the base 😀

starting in canberra.. wondering if we should head clockwise or anticlockwise? will be starting in june next year (ideally). driving in a 4wd with pop top tent.

thank you any feedback would be amazing. i have no idea where to start..

love from an amateur

Comments are closed.

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Destinations

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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 .

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.

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).

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.

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 .

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!

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