10-Day Australia Itinerary

Written By Samantha Liu

An Adventurous & Scenic Guide!

16 February 2023

This is the ultimate 10-day Australia itinerary, currently featuring Sydney Harbor and CBD, Cairns Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Uluru Kata Tjuta, Melbourne Phillip Island and Koala Sanctuary, among others! Whether you’re solo traveling or going with a group, this is a great guide for what to do in this beautiful area as well as recommendations for activities, accomodations, and more.

Overview

  • Day 1-2: Sydney

  • Day 3: Blue Mountains (Day Trip From Sydney)

  • Day 4-5: Cairns

  • Day 6-7: Uluru

  • Day 8-10: Melbourne

Pre-Travel Guide

Where to Get The Best Flight Deals: Some Tips & Tricks

Google flights and Skyscanner are definitely my top choices for finding amazing deals on flights since you can track flight prices and compare deals from different airlines.

Where to Stay: Recommended Hotels & Hostels

I strongly suggest booking accommodations and tours as soon as you decide to go because these are very popular travel destinations, especially in the peak seasons! Even though this itinerary only a few cities, the country is still very big, so make sure to plan your accommodations accordingly.

Sydney

Cairns

Urulu

Note that there are fewer options for accommodations in Uluru.

Melbourne

Best Times to Visit

Australia is a vast and diverse country with different climate zones. In general, the peak tourist season in Australia is during the summer months of December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny across much of the country. This is the busiest time of year for popular tourist destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef, and prices for flights, accommodation, and activities are generally higher.

The off-season varies depending on the region. In general, the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November are a good time to visit as the weather is generally mild and crowds are thinner, making it easier to book accommodation and activities at lower prices. The winter months of June to August are the low season for most parts of Australia, except for the ski resorts in the southeastern part of the country.

Here's a breakdown of the best time to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia by season:

Summer (December to February)

  • Best for: Beaches, water sports, outdoor activities, festivals

  • Popular destinations: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania

Autumn (March to May)

  • Best for: Mild weather, fall foliage, outdoor activities, wine tasting

  • Popular destinations: Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide, Margaret River, Yarra Valley

Winter (June to August)

  • Best for: Skiing and snow sports, whale watching, festivals, spa retreats

  • Popular destinations: Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains, Tasmania, Whitsunday Islands, Adelaide, Melbourne

Spring (September to November)

  • Best for: Wildflowers, outdoor activities, cultural events, food and wine festivals

  • Popular destinations: Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Cairns, Uluru, Margaret River

Keep in mind that weather patterns can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, no matter when you visit.

How to Get Around Australia: Car, Public Transportation, Tours

If you're visiting major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, you can easily get around by public transportation like buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Many cities also have bike-sharing programs and bike rental shops, which can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore.

If you're visiting rural or remote areas, renting a car or taking guided tours can be a good choice as you’ll have more flexibility to explore. If you're traveling long distances, you can also consider taking domestic flights. This can be a good option if you're short on time and want to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Another popular way to explore Australia is to take guided tours, which can range from multi-day trips to day tours. These tours can be a great way to explore natural attractions like national parks and beaches, as well as cultural and historic sites.

Travel Insurance

You should consider buying travel insurance in case of illness, baggage delays, flight delays or cancellations. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer any insurance. Some recommended companies are World Nomads and Allianz Travel Insurance.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Do I Need A Visa?

It's important to check the visa requirements for your specific situation before you travel to Australia. You can check the visa requirements and apply for a visa online through the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.

The most common type of visa used by tourists is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or the eVisitor visa, both of which are electronic visas that can be applied for online. These visas are usually issued within minutes or hours of the application being submitted.

10-Day Australia Itinerary!

Day 1: Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Rocks, Shelly Beach

You’ll be flying into Sydney (SYD) Airport, and there are many fun activities to do in Sydney! You definitely don’t have to do all of these on your first day, so feel free to choose the ones you’re most interested in.

Stop 1: Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in the world, known for its distinctive sail-like design. It's a true masterpiece of modern architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views from the Opera House are breathtaking, and you can take a walk along the harbour promenade or catch a ferry to other island nearby! You can book a guided tour to learn more about it and go behind the scenes!

Stop 2: Historic Rocks Neighborhood

The Rocks is a historic neighborhood in Sydney, located at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, dating back to the late 1700s when it was settled by convicts and sailors.

The area's historic buildings, narrow streets, and sandstone alleys have been preserved and restored, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like in early colonial Sydney. There are also walking tours that will take you around and explain the history of these areas.

Stop 3: Bondi Beach to Coogee Walk

Enjoy one of Sydney's most iconic walks, taking in beautiful beaches, cliff tops and great cafes along the way. The 6km walk takes two to three hours, depending on how often you stop, but you can also allow a full day to do the walk and enjoy a swim at each of the beaches en route.

Stop 4: Snorkeling at Manly Beach

Go snorkeling at one of the many beaches in the area, such as Manly Beach or Shelly Beach! You’ll want to book a snorkeling experience as they provide snorkeling equipment and expert guides to show you the amazing marine life.

Day 2: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, Taronga Zoo

Stop 1: Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of the coolest ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge is to climb it. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is an iconic experience that will take you to 134 meters on top of the bridge!

If you’re looking for something a little more leisurely, another popular option is to go on a lunch or dinner cruise around the harbour! You’ll get to enjoy the food alongside Sydney’s most iconic sights.

Stop 2: Royal Botanic Garden

Head over to the Royal Botanic Garden for a leisurely walk and scenic views! The garden was established in 1816 and is the oldest botanic garden and scientific institution in Australia. It is also home to an outstanding collection of plants, and the flowers are so beautiful!

Stop 3: Taronga Zoo

Visit the Taronga Zoo and see the famous Australian wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos! The zoo houses over 4000 different kinds of animals, and it’s only 12 minutes away by ferry from Sydney CBD. The are many tour packages that bundle a Sydney Harbour tour with a ticket to the zoo if you want a discounted option!

Day 3: Blue Mountains (Day Trip), Three Sisters, Jenolan Caves

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, which is about a 2-hour drive from Sydney. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its steep cliffs, eucalyptus trees, and sandstone formations. If you decide to not rent a car or would rather go on a guided tour, consider booking a day-trip tour package!

Stop 1: Three Sisters Walk

Go on a hike in the national park, such as the popular Three Sisters Walk or the more challenging Grand Canyon Track. The Three Sisters Walk offers some of the best views of the Three Sisters which is an iconic rock formation and is a place of special cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of this area.

Stop 2: Jenolan Caves

Visit the Jenolan Caves, one of the world's oldest and most impressive cave systems. These ancient, open caves have incredible blue and white limestone formations! You’ll need to book tickets ahead of time to go inside.

Day 4: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest

Hop on a flight to Cairns which is located about 3 hours away by plane in tropical North Queensland. Domestic flights in Australia are relatively cheap, so it should be easy to get here from Sydney.

Stop 1: Great Barrier Reef

Visit the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, and go snorkeling or scuba diving! This reef is one of the largest coral reef systems in the entire world, and it is one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Snorkeling and scuba diving will give you a glimpse into the incredible underwater world with countless types of marine-life, and there are tons of popular options for snorkeling and scuba diving tours!

Stop 2: Daintree Rainforest Hike

Head over to the Daintree Rainforest to see the lush ecosystems, white sand beaches, and epic reef! At 135 million years old, this rainforest is the oldest one in the world! There is barely any cell service in the Daintree Rainforest, so make sure to download any maps that you’ll need prior to going. There are many hikes you can choose from, and all are beautiful!

Day 5: Cairns, Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda Rainforest

Stop 1: Atherton Tablelands

Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the Atherton Tablelands, a beautiful and fertile tableland above the Great Barrier Reef, to see panoramic views of the surrounding countryside! This will definitely be a sunrise you won’t forget.

Stop 2: Kuranda Rainforest

Head to Kuranda Rainforest to explore more of the unique flora and fauna of this region! It’s the perfect place to interact with Queensland’s wildlife, feel the spray of thundering waterfalls, and glide above the rainforest canopy in a cable car. Kuranda is also a great day-trip from Cairns if you would prefer to spend more time here!

Day 6: Uluru Base, Aussie Barbecue

Uluru is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Red Centre of Australia, and it takes less than 3 hours to fly here from Cairns!

Stop 1: Explore the Base

Take a tour around Uluru and learn about the significance of this sacred site to the Indigenous people of Australia. A popular option to explore the base of Uluru is to go on a segue tour as you’ll be able to see more than if you were on foot!

Stop 2: Sunset & Traditional Aussie Barbecue Dinner

End the night by watching the sunset and enjoying a traditional Aussie barbecue! This is one of the most popular barbecue deals, and you’ll also be able to stargaze!

Day 7: Uluru, Kata Tjuta

Stop 1: Kata Tjuta

Visit nearby Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, to see the spectacular rock formations. This place is a collection of large domed rock formations in the southwest of Alice Springs. If you want to combine sunrise with a tour of Kata Tjuta, this is a great tour option for you!

At this point, you can either keep exploring this area or fly to Melbourne!

Day 8: Melbourne, Federation Square, Royal Botanic Garden, Queen Victoria Market

From Uluru, it’s about a 3 hour flight to Melbourne! If you decided to get fly here on day 7, you’ll have more time to explore today. Make sure to check out the city’s iconic laneways and street art as you walk around!

Stop 1: Federation Square

Federation Square is a venue for arts, culture and public events on the edge of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). You’ll find world-class art galleries and exhibitions, a diverse range of food and drink options, and many events!

Stop 2: Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden attracts millions of visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why when you go! The garden features tranquil ponds, stunning vistas, and beautiful plants and flowers.

Stop 3: Queen Victoria Market

This outdoor market has been operating since 1878 and is a major landmark in CBD! There are over 600 small businesses that sell at the market, and it’s a great place to discover fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs, and more!

Day 9: Phillip Island, Koala Conservation Reserve, Penguins, Fur Seals

Take a day trip to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade and the Australian fur seals! If you know you want to see the koalas and the penguins, I’d recommend booking a package as these include entry tickets to both areas plus the national park entry fees! The island is located 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, and 20 minutes from the bridge to Phillip Island, but make sure to allow extra travel time during busy holiday periods.

Stop 1: Koala Conservation Centre

Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island, where you can see koalas in their natural habitat! This reserve is also home to wallabies, echidnas and colourful native birds.

Stop 2: Seal-Watching Cruise

Go on a seal-watching cruise to experience an up-close encounter with thousands of seals at one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies! The boat brings you up close to the seals, and they are such curious and captivating animals. If you’re lucky, you might also get to see dolphins and other seabirds along the way!

Stop 3: Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world! The penguins arrive at sunset every night of the year. so make sure to check the time when you’ll be visiting. You’ll get to see them waddle from the water to their burrows!

Day 10: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles

Depending on your flight schedule, spend your last day in Melbourne exploring the city or doing some last-minute shopping. If you have more time, definitely check out the Great Ocean Road!

Stop 1: Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most scenic drives! It offers stunning coastal views and iconic rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles. You definitely don’t have to drive the entire length to see the incredible views!

And that’s a wrap! If you found this itinerary helpful, feel free to share it with a friend. I earn a small commission if you purchase or book anything using my links, and you pay the same price — thank you so much for all your support!

Samantha Liu