The Ultimate Guide to Australia (Updated)

Planning an itinerary around Australia’s immense diversity can seem a daunting task. While there might be the temptation to cram all that you can into one trip, visiting the “Land Down Under” and experiencing all that it has to offer is hardly possible in one trip. It’s like trying to see the entire United States in one two-week trip – it’s impossible! By choosing quality over quantity, you’ll not only relish a more meaningful experience but also leave ample room for future adventures, ensuring Australia reveals itself to you in all its splendor over time.

Instead of trying to fit too much into your itinerary, let us help you focus on the best places to visit in Australia.

Sydney

Sydney is one of Australia’s largest and most beloved cities. It is a beautiful place to begin your first 4 to 5 days on the island, especially traveling between June and August. There’s so much to explore with lots of natural beauty and invigorating city life. Some places you should visit include the Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, Blue Mountains, Circular Quay and the Harbor, Royal Botanical Gardens, and the beaches.

Melbourne

Melbourne is another stunning city that deserves at least 4-5 days of your time. While it may not be as busy as Sydney, Melbourne has a bustling scene of its own. In the city, you can dine at one of many delightful restaurants or shop at unique boutiques. To truly get a feel for the city, we recommend taking a tour and visiting Federation Square, Flinders Street Train Station, the Yarra River, Chinatown, Bourke Street Pedestrian Mall, and Queen Victoria Market. The city has endless wonders to explore.

Great Ocean Road

Travel along Great Ocean Road for some of the most impressive sites in Australia. This 151 mile coastal road makes the perfect 2-day excursion. Take your time to soak in the views, and be sure to stop at the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, all the beaches and forests along the way.

Wine Country of the Barossa Valley

Australia’s wine country, the illustrious Barossa Valley, deserves a spot on your itinerary. Renowned for its world-class wineries, the valley unfolds itself in a beautiful tapestry of vineyards, historic cellars, and rustic wine tasting rooms. You will have the chance to sample some of the most famous Australian varietals like the bold Shiraz, grenache and Mourvèdre. But Barossa is not just about wine tasting- it’s also famed for its gastronomic scene. Winding through its gentle hills, you’ll discover gourmet restaurants and charming farmers’ markets where one can unearth the local delicacies. I recommend spending 2-3 days in Australia’s wine heartland.

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

At Ayers Rock (also known as Uluru), you can experience some of the most magical moments, especially during sunrise, sunset, and stargazing. Take 2 or 3 days to visit Ayers Rock if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. Although it may take a few days to reach this famous sandstone formation (unless you fly), it’s well worth the trip. 

Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Australia is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Since the reef stretches from below the Tropic of Capricorn way up to the northern tip of Queensland, there is plenty of opportunity for scuba diving and snorkeling. Plan to spend 3 to 4 days here, visiting Cairns, The Whitsunday Islands, Lady Elliot Island, and Cape Tribulation.

To come up with an itinerary that matches your budget and interests for a trip to Australia, contact us here. We would love to discuss all the possibilities and incredible things to explore this gorgeous Oceania Island. 

Start planning now for next year – with North America’s winter coinciding with Australia’s summer, it’s the best time to visit Australia!