With vast distances, shifting seasons and world-class experiences across every state, Australia is a destination where expert planning truly pays off.
Let’s make a start by creating your once-in-a-lifetime itinerary
Few countries spark the imagination quite as much as Australia. Perhaps it’s thanks to its sheer diversity: the promise of hundreds of coral reefs teeming with life, cities that hum with creativity and coffee culture, red deserts strewn with otherworldly rock formations and wildlife that covers from the adorable to the downright scary.
But before you pack your sunnies and start dreaming of kangaroos and koalas (and crocodiles), there’s something you need to know: Australia is huge. No… bigger than huge. Think ‘continental’ rather than ‘country’.
To put it into perspective, flying from Perth to Sydney takes more than four hours. Hop from Melbourne to Cairns and you’re looking at over three hours in the air. Road-tripping sounds romantic – and it absolutely can be – but the distances are epic. So, when you’re planning an Australian adventure, you’ve got to be smart.
The biggest trap travellers fall into? Trying to see everything in one go. And while we love the enthusiasm (truly!), Australia is not the place for an over-stuffed itinerary. With the distances involved, the sheer variety of landscapes and the number of bucket-list activities calling your name, you’ll have a far better trip if you’re realistic about what you can achieve in the time you’ve got.
So how long should you set aside? Ideally, three weeks is the sweet spot for a solid ‘Australia greatest hits’ tour. With that kind of time, you can string together a few of the big experiences. Think Sydney’s sparkling harbour, the Red Centre’s fiery sunsets over Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonders and perhaps a stint in laid-back tropical Queensland or cool, cultural Melbourne. Three weeks also seems long enough to justify the 22-hour journey flying from the UK.
You’ll almost certainly want to use internal flights to hop between regions efficiently: trust us, it’s worth it when the alternative is a 30-hour drive through the Outback.
But what if you’ve only got a week? Good news: one week can still be magical. You’ll just need to focus on one area and do it well. You could explore Sydney and its surrounding coastline, pairing Bondi brunches with day trips to the Blue Mountains. Or head north to Cairns for reef-and-rainforest adventures. Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road make a brilliant pairing too, giving you city vibes and jaw-dropping ocean scenery. In seven days, you can absolutely get a taste of Australia… just don’t expect to criss-cross the whole continent.
The key to falling in love with Australia is giving yourself space to enjoy each place properly. Planning is crucial. And that’s where we come in. As your Personal Travel Consultant we can do all the research for you, ensuring your internal flights are well timed, your hotels are well placed and your tours are time well spent. This way you can savour the journey as much as the destination.
So, whatever time you have, we can curate an itinerary that works. So, let’s dive deeper and take a trip Down Under to see what awaits…
Australia’s greatest hits in 3 weeks
This combination of cities, reefs, rainforests and Outback gives you a real variety of the headline experiences and sights. It’s easily do-able using internal flights and incorporating iconic road trips and is ideal for first timers to Australia.
Days 1-3: Sydney
Your adventure begins in Sydney. The world’s most famous harbour will have you wowed from the very start. You’ll find yourself snapping shots of the dazzling Opera House from every angle. It's so beautiful. And of course there’s ‘that’ bridge. For the brave at heart, buckle up and scale the bridge itself – the views are immense.
Back on solid ground, lose yourself in the historic lanes of The Rocks, browsing through its quirky shops and characterful pubs. Then hop on the ferry to Manly for breezy coastal views and take the iconic Bondi to Coogee walk for even more spectacular ocean views.
Day 4: Blue Mountains
Change the pace and scenery by heading to the mountains for the day. Carpeted in forests of eucalyptus trees – emitting oils that give the area its distinctive blue haze – is this spectacular World Heritage region. Vast valleys, dramatic cliffs, curious caves and deep gorges provide no end of hiking trails in the glorious Blue Mountains. After a day of fresh air and invigorating walks, make your way back to the city to prepare for your next chapter.
Days 5-6: Melbourne
A quick flight brings you to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital. This is a city where art, music, food and creativity collide seamlessly. Spend a couple of days tasting your way through hidden cafés, browsing the bustling Queen Victoria Market, wandering through vibrant street art corridors and enjoying relaxed evenings in neighbourhoods like Fitzroy or St Kilda. Melbourne feels effortlessly cool and endlessly interesting. Often cited as ‘one of the world’s most liveable cities’ you may even dream of moving there permanently some day.
Days 7-8: Great Ocean Road
It’s time to get behind the wheel and ease your way onto the Great Ocean Road, one of the most celebrated drives in the world. Hugging the coast for 150 miles, you’ll pass diehard surf beaches, discover small seaside towns and stroll beneath the lush canopies of rainforest in the Otways before reaching the dramatic limestone towers of the imposing Twelve Apostles. The winding road officially finishes in the quaint town of Port Fairy, where we suggest you stay the night, waking up early the next day to catch the glorious sunrise. Retrace your steps taking it all in from a different angle as you drive to Avalon Airport for your flight north to Hervey Bay.
Days 9-10: Fraser Island (K’gari)
Hervey Bay marks the beginning of your K’gari adventure. Formerly known as Fraser Island, this World Heritage Site is the largest sand island on Earth measuring 76 miles long by 13 miles wide. Here you’ll find an adventure playground of crystal-clear lakes, rolling dunes and lush rainforest. Over the next two days, take a dip in the freshwater of Lake McKenzie, drift along Eli Creek, drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach and keep an eye out for dingoes or – from August to October – passing humpback whales. We suggest you camp on the island – more like glamping – to really feel ‘at one with nature’.
Days 11-15: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest
After returning to the mainland, travel north to Cairns for the tropical chapter of your journey. The quickest way to do this is to fly one hour to Brisbane where you then hop on a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Cairns – believe us, it’s worth it. Here, two natural wonders sit side by side: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest. It’s nature’s theme park: underwater dives among some of the world’s most vibrant corals, sky-high canopy walks and thrilling ziplines above the tree tops. The Skyrail gondola offers sweeping views over the rainforest, while the Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through deep valleys and beside brimming waterfalls. Cairns is lively and energetic, while Port Douglas provides a quieter, resort-style alternative if you prefer a gentler atmosphere.
Days 16–18: Uluru & Kata Tjuta
When tropical greens give way to desert reds, you’ll know you’ve reached the heart of Australia. Fly into Uluru and prepare for some of the most moving landscapes you’ll encounter anywhere. Watching this immense sandstone monolith shift colours with the changing light is unforgettable, whether at sunrise or sunset. Spend your days walking or cycling around the base, exploring the scattered domes of Kata Tjuta and learning about indigenous Anangu people, whose stories run deep through this land. At night, tilt your head back: the Outback sky here is famously clear, astonishingly bright and teeming with a million stars.
Days 19–21: Brisbane
The final stop on your grand tour is the bristling and bustling city of Brisbane.The Brisbane River takes centre stage here: perfect for a river cruise or even a whizz on a jet ski.
And don’t miss your chance to cuddle a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary. As well as being home to more than 130 of these adorable marsupials, the sanctuary houses an array of iconic Australian wildlife, including platypuses, Tasmanian devils, snakes and crocodiles.
This is also prime time for your injection of retail therapy. Within the city’s Queen Street Mall you’ll have 500 stores to choose from. And, when it comes to dining – Brisbane serves up a truly global menu that will have you leaving Australia fully sated.
But what if you’ve got less time?
If time is limited, whatever you do, don’t dismiss Australia. You’ll be surprised how much you can see. The key here is to be precise and plan ahead.
Adapt the three-week itinerary above according to your timescale. If you’ve only got 10 days, perhaps focus on Sydney before flying to Cairns, the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Daintree Forest.
Alternatively, how about sticking to the south and ‘doing’ Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Adelaide? You can easily fly into one city and out from the other, cutting down on travel time.
Adelaide is a city that ticks loads of boxes: art, food, beaches, trams and, of course, wine. There are literally hundreds of wineries that open their cellar doors to visitors, located within an hour’s drive of Adelaide. In fact, Penfolds Magill Estate, one of the world’s few urban vineyards and one of Australia’s oldest wineries, is just five miles from the city centre. And less than an hour away are the endless rows of vines that make up the famous Barossa Valley.
If time allows, a visit to Kangaroo Island should be a consideration. It’s Australia’s third largest island and comes with a spectacular coastline peppered with striking rock formations and is a haven for native wildlife.
Don’t forget Tassie
Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret, so often overshadowed by the headline-grabbing sights on the mainland.
This most-southerly island can be reached via an 11-hour ferry from Melbourne, or you can hop on a plane to Hobart and be there in one hour (or in two from Sydney).
This is a state for ‘slow travel’. Around 40% of the island is made up of national parks and World Heritage Sites providing a haven for nature lovers. It’s a breeding ground for some of Australia’s most unusual creatures – not least the iconic Tasmanian devil.
You could very easily spend a whole week in Tassie. But if you’ve got less time, then focus on Hobart. If you can, time your trip to include a Saturday when a visit of the Salamanca outdoor market is non-negotiable.
Then hire a car and make a beeline for the Tasman Peninsula. It’s a full day packed with attractions. You’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to jump out and see something new and epic. Some stops only require a few minutes to check out, but others, like Port Arthur, will have you wanting to spend a few hours exploring at minimum.
Go West
Eastern Australia tends to hog the limelight owing to the concentration of top sights and attractions. But right on the opposite side of the country lies a whole other set of experiences.
Perth will always be your starting point in Western Australia. Sitting on the banks of the Swan River, it’s home to Kings Park, the largest inner city park anywhere in the world at 1,003 acres. The city itself boasts an eclectic art, food and music scene, while the suburbs give way to sprawling beaches, yacht clubs and wineries.
Beyond this western capital lie some of Australia’s most jaw-dropping scenery. But, be warned: it’s remote – we’re talking thousands of miles of vast, open red sands. So be prepared to drive. This is camper van territory.
The landscapes are larger-than-life and the state is dotted with national parks. Our favourites are north of Perth, including Kalbarri, where a mighty 70-mile gorge cuts through the sandstone; Shark Bay, an outstanding area of natural beauty where you can swim with dolphins at Monkey Mia; and Kimberly.
You’ll need to fly from Perth to Kimberly but when you get there you’ll be rewarded with thousands of tropical forest-topped islands, towering ochre cliffs, flat waterfalls and rock art that scientists believe may be the oldest in the world.
If you’re a keen surfer, then west is definitely best. Margaret River, 170 miles or so south of Perth, draws surfers in from all over the globe. Spend a few days in Margaret River and when you’re all surfed out, you could relax by taking a tour of one of the region’s many outstanding wineries.
Tailormade just for you
Australia is vast, varied and full of surprises – which means it’s easy to shape a trip around what you love. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, wine, waves or wilderness, there’s a version of Australia that can be made just for you.
For wildlife lovers
If spotting Australia’s iconic creatures is high on your wish list, Kangaroo Island is the perfect starting point. It’s often described as a zoo without fences thanks to its wild roos, wallabies, sea lions and koalas. Head south to Tasmania and you’ll find remote forests and rugged coastlines where the elusive Tasmanian devil still roams. In the tropics, the Great Barrier Reef is a huge coral garden where divers and snorkellers encounter turtles, clownfish, rays, sharks and all manner of unimaginable sea life. And for explorers in Western Australia, the ultimate thrill lies underwater at Ningaloo Reef where, during the season (typically March to July), you’ll share the crystal-clear waters with whale sharks – the largest fish in the world’s oceans growing up to 20m long.
For beach seekers
If your dream Australian holiday is all about sun-drenched days and soft sand, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Whitsundays offer a postcard version of paradise: calm seas and blinding white silica of famous Whitehaven Beach. On the east coast, the Gold Coast delivers mile after mile of golden sand backed by lively surf towns, while the Sunshine Coast and Noosa pair relaxed beach culture with boutique shopping and lush hinterland escapes. Meanwhile, up in tropical Queensland, at Cape Tribulation the white sand beach is sandwiched between rainforest on one side and the teeming Great Barrier Reef on the other.
For outdoor adventurers
If you crave wide-open spaces and high-energy experiences, Australia has endless ways to get your pulse racing. Hikers will find their happy place on Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain trails, where boardwalks weave past alpine lakes and glacier-carved peaks. Surfers can chase early-morning breaks in Byron Bay, a town where barefoot, bohemian culture meets world-class waves. Under the water, diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef reveals kaleidoscopic coral gardens and marine life that feels lifted straight from a nature documentary. And inland, the Outback becomes an adventure playground, perfect for four-by-four journeys across red-earth plains, exploring ancient gorges and zip lining through ancient rainforests in Queensland’s tropics.
The practicalities
Weather and seasons
Australia’s seasons run opposite to the UK’s, so planning around the weather is key.
Summer (Dec–Feb) brings hot temperatures ideal for beaches and coastal cities.
Autumn (Mar–May) is warm and comfortable, perfect for road trips and wine regions.
Winter (Jun–Aug) stays mild in the north and is great for exploring the Outback without intense heat
Spring (Sep–Nov) offers blooming wildflowers, lively wildlife and pleasantly warm days.
Regional differences can be dramatic: tropical Queensland has a distinct dry and wet season, while Tasmania and Victoria feel much cooler. It’s worth matching your destinations to the season to make the most of your time.
Getting there from the UK
Let’s face it: travelling to Australia is no-mean feat. There are no non-stop flights to mainland Australia at present, so travellers usually connect through the Middle East or Asia. Most itineraries involve one stop, with total journey times typically 22–26 hours depending on the routing. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Qantas offer well-timed connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. If you’d like to break up the journey, a stopover in Dubai, Singapore or Doha works brilliantly.
Travel times within Australia
Once there the length of the internal flights clearly demonstrate how enormous Australia is.
It’s way bigger than Europe, so getting between regions often means flying. Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane takes around one-and-a-half hours, while Sydney to Cairns is closer to three hours. Crossing the country, from Melbourne or Sydney to Perth, takes about four hours. For road-trippers, coastal drives can be leisurely and scenic, but Outback routes often involve long stretches between towns, so plan fuel stops and driving hours in advance.
Visas & entry requirements
UK travellers need a visa to enter Australia, but the process is straightforward. The most common option is the eVisitor visa, which is free and allows multiple entries for up to three months at a time over a 12-month period. Applications are done online and are usually processed quickly, though it’s wise to apply early, especially during peak travel seasons. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay plus a minimum of six months validity.
Money matters
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) are the norm. ATMs are plentiful, though rural areas may have fewer options, so it’s sensible to carry a small amount of cash when travelling through remote regions. Tipping isn’t compulsory, but rounding up or leaving 10% in restaurants for great service is appreciated.
Time difference
Depending on the time of year and region, Australia is eight to 11 hours ahead of the UK. The country spans multiple time zones, and some states observe daylight saving while others don’t, meaning the time difference can vary even within Australia. It’s worth keeping this in mind for internal flights, booking activities and staying in touch with home.
Final word
Australia is a destination where smart planning pays off. With vast distances, seasonal quirks, regional weather differences and bucket-list experiences that often need advance booking, having an expert on your side transforms the whole trip.
As your Not Just Travel consultant we can curate your perfect Australia itinerary. We'll book your internal flights, tours, car hire; we'll reserve you your hotels and lodges along the way; and ensure you make the very best of your precious time.
Plus, book with us and you’ll get personal recommendations, insider tips, financial protection and round-the-clock support. We'll make booking your holiday, feel like a holiday.
Call us today and let’s plan that trip of a lifetime Down Under.
