The Ultimate Australia Itinerary: Sun, Surf & Surprises

When most people think of Australia, they think of sunny beaches, endless tanning and the sydney opera house but there is so much more to this diverse and stunning country. Surprisingly, Australia offers far more than the stereotypes. This incredibly diverse country boasts a surprising array of landscapes, from lush rainforests and vast red deserts to the famously magical Great Barrier Reef.

If you’re seeking to explore Australia’s abundant terrain, this two-week itinerary is packed with a great guide to see all that the country has to offer. It’s perfect for those who want to discover both iconic sights and hidden gems.

Week 1: East Coast Highlights – Surf, City & Rainforest 

Day 1–3: Sydney

Sydney is the first city that comes to mind when you think of Australia, however it is not overrated and still has lots to explore. As after all, you can’t go all the way to Australia without seeing the iconic Sydney Opera House, or see the city form new heights, through a walk on the Harbour Bridge walk. If you want to see the natural sights of Sydney, a walk from Bondi to Coogee can allow you to see the famous Bondi beach and the amazing east coast, and maybe you can even stop for a spot of surfing.

Day 4–5: Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a chilled beach town north of Sydney and next to the golden coast. This is quite different to the bustle of Sydney, and has more of a laid back surfer vibe, great for a serene and relaxing break. There is a huge array of coastal activities to do here, including surfing on crystal blue waters of wategos beach or tallow beach, or even dolphin kayaking. A hidden gem in Byron Bay is the Crystal Castle or the hidden waterfalls in Hinterland, which can make your experience completely unique.

Day 6–7: Brisbane to Fraser Island

Brisbane is an underrated subtropical city full of art and culture. The south bank is perfect for live music, craft beer and exploring queensland art museum and science centre. For further exploration, you can visit Fraser Island, which is a world heritage site just off the coast. Alongside its immense beauty, it also gives you a chance to try beach diving, discover freshwater lakes and see some of the local wildlife, such as dingos. You can access this stunning island through a local tour or a leisurely drive.

Week 2: Tropical North & Red Centre – Reef, Rainforest & Desert 

Day 8–10: Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef

One of the sites-to-see in Australia is The Great Barrier Reef, therefore, when you are in Cairns, it’s an obvious activity to go diving or snorkeling to see this great wonder. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Daintree Rainforest is home to species completely unique to the area. You can book a self drive day trip or a tour by boat, where you can explore all that this dense rainforest has to offer. Some more hidden sights of this area, include the famous night markets and the indigenous led bush tucker tours, which allow you to learn about the origins of the land through its native people.

Day 11–14: Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Another must see and one of Australia’s natural attractions is Ayers rock, located in the heart of the land, for another world experience. Starting with watching the sunset at Uluru, enjoy the magical experience of watching as the land shifts between a spectrum of deep reds and oranges. Then, discover Kata Tjuta with its dramatic domed rock formations that looks straight from a nature documentary. More learning is to be done at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can further learn about the ancient historical significance of the land and its people. It doesn’t stop there, the nighttime brings another about this world experience with a 180 degrees view of the star filled night sky.

Bonus Tips and Tricks

• The best time to visit is May to October, as this is the dry season in the north and it is mild in the south.

• It’s best to rent a car for the trip, as this allows you to be flexible, such as staying longer at certain locations longer, which you can’t do with flights.

• A mixture of adventure and relaxation is key to making the most of your two weeks.

• If you have British citizenship, make sure that you get your visitor’s visa completed in advance.

Final Thoughts 

Australia offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler, from families to solo adventurers. Despite not being a widely known place of beauty, its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and famous landmarks make it an ideal destination. While two weeks may seem brief, this itinerary allows you to explore diverse attractions and still find time to unwind. Don’t delay—book your flights to Australia today!