The Ultimate 3 Week Australia Itinerary for 2023!

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We get plenty of emails from our readers who wish to go to Australia however they solely have just a few weeks trip time to see all of the highlights. We get it, we are able to’t all take months off to go roaming all over the world!

Fortunately, you’ll be able to see so much in a 3 week Australia journey, together with a number of the most iconic websites; Uluru (Ayers Rock) The Nice Barrier Reef, The Sydney Opera Home, and the Nice Ocean Street, to call just a few.

For those who’re unsure the place to go and what to see in Australia, then don’t fear. As Australians, we’ve explored plenty of our personal yard and have put collectively the last word 3 week Australia itinerary so you’ll be able to see the very best of our nation.

Is 3 weeks lengthy sufficient in Australia?

However first, should you’re questioning if three weeks is lengthy sufficient to see Australia, enable me to place your thoughts comfortable. Three weeks is lengthy sufficient to see a lot of the highlights of Australia.

It’s unlikely it is possible for you to to slot in the entire nation in three weeks (it’s large), however you’ll be able to see the finest elements of Queensland and the East Coast, New South Wales, Victoria, and a few elements of South Australia.

If that is your first time planning a visit down beneath, this information will take you to the locations in Australia I might recommend seeing and in an order that permits you to profit from your time touring in Australia.

For those who comply with this three week Australia itinerary, you’ll get to go to Australia’s two finest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, the Nice Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Uluru, the Outback, see wildlife, and the Twelve Apostles on the Nice Ocean Street.

When you’ve got extra time or plan to return again, then you’ll be able to discover locations like Western Australia and Tasmania on one other journey. It’s simply not doable to do all of it in three weeks!

The Final Three Week Australia Itinerary

The next itinerary shouldn’t be set in stone, please use it as a information and modify it to fit your wants, timeframe, and funds. Take what you want, and go away the remaining.

Days 1 – 3: Sydney, NSW

If you go to Australia you’ll be able to’t miss Sydney. Actually, it’s more than likely the primary place you’ll fly into!

Apart from being Australia’s largest metropolis (however not the capital), there are lots of the explanation why Sydney, NSW can also be probably the most visited.

The beautiful harbourside location, iconic seashores, wonderful eating places, improbable cafes and pubs, world heritage websites, terrific buying, unbelievable festivals, a multicultural inhabitants, and good year-round climate.

So don’t simply use Sydney as a gateway to Australia, with a lot to see and expertise give your self three days. Belief me, Sydney gained’t allow you to down.

Tips on how to get into Sydney from the airport

The very first thing you’re going to wish to know is easy methods to get from the airport to town. To do that, merely hop on the Sydney Airport Hyperlink Prepare, which takes quarter-hour or so.

I like to recommend you get your self an Opal Card, which is a great card you’ll be able to high up and use to pay fares on trains, buses, ferries, and the sunshine rail. It’s going to make touring round Sydney a lot simpler.

Alternatively, catch an Uber. The airport hyperlink is dear, so typically an Uber works out to be about the identical value and is extra handy as you’ll be able to take it on to the resort. You are able to do a value estimate via the Uber app earlier than you request it to double verify

When you’re within the metropolis, I recommend you ebook your lodging within the Sydney CBD so that you’re centrally positioned to all the very best sights and profit from your go to.

You’ll discover a number of of Sydney’s highlights could be taken in at no cost or low-cost just by strolling round this district.

Issues to Do in Sydney

Throughout your three days in Sydney, listed here are a number of the sights we advocate you go to. You could wish to use your first day as an orientation day. Get your self an esim card, stroll across the CBD and take a look at the Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

For the opposite two days, right here’s what we propose you do.

• Stroll Round Round Quay – One of the best place to begin your go to is in Round Quay, the primary transport hub of Sydney Harbour and the place two of Australia’s most well-known landmarks reside; Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take into account taking a 1 hour tour of the Opera Home. In any other case, simply wander round and take your “I used to be right here” photograph. 
• Royal Botanic Gardens – you’ll be able to’t beat the serenity and harbour views from these gardens. Have a picnic or take a stroll and admire the numerous various kinds of vegetation and metropolis views on a free self-guided strolling tour.
• Discover The Rocks District – The Rocks District is a historic space of Sydney and my favorite a part of the CBD. It’s residence to Sydney’s oldest pubs, cobblestone streets, weekend markets, and views of the harbour.

 

• Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge – climbing some of the well-known bridges on this planet is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Take both daybreak, day, twilight, or evening climb and take within the breathtaking views. (E-book properly upfront).
• Stroll throughout the Sydney Harbour Bridge – a less expensive possibility than climbing is to easily stroll throughout for FREE and soak up the identical views on a decrease stage. Or go to the Pylon Lookout and get improbable views plus 3 ranges of reveals to be taught in regards to the historical past of the Bridge.
• Bondi Seashore to Coogee Coastal Stroll  – considered one of my favorite free issues to do in Sydney. A shocking coastal stroll and the proper method to spend a beautiful few hours in Sydney.

• Catch the ferry to Manly – an inexpensive method to expertise lovely Sydney Harbour with beautiful views of town is to catch the ferry from Round Quay to Manly and again. In Manly, stroll down the palm tree-lined Corso in direction of the seaside for an ice-cream, stroll round to picturesque Shelly Seashore, or seize a chilly beer at Manly Wharf Resort. Time your return ferry journey again to the Quay to coincide with the sundown behind the harbour bridge.
• Surry Hills – stroll round considered one of Sydney’s most artistically-vibrant neighbourhoods with previous terrace houses, a fantastic mixture of cafes, eating places, wine bars, and pubs. Wander Crown Avenue, Bourke Avenue, and Cleveland Avenue.
• Queen Victoria Constructing – Situated on George avenue. The place to go for the best trend boutiques, jewelry, and homeware, plus cafes and eating places.
• Darling Harbour – energetic harbourside precinct only a 10-minute stroll from the CBD and has cafes, bars, eating places, a big youngsters playground and a program of improbable free Sydney leisure each week
• Stroll via Hyde Park – Australia’s oldest park and town’s central open inexperienced house. The park comprises St Mary’s cathedral plus quite a few monuments and statues, and the central pathway via the park is a powerful fig-lined highway.
• Hit the seashores – Sydney is known for its seashores, that are nice free issues to do in Sydney. From the Northern Seashores to the Japanese Suburbs you’ve gotten many nice seashores to discover. Our favourites: Bronte and Coogee within the japanese suburbs – and you could go to the well-known Bondi Seashore a minimum of as soon as. Manly, Freshwater, and Palm Seashore are on the northern seashores.

• Taronga Zoo – All kinds of Aussie and worldwide animals with keeper talks and animal encounters makes for a fantastic half-day as a household outing in Sydney. Catch the ferry from Round Quay to Taronga Zoo which is located in a pure bushland setting with spectacular views over the harbour. Get tickets upfront right here. 
• Sydney Tower – for $18 go as much as the highest of Sydney Tower, town’s tallest free-standing construction standing at 309 m (1,014 ft) above the CBD. It has an commentary deck with superior views of the skyline. Get quick monitor entry tickets right here. 
• Artwork Gallery of NSW – free to enter and considered one of Australia’s main artwork museums with collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian, and modern artwork.
• The Blue Mountains – take a day journey to the Blue Mountains and see the long-lasting Three Sisters rock formations.

The place to remain in Sydney

We talked about earlier that the very best place to remain in Sydney is the Central Enterprise District, CDB. Listed below are some accommodations we might advocate on this space:

Days 4 – 6: Cairns, Far North Queensland

It may appear unusual to board a aircraft instantly after arriving in Australia, however sadly to get all the things packed into simply three weeks, you’ll must take just a few inner flights. Far North Queensland is NOT to be missed

After you’ve caught a flight from Sydney to Cairns (3 hour’s flight) and checked into your lodging in Cairns Metropolis, you’re able to go exploring. Attempt to catch an early morning flight so you’ll be able to discover within the afternoon and night.

As considered one of Australia’s largest vacationer cities and the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, Cairns is a vibrant metropolis with loads of issues to do, and plenty of nice eating places and cafes to maintain you content.

The climate is usually wonderful, you’ll be able to stroll round at evening in your shorts and flip-flops, and the times are full of an unlimited quantity of selections of sights to discover within the surrounding areas.

While Cairns is usually about getting out on the Nice Barrier Reef, the encircling hinterlands and close by rainforests are undoubtedly price including to your 3 week Australia itinerary.

Issues to Do in Cairns

• Swim on the Cairns Lagoon – the cruelty of the north is you get sizzling summers however you’ll be able to’t swim on the seashores, they’re filled with stingers (jellyfish that may severely hurt you, even kill you). There are additionally just a few crocs round too. The principle seaside in Cairns can also be extra of a mud flat. To not concern, the man-made Cairns Lagoon provides you precisely what you want. Crystal clear waters, seaside views, and lifeguards. It’s a cool place to laze round and skim your ebook and it’s secure for swimming.
• Day journey to the Nice Barrier Reef – a real surprise of the world that’s 2,300km lengthy and consists of 900 islands and a couple of,900 particular person reefs. It’s the world’s largest coral reef and the biggest dwelling construction on the planet. There are lots of choices for getting out on the reef, a number of the primary Barrier Reef Tour Operators are Reef Magic Cruises, Quicksilver Cruises, and Reef Expertise.

 

• Inexperienced Island – a coral cay surrounded by white sandy seashores and luxurious coral reefs. You possibly can snorkel straight off the shore and there’s a pleasant boardwalk via the forest to the opposite aspect of the island.
• Rusty’s Farmer’s Market – a little bit of a Cairns establishment and considered one of the most affordable farmers’ markets I’ve visited in Australia.
• Stroll or cycle the Cairns Esplanade – take a stroll alongside the Esplanade in Cairns, watch the dawn then seize breakfast at one of many busy cafes and eating places that line the strip.

• Atherton Tablelands – about an hour southwest of Cairns, spend a day exploring this area, we particularly cherished the waterfall circuit.

The place to Keep in Cairns

We advocate you keep within the metropolis heart of Cairns so that you’re near all of the motion and sights. Listed below are some nice lodging choices to think about:

Days 7 – 9: Street Journey Cairns to Cape Tribulation

For those who haven’t acquired one already, now could be the time to choose up a rental automotive in your three-day loop drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation through Port Douglas. This small highway journey permits you to soak up the very best of the Tropical North Queensland space.

It’s some of the enchanting areas in Australia.

I don’t recommend you do that drive as a day journey from Cairns although, it’s 140 km a method and might be too rushed, so both keep at Port Douglas and do a day journey from there (85 km a method) or keep inside The Daintree and discover.

Day 7-8: Cairns to Port Douglas

This drive is considered one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads, you’ve acquired the rainforest on one aspect and the Nice Barrier Reef on the opposite.

For those who have been to drive from Cairns to Port Douglas with out stopping it might solely take you one hour, however contemplate stopping at Palm Cove alongside the best way.

Palm Cove is a vibrant village and is taken into account to have considered one of Australia’s most idyllic seashores (there’s a delegated swimming space throughout the stinger season).

There’s a beachfront playground for youngsters and a beautiful esplanade to walk forwards and backwards alongside for espresso, gelato, or countless eating places to dine in.

For those who don’t head straight to the Daintree, Port Douglas is a improbable place to base your self and discover extra of the tropical north. And it’s additionally one other good base to move out on to the Nice Barrier Reef. We advocate spending two days exploring this stretch of shoreline.

Issues to See and Do in Port Douglas

• Take a look at 4 Mile Seashore – swim, stroll or laze beneath a palm tree.
• Spend a day on the Barrier Reef – Take a look at Quicksilver, Wavelength, or Calypso. Barrier reef excursions from Port Douglas could be discovered right here. 
• Sailaway Reef and Island Excursions – take a sundown cruise, afternoon cruise, or full-day cruise. See extra crusing excursions right here.
• Mossman Gorge – the southernmost finish of the Daintree Rainforest. It’s historic and pristine. A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and an exquisite swimming space.

The place to Eat & Drink in Port Douglas

• Surf Membership Bar and Bistro – native’s favorite for lunch, dinner, espresso, and drinks.
• Yacht Membership – Implausible location and seafood. Nice worth meals and well-priced drinks.
• Courthouse Resort – It’s an absolute should for beer and recent prawns.
• The Tin Shed – Watch the boats come within the late afternoon and benefit from the most cost-effective drinks on the town.
• Salsa Bar – Glorious ambiance and meals. Implausible cocktails and margarita jugs!

The place to Keep in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a small city and a fantastic base for exploring the tropical area of Cairns. Listed below are some nice locations to remain within the space:

Day 9: The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

At 110 million years previous, the Daintree Rainforest is probably the oldest present rainforest on this planet, even pre-dating the Amazon.

It’s World Heritage listed and sits smack bang alongside the Nice Barrier Reef – the one place on this planet the place two World Heritage websites meet. It’s a must-visit a part of Australia!

From Port Douglas, the furthest north now we have been to is the spectacular Cape Tribulation (85 km a method).

Cape Trib is a headland positioned throughout the Daintree Nationwide Park.

Issues to Do within the Daintree Rainforest

• Cape Kimberley  – the primary seaside you come to in Daintree Nationwide Park.
• Alexandra Lookout – cease right here for lovely views out over the Alexandra Vary and Snapper Island.
• Daintree Discovery Centre – do the self-guided audio tour and aerial walkway.
• Cow Bay
• Maardja Botanical Stroll – the 540m boardwalk follows the creek via a bit of rainforest and previous the eerily twisting roots and vines of the mangroves to a lookout over Noah Creek.
• Cape Tribulation – the prettiest of the seashores within the Daintree. Stroll alongside the seaside after which again as much as the Kulki boardwalk.

• Dubuji Boardwalk – the 1.2km boardwalk winds its manner via the mangroves, shaded by it’s cover of monumental fan palms, strangler figs and vines main all the way down to Myall Seashore.
• Myall Seashore 
• Kayaking at Cape Tribulation.

The place to Eat & Drink within the Daintree

• Mason’s Cafe – the burgers are legendary. Choose your animal: wild boar, emu, crocodile or kangaroo.
• Daintree Ice Cream Firm – for $6 get a bowl of ice cream with 4 scoops. The flavours depend upon what they’ve made at the moment primarily based upon the unique fruits which were harvested from the orchard.
• Thornton Seashore Cafe – good spot to cease for lunch or breakfast proper on Thornton Seashore.

The place to Keep within the Daintree Rainforest

There are usually not an enormous quantity of locations to remain within the Daintree, however listed here are some nice choices:

Day 10: Fly to Alice Springs

After you come your rental automotive to Cairns airport, you’ll wish to fly to Alice Springs within the Northern Territory and go to Australia’s most well-known Outback city and begin your Outback journey. The flight, even direct, takes 6 hours and 10 minutes. That’s how massive Australia is!

Sadly, you will have to make use of day 10 as a full journey day, however will probably be completely price it to see this desert city and its surrounding sights.

Alice Springs is the thriving, spirited outback centre and is known for the persona of its locals and modern and conventional artwork, and naturally the pure wonders.

Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and the desert panorama, Alice has all of the conveniences of a contemporary township imbued with a wealthy dwelling Aboriginal custom and European explorer historical past.

You could possibly spend a day or every week exploring the websites of Alice Springs. For those who’re fortunate to catch an early flight, you might need time to discover within the afternoon or night should you’re not too drained.

No matter you do after you land, be sure to get a 4-wheel-drive rental automotive in Alice Springs for the subsequent 5 days of exploring Central Australia. 

Issues to Do in Alice Springs

• Telegraph Station Historic Reserve – be taught in regards to the building of the Overland Telegraph Line from Port Augusta in South Australia to Darwin. Onsite cafe and strolling and biking tracks.
• College of the Air guests centre – be taught in regards to the world’s largest classroom, overlaying greater than 1.3 million sq. kilometres.
• The Kangaroo Sanctuary – Stand up shut with kangaroos on the residence of Brolga, star of the documentary collection Kangaroo Dundee – BBC UK / Nat Geo USA. Do the guided sundown tour!

• Royal Flying Docs Service Museum – find out about one of many largest aeromedical organisations on this planet, offering intensive major well being care and 24-hour emergency service to folks over an space of seven.3 million sq. kilometres.
• Desert Park – see the animals that reside in Central Australia’s habitats.
• Anzac Hill – for a panoramic view of the city. Dawn is the proper time as you watch the solar slowly rise to mild up the MacDonnell Ranges and the gorgeous desert city beneath.

The place to Keep in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a energetic city with plenty of nice lodging choices. The excellent news is you’ll be able to stroll from all over the place within the city, so that you don’t have to fret an excessive amount of in regards to the neighborhood you keep in. Listed below are some nice lodging choices for Alice Springs:

Days 11 – 15: Uluru & Pink Centre Approach

The Pink Centre Approach is among the Australian Outback’s nice drives, stretching from Alice Springs to Uluru and taking within the beautiful landscapes of Kings Canyon and Ormiston Gorge.

There may be a lot to see and do alongside the drive, you merely want just a few days to finish it. On the naked minimal, we advocate three days.

Day 11: Alice Springs to Glen Helen Homestead

Right now’s drive is roughly 177 km’s from Alice Springs to Glen Helen Homestead taking in a number of the finest surroundings in Central Australia alongside the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Issues to Do within the West MacDonnell Ranges

• Simpsons Hole (23km from Alice Springs through Larapinta Drive) – a distinguished waterhole is a vital religious website to the Arrarnta Aboriginal folks. At daybreak or nightfall, Simpsons Hole is famend as a spot to see Black-footed Rock-wallabies alongside the hole’s brief strolling monitor.
• Standley Chasm (40km) – When the solar’s mild shifts throughout the cleft, the partitions of Standley Chasm glow golden, orange, and crimson. There’s a reasonably 15- 20 min stroll alongside the creek beside uncommon historic cycads, the place spring-fed swimming pools give the valley flooring a lush, tropical oasis really feel. Onsite cafe.
• Ellery Creek Large Gap (57km) – a favorite swimming gap for the locals and a fantastic spot for a picnic.
• Ochre Pits (22km from Ellery Creek) – brightly colored small cliffs that native Arrarnta Aboriginal folks have used for 1000’s of years for his or her ceremonial paint. The layers of white, yellow, and crimson ochre of the cliffs are so wealthy and earthy.
• Ormiston Gorge (24km) – the most important and prettiest swimming gap. It’s additionally the preferred. There’s a kiosk open right here that apparently serves an outstanding iced espresso.

• Glen Helen Gorge (11km) – The everlasting waterhole at Glen Helen Gorge is a favorite residence to many species of desert wildlife and lies on the headwaters of the Finke River, the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside the riverbed between the gorge partitions to see fabulous cycads. The normal house owners imagine Glen Helen Gorge is the house of an historic and highly effective Rainbow Serpent.

Keep in a single day at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge which presents motel room sort lodging for households or singles plus caravan and tenting websites. There’s a restaurant, bar, gas (diesel & unleaded), and a swimming pool.

Day 12: Kings Canyon

Get pleasure from breakfast out on the deck at Glen Helen Homestead. The views out over the West Mac ranges are beautiful and it is extremely serene watching the eagles soar quietly above searching for their very own breaky.

Depart Glen Helen and drive 225km alongside the Mareenie Valley Street, stopping in a single day at Kings Canyon Resort.

Be sure you have a full tank of gas, water, and meals provides. This part of highway is unsealed and could be badly corrugated, that’s why we propose a 4×4 automobile for clearance and luxury and management not as a result of it’s technical off-road driving.

Some folks drive this in a 2WD however a 4WD can be higher.

Kings Canyon Resort presents snug lodging and hotel-style rooms plus tenting and caravan websites. Services embrace 2 eating places, 2 swimming swimming pools, and a petroleum station.

Climbing Kings Canyon

Iconic Kings Canyon is simply 7 km from the resort.

The 5.5km Kings Canyon Rim Stroll in Watarrka Nationwide Park presents spectacular views of the canyon and beautiful dome-shaped rock formations and the colors change because the solar continued its journey up.

We did it at dawn with our three and six-year-old daughters, with the one steep a part of the stroll being the climb to the highest firstly.

Kings Canyon to Uluru (City of Yulara)

The drive from Kings Canyon to Yulara, the primary city on the gates into Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park the place all of the lodging and outlets are, is 300km.

Days 13 – 15: Uluru

Uluru, beforehand generally known as Ayers Rock, is the religious coronary heart of the nation and a must-see whenever you go to Australia.

You’ve most likely seen a whole lot of photographs and TV commercials of Uluru, nevertheless it’s a spot it’s a must to see and really feel, for your self.

Product of arkosic sandstone, Uluru stands 348 metres excessive and is taller than The Eiffel Tower and a couple of.5 occasions the peak of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

We extremely advocate you don’t fly out and in in a rush, Uluru wants multiple evening to understand its magnificence!

Issues to Do at Uluru

Many individuals go to Uluru only for Ayres Rock, however there are literally plenty of issues to do close to Uluru and value testing. Listed below are a few of our favorite activites close by:

• Uluru Sundown – the are a number of lookout spots for sundown and each lookout presents a special perspective of the colourful and ever-changing colors. The preferred sundown spot is the official Uluru Sundown Lookout about 10 kilometres down the highway via the doorway gates of the park (entry payment $25 for 3 days).
• Uluru Dawn – we dragged the children away from bed at 5.00 am every day and jumped within the automotive for the 20-minute drive from Yulara into the park (dawn was round 6.20am). For our first Uluru dawn, we headed again to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku lookout. Be warned, that is the place hordes of individuals and tour buses converge and was very busy even within the low season.

• Base stroll – The loop stroll is 10 km across the base and it took us 3.45 hours with a 3 and seven-year-old and taking plenty of photographs. The stroll is totally flat, simply bear in mind you’re within the Outback so it’s finest to begin early at first mild to beat the warmth. The park opens each day at 5am and we propose beginning on the Kuniya strolling level and heading anti-clockwise. Take plenty of water, snacks, and brief breaks
• Cycle the bottom – should you’re lower than strolling the ten.6 kilometres across the base, a fantastic various is to rent bikes from Outback Biking or convey your personal and bike it. We had a tag-along for Kalyra who loved the comfort of letting daddy do many of the peddling, and little Savannah took within the sights in a child seat on the again of Caz’s bike.

• Free Ranger Guided Mala Stroll – your third possibility, should you don’t wish to stroll or bike the entire 10.6 kilometres of Uluru, is to take part within the two-kilometre return stroll (1.5 hours) free ranger-guided Mala stroll.
• Sundown drinks  – A becoming farewell to our time at Uluru was sipping on just a few glasses of champagne with the oldsters from AAT Kings because the sundown over the rock. Take a look at sundown viewing and bubbly experiences right here. 
• Sundown Camel Experience – one of many distinctive methods to soak up Uluru is on the again of a trusty camel. Our youngsters, and us massive youngsters, completely cherished this expertise with Uluru Camel Excursions.
• Sounds of Silence – On our bucket checklist is the Sounds of Silence eating expertise beneath the celebs (when the children are a bit older) and a helicopter flight sounds wonderful too!

Issues to Do in Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is simply 50km’s up the highway from Yulara and is equally as spectacular as Uluru.

Previously generally known as The Olgas, this group of enormous historic rock formations consisting of 36 ochre-coloured domes are unfold over an space of greater than 20 kilometres.

The sandstone domes are believed to be round 500 million years previous.

Walks at Kata Tjuta:

• The two.6 km Walpa Gorge stroll is the shorter and simpler of the 2 walks.
• The longest path is the 7km Valley of the Winds Stroll.

The place to Keep at Yulara

There may be not an enormous vary of choices at Yulura, however listed here are some nice locations to remain:

Day 16: Uluru to Alice Springs to Melbourne

The drive from Yulara again to Alice Springs is 447km through the Lasseter Hwy and Nationwide Hwy 87.

Alternatively, as an alternative of driving again to Alice Springs and catching a flight to Melbourne, you possibly can do a one-way drop off of your rental automotive at Ayers Rock Airport, which you are able to do via RentalCars.com and fly to Melbourne from there.

You simply must weigh up the price of a one-way rental drop off versus the totally different flight costs to Melbourne from both Alice Springs or Ayers Rock! To avoid wasting your self time as you solely have three weeks in Australia, it’s price dropping it off at Ayres Rock and flying from there.

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct to Melbourne from Ayers Rock Airport.

Actually, if you wish to shorten this entire 3 week itinerary of Australia and skip Alice Springs and the Pink Centre Approach, you’ll be able to fly direct from Cairns to Ayers Rock Airport, then onto Melbourne.

Simply an possibility so as to add additional days on the different places.

Days 16 – 18: The Nice Ocean Street

Choose up your rental automotive from the airport in Melbourne and hit the Nice Ocean Street, well-known in Australia and all over the world as among the best drives on the planet.

The beginning of the drive is just one hour exterior of Melbourne within the city of Torquay, it stretches over 250 kilometres to Warrnambool, and attracts tens of 1000’s of tourists yearly.

Many individuals even take the Nice Ocean Street all the best way to Adelaide.

While the tour buses crazily drive this in in the future, you really want a minimum of two or three days to see all of the websites. Don’t simply rush to the 12 Apostles in your vacationer snap. Decelerate and recognize all it has to supply.

Go to all of the rock formations and cities, stroll on a seaside and go to the rainforest, see a waterfall and wildlife, sit at a lookout, and be current.

I like to recommend overnighting in Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell alongside the best way.

Issues to Do on the Nice Ocean Street

• Torquay (104 km’s from Melbourne) – Bells Seashore is considered one of Australia’s most well-known browsing seashores. Go to the Australian Nationwide Browsing Museum. Do a bit of the Surf Coast Stroll.
• Anglesea (18 km) – get some solar on Anglesea’s primary seaside, a large sandy expanse beside the Anglesea River. Stroll alongside the rugged shoreline or head inland beside the Anglesea River on the 44-kilometre Surf Coast Stroll.
• Aireys Inlet (9 km) – Cut up Level Lighthouse was in-built 1891 and is perched on the cliffs, 70 metres above sea stage. Stroll alongside surrounding clifftop tracks to see rocky reefs, rock swimming pools, and sheltered coves (maintain your eye out for whales in season).
• Lorne (20 km) – a picturesque city located proper on the Nice Ocean Street. Nice cafes, distinctive outlets boutiques, galleries and Otway Nationwide Park are in your doorstep. Get pleasure from a stroll on the seaside, a motorcycle journey alongside the foreshore out to the pier, have a espresso at Lorne Seashore Pavilion and take a look at a burger from The Bottle of Milk. Teddys Lookout is a brief drive up the hill behind Lorne. Drive as much as the picnic space on the finish of George Avenue and stroll a brief distance to benefit from the spectacular views of the Nice Ocean Street from the lookout.
• Lorne to Apollo Bay Drive – our favorite stretch of highway alongside the GOR. Be ready to cease for photographs so much. This stretch of highway has a number of the most picturesque surroundings within the area. It hugs the cliff-face because it winds via the Nice Otway Nationwide Park and rolling farmland.
• Apollo Bay (47 km from Lorne) – seaside village midway alongside the Nice Ocean Street and surrounded by Otway Nationwide Park State Forest. Mariners Lookout presents panoramic views of Apollo Bay’s city centre, the harbour, and seashores up and down the coast, positioned on the northern finish of city off Marriners Lookout Street. Climb aboard a kayak, rise up near native seal colonies or join a deep sea fishing journey. There are sundown seaside rides on horseback, present outlets, galleries and tea homes together with numerous culinary delights on provide – fishing is a vital native trade so seafood is all the time on the menu!

• Otways Nationwide Park – head into the Otways and immerse your self amongst tall bushes and big tree ferns, and exquisite waterfalls – Triplet Falls is a spotlight. The stroll is a couple of 1 hour return loop. And the 2km Shelley Seashore Circuit Stroll is among the best brief walks on the Nice Ocean Stroll.
• Kennett River – wish to see koalas within the wild? One of the best koala viewing spot is Kennet River, alongside the Gray River Street, simply in the midst of city. Otway Lighthouse Street is one other common spot. Simply search for the crowds of individuals and comply with their gazes up for fast koala recognizing.
• Twelve Apostles (87 km from Apollo Bay) – Port Campbell Nationwide Park is residence to those large limestone constructions tower 45 metres above the ocean and have been shaped some 20 million years in the past. There are solely eight remaining (the remaining have fallen) and forming the backdrop are these magnificent cliffs as much as 70 metres excessive. Scorching Tip – get there for dawn or sundown so that you miss the hordes of individuals and tour buses that arrive round lunchtime (we stayed in a single day in Port Campbell, 15 km drive, and drove again for sundown).

• Gibson Steps – just down the highway from the Twelve Apostles Guests Centre are the Gibson Steps. Stroll down these steps onto the seaside for a close-up view.
• Loch Ard Gorge – a couple of minutes drive west of The Twelve Apostles. Named after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground on close by Muttonbird Island on the finish of a three-month journey from England to Melbourne.

• The Grotto – is mainly a sinkhole. Take the steps down the cliff face to the underside and look via and also you’ll get visibility of the ocean past a pool at low tide. Fairly cool.
• London Arch (London Bridge) – shaped by a gradual course of of abrasion and initially was a whole double-span and hooked up to the mainland. The arch nearer to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly in 1990.
• The Arch – this naturally sculptured arch stands 8 metres excessive and is positioned 6km west of Port Campbell.
• Bay of Islands – head somewhat additional south to Peterborough and also you’ll uncover the paranormal Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs. Virtually as lovely as 12 Apostles, but hardly ever talked about.

The direct drive again to Melbourne from Warrnambool is 255 km (roughly 3 hrs) through the Hamilton Hwy/B140 and M1. Drop off your rental automotive on the airport in Melbourne and make your manner into town.

Melbourne Airport is positioned 25 km from the Metropolis Centre. The Sky Bus presents an everyday shuttle service 24/7 direct to Southern Cross Station within the metropolis so that you gained’t want your rental automotive anymore.

In addition they provide a resort drop off and choose up service – ask for particulars on the counter.

Days 19 – 21: Melbourne

We love Melbourne, it’s most likely our favorite Australian metropolis and feels very European.

The draw back is it comes with four-seasons-in-one-day climate patterns. Put on layers!

There actually is one thing for everybody in Melbourne, it doesn’t matter what your funds or tastes are. Additionally, it’s a well-known reality amongst Australians that they make the very best espresso within the nation!

Issues to Do in Melbourne

• Metropolis Circle Tram – leap on the FREE metropolis circle tram service (route 35) that operates inside Melbourne’s CBD and passes main vacationer sights. The loop takes about 45 minutes and you will get off at any one of many many stops to discover extra on foot, and is the easiest way to get round to a lot of Melbourne’s inside metropolis highlights.
• Federation Sq. – Fed Sq. occupies a complete city block proper on the banks of the Yarra River and instantly reverse Flinders Avenue Prepare Station and St Paul’s Cathedral within the coronary heart of town. There’s museums, galleries, eating places, bars, festivals, and enjoyable. And the Melbourne Customer Centre is positioned underground. Such a cool city sq.!

• Buying –  town laneways, particularly between Flinders, Elizabeth, Bourke, and Swanston Streets are terrific. Little Collins Avenue can also be excellent for relieving you of a few of your money. Additionally try Prahran and Chapel Avenue which runs from the Yarra River within the north to Brighton Street within the south, traversing the suburbs of South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, St Kilda, and St Kilda East.

 

• St Kilda – leap on a tram and head to this seaside escape. It’s the closest and best seaside to get to from town, simply 6km away, and it’s Melbourne’s most well-known seaside. There’s outside eating and bars, many with bay views, and the sunsets are fairly particular. Acland Avenue is the place to go for cafes and eating places, but in addition for the well-known cake outlets. West Seashore Cafe is correct on the sand and Jerry’s Milkbar is a transformed milkbar with somewhat playground out the again and superior banana bread. Take a look at Carlisle St in St Kilda East, a simple stroll from Acland St. Much less touristy, and a bit grimey, however plenty of character and nice cafes.

• See penguins at St Kilda Pier at nightfall – why go to Phillip Island for the penguin parade when there’s a free one proper within the metropolis? The fairy penguins are available and convey smiles to everybody who sees them.
• Queen Victoria Market – who doesn’t love a very good open-air market? The Queen Vic Markets has one thing for everybody. Seize some recent produce and head to both Fitzroy Gardens or Carlton Gardens for a picnic.
• Wednesday Evening Markets (summer season months solely) – Queen Vic Markets come alive with nice avenue meals, with choices from everywhere in the world. It was like all evening meals market you’d discover in Asia, buzzing with environment and low-cost (for Melbourne) avenue meals. Dwell music and family-friendly.
• AFL sport – should you’re right here throughout the AFL (Australian Soccer League) season, you could try a sport. The environment within the large MCG (Melbourne Cricket Floor) is not like anything on this nation.
• Fitzroy – for the cafes and eating places, to not point out the entire boutique outlets, many catering to a hip crowd.
• Lygon Avenue – for all issues Italian. We advocate Tiamo for excellent and reasonably priced Italian. And Brunetti’s is a Melbourne establishment for espresso, muffins, and pastries.
• Laneways – Melbourne is known for its laneways. Centre Place is a busy laneway between Flinders Lane and Collins Avenue and residential to a number of vibrant bars, cafes, eating places, boutiques, sushi bars, and outlets, in addition to a few of Melbourne’s finest examples of avenue artwork and graffiti. As is Degraves Avenue. {Hardware} Lane has plenty of nice Italian. Royal Arcade is previous and really lovely (nice chocolate store too).

• Espresso – Melbournians are obsessive about espresso and make it higher than most. Right here’s a listing of some finest espresso spots on Lonely Planet and the Tourism Australia web site.
• South Financial institution – a pleasant place to stroll round on the Yarra River with nice views again over town, and countless eating and bar choices.
• Riverland City Beer Backyard – simply down by Fed Sq. and subsequent to the Yarra is a superb spot for a beer and a meal within the solar and to look at the rowers on the river and overlooks the Princess Bridge. Appears like London in the summertime. They’ve a youngsters menu too!
• Hosier Lane – a much-celebrated landmark because of its subtle city artwork (graffiti-lined partitions). A 2 minute stroll from Federation Sq. and runs between Flinders St and Collins St. Native and worldwide artists use the partitions as a brief canvas for his or her works, and the artwork may be very fascinating to have a look at.

• Chinatown – if there’s a Chinatown on the town, we’re there! Hardly ever are we disillusioned, and our financial institution stability is all the time pleased. One place in Melbourne we stored going again to was the favored Camy Shanghai Dumpling and Noodle Restaurant – not for the luxury and fancy, it’s a real Chinese language expertise with below-par service, however their dumplings have been a spotlight and low-cost!
• Botanic Gardens – take the household for a picnic or sit on the banks of the Yarra and watch the world go by.
• Cycle the Bayside Foreshore – stretch your legs on a motorcycle journey from St Kilda to Brighton Seashore and take a look at the colorful bathing containers.

• Eureka Tower – presents beautiful views from the very best commentary deck within the southern hemisphere, Eureka Skydeck at 297 metres/88 flooring. I like to recommend going up simply on sunset so that you expertise Melbourne by day and because it slips into evening.
• Stroll alongside the Yarra River and have a BBQ on the river financial institution in Summer season.

The place to remain in Melbourne

Melbourne is a large metropolis with so many nice lodging choices. We advocate staying within the CBD to be sure to’re close to all the very best sights. Listed below are a few of our favorite locations to remain:

21 Days and Past…

By now you might be most likely realizing that three weeks shouldn’t be plenty of time in Australia. You’ll discover that point flies by and also you’ll have little or no time for rest when packing in all these wonderful sights.

So we do perceive that some folks like to increase their journey and take their time.

When you’ve got the posh of including an additional week or extra, that’s nice! Listed below are some concepts for how one can prolong your journey for one more 7 days:

Street Journey From Cairns to the Gold Coast

One of many methods we might advocate extending this journey is to highway journey from the Gold Coast to Cairns. This is able to be beginning the journey as an alternative of flying straight to Cairns from Sydney.

There are lots of sights on the East Coast that provide extra possibilities so that you can discover the pure fantastic thing about Australia.

You’ll discover beautiful tropical islands, locations to calm down, extra areas to scuba dive the barrier reef, and better of all, a while basking on the very best seashores in Australia.

Listed below are some sights on the East Coast you possibly can go to:

• The Whitsunday Islands – Tips on how to describe the Whitsundays…they’re merely tropical paradise. You’ll discover unspoiled, white-sand seashores and a number of the finest pure websites in Australia. Whitehaven Seashore is a protected seaside that’s so pure, they don’t permit you to take something with you. The gateway to the Whitsundays is from Airlie Seashore on the mainland.
• Fraser Island – that is an adventurer’s paradise. The island is a World Heritage-listed website and the one method to get round is to drive by 4WD on the seaside. It’s among the best locations to see humpback whales who migrate in its waters. On calm days, you’ll be able to see them near the shore. You possibly can entry Fraser Island by ferry from Rainbow Seashore.
• Magnetic Island – Simply throughout the waters from Townsville is the bizarre however fantastic Magnetic Island. It’s not likely magnetic, it’s named after the molten granite was pushed into the earth’s floor by a volcanic pressure 275 million years in the past. These days it’s price visiting for its distinctive landscapes, granite boulders and beautiful seashores and reefs.
• Brisbane – though Brisbane is a metropolis and very like another in Aus, it’s price testing. Town has a thriving arts scene and has plenty of hipster cafes and bars. For many who get pleasure from nightlife, you’ll get pleasure from spending a while in Brisbane.
• Byron Bay – That is considered one of Australia’s high seashores and is simply South of Brisbane. It’s well-known for browsing and is among the finest spots for knowledgeable surfers to catch some massive waves within the winter.

Discover the Northern Territory

One other method to prolong this three week Australia itinerary by every week or so is to discover the Northern Territory.

You could possibly simply fly from Alice Springs to Darwin and spend every week exploring Kakadu Nationwide Park, the biggest nationwide park in Australia and well-known for its aboriginal heritage and historic rock artwork. You. also can see wild salt water crocodiles right here.

Darwin can also be a cool metropolis to go to. The close by Litchfield Nationwide Park simply south of Darwin can also be a well-liked park to take a look at. It has some beautiful waterfalls and waterholes you’ll be able to swim in, which is the primary cause to go to.

Earlier than You Go

So there you’ve gotten it! That’s a 3 week Australia itinerary overlaying all of the highlights of this large nation. As you’ll be able to see, there may be plenty of time spent on planes and in vehicles, however that’s the one method to see the very best of Australia in three weeks.

Earlier than you go, I’ve one ultimate phrase of recommendation for you. E-book upfront. You’ll save your self plenty of money and time should you ebook your flights (particularly inner flights) and automotive leases upfront.

You could be versatile with lodging and actions, however don’t go away transport to the final minute otherwise you’ll find yourself paying for it.

And above all, have the very best time in Australia, our residence. We all know this itinerary skips Perth and Western Australia and the pure wonders of Tassie, however we might slightly offer you an itinerary that’s real looking and achievable.

We hope this itinerary helped you propose your Australia journey! For those who discovered it useful, please contemplate sharing. You need to use the picture beneath to share to Pinterest.