By Fathima Rukaiya,
Planning a trip to Australia but not sure where to start? This 11-day itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of what the country has to offer, from iconic cities to natural wonders, all at a manageable pace. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for more.
Day 1: Arrival in Sydney
Begin your Australian adventure in its most iconic city, Sydney. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely evening walk around Circular Quay.
Where to Stay: Mid-range hotel in central Sydney = about $189 per night
Transport: Get an Opal transport card (daily limit is around $11.05)
Activities:
Stroll around Sydney Harbour and see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Explore The Rocks Historic District
Estimated Cost (Day 1): around $200
Day 2: Discover Sydney
Explore Sydney’s natural and cultural beauty by going to zoos, beaches, and viewpoints.
Activities:
Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee (free)
Taronga Zoo: About $26 for entry
Take a ferry to Manly to see the sunset.
Day 2 Cost Estimate: around $50 (excluding food and shopping)
Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip
Escape the city and enjoy a full day trip to the scenic Blue Mountains, known for dramatic cliffs and eucalyptus forests.
Activities:
Guided day tour including Echo Point, Scenic Railway, and bushwalks would cost around $39
Estimated Cost for Day 3: about $100
Day 4: Fly to Melbourne
Take a morning flight to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, filled with laneways, coffee shops, and art.
Flight: approximately $80 – $100
Where to Stay: Hotel around Melbourne’s central business district (around $82 per night)
Activities:
Visit Federation Square, Hosier Lane, and Queen Victoria Market
Estimated Cost for Day 4: around $200
Day 5: Great Ocean Road Tour
Take a full day tour of the well-known Great Ocean Road, which passes by the Twelve Apostles, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs.
Cost of Tour: about $98
Additional Costs: Lunch and extracurriculars: about $40
Day 5 Estimated Cost: around $140
Day 6: Fly to Cairns
Travel north to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Relax and prepare for tomorrow’s big adventure.
Flight: around $130
Where to stay: Mid-range hotel – around $85 per night
Relax for free at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Day 6 Estimated Cost: about $215
Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Visit the largest coral reef in the world for a day of diving or snorkeling. This is one of Australia’s top highlights.
A full-day coral trip that includes lunch and snorkeling costs about $130.
Estimated Cost (Day 7): approximately $220
Day 8: Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
For a once in a lifetime desert experience, travel to Australia’s Red Center.
Flight: around $180
Where to Stay: A simple resort or lodge for about $98 per night
Activities: Uluru sunset viewing and a quick base stroll (free)
Estimated Cost for Day 8: about $280
Day 9: Explore Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Join a guided tour or scenic flight to see the full majesty of the desert landscape and sacred Aboriginal landmarks.
Activities:
Between $160 – $250 for a scenic flight or a tour to Kata Tjuta
Day 9 Estimated Cost: about $300
Day 10: Fly to Gold Coast
Wrap up your trip in the vibrant beachside cities of Queensland. The Gold Coast offers surfing, skyline, and theme parks.
Flight: around $140
Where to Stay: Mid-range hotel – Approximately $97 per night
Activities: Visit one of the famous theme parks (entry costs about $70 – $90)
Estimated Cost (Day 10): about $320
Day 11: Head back to Sydney before leaving
To catch your international departure, return to Sydney by domestic flight.
Flight: around $100
Departure Tax: A$70 ($46)
Estimated Cost (Day 11): about $146
After 11 days of exploring, relaxing, and maybe even trying a few things outside your comfort zone, you’ll leave with a good feel for what Australia is all about. It’s a country that mixes laid back vibes with jaw dropping scenery and friendly people. Hopefully, this itinerary helped take the guesswork out of planning and maybe even inspired a future trip or two.
