How To Spend Two Weeks In Australia [5 Perfect Itineraries!]


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If you happen to’re planning on visiting Australia on a two-week trip, that is an bold vacation, however don’t let anybody deter you from taking the journey as a result of it’s not quite a lot of time.

Australia is a big nation, the sixth largest on this planet in truth, and has a lot to see and do. Though you gained’t have the ability to discover all of it, it’s completely attainable to have an epic time in Australia in simply 14 days – so long as you come ready with an epic 2 week Australia itinerary!

As Australians who spent 18 months exploring our personal yard, we’ve travelled to nearly each nook of the nation and know the place the perfect locations are.

We’ve additionally realized to not try to cram an excessive amount of in, so in case you have two weeks at your disposal – concentrate on one space in Australia solely.

Reasonably than unfold out a two week itinerary throughout your complete nation, we’ve put collectively a number of concepts for tips on how to have a two week journey in Australia with separate itineraries for every area.

Every itinerary has been chosen for adventurous vacationers, wildlife lovers, metropolis dwellers, nature lovers, seaside bums, and extra, so you’ll discover the proper itinerary on your journey type under.

Is 2 weeks sufficient for Australia?

two girls hanging out of a hole in the rock
Outstanding Rocks on Kangaroo Island

To begin with, let’s shortly reply the apparent query; is 2 weeks sufficient to go to Australia? The straightforward reply is, there may be by no means sufficient time to see Australia. Folks can reside there their complete life and never see all of it.

However it’s fully attainable to have an incredible trip in Australia in two weeks, you simply gained’t have the ability to see the whole lot. If you happen to can prolong your journey to a few weeks, you’ll be able to pack all of the highlights into one journey if you happen to don’t thoughts taking a number of inner flights – we’ve got a three week itinerary for Australia right here.

If you happen to’re planning on visiting Australia with simply two weeks at your disposal, it is advisable begin by adjusting your mindset and be pleased with not seeing all of it.

Many vacationers disregard the precise dimension of Australia till they arrive and find yourself regretting the alternatives they made within the starting stage.

I as soon as had a British man complain to me that he took a bus from Perth to Sydney and that it wasted three days of his journey, and all he noticed was pink desert. Somewhat planning and customary information would let you know this!

As I stated earlier, select an space of Australia to discover and journey inside it, so that you don’t waste valuable time touring from A to B.

2 Week Australia Itineraries

A car parked on a beach
Seaside driving Esperance

The next solutions are for a two week Australia itinerary, and so they consider varied journey kinds, budgets, and tastes.

These are how we’d spend two weeks as a primary time customer to Australia, however it is best to use them as a information and choose and select the locations and actions that swimsuit you essentially the most. Use this as a place to begin that will help you plan a visit to Australia.

After all, your mode of transport and the space you journey inside Australia will have an effect on how a lot time you may have accessible in every place or area. The flight instances are completely different every day, so make sure that to look these up when placing your personal 2 week Australia itinerary collectively.

For some elements of your journey you could want a rental automobile. We suggest Uncover Automobiles as having the perfect reserving platform for locating offers that’s consumer pleasant and backed by nice customer support. I take advantage of them repeatedly for my automobile rent and love them. See charges and availability right here.

These aren’t the one mixtures, these are a few of our favourites, and to be completely trustworthy I may simply spend the entire two weeks travelling Australia in Sydney and Melbourne and nonetheless run out of time to do issues there!

2 Week Sydney Itinerary

koalas in a tree sydney

In Sydney, you don’t should journey far to see iconic landmarks in Australia. You may simply spend an entire two weeks within the metropolis. To show my level, here’s a fast two week itinerary for Sydney.

  • Day 1: Take a tour of the Sydney Opera Home and have a picnic in The Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Day 2: Within the morning, do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb adopted by strolling throughout the bridge and spending the afternoon at Luna Park Sydney, and go to Kirribilli Markets.
  • Day 3: Spend the day purchasing in Sydney CBD
  • Day 4: Spend the day at Taronga Zoo
  • Day 5: Do the Coogee Seaside to Bondi Seaside coastal stroll and chill out on Coogee Seaside
  • Day 6: Be taught to surf at Bondi Seaside and benefit from the surfer city vibes.
  • Day 7-8: Take a getaway to Manly Island to see the Little Penguins
  • Day 9: Discover The Rocks district and it’s vibrant arts scene
  • Day 10-11: Make a journey to the Blue Mountains and see the Three Sisters rock formation, go climbing, and study aboriginal tradition.
  • Day 12-13: Go climbing and tenting in Royal Nationwide Park.
  • Day 14: fly house

2 Week East Coast Itinerary of Australia

75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island Queensland Australia
Aerial view of 75 mile seaside, Fraser Island
  • Begin | Finish: Gold Coast or Brisbane to Cairns
  • Distance: 1766 km

For seaside lovers and followers of nature, I extremely suggest you spend your two weeks staying on the East Coast.

This space in Australia is best suited for adventurous vacationers, seaside lovers, and wildlife and nature lovers. This route takes you to a few of Australia’s most well-known tropical rainforests, together with the oldest rainforest on this planet, the Nice Barrier Reef, distant islands, surf cities, and vibrant coastal cities.

When you have two weeks to spend in Australia, I like to recommend the next beginning in Brisbane (or the Gold Coast in case you have youngsters) and dealing your approach as much as Cairns. You can begin the opposite approach and work down if flights are handy for you.

Day 1-2: Gold Coast

a view of the ocean from Burleigh Heads National Park, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
View from Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park

The Gold Coast is the place Australians go to trip, and there’s a motive for this. Flanked by golden sands on one aspect and high-rise buildings on the opposite, it’s the place to go for a vibrant seaside trip.

When you have two weeks, I might skip the Gold Coast if you happen to don’t have kids and wish an intimate vibe, as there are higher seashores additional up the coast later on this itinerary.

If you happen to do have youngsters, take them to theme parks reminiscent of MovieWorld and Dreamworld, in addition to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you happen to’re travelling with buddies, go to Surfers Paradise for nightlife, or head to the Gold Coast Hinterland for waterfalls and rainforest walks. Avid surfers could wish to drive 3 hours south to Byron Bay for a day, however I might solely do that if browsing is your factor, in any other case it should eat into your journey time an excessive amount of.

Different Day 1-2: Brisbane

Group of friends walking along the Brisbane Riverwalk
credit score: Tourism and Occasions Queensland

Brisbane is less complicated to entry from worldwide locations, so it is likely to be higher to begin your two weeks right here. Brisbane is a big metropolis recognized for its artsy vibes.

It has a big cultural precinct by the Brisbane River, and has a number of nice museums such because the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre and Queensland Gallery of Trendy Artwork.

If you happen to solely have two weeks to spend in Australia I personally don’t suppose it is best to spend an excessive amount of time right here. Get your self oriented and kick off the jet lag, and put together to drive up the coast as quickly as you’ll be able to!

Day 3-4: Sunshine Coast

sunrise over mountains view from noosa hinterland lookout
Noosa Hinterland
  • Distance: 100 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour 18 minutes

Choose up a rental automobile and drive north to the Sunshine Coast, an aptly named coastal space recognized for its stunning seashores, pristine unspoiled nature, and wildlife.

Spend two days based mostly in Noosa, a spot recognized for being a whale watching sizzling spot, and benefit from the stress-free vibes of the city.

Rise up early for a dawn stroll by means of Noosa Nationwide Park, following the coastal monitor previous Tea Tree Bay and Hell’s Gates, and keep watch over the treetops to see if you happen to can spot some sleeping koalas and your eyes on the ocean for indicators of humpback whales.

Then, head to Noosa Essential Seaside for some seaside enjoyable and luxuriate in boutique purchasing alongside Hastings Road.

We personally cherished stand-up paddleboarding on the Noosa River and watching a sundown with a drink at Noosa Heads Surf Membership.

In your second day, enterprise inland to the Noosa Everglades, the second solely everglade on this planet (the opposite one is in Florida) and the place you’ll be able to kayak by means of the mangroves.

Then head on to Hervey Bay, the place you’ll spend the night time earlier than getting as much as journey to the following cease. Alongside the way in which, cease at waterfalls like Gardners Falls and cease to take pleasure in panoramic views over the Glass Home Mountains.

Day 5-6: Okay’Gari (Fraser Island)

The famous heart shaped tree at Lake Mackenzie - one of the best things to do on Fraser Island in Australia
  • Distance: 158 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour 58 minutes from Noosa to Hervey Bay + 45 minute ferry

Get up early on the fifth day to catch the 6:00am ferry from Hervey Bay to Okay’Gari. The Fraser Enterprise is the ferry service that connects the mainland to Okay’Gari, also called Fraser Island.

It departs from River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay) 3 times a day and drops you off at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the western aspect, and takes roughly 45 minutes. See the timetable right here.

Then, you’ll be able to discover the world well-known Okay’Gari Island, recognized for being the most important sand island on this planet.

Choose up a 4X4 automobile from Kingfisher Bay Resort, or guide onto a tour, and head out on the 75-mile seaside freeway which doubles as each a freeway and airstrip to discover this World Heritage-listed island.

Start by exploring Rainbow Seaside, after which head on to drift down the crystal-clear, tea tree–infused waters of Eli Creek.

Drive as much as see the rusting Maheno Shipwreck, after which drive on to see the effervescent Champagne Swimming pools, a singular pure phenomenon the place rock swimming pools fill with water that seem like bubbles.

Another unmissable spots to admire are Indian Head, a rocky outcrop the place you may spot manta rays or whales in season, and the luxurious freshwater lakes of Lake McKenzie.

It’s effectively price staying one night time on Okay’Gari, if solely to listen to the sounds of dingoes howling at night time!

Day 7-9: The Whitsundays

people walking on white sand next to water
  • Distance: 800 km
  • Flight time: 4 hours

There’s a little bit of a distance between Okay’Gari and the following cease, so we suggest you catch a flight from Hervey Bay to the Whitsundays Airport on Hamilton Island.

There are two methods to do that – you’ll be able to both drive again to Brisbane (4.5 hours) and get a direct flight, or you may get a flight from Hervey Bay through Brisbane to Hamilton Island, which takes 4 hours however is dear.

The drive would take about 10 hours, which you are able to do if you wish to. Both approach, use the seventh day as your journey day.

Get up vivid an early on the eighth day for a full day cruise of the Whitsunday Islands, stopping by the world well-known Whitehaven Seaside and admiring its pure silica sand, and admire the swirling sandy silica of Hill Inlet.

You’ll want to go for a snorkel by means of the Coral Sea at coral websites like Manta Ray Bay or Luncheon Bay, recognizing reef fish, turtles, and perhaps even a reef shark.

If you happen to select to remain on Hamilton Island, take a while to chill out by the resort pool or take scenic helicopter flight over Coronary heart Reef and the outer Nice Barrier Reef.

Day 10-11: Townsville & Magnetic Island

road winding along coastline
Credit score: Tourism and Occasions Queensland
  • Distance: 274 km
  • Drive time: 4 hours

Catch the ferry from Hamilton Island to Airlie Seaside as early as attainable, because it’s a 4 hour drive to our subsequent cease of Townsville. The ferry takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and has six sailings a day. See instances right here.

Choose up a rent automobile from Airlie Seaside, and drive north to Townsville, aiming to get there mid-afternoon. Spend the rest of the primary day exploring Townsville. Stroll alongside the Strand, breezy beachfront promenade lined with palm timber, or if you wish to stretch your legs after the automobile experience, take the brief however steep hike up Fort Hill—a granite monolith within the metropolis middle.

On the following day, take a day journey to Magnetic Island, also called Maggie, and make sure you spend time stress-free on the shores of Horseshoe Bay, and hike the well-known Forts Stroll for WWII ruins and koala sightings.

For a singular solution to get across the island, hire a topless convertible “Barbie Automotive” or e-scooter to discover the island.

Day 12-13: Cairns & the Nice Barrier Reef

Aerial view of a Master Reef Guide leading guests on an Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour at Opolu Reef
Credit score: Tourism & Occasions Qld
  • Distance: 347 km
  • Drive time: 4 hours

Get up early on day 12 to drive to Cairns alongside the well-known Bruce Freeway. Cease by Wooroonooran Nationwide Park or Mission Seaside for a lunch break earlier than you attain Cairns by mid-afternoon.

Spend the remainder of the day in Cairns driving the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, then take the Scenic Railway again, or chill out on the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and night time markets.

On the thirteenth day, guide onto a tour to go snorkel or dive the Nice Barrier Reef with a good operator (select an eco-friendly one like Passions of Paradise).

Day 14: Day Journey to the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation Beach in the Daintree Rainforest of Australia
  • Distance: 139 km
  • Drive time: 2 hours 41 minutes

Take a day journey to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest on this planet. It’s additionally essentially the most biologically wealthy ecosystem on Earth.

Depart early (round 7:00 AM) to profit from the day—both by becoming a member of a guided eco-tour or self-driving alongside the scenic Captain Cook dinner Freeway.

Your first cease must be Mossman Gorge, the southern gateway to the Daintree. Take a stroll alongside the elevated rainforest boardwalk, and if time permits, be a part of a guided Dreamtime Stroll led by native Kuku Yalanji Indigenous guides or go kayaking alongside the river.

Proceed north and cross the Daintree River through cable ferry, retaining an eye fixed out for crocodiles and cassowaries, and make sure you cease in on the Daintree Discovery Centre for an aerial walkway, cover tower, and to study extra concerning the rainforest by studying the interpretive reveals.

Proceed to Cape Tribulation, the place two World Heritage websites—the Nice Barrier Reef and the rainforest—meet.

Head again to Cairns within the mid-afternoon stopping at scenic lookouts like Alexandra Vary and maybe grabbing a scoop of do-it-yourself ice cream from the Daintree Ice Cream Firm.

2 Week Southern Australia Itinerary

Victoria travel tips!
  • Begin | Finish: Sydney to Adelaide
  • Distance: 1374 km

One other area in Australia you may wish to discover is Southern Australia. This area in Australia is appropriate for any kind of traveler, from metropolis break lovers to wildlife and nature lovers.

It’s additionally straightforward to get to the Pink Middle from Southern Australia due to the well-known Ghan prepare from Adelaide to Alice Springs, which takes 1 day (although it’s a journey day, you get some unbelievable desert views alongside the way in which).

Exploring the southern area of Australia, notably the state of Victoria, additionally means you get to expertise one of many world’s finest scenic drives, The Nice Ocean Street. Don’t miss the Twelve Apostles and all of the lookouts with panoramic views.

Right here’s our good two week Australia itinerary for Southern Australia:

Day 1-3: Sydney

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney exterior
Photograph Credit score: Shangri-La Lodge Sydney

Sydney is the place most individuals begin their adventures in Australia, and it’s effectively price spending a number of days there getting oriented and shaking off the jet lag.

Your first day will most likely be a little bit of a write-off due to your lengthy flight right here.

So, on day two, begin your journey with a stroll by means of the historic laneways of The Rocks District, a vibrant and artsy neighborhood within the CBD, adopted by a guided tour of the Sydney Opera Home.

Within the night, stroll round Round Quay for harbour views and go to a rooftop wine bar within the night.

a man standing on a beach and smiling
Tamarama Seaside

In your third day, catch a ferry to Manly Seaside to see the Little Penguins or stroll the blissful Bondi to Coogee coastal stroll, which is our favourite coastal stroll.

You may also wish to stroll across the Royal Botanic Backyard, or guide onto a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb expertise.

Within the night to day three, catch a direct flight to Melbourne so you’ll be able to take pleasure in two full days there.

Day 4-5: Melbourne

Watching the Australian Open at Federation Square Melbourne
  • Distance: 878 km
  • Flight time: 1 hour half-hour

You solely want a few days in Melbourne to peel again its wealthy cultural layers and expertise what makes this metropolis so habitable.

Begin by boarding the free tram and taking within the buildings and structure as you experience, stroll alongside well-known laneways like Degraves Road and Hosier Lane and admire the road artwork.

Then, head to Federation Sq., essentially the most well-known sq. within the metropolis, then cross the Yarra River to walk the Royal Botanic Gardens or catch a up to date exhibit on the NGV.

As night falls, settle right into a rooftop bar or hidden speakeasy in Fitzroy or Collingwood.

On day two, bounce on a tram to St Kilda for a beachside stroll and a peek on the penguins on the breakwater, or head north to Brunswick for classic purchasing.

If you happen to’re a sports activities fan, make sure you take a tour of MCG, a sports activities stadium and cricket floor.

Day 6-8: The Nice Ocean Street

16 Highlights of the Great Ocean Road in Australia
  • Distance: 258 km
  • Drive time: 3 hours from Melbourne to Warrnambool

Simply exterior of Melbourne is without doubt one of the world’s most well-known street journeys – The Nice Ocean Street.

That is considered one of Australia’s most iconic coastal adventures, the place each bend reveals wild magnificence and dramatic landscapes.

Start in Torquay, simply an hour out of melbourne, which is called the browsing capital of Australia (nope, not Bondi Seaside), after which enter the GOR.

Make a cease by Bells Seaside and Lorne, and go climbing in rainforest and previous waterfalls in Nice Otway Nationwide Park.

For in a single day stops, I like to recommend Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell.

Some postcard-worthy stops to not miss are the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Day 7-9: The Grampians

people om cliff face on the pinnacles hike grampians national park
Pinnacles Viewpoint
  • Distance: 98 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour

On the finish of the Nice Ocean Street in Warrnambool, head inland towards the Grampians Nationwide Park to see the uncooked fringe of southern Australia.

Make camp at Halls Hole, the gateway to the nationwide park, and spend a few days climbing within the valleys surrounded by sandstone mountains and wildflowers.

You’ll want to try the gushing waterfalls like MacKenzie Falls and Silverband Falls.

Day 10-11: Adelaide

woman beside chocolate fountain
  • Distance: 475 km
  • Drive time: 5 hours

Head on to Adelaide, a metropolis that’s oozing in laid-back attraction and surrounded by close by pure magnificence.

Begin your go to on the Central Market, the place contemporary produce and multicultural bites showcase the town’s foodie coronary heart, earlier than boutique purchasing within the East Finish.

If you happen to like museums and artwork, don’t miss the Artwork Gallery of South Australia.

For culinary experiences, head to Gouger Road for vigorous eating and top-notch eating places, and the place you’ll be able to pattern native wines.

Don’t go mad on wine although, as our subsequent cease is the world well-known wine area, the Barossa Valley.

Day 12-13: The Barossa Valley

woman sitting on picnic blanket drinking wine in barossa valley vineyards
  • Distance: 74 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour

Head into the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley area for a few days wine tasting.

Tour a number of the area’s most iconic wineries reminiscent of Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Yalumba, that are recognized for his or her crisp Shiraz and Riesling wines.

Discover the quaint cities of Tanunda and Angaston, and dip into the boutique retailers, bakeries, and comfy cafés.

Day 14: Adelaide

Head again to Adelaide to fly house. It’s possible you’ll have to fly again to Sydney to get a flight house, relying on the place house it to you.

2 Week Pink Middle & Northern Territories Itinerary

Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
  • Begin | Finish: Alice Springs to Darwin
  • Distance: 1496 km

The Pink Centre and the Northern Terrirtories is the journey capitals of Australia and are appropriate for nature lovers, adventurous vacationers, tradition vultures, and wildlife lovers.

Right here you’ll be able to expertise the wild and untamed outback desert, go climbing by means of rocky gorges in search of historical aboriginal rock artwork, and spot native wildlife.

You may spend a minimum of 5 days exploring Alice Springs Desert Park, Watarrka Nationwide Park, and Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park with out even visiting Uluru (also called Ayers Rock), that’s how a lot there may be to do there!

Ensure you spend time admiring the distinctive rock formations within the parks such because the domes of The Olgas, Kings Canyon and the Telegraph Station Historic Reserve.

Right here is our good two week itinerary for the Pink Centre and Northern Territory in Australia:

Day 1-2: Alice Springs and West Macdonnel Ranges

river going through a canyon

Start your journey in Alice Springs, which you’ll be able to fly into from Sydney, Melbourne, and different main cities. You too can catch the legendary Ghan prepare from Adelaide, which takes a full day. It might be sitting on a prepare for 15 hours, however the surroundings is wonderful, and could possibly be a beautiful begin to your journey.

Spend the primary two days getting oriented round Alice Springs and taking a day journey over to the West MacDonnel Ranges, simply an hour and 20 minute drive away.

Earlier than setting off, make sure you try the colourful Aboriginal artwork galleries in Alice Springs and go to the historic Telegraph Station.

Then head to the Ranges, and spend your afternoon climbing the ochre-hued cliffs of Simpsons Hole or cooling off within the peaceable waters of Ellery Creek Massive Gap.

Drive alongside Namatjira Drive, stopping at breathtaking gorges like Ormiston and Serpentine, and luxuriate in a picnic within the historical silence underneath ghost gums. Climb to the lookout at Mount Sonder at sundown to witness the altering colors over the desert plains.

Day 3-5: Kings Canyon, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park

Uluru at sunrise
  • Distance: 446 km
  • Drive time: 4 hours half-hour

Spend the following three days exploring the Outback area’s most well-known pure landmarks. Go climbing in Kings Canyon and stroll the legendary Rim Stroll — a 6-kilometre loop that rewards early risers with dramatic views over sheer sandstone cliffs, the Misplaced Metropolis’s domes, and the luxurious Backyard of Eden.

Then head to a close-by eco-camp and spend the night time underneath a cover of stars – if you wish to be really Australian, choose to sleep in a swag bag!

Get up early for dawn over Uluru, also called Ayres Rock, and watch the colourful pink monolith glow within the mild of the morning solar.

Go to the Cultural Centre to achieve perception into Anangu traditions, earlier than strolling across the base path to see historical rock artwork.

The following day, discover Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds, one other religious panorama manufactured from towering domes and wind-sculpted trails.

Day 6-7: Alice Springs to Darwin through Katherine Gorge

  • Distance: 1496 km
  • Drive time: 2 days 1 night time

If you happen to didn’t catch the Ghan on the way in which to Alice Springs from Adelaide, now’s your likelihood! Take the prepare from Alice Springs to Darwin, stopping at Katherine Gorge alongside the way in which.

It is a two day, one night time expertise, and lets you journey in consolation while watching the panorama change from pink desert to grassy bushland.

Day 8-9: Darwin

aerial view of darwin and coastline

Darwin is the most important metropolis in Australia’s Prime Finish, and two days is simply sufficient to soak within the tropical metropolis’s laid-back vitality.

Spend the morning strolling alongside the waterfront precinct and go to the Wave Lagoon, the one protected place to swim in Darwin (salties reside within the ocean), after which spend the afternoon visiting the Museum and Artwork Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Spend a night watching a fiery sundown at Mindil Seaside and go to the enduring Mindil Seaside Sundown Market.

The second day you’ll be able to take a morning cruise on Darwin Harbour or go to the Darwin Army Museum, and store at Parap Village Markets if it’s a weekend.

Day 10: Litchfield Nationwide Park

waterfakk
  • Distance: 106 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour 11 minutes

Simply an hour’s drive out of Darwin is Litchfield Nationwide Park, a refreshing nationwide park all about waterfalls, swimming holes, and luxurious monsoon forest.

It’s possible you’ll be unhappy that this two week itinerary doesn’t have any seashores or locations the place you’ll be able to swim, so that is your likelihood to plunge right into a pure swimming pool that’s croc-free.

Begin early and hike a brief path to Florence Falls, the place a double cascade tumbles right into a cool, croc-free pool, then hike the rainforest loop earlier than heading to Buley Rockhole, a sequence of pure spa-like swimming pools supreme for a lazy soak.

Don’t miss the Wangi Falls, one of many park’s most iconic swimming spots (season allowing), and the eerie fields of magnetic termite mounds.

Day 11-13: Kakadu Nationwide Park

Twin Falls viewed from above during a helicopter tour
Twin Falls | Credit score: Tourism NT/Sam Earp
  • Distance: 151 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour half-hour

A lot of individuals go to Kakadu Nationwide Park in a day, and whereas you are able to do that on a tour, it nonetheless baffles me why individuals do this. It’s Australia’s second largest nationwide park, and has a lot to see and do, so positively give it the time it deserves.

Over the course of three days, make sure you go to Ubirr within the north and take a brief climb as much as see historical Aboriginal rock artwork galleries and panoramic views over the Nadab floodplain.

Spend the night time in Jabiru or in an eco-lodge, and go to the south of the park to discover Nourlangie’s towering sandstone shelters, house to extra sacred rock artwork and tales of the Bininj individuals.

One of the vital iconic issues to do in Kakadu Nationwide Park is be a part of a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise close to Cooinda, gliding previous crocodiles, jabirus, and lotus-dotted wetlands.

For a extra cultural expertise, be a part of a Guluyambi Cultural Cruise for a firsthand introduction to native traditions and Dreaming tales.

One other in style factor to do is go for a swim (sure you’ll be able to swim in Kakadu, regardless of it being house to 10,000 crocs) at Maguk or Gunlom Falls if circumstances enable!

Day 14: Darwin

  • Head again to Darwin and fly house.

2 Week South Australia and Tasmania Itinerary

Trekking in Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia.
  • Begin | Finish: Melbourne to Adelaide to Tasmania
  • Distance: 927 km roughly

Ahh Tasmania. Nobody ever thinks so as to add Tasmania to their 2 week Australia itinerary and to be trustworthy, I can see why.

Tasmania is kind of a big island and has a lot to see, you may spend your complete two weeks there.

If you wish to add Tasmania onto your two week journey to Aus, you then’ll should be pleased with seeing much less of the mainland. You may’t make a journey to Tasmania with out giving it a while.

Tasmania is certainly a visit for nature and wildlife lovers. Right here is our prompt two week itinerary for Australia together with Tasmania:

Day 1-6: Melbourne, Nice Ocean Street, again to Melbourne

One other different to South Australia you are able to do is so as to add per week in Tasmania to your itinerary as a substitute of Adelaide and the Barossa Valley.

If you happen to want nature over wine, and clear air over cities, then this could be a pleasant different.

Use the itinerary above for a six day route from Melbourne alongside the Nice Ocean Street and again once more, after which catch a direct flight to Tassie…

Day 7-14: Tasmania

The Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park
  • Distance: 800 km
  • Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes to Hobart

Per week isn’t a very long time to spend in Tasmania, so if you happen to can add on further days, attempt to spend a minimum of 9 days exploring the island state.

The excellent news is it’s not an enormous state, and you’ll simply base your self in Hobart for the primary half of the journey, and Launceston for the second.

From Hobart, it’s a straightforward day journey to Freycinet Nationwide Park, Bruny Island, The Bay of Fires, and Port Arthur Historic Web site.

From Launceston, it’s straightforward to take a look at Cradle Mountain and Liffey Falls.

2 Week Western Australia Itinerary

the colors of broome - red dust, green shrub, turquoise water, blue sky
Broome – there’s no place prefer it!
  • Begin | Finish: Broome to Margaret River
  • Distance: 2496 km

If it’s solar, browsing, and seashores you’re after, you then’ll benefit from the Western area of Australia essentially the most.

If it’s your first time in Australia, then the west coast may not be the most suitable choice as lots of Australia’s high landmarks are within the east or Pink Centre.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’ve already been to Australia and fancy a browsing trip or an off the crushed path journey, then you’ll have an unbelievable time exploring the Western area.

Right here is our supreme two week itinerary for Western Australia:

Day 1-2: Exmouth

Swim with the Whale Sharks, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Western Australia
picture through Tourism Western Australia

Start your two week journey in Western Australia within the coastal city of Exmouth, which affords a mixture of marine surprise and rugged outback journey.

Begin with a morning swim with the majestic whale sharks if you happen to occur to be visiting from March to August, as that is throughout their seasonal migration.

These mild giants frequent the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage web site, which is accessible from the city of Exmouth.

Then, spend the afternoon snorkeling at Turquoise Bay, the place the clear waters and ample sea life await.

In your second day, enterprise into Cape Vary Nationwide Park to discover the dramatic limestone gorges. Hike by means of Yardie Creek Gorge, the place you could spot some glad rock wallabies grazing beneath the shade.

Have a soothing afternoon exploring the city of Exmouth, admiring views from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and see if you happen to can spot migrating humpback whales.

Day 3: Coral Bay

bikes on the sand
  • Distance: 152 km
  • Drive time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Only a brief drive from Exmouth is Coral Bay, the place you’ll be able to as soon as once more go to the Ningaloo Reef, this time by leisurely snorkelling straight from the shore!

If you happen to’d relatively a deeper marine encounter, be a part of a guided tour to swim alongside the resident manta rays. We did this expertise and it’s one which we nonetheless speak about repeatedly.

Within the afternoon, take a quad bike journey to discover the rugged dunes and spot native wildlife.

Day 4-5: Kalbarri Nationwide Park

Aerial view of Skywalk
Credit score: Tourism WA
  • Distance: 636 km
  • Drive time: 6 hours 21 minutes

Take the lengthy coastal drive south to Kalbarri Nationwide Park, a midway level between Coral Bay and Perth.

This coastal park is understood for its breathtaking landscapes, particularly the Murchison River Gorge, which runs for almost 80 kilometres.

Discover a good place to camp for the night time right here and chill out after the lengthy drive. Catch a sundown from Eagle Gorge Lookout or Island Rock Lookout, or just benefit from the darkish skies at night time.

Day 6: The Pinnacles

pinnacle shaped rocks in desert
  • Distance: 365 km
  • Drive time: 4 hours

Drive additional South and cease by The Pinnacles, a singular pure phenomenon inside Nambung Nationwide Park, the place the wind has induced distinctive rock formations.

These rock formations are particular as a result of the limestone pillars have been weathered to create a sort of mushroom form, with the decrease layers eroding quicker than the highest.

A few of these towers are 3.5 metres tall.

Day 7-9: Perth

perth city skyline
  • Distance: 188 km
  • Drive time: 2 hours

Perth is a vibrant metropolis in Western Australia and has a small city, coastal attraction about it.

Spend a few days right here explorign the town, soaking within the tranquility of Kings Park and Botanic Backyard, one of many world’s largest inner-city parks, and having fun with the foodie scene of the Northbridge neighborhood.

You’ll want to try the Artwork Gallery of Western Australia and the WA Museum Boola Bardip, each positioned within the Perth Cultural Centre.

Take a leisurely stroll alongside the Swan River at Elizabeth Quay, or head to Cottesloe Seaside to witness a shocking Indian Ocean sundown.

Enterprise to Fremantle, a historic port metropolis with a bohemian aptitude, and browse the colourful Fremantle Markets, or take a guided tour of the Fremantle Jail, a UNESCO World Heritage web site.

Day 10: Rottnest Island

people bike riding on a road next to the ocean
  • Distance: 30 km
  • Drive time: 30-90 minutes

Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is a brief ferry experience from Perth and may be explored in a day or an in a single day keep.

Catch the boat from Fremantle and arrive at Thomson Bay Settlement—the island’s fundamental hub.

Hire a motorcycle to discover the car-free island, and make sure you cease off for a swim and snorkel at The Basin, famend for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, and Pinky Seaside, a family-friendly seaside.

Go to Wadjemup Lighthouse, the island’s highest level, and luxuriate in dinner at one of many native eateries.

You’ll want to maintain your eyes on the look out for quokkas!

Day 11-13: Margaret River

vineyard
  • Distance: 275 km
  • Drive time: 3 hours

The Margaret River area was considered one of our favourite areas on our 18 month street journey, it has world-class wine and connoisseur eating, a craft beer scene, historical forests and pristine seashores.

Spend a few days on this area exploring the vineyards and sampling native produce – if you happen to can, time your go to for the Margaret River Farmers Market, the place you’ll be able to pattern native produce and artisanal items.

Go climbing amongst the towering karri timber of Boranup Forest, or take a soothing swim on the turquoise waters of Hamelin Bay.

Watch a sundown or catch the waves at Surfers Level, or discover Ngilgi Cave and watch a didgeridoo efficiency.

You can not go to Margaret River with out delving into the area’s famend wine scene. Go for a tasting at Leeuwin Property, famed for its Artwork Sequence Chardonnay, and the Voyager Property for a guided wine tasting and a stroll by means of their manicured gardens.

If you happen to love nature, hike a piece of the Cape to Cape Monitor, for panoramic ocean views or go to Injidup Pure Spa, a rock pool the place waves cascade over the rocks, making a pure jacuzzi!

Day 14: Perth

Head again to Perth to fly house. You’ll have to fly again to Sydney if you’re flying to North America, in any other case you’ll be able to simply attain Asia from Perth.

Learn extra: On the lookout for extra journey? Think about this 10 day journey street tripping The Gibb River Street!

Issues to think about earlier than you journey Australia in 2 weeks

Now you may have been launched to our prompt itineraries for weeks in Australia, it’s time to share with you some vital issues to think about earlier than embarking on a brief journey to Aus.

These will allow you to resolve which itinerary is best for you and tips on how to organise getting from A to B.

Australia is huge

turquoise water with reefs, and white sandy beach Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island, Western Australia perhaps?

Think about the truth that Australia is a big nation and it’s unattainable to see all of it in two weeks. In reality, it’s about the identical dimension because the mainland USA minus Alaska.

Australia’s shoreline stretches nearly 50,000 kilometers and is linked by over 10,000 seashores. We haven’t been to each one but, however to see all of Australia’s seashores would take years.

If you happen to have been to drive by means of the centre from Sydney to Perth, a 4,000-kilometre journey, and also you drove for 8 hours per day, that’s a five-day journey!

Now we have a cattle station in South Australia the dimensions of Belgium, and the world’s longest steady fence – the dingo fence – constructed to maintain sheep protected that runs for five,530 kilometres by means of central Queensland and South Australia.

So, contemplating Australia is so huge, it is advisable actually contemplate tips on how to journey round in a brief period of time, and this may increasingly embody catching inner flights.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey, do it proper!

A tree with a mountain in the background

As a result of Australia is pretty remoted from many of the world requiring a long-haul flight, for many individuals it turns into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

After spending 4 years dwelling within the USA, I had so many individuals say to me, “Australia can be my dream journey, nevertheless it’s so far-off, and I solely get two weeks trip per 12 months.”

So the situation often performs out like this: these kinds of individuals by no means come, OR, as a result of it’s their “once-in-a-lifetime journey” they wish to cram the whole lot into that two weeks and “see all of it”, however in actuality, they see quite a lot of airports and the again of the seat in entrance of them.

As a result of this can be your one and solely likelihood to go to Australia, don’t attempt to cram the whole lot in.

For this reason we’ve ready 5 separate two week itineraries – select one a part of it and discover through street journey. Don’t spend your trip on planes and buses, hire a automobile and benefit from the surroundings.

Whether or not we’re visiting a continent or a rustic, our journey motto has at all times been “spend extra time in fewer locations“. Particularly now that we journey with youngsters.

We extremely suggest as a substitute of racing from one finish of Australia to the one other, concentrate on one area or kind of trip.

Prioritise your sights and bucket listing locations to go to

couple drinking champagne at uluru sunset
Sundown drinks at Uluru

With solely two weeks up your sleeve, you wish to be sure to prioritize the belongings you wish to see in Australia and the kind of journey most suited to you.

When contemplating any journey, however notably one reminiscent of this, there are some vital questions it is advisable ask your self. Do you favor:

  • Cities or nation areas?
  • Coastal or the outback?
  • Journey journey or meals and wine?
  • Rest or the get together scene?
  • Historic websites or sporting occasions?

The solutions to those questions will go a good distance in the direction of ensuring you give your self the perfect likelihood to have a richly rewarding Australian journey expertise.

You may just about do and see all of it in Australia.

Now we have vibrant cities, quaint nation cities, world-class wine areas, historical rainforests, mountains to hike, wonderful reefs to dive, gorgeous seashores for swimming, deserts to discover, and distinctive wildlife.

There’s something for everybody.

However, with solely two weeks journey time, it is advisable concentrate on one, perhaps two kinds of experiences.

What cities in Australia do you have to see?

dad and child having photo in front of yarra river and melbourne skyline
Exploring Melbourne

In case you are after a city-style trip, Australia has trendy, vibrant, and numerous cities distinctive from one another full of tradition and pure magnificence.

Australia’s main cities showcase its outside life-style, multicultural precincts, retailers, theatres, bars, cafe scene, and sporting tradition.

The place do you go in Australia for meals and wine?

Bike and picnic in the Barossa Valley, South Australia
Barossa Valley

For a meals and wine trip, you might be well-catered to Down Below.

Now we have world-class wine areas such because the Barossa Valley in South Australia, the Hunter Valley and Mudgee in New South Wales, and Margaret River in Western Australia.

Or, you’ll be able to drop into a rustic pub the place you’ll be welcomed by the locals and may attempt considered one of their boutique beers.

You too can attempt our wonderful seafood, kangaroo steak, or expertise lots of our farmer’s markets with their natural fruit and greens, cheeses, and sweets.

The place are the perfect locations in Australia for seashores and snorkelling?

mum and woman Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
Nice Barrier Reef

Australia is an island nation, so a coastal trip is a well-liked choice.

With a shocking shoreline of white sand seashores and ample water actions, Australia is an iconic seaside vacation spot.

You may swim, sail, surf, kayak, dive, snorkel, go boating, parasail, sandboard, after which finish the day with a seaside BBQ.

A few of our coastal highlights are:

With the vast majority of Australia’s inhabitants dwelling close to the seaboard, the coastal life-style is the place it’s at.

Are you able to go to the Outback on a two week trip to Australia?

Makepeace family in bluey waterhole Litchfield
Litchfield Nationwide Park

You may go to the outback on a two week trip, however be ready to spend the huge quantity of your time there.

The outback is Australia’s Pink Centre and heartland. It’s the place you expertise the actual vastness and dramatic landscapes of Australia, as the highest finish of the Northern Territory.

Expertise life underneath the celebs or on a cattle station, go horse driving, tenting, and sing songs across the campfire. You may marvel at waterholes, rivers, gorges, and creeks that make their approach by means of our large outback deserts.

A go to to the outback is one thing distinctive and I, would encourage most vacationers to place it on their listing.

Nonetheless, visiting the Outback requires some degree of planning, so if you happen to solely have two weeks in Australia, you may solely have time to see the Outback and one or two different locations.

The place are the perfect locations to go for Aboriginal Experiences in Australia?

Indigenous Australian leading a tour at Kakadu near rock art
Kakadu Nationwide Park

To have an aboriginal expertise would imply spending time with the world’s most historical dwelling tradition. Aboriginal Australians are stated to have been on the island for a minimum of 50,000 years.

Expertise first hand their tradition by means of myths and storytelling, dance and music, artwork and traditions. You may:

  • View historical rock engravings and work
  • Witness ceremonies, dances and songs courting again hundreds of years
  • Go to vital religious centres with native guides who will let you know tales concerning the Dreamtime
  • Be taught bush survival expertise
  • Style the world’s oldest delicacies
  • Assist Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs and assist create sustainable employment.

Be a part of our VIP e mail group. We ship a private e mail message as soon as per week that can encourage you to smash away any journey fears and offer you recommendations on locations so you’ll be able to deliver extra journey into your life. Pop your identify under and we’ll see you on the opposite aspect:

The place ought to I am going to see wildlife in Australia?

kangaroo on the beach

Australia is a good vacation spot for wildlife and nature experiences. From tropical rainforests to red-stone deserts, the wildlife that inhabits these areas is exclusive and numerous.

Rise up shut and private with kangaroos within the wild, see koalas on the Nice Ocean Street, or spot whales, turtles, seals, and saltwater crocodiles.

It’s not all about lethal animals in Australia, there are a number of native animals in Australia and it’s attainable to see them within the wild with some endurance and figuring out the place to look.

If you happen to’re trying to see some wildlife on a two-week Australia journey, you may wish to base your self on the East coast in winter the place there’s a excessive likelihood of seeing whales migrating, or head to Kakadu Nationwide Park, a world-heritage web site within the Northern Territory to see saltwater crocs.

You may see wildlife on a trek by means of the mountains or on a cover stroll within the timber within the historical Daintree Rainforest, or look out for dingos on a four-wheel-driving journey on the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island.

The place is the perfect place to go for journey in Australia?

horseback riding group Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, Queensland, Australia
Rainbow Seaside, Queensland

If you happen to’d like a little bit of an journey in your trip, then Australia is hard to beat.

There are white water rafting journeys, camel and browsing safaris, crocodile recognizing, many locations to go scuba diving, bicycle excursions, horseback adventures, kayaking expeditions, and week-long coastal walks.

There are additionally tenting, and four-wheel-driving adventures such because the Gibb River Street in Western Australia, or for the last word Outback expertise attempt a 5 day outback safari by means of the wonderful Flinders Ranges.

If you happen to’re in search of journey in your two week Australia trip, you then’ll wish to head to both the East Coast or the Pink Middle for extra distant or adrenalin-fueled adventures.

Bear in mind to choose a vacation spot earlier than reserving a flight to Australia

golden sand beach of Loch Ard Gorge, Great Ocean Road, Australia
The surroundings alongside the Nice Ocean Street

As soon as once more, as a result of your trip time is brief, you wish to be good along with your flights by selecting the closest locations to your origin to save lots of time.

In case you are coming to Australia from North America, it should make sense to focus on the East Coast and the Pink Centre.

In case you are coming in from the UK or Asia, you could be higher off hitting the West Coast.

Weigh up the professionals and cons of how sensible your vacation spot decisions are. There’s no level spending a superb chunk of your trip time in airports and on planes.

Give your self time to soak up your experiences and create lifelong recollections, not recollections of planes and packing.

Earlier than You Go

As you’ll be able to see, placing collectively a two week itinerary for Australia is just not a easy job.

There is no such thing as a “one shoe suits all” method to placing an itinerary collectively, so I hope this information helped you intend the place to begin.

Earlier than you go, attempt to guide inner flights prematurely. The costs of flights go up dramatically once you guide them too late, so attempt to guide these as early as you’ll be able to.

And above all, have the perfect time in Australia! Regardless of which of those two-week itineraries you choose, I do know you’re going to have an unbelievable journey.

Extra Australia Journey Ideas

Are you in search of extra inspiration about touring in Australia? Then you definately may discover these guides useful:

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kangaroo in a tree and broome beach

The place would you choose to go to in Australia on a two-week trip? Tell us within the feedback!

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