A snorkeller glides beneath the clear surface of turquoise water, swimming over vibrant golden-yellow coral reefs with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel in Cairns, Queensland. © Tourism Australia

Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Australia

The ultimate trip to Australia

Experience the best of Australia on an epic journey from Sydney’s beautiful harbour to the red sands of Uluru in the outback and the colourful corals of the Great Barrier Reef.

Trip overview

10 days

Plane, car and boat

6,500km (4,037mi)

The must-do experiences

Be dazzled by Sydney’s glittering harbour
Delve into the beauty of Australia’s outback
Swim among the marine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

Day 1: Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Begin your ultimate Aussie journey by exploring Sydney’s sun-soaked harbour, surf beaches, al fresco dining scene and diverse cultural attractions.

Day 2: Sydney Harbour

One of the world’s great natural waterways, Sydney Harbour is home to the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as lush parks, sandy beaches and historic islands.

Day 3: Sydney to the Blue Mountains

1.5hrs 102km (63mi)

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, west of Sydney, is dotted with charming villages, dramatic waterfalls, plunging cliffs and rugged bushwalking tracks.

Three rock formations towering over a lush green valley during sunset, Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Daniel Tran/Destination New South Wales

Guide to the Blue Mountains

For a holiday centred around the outdoors, head to the Blue Mountains to marvel at impressive rock formations, potter around in quaint villages or explore epic wilderness.

Read time • 4min

Day 4: Sydney to Alice Springs

3hrs 2,022km (1,256mi)

From Sydney, move on to the beating heart of the outback, the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs.

East MacDonnell Ranges, NT © Tourism NT/Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson

Guide to Alice Springs

Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory’s epic outback, your Alice adventure will be sure to leave an imprint of the very best kind.

Read time • 4min

Day 5: Alice Springs to Uluru

5hrs 468km (291mi)

Make the drive (or fly) from Alice Springs to Uluru. The mammoth red monolith isn’t just an Australian icon, it’s also a deeply sacred place.

A large red rock monolith rising from the flat outback landscape at Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Guide to Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The ancient rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the land to make an incredible sight. Immerse yourself in the Aboriginal stories of this special place, 500 million years in the making.

Read time • 4min

Day 6: Uluru to Kata Tjuta

0.5hrs 56km (35mi)

From Uluru, drive to Kata Tjuta, a natural wonder of ochre-coloured domes emerging from the desert.

Day 7: Uluru to Brisbane

3hrs 2,216km (1,376mi)

Fly to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and a river city known for its thriving arts scene.

Day 8: Brisbane to Cairns

2.5hrs 1,700km (1,056mi)

Fly from Brisbane to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns

Stretching 2,300km (1,430mi), the Great Barrier Reef is made up of thousands of coral reefs and hundreds of islands.

Day 10: Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest

2.5hrs 124km (77mi)

One of Australia’s most magnificent natural wonders, the Daintree Rainforest is an easy drive from Cairns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Australia itinerary good for first-time visitors?

Yes, this itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, bringing together some of Australia's most iconic destinations into one simple adventure.

Iconic destinations: This itinerary is designed around three major Australian highlights – the vibrant city life of Sydney, the culture and nature of Uluru and the marine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Easy route: Both direct domestic flights and short drives are used to make the route between destinations easy and manageable.
Diverse urban and natural landscapes: This trip around Australia showcases the immense diversity of Australia's landscapes – from the skyline of Sydney and the red sands of the outback to the colourful corals of the Great Barrier Reef.

What’s the best way to travel between each of the destinations?

The most efficient way to travel between Sydney, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef is by air. Driving is a great option to explore day trips and nearby destinations.

Sydney to Uluru: Direct flights are available from Sydney (SYD) to Uluru (AYQ). Alternatively, fly direct to Alice Springs (ASP) and enjoy the outback road trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef: You can fly direct from Uluru (AYQ) to Cairns (CNS), the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney: To get back to Sydney, take an easy direct flight from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney (SYD).
Driving options: There are beautiful destinations within driving distance from the icons. The Blue Mountains are just 90 minutes from Sydney, Kings Canyon is 3.5 hours from Uluru and the Daintree Rainforest is just 2.5 hours from Cairns.

What is the best time to travel to Australia?

Australia is a great year-round destination, and the best time to visit varies by region. For this itinerary specifically, shoulder seasons and winter tend to be more ideal than summer.

Spring and autumn: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant temperatures in Sydney, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.
Winter: While winter (June to August) brings chillier weather to Sydney, it's an ideal time to visit Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, as it's dry season in Australia's north.
Summer: Summer (December to February) falls in the wet season in Australia's north, which brings high temperatures and humidity to Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. If you choose to travel during this time, it's advised to plan your activities to avoid the midday heat.

What should I know about driving in Australia?

Getting around Australia is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and easy access to hire cars. But there's a few things to know before you hit the road.

Drive on the left: In Australia, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right. This may take some adjustment if you typically drive on the right.
Driving distances: Australia is a big country with endless destinations to explore. Before you head off on a road trip, be sure you know the driving distances between stops, as they can be longer than they appear on a map.
Driver's licences: You will need a valid driver's licence to hire a car and drive in Australia. Depending on where you're from, you may need to carry either an English translation of your local licence or an International Driving Permit.
Guided tours: If you're not comfortable driving, there are a range of guided tours in most destinations that will take care of the driving for you.

Are there any activities in the Blue Mountains for travellers with accessibility needs?

There are plenty of ways for travellers with accessibility needs to enjoy the Blue Mountains, and many of the most famous sights are thoughtfully designed to be as inclusive as possible.

Echo Point Lookout: A perfect place to view the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, Echo Point Lookout offers paved, flat tracks and accessible parking.
Scenic World: At Scenic World, travellers using a wheelchair or mobility aid can ride the Southern Hemisphere's steepest cable car, enjoy wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and travel between clifftops on the Scenic Skyway.
Accessible walking tracks: There are also selected accessible walking tracks and lookout points throughout the region, where boardwalks and well-maintained paths lead to waterfalls and forested scenery.

Explore more nearby

Aerial view of Sydney Harbour reflecting the blue, pink and gold hues of sunset in Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Trips and itineraries

4 days in Sydney

Stuart Highway, Alice Springs Region, NT © Sam Earp, Tourism NT

Places to go

Day trips around Alice Springs

Aerial view of two people walking along the sandy stretch of Clifton Beach between the rainforest and the ocean during sunset in Cairns, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Trips and itineraries

4 days in Cairns