If you can swing it, four weeks is the perfect amount of time to cover a lot of ground in one trip. Our Ultimate four week Australia itinerary is packed with iconic landmarks, culture, nature, adventure, and a chance to unwind.
You’ll start in Melbourne then travel to Sydney to enjoy city life the Aussie way. Next, you’re off to Byron Bay for a little some of the best beaches in Australia and some rest and relaxation. Then it’s Gold Coast followed by Brisbane then on to the beautiful beach town of Noosa. From there a day trip to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is a must-do adventure before heading north to Airlie Beach and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. A short stay on Magnetic Island precedes your last stop in Cairns; where you can see more of the magical Great Barrier Reef and explore the surrounding region.
As with any of our itineraries, you can skip any of the locations and add more time to the others if you’d prefer a slower pace with less travelling.
4 week Australia itinerary at a glance
- 4 nights in Melbourne
- 4 nights in Sydney
- 3 nights in Byron Bay
- 2 nights in Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise
- 2 nights in Brisbane
- 3 nights in Noosa
- 3 nights in Airlie Beach
- 3 nights in Magnetic Island
- 4 nights in Cairns
That’s 28 days of Aussie highlights!
The ultimate four week Australia itinerary
| Day | Stay overnight | Highlights and things to do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Melbourne | Downtime / explore the city |
| Day 2 | Melbourne | Great Ocean Road day trip |
| Day 3 | Melbourne | Yarra Valley wine tour |
| Day 4 | Melbourne | Philip Island day trip |
| Day 5 | Sydney | Fly to Sydney |
| Day 6 | Sydney | Harbour Bridge Climb / Head to Bondi |
| Day 7 | Sydney | Blue Mountains day trip |
| Day 8 | Sydney | Downtime / explore the city |
| Day 9 | Byron Bay | Fly to Ballina/Byron Bay |
| Day 10 | Byron Bay | Dolphin kayaking or surf lesson |
| Day 11 | Byron Bay | Downtime / enjoy the beach |
| Day 12 | Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise | Travel to Surfers Paradise |
| Day 13 | Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise | |
| Day 14 | Brisbane | Travel to Brisbane |
| Day 15 | Brisbane | Australia Zoo |
| Day 16 | Noosa | Travel to Noosa |
| Day 17 | Noosa | Fraser Island day trip |
| Day 18 | Noosa | Downtime |
| Day 19 | Airlie Beach | Fly to Proserpine/Whitsundays |
| Day 20 | Airlie Beach | Whitsundays day trip and scenic flight |
| Day 21 | Airlie Beach | Downtime / relax at the lagoon |
| Day 22 | Magnetic Island | Travel to Townsville |
| Day 23 | Magnetic Island | |
| Day 24 | Magnetic Island | |
| Day 25 | Cairns | Fly or take the bus to Cairns |
| Day 26 | Cairns | Great Barrier Reef snorkel trip |
| Day 27 | Cairns | Cape Tribulation day trip |
| Day 28 | Cairns | Kuranda Scenic Railway day trip |
| Day 29 | Fly home from Cairns |
Days 1-5: Melbourne (4 nights)
Your Australian adventure starts in Melbourne, an eclectic city well-known for its art scene, interesting laneways, and great coffee. Getting around is easy – the city is very walkable and has an excellent tram system that’s free in the city centre. Melbourne is also the perfect place to base yourself for day trips to must-see locations like the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.
- Day 1: Spend your first day taking it easy. Depending on where you’ve arrived from, chances are you’ll have some jetlag, so ease in gently. Explore the Yarra River and Melbourne’s famous laneways, such as Hosier Lane and Degraves Street, known for street art and cafes. In the evening, visit Southbank for a riverside dinner.
- Day 2: Take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the breathtaking Twelve Apostles and charming seaside towns like Lorne.
- Day 3: For some downtime that still makes the most of your time in Melbourne, treat yourself to a Yarra Valley Wine tour and indulge in some of Australia’s best wines from the makers themselves.
- Day 4: If you want to see some of Australia’s more unusual wildlife, take a day trip to Phillip Island and watch the magical Penguin Parade at dusk. Otherwise, stay in the city and head to the Queen Victoria Market for foodie goodies or Federation Square. Finish with a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for panoramic views of the city.
Top experiences:
- Melbourne’s iconic laneways and cafes
- Great Ocean Road day trip
- The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island
Days 5-9: Sydney (4 nights)
From Melbourne, fly to Sydney, one of Australia’s most famous cities. With its stunning harbour, iconic landmarks, and laid-back beaches, Sydney is a must-stop location on any East Coast Australia itinerary.
- Day 5: Arrive in Sydney and head to Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take a walk through The Rocks district for a historical perspective.
- Day 6: For incredible views of the Opera House and city, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If the weather’s good, spend the day at Bondi Beach, or for something more energetic, do the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which is about 6km long and passes through several beautiful bays. You can also do the walk in reverse or even just part of it.
- Day 7: Head out of the city today on a Blue Mountains day trip. You’ll get to see some of New South Wales’ most stunning scenery and, depending on which trip you do, you can also spend some time with iconic Aussie wildlife like kangaroos and koalas.
- Day 8: Enjoy a chilled day before your flight to Byron Bay tomorrow. End your stay with a few hours exploring Darling Harbour, stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, or catch a ferry to Manly Beach for spectacular harbour views.
Top experiences:
- Exploring Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House
- Bondi Beach and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Sydney Harbour Bridge climb
Days 9-12: Byron Bay (3 nights)
Fly north to the relaxed beach town of Byron Bay (Ballina Byron Gateway Airport)(BNK), and soak up the laid-back vibes, enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, and take it easy for a few days.
- Day 9: Arrive in Byron Bay and spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach. In the evening, head up to Cape Byron Lighthouse to watch the sunset and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the town and the ocean.
- Day 10: Byron Bay is famous for its beach lifestyle, so start the day with a surf lesson or take a kayak tour to spot dolphins and turtles. In the afternoon, explore the local boutiques and have dinner at one of Byron Bay’s top restaurants.
- Day 11: Spend today relaxing on the beach, or if you’ve got the appetite for more exploring, get up early and do the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk then head inland for a trip to Minyon Falls.
Top experiences:
- Sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Surfing and dolphin kayaking
- Relaxing on one of Byron’s beautiful beaches
Days 12-14: Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise (2 nights)
After Byron Bay, drive or take the bus to the Gold Coast, famous for its golden beaches, lively nightlife, theme parks, and fun. Surfers Paradise is where most of the action happens, but you can also stay in Burleigh Heads or Coolangatta if you’d prefer something a tiny bit less lively.
- Day 12: Arrive in Surfers Paradise and spend some time exploring the famous beach and head to Cavill Avenue for shopping and dining. In the evening, enjoy the buzzing nightlife or take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, which stretches for miles to the south.
- Day 13: For adventure seekers, spend the day at one of the Gold Coast’s theme parks and water parks – Dreamworld, Sea World, or Warner Bros. Movie World. Alternatively, head inland to the Gold Coast Hinterland for hiking in Lamington National Park.
Top experiences:
- Surfers Paradise Beach
- Theme parks or hinterland hikes
- Walking the Gold Coast Oceanway
Days 14-16: Brisbane (2 nights)
Next, jump in the car or on the bus again and head north to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, known for its laid-back yet cosmopolitan vibe.
- Day 14: Arrive in Brisbane and explore the South Bank Parklands, which feature a man-made beach, gardens, and cultural institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
- Day 15: Take a cruise on the Brisbane River or visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get acquainted with some of Australia’s native animals.
Top experiences:
- Strolling along South Bank
- Visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Brisbane River cruise
Days 16-19: Noosa (3 nights)
From Brisbane, make your way north (by car or bus) to Noosa, an upscale beach town with stunning natural surroundings.
- Day 16: Arrive in Noosa and spend your afternoon relaxing at Main Beach. In the evening, explore the shops and restaurants along Hastings Street.
- Day 17: Take a day trip to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, famous for its stunning beaches, freshwater lakes, and wildlife.
- Day 18: Enjoy time at the beach or spend the day exploring Noosa National Park, home to some of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia – and keep an eye on the trees for koalas!
Top experiences:
- Noosa National Park coastal walks
- Fraser Island day trip
- Exploring Hastings Street
Days 19-22: Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays (3 nights)
Fly to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the spectacular Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The easiest way to get there from Noosa is to take a flight from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) (PPP), but you can also fly from Brisbane.
- Day 19: Arrive in Airlie Beach and head to Airlie Beach Lagoon to relax, swim, and enjoy the tropical weather – even in the depths of winter, the average temperature is still a balmy 23ºC.
- Day 20: Spend the day sailing around the islands on a Whitsundays day tour. Visit Whitehaven Beach with its insanely white sand, take in the views from the stunning Hill Inlet lookout, and go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Day 21: Enjoy a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and see the spots you visited yesterday from the air as well as the famous Heart Reef. You can also combine your scenic flight with a Whitsundays day trip and keep today free for relaxation at the lagoon end the day with a sunset sailing cruise.
Top experiences:
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Snorkeling or diving at the Great Barrier Reef
- Sailing through the Whitsundays
Days 22-25: Magnetic Island (3 nights)
Next, drive or take the bus to Townsville and then take the ferry over to Magnetic Island, a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife.
- Day 22: Arrive on Magnetic Island and spend the afternoon at Horseshoe Bay, one of the island’s most popular spots.
- Day 23: Explore Magnetic Island National Park, where you can hike the Forts Walk to spot koalas in the wild and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
- Day 24: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear waters of Geoffrey Bay or go snorkeling at Nelly Bay.
Top experiences:
- Koala spotting on the Forts Walk
- Snorkeling at Geoffrey Bay
- Relaxing at Horseshoe Bay
Days 25-29: Cairns (4 nights)
Your trip up the East Coast ends in Cairns, one of the easiest entry points to the Great Barrier Reef and the adventure capital of Queensland. The easiest way to get to Cairns from Townsville is either to drive or take the bus.
- Day 25: Arrive in Cairns and spend the afternoon exploring the Cairns Esplanade or relaxing by the lagoon.
- Day 26: Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling or diving. A scenic helicopter flight is another incredible way to see the reef and you can even combine a short flight with a snorkelling or diving day trip.
- Day 27: Venture to where the rainforest meets the reef on a Cape Tribulation day tour. You’ll visit the Daintree Rainforest, have a welcome to country experience at Mossman Gorge, and take a wildlife river cruise to spot crocodiles on the Daintree River.
- Day 28: Spend your final day in Cairns visiting Kuranda, the village in the rainforest, via an incredibly beautiful Kuranda Scenic Railway journey. Explore the markets and ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway part of the way back down.
Top experiences:
- Snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef
- Exploring the Daintree Rainforest
- Riding the Scenic Railway to Kuranda
