Three weeks is a great amount of time to see the best of Australia without running yourself ragged. Our Ultimate three week Australia itinerary covers all of the highlights and bucket list locations along the East Coast – famous cities, beautiful beaches, Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.
You’ll start in Melbourne then travel to Sydney for a taste of Aussie city life. Next, you’re off to Byron Bay for a little downtime and some of the best beaches in Australia. After that, you have a choice between the bright lights of Brisbane or heading straight to the beautiful beach town of Noosa. From there you can squeeze in a day trip to K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island) before you travel north again to Airlie Beach to see the incredible beauty of the Whitsunday Islands. Your trip then finishes in Cairns, a hub of adventure and the gateway to the magical Great Barrier Reef.
As with all 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.
3 week Australia itinerary at a glance
- 4 nights in Melbourne
- 4 nights in Sydney
- 3 nights in Byron Bay
- 1 night in Brisbane
- 2 nights in Noosa
- 3 nights in Airlie Beach
- 4 nights in Cairns
That’s 21 days of Aussie highlights!
The ultimate three 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 | Philip Island day trip |
| Day 4 | Melbourne | Downtime or Yarra Valley wine tour |
| Day 5 | Sydney | Fly to Sydney |
| Day 6 | Sydney | Harbour Bridge Climb / explore the city |
| Day 7 | Sydney | Blue Mountains day trip |
| Day 8 | Sydney | Downtime / explore the city |
| Day 9 | Byron Bay | Fly to Byron Bay |
| Day 10 | Byron Bay | Dolphin kayaking or surf lesson |
| Day 11 | Byron Bay | Downtime / enjoy the beach |
| Day 12 | Brisbane or Noosa | Spend a night in Brisbane or head to Noosa |
| Day 13 | Noosa | Travel to Noosa if not already there |
| Day 14 | Noosa | Fraser Island day trip |
| Day 15 | Airlie Beach | Fly to Proserpine/Whitsundays |
| Day 16 | Airlie Beach | Whitsundays day trip and scenic flight |
| Day 17 | Airlie Beach | Downtime / enjoy the lagoon |
| Day 18 | Cairns | Fly to Cairns |
| Day 19 | Cairns | Great Barrier Reef snorkel trip |
| Day 20 | Cairns | Cape Tribulation day trip |
| Day 21 | Cairns | Kuranda Scenic Railway day trip |
| Day 22 | Fly home from Cairns |
Days 1-5: Melbourne (4 nights)
Kick off your Australian adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, known for its eclectic mix of culture, art, food, and hidden laneways. Spend four days immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, then take a day trip to explore the surrounding natural beauty.
- Day 1: Depending on where you’ve arrived from, you may be jet lagged, so spend your first day taking it easy. Explore Melbourne’s iconic laneways and visit Hosier Lane for street art. Walk along the Yarra River, enjoy the city skyline, and in the evening, dine at one of the riverside restaurants.
- Day 2: You can do lots of amazing day tours from Melbourne, with the most popular being a Great Ocean Road tour, which takes in breathtaking coastal views and the Twelve Apostles. If you’d prefer to stay in the city, head to Degraves Street for coffee, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere. Queen Victoria Market is a must for foodies and has great fresh produce, souvenirs, and local crafts.
- Day 3: Start the day slowly then jump on a Phillip Island tour to see the famous penguin parade and spot koalas at the Koala Conservation Sanctuary. Or if you’re still enjoying the city, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, stroll around Fitzroy Gardens, and spend some time at the National Gallery of Victoria.
- Day 4: If sampling a cheeky tipple in one of Australia’s wine regions is on your bucket list, now is the time to treat yourself. Melbourne is the perfect base for a Yarra Valley wine tour, which is less than an hour away from the city and is home to over 80 wineries. Otherwise, take today to relax before heading to Sydney tomorrow.
Top experiences:
- Exploring Melbourne’s laneways and rooftop bars
- Seeing penguins on Phillip Island
- Taking a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
Days 5-9: Sydney (4 nights)
After exploring Melbourne, fly to Sydney, one of the most famous cities in the world. With its stunning harbour, world-class dining, and nearby beaches, Sydney is an essential stop on any Australia itinerary.
- Day 5: Arrive in Sydney and head straight to Circular Quay for your first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a relaxing evening at The Rocks.
- Day 6: If you’re feeling energetic, start the day with the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, taking in Sydney’s beautiful beaches. For a unique experience, you can climb Sydney Harbour Bridge for incredible views of the Opera House and city. Or for something more chilled, visit Manly Beach by ferry for amazing harbour views.
- Day 7: Leave the city and take in some of New South Wales’ most spectacular scenery on a Blue Mountains day trip. Alternatively, dive into Sydney’s history with a visit to the Australian Museum or the Art Gallery of NSW, or take a tour of the Opera House.
- Day 8: Take your last day in Sydney easy and explore Darling Harbour or take a cruise around Sydney Harbour.
Top experiences:
- Bondi Beach and the coastal walk to Coogee
- Bridge Climb or a tour of the Opera House
- Exploring the historic Rocks district
Days 9-12: Byron Bay (3 nights)
Next, fly north to Byron Bay (Ballina Byron Gateway Airport)(BNK), Australia’s ultimate beach town. Known for its relaxed vibe, excellent surfing, and beautiful beaches, Byron Bay is the perfect place to enjoy ocean activities and relax after the hustle and bustle of the cities.
- Day 9: Arrive in Byron and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach before heading up to Cape Byron Lighthouse to catch the sunset.
- Day 10: Life in Byron Bay revolves around being outdoors, so take a surf lesson or a morning kayak tour to spot dolphins. In the afternoon, explore the local boutiques and enjoy a meal at one of Byron Bay’s many amazing restaurants.
- Day 11: Embrace the Byron lifestyle and enjoy some downtime on the beach. If you’re keen to get another day trip in before you leave, venture inland to one of the beautiful waterfalls that surround Byron, like Minyon Falls.
Top experiences:
- Sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Kayaking with dolphins or learning to surf
- Exploring Byron’s beaches
Days 12-13: Brisbane (1 night)
After relaxing in Byron Bay, drive or take the bus to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Brisbane is useful as a stopover to break up a longer journey north, and it’s worth spending a day exploring the riverfront. If you’d prefer to stick with the beach and a couple more hours on the road doesn’t bother you, skip Brisbane and go straight through to Noosa.
- Day 12: Arrive in Brisbane and spend the day strolling along the South Bank with its riverside parks, cafes, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. Visit the Queensland Museum or take a river cruise for great city views.
- Day 13: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of Brisbane’s trendy cafes before making your way to Noosa.
Top experiences:
- Strolling along South Bank
- Visiting the Queensland Art Gallery or Museum
- A cruise along the Brisbane River
Days 13-15: Noosa (2 nights)
Take the bus or drive north to Noosa, a stunning beach town on the Sunshine Coast, known for its national park, pristine beaches, and laid-back vibe.
- Day 13: Arrive in Noosa and take the afternoon to relax on Main Beach. In the evening, explore Hastings Street, Noosa’s hub for shopping and dining.
- Day 14: K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is a highlight of any East Coast Australia itinerary, and Noosa is a great jumping-off point for a K’gari (Fraser Island) day trip. You’ll take in all the highlights, including 75 Mile Beach highway, the SS Maheno shipwreck, and a swim in the stunning Lake McKenzie. If you’d rather stay closer to home, spend the day exploring Noosa National Park, with its picturesque coastal walking trails, wildlife sightings (including koalas!), and hidden beaches like Tea Tree Bay.
- Day 15: After a relaxing morning in Noosa, prepare for your flight to Airlie Beach.
Top experiences:
- Noosa National Park’s coastal walks
- Relaxing on Noosa’s Main Beach
- Visiting K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)
Days 15-18: Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays (3 nights)
Your next stop is Airlie Beach, the gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. This tropical paradise is just a short hop from the whitest of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a must-visit for beach lovers and adventurers. To get there from Noosa, take a flight from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) (PPP).
- Day 15: Arrive in Airlie Beach and enjoy some downtime at the Airlie Lagoon or take a stroll along the waterfront.
- Day 16: Spend a full day exploring the Whitsundays on a boat tour. Visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach, walk up to the lookout for breathtaking views of Hill Inlet, and get your first taste of snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. For extra value, you can combine your Whitsundays boat tour with a scenic flight and get an aerial view of Heart Reef and the locations you’ll visit on your day trip. If budget isn’t an issue, you can also do them on separate days for a more relaxed pace.
- Day 17: Take another day trip, or enjoy a relaxed day at the lagoon followed by a 2-hour Whitsundays sunset cruise, complete with finger food and a glass of bubbles.
Top experiences:
- Sailing to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef
- Relaxing in Airlie Beach’s lagoon
Days 18-22: Cairns (4 nights)
Your three week Australia itinerary ends in tropical Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforests of Northern Queensland. Cairns offers a good mix of adventure and relaxation, making it the perfect final destination.
- Day 18: Arrive in Cairns and spend the day exploring the Esplanade or relaxing by the Cairns Lagoon.
- Day 19: Take a full-day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling or diving tour. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the reef for unbeatable views.
- Day 20: Leave Cairns for a day trip to Cape Tribulation, where one of the world’s oldest rainforests meets the reef.
- Day 21: Spend your last day visiting Kuranda – the ‘village in the rainforest’. Enjoy an incredibly picturesque train journey from Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, explore the village’s unique markets, and ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
- Day 22: Depart from Cairns, wrapping up your unforgettable Australian adventure.
Top experiences:
- Snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef
- Exploring Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest
- Riding the Scenic Railway to Kuranda
