The logistics of going to Australia can feel a bit like planning a trip to the moon. The land under is all sun, beaches and chill vibes in pictures, but beneath the postcard-perfect surface lies a massive, diverse country that’s not so easy to conquer in a flying visit. Australia isn’t just just large; it’s ginormous. To offer some perspective, it takes longer to fly from Sydney to Perth than it does to fly from London to Istanbul (almost from one end of Europe to the other). That’s the scale we’re talking about.
If you’re not careful, you’ll either try to do too much and burn out halfway through, or stick to just one region and completely miss the rest. A well-planned Australia travel itinerary is essential to balancing the must-sees with realistic travel times.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll cover everything you need to know in this article. Read on to find out more about how to plan a trip to Australia!
Contents
1. Map out the basics of your travel itinerary
The first step in preparing for your Australia trip is creating a simple, readily-accessible travel itinerary. And if you have tons of bookings (like flights, tours, and hotel confirmations), using a PDF to Excel converter can be a lifesaver. Making this quick conversion lets you turn static PDFs into editable spreadsheets, making it easier to line up and keep track of plans. Sort your itinerary by date, note details about locations ans bookings, and track your budget for activities — all in one handy file.
Having an editable format also lets you tweak plans if something changes mid-trip. Say you’ve already booked a tour in Cairns, but then decide to stay longer and experience more of the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Updating your spreadsheet is much faster than trying to reformat everything manually. And be sure to save your final itinerary as a PDF on your devices — you’ll want access even without a Wi-Fi connection, which is essential in Australia’s Wi-Fi-dead places (we’re talking to you, Outback).
2. Start with the East Coast highlights
If it’s your first time traveling to Australia, the East Coast is a no-brainer. It’s loaded with iconic destinations, spectacular beaches, and picturesque rainforests. Begin your adventure in Sydney, where you can tick off the classics: the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Harbour Bridge. From there, head north to Byron Bay, a bohemian beach town where you can catch some waves and take sunset strolls.
Next stop: Queensland. Spend a few days each in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, then make your way up to the Whitsundays — an archipelago of 74 islands with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Farther north, Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll want to allocate at least a week to explore this region, as there’s no shortage of adventures.
3. Don’t skip the outback
No visit to Australia is complete without an outback adventure. This is where you’ll discover Australia’s spirit and essence — in both the scenery and the indigenous culture. Fly to Alice Springs and spend a couple of days visiting Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. The colors of the outback at sunrise and sunset are unforgettable.
But remember — the outback is remote, so plan accordingly. Pack extra water, snacks, and offline maps. And remember, there’s little to no mobile signal out there, so having your itinerary and important information accessible offline is essential for staying on track.
4. Explore the south: Melbourne and beyond
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital and a must-visit for foodies, art fans and coffee lovers. Spend a few days here exploring the city’s laneways, visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, and indulging in the city’s vibrant dining scene. Then, take a drive along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, where your eyes will be treated to stunning coastal views and sights like the world-famous Twelve Apostles.
If you have more time, make your way to South Australia’s Barossa Valley for world-class wine tasting, or Kangaroo Island, a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. These destinations offer a quieter, more laid-back Australian experience compared to the hustle and bustle of the East Coast.
5. Save time for the west
Western Australia often flies under the radar for first-time visitors, but it’s a hidden gem that’s worth the extra effort. Begin in Perth, a city of cosmopolitan glamour and natural beauty. Then hop over to Rottnest Island for a photo opp with a quokka (the happiest-looking animal on earth).
Farther north, there’s Ningaloo Reef, a less-visited but no less celebrated alternative to the Great Barrier Reef that has some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving. If you’re up for an adventure, the Kimberley region boasts awe-inspiring gorges, waterfalls and rock formations that could make the cut for any blockbuster film.
6. Plan for Wi-Fi dead zones and practicalities
Australia’s vastness isn’t just about physical distance — it also means you’ll often find yourself in areas with little to no connectivity. When venturing into the outback, remote beaches and national parks, you could very well find yourself in an area without mobile service or data connectivity. To avoid getting stranded, save your itinerary as a PDF on your devices beforehand so you don’t find yourself stuck somewhere with no access to your plans.
Additionally, keep in mind the practicalities of travel in Australia. Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel from one city or state to the next, so plan on booking these in advance to save money, as prices rise dramatically for last-minute flights. If you’re doing road trips, keep in mind that long driving times can add up, and remote areas have limited accommodation, so always have a backup in mind, and make sure you fuel up before heading down a rural route.
In conclusion: your trip to the land down under
Australia is a land of endless possibilities, where every corner offers something unique, from vibrant cityscapes to ancient lands that feel untouched by time. Planning a trip here might feel daunting, but it’s also part of the excitement — piecing together an adventure that’s uniquely yours. Be it trekking the red sands of the outback, diving into crystal clear waters or sipping coffee in a vibrant laneway café, Australia has a knack for forging a forever place in your heart.
So, embrace the journey, let curiosity guide you, and get ready for experiences that will stay with you long after your plane touches back down.
This post has been contributed by a guest author - Amrita Bala. Amrita was born in Singapore and currently resides in Melbourne, Australia. A lifelong foodie and cultural connoisseur, Amrita considers herself to be a citizen of the world. She loves to celebrate her South Asian roots through her veganism, artisanal food, beer, and wine, and creating the perfect menu pairings.