3 Weeks in Australia: Top 3 Itineraries

The route up (or down) Australia’s east coast from Sydney to Cairns is one of the country’s most popular tourist routes. In Sydney, surf or sunbathe at Bondi Beach, take the ferry to Manly or Watsons Bay and take in the views of the Harbor Bridge and Opera House from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Northwards, Byron Bay has a relaxed hippie vibe with sweeping beaches and secluded coves. Cross over into Queensland and you can join the party at Surfers Paradise or carry on to the more relaxed atmosphere of the Sunshine Coast (also home to Steve Irwin’s world famous Australia Zoo). Stop for a few days at the World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. The Whitsunday Islands sit between the Queensland Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. Hamilton Island is the main base of the 74 Whitsunday Islands and offers access to the reef and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. The stretch of coast from the Whitsundays to Cairns is sparsely populated and largely blanketed in vast national parks with endless rainforests and waterfalls to explore. Of course, the Great Barrier is easily accessible for diving and snorkeling. If you’re really looking to relax, the laidback resort town of Port Douglas is smaller and slightly more upmarket. See all beach vacations in Australia.

Picture red rock gorges, crystal-clear waterfalls, sandy beaches, pristine coral reefs, fine wines, friendly whale sharks, and wild dolphins. This is Western Australia. Covering an area the size of Western Europe but home to fewer than two million people (75% in Perth), this vast state offers remarkable wilderness and coastal treasures. The Kimberley features deep gorges and ancient formations like the Bungle Bungles. Karijini National Park boasts slot canyons and waterfalls. Broome is known for sunsets, camel rides on Cable Beach, and exquisite pearls. Ningaloo Reef, near Exmouth, offers swimming with whale sharks. Monkey Mia's wild dolphins and Shark Bay's dugongs highlight its biodiversity. Kalbarri National Park has weathered bluffs and gorges, while Nambung National Park's Pinnacles desert amazes at sunset. Margaret River is a top wine region, perfect for relaxation. Perth, the world’s most isolated city, offers a sophisticated food scene, gorgeous parks, and stunning beaches like Cottesloe. See all Australia national park holidays.

With a bit of hustle and a few internal flights, you can see some of Australia’s greatest highlights in just three weeks. The Great Barrier Reef is a top bucket-list item, accessible from Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsunday Islands. In the heart of the country, Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, is an iconic landmark worth the visit. Wildlife is abundant, from the Australia Zoo on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to wild encounters like diving with Great White Sharks in South Australia and whale sharks in Western Australia. Tasmania and Victoria are home to Fairy Penguins and Tasmanian Devils, while koalas can be found in Victoria and New South Wales. Kangaroos and wallabies are everywhere. Don’t miss Australia’s incredible cities: Sydney, with its Harbor Bridge and Opera House, and Melbourne, buzzing with trendy cafes and world-class restaurants. Enjoy fine wines, remote outback towns, national parks, and some of the world’s finest beaches. See all Australia packages.

While 3 weeks in Australia is ample time to travel this vast country, careful itinerary planning will definitely make your trip more enjoyable. Cities are safe and modern with good public transport, hence easy to get around. In order to access remote areas, car rental (four-wheel drive) is the ideal way to go. Train travel offers scenic journeys like the 3-day Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth and the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. Domestic flights cover long distances quickly but can be expensive. If this seems overwhelming, consider a guided trip to Australia. You can also reach out to our travel planners who can tailor your trip to Australia as per your needs, interests, and budget.

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