Australia in 12 Days: 3 Recommended 12-day Itineraries to Australia

Ready to spend 12 days in Australia? Here are some 12-day Australia itinerary ideas to inspire you.

Start off your 12-day adventure in Australia from the vibrant city of Perth. Head any direction and you’ll be richly rewarded, but one of the most rewarding journeys is a road trip up Western Australia’s Indian Ocean Coast. Just a few hours north of Perth you’ll come to Nambung National Park, a unique coastal desert and home to the remarkable sandstone ‘pinnacles.’ Further, you’ll come to the coastal community of Kalbarri and Kalbarri National Park. Here you’ll find white sand beaches with incredible waves and rugged red-rust cliffs (make sure you catch the sunset over the Indian Ocean). As you carry on up the coast, stop at Hamelin Pool to see the stromatolite colony and detour down the Peron Peninsula to Monkey Mia and Shark Bay. Discover the crown jewel of Western Australia’s myriad national wonders, Ningaloo Reef, teeming with marine life including whale sharks and manta rays. Ambitious travelers will then want to depart the coast and head into the interior for Karijini National Park. A veritable wonderland of dramatic river gorges, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing pools, Karinjini is also crocodile free, making it ideal for self-exploration.

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Well-trodden, but never tired, a trip up (or down) Australia’s east coast never disappoints. After you’ve taken in Sydney’s sparkling harbor and fine urban beaches, begin the long journey north to the tropics. You will be spoiled for beachside breaks along New South Wales. Detour through the Gondwana Rainforests near Ballina and soak up Byron Bay’s trendy vibe. Cross into Queensland for Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, or the Sunshine Coast, home of Australia Zoo. Explore K’gari (Fraser Island) for wild dingoes, shipwrecks, and 4WD fun. Continue to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, where you can fly over the islands, visit Whitehaven Beach, or dive into the Great Barrier Reef. End in Cairns, the base for exploring the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and spotting Saltwater Crocodiles on a crocodile adventure cruise. See all Australia tours and trips.

In just 12 days, you can experience Australia’s highlights: Melbourne, Sydney, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef. Start in Melbourne. Shop ’til you drop in the laneways and arcades, catch the ‘footy’ at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), sail on the Yarra River and find your perfect flat white—Melbourne takes coffee very seriously. You could also head out for a short trip along the Great Ocean Road. In Sydney, enjoy iconic views from Opera Bar, visit Bondi Beach, and discover lesser-known spots like Balmoral and Manly. Fly to the Red Center to explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta, with stunning walks and sunset views. Finally, relax in Port Douglas, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Spend a day snorkeling among vibrant marine life and marveling at these natural wonders.

Now that you know it is possible to see the best of Australia in 12 days, all there is left to do is book the trip. While you can craft and execute a 12-day Australia itinerary plan, given the country's robust infrastructure, there are plenty of budget tours available for Australia as an option. Or try hopping on a group tour. If you’d like to create your own itinerary, speak to one of our travel experts for a bespoke Australian holiday.

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