Oceania · Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru & Melbourne
The Sydney harbour and the Bondi cliff walk, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest, Uluru at sunset and the Great Ocean Road.
Overview
Australia is a dream trip, but a big one: 22–26 hours of flying and a continent the size of Europe. In 10–14 days you can combine its icons with domestic flights: Sydney's harbour and beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree rainforest from Cairns, the red monolith of Uluru in the desert, and Melbourne with the Great Ocean Road. Everything is easy, safe and in English, and the wildlife (turtles, kangaroos, koalas, penguins) is unique. Without a car, cities have excellent transport and the rest works with flights and day tours, but it's a fast-paced trip. Australia really deserves three weeks or more; for 10–14 days, the relaxed version with two or three bases is wiser.
Scorecard
Tap a criterion to see why it got that score.
Average of 20 criteria
Excellent brunch, coffee, seafood and multicultural food; expensive.
The Opera House and city life; nature is the real attraction.
Reef, rainforest, desert, mountains and wild coastline.
World-famous beaches, but box jellyfish in the tropics (Nov–May) and strong surf.
Turtles, reef fish, kangaroos, koalas, cassowaries, crocodiles and penguins.
Diving, snorkelling, surfing, hiking and climbing the Harbour Bridge.
Lively bars in Sydney and Melbourne; quiet elsewhere.
A lot of flying between regions; beach days help.
City, reef, rainforest, desert and coast: huge contrasts.
22–26 h with one stop; expensive.
Great city transport and domestic flights; tours are needed outside cities.
English-speaking, free eVisitor visa, excellent tourist infrastructure.
+8 to +10 h: the hardest jet lag on this list.
The long flights and huge distances make 3–4 weeks better; in 10–14 days, limit yourself to 2–3 regions.
Very expensive: hotels, tours and domestic flights add up quickly.
Spring (Sep–Nov) is good everywhere; the north is wet and humid in summer.
Very safe; respect the sun, rips, stingers and crocodile signs.
Excellent healthcare; the main risks are sun and marine stingers.
Good quality but expensive; Uluru has limited choice.
Busy in Sydney in summer, but plenty of space elsewhere.
When to go
September to November is best for this route (April–May too). June–August suits the reef and Uluru, but the south is cold.
Getting there
Fly to Sydney (SYD) with one stop via Dubai, Doha or Singapore, 22–26 h in total. Return from Melbourne (MEL) as an open-jaw.
| Routing | Airline | Stops | Travel time | Return, economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GVA → DXB → SYD | Emirates | 1 | 22h–24h | CHF 1300–2200 |
| GVA → DOH → SYD | Qatar Airways | 1 | 22h–25h | CHF 1300–2200 |
| GVA → ZRH → SIN → SYD | SWISS + Singapore Airlines | 2 | 23h–26h | CHF 1400–2400 |
| MEL → DXB → GVA (return) One-way price home from Melbourne. | Emirates / Qatar / Singapore | 1 | 23h–26h | CHF 700–1200 |
Itinerary
Pick a trip length. Day 1 is arrival day and the last day is departure day; the overnight flights are extra. Each transfer lists every option, with the recommended one first.
The harbour city, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree and the Red Centre.
🧭 Explorer 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise, then a flight to Sydney for your connection home.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta together at dawn.
Two bases: the harbour city, then Cairns or Port Douglas for the reef and rainforest.
🌴 Relaxed 2 bases · 1 move
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A flight to Sydney (or Singapore) for your connection home.
Before the long way home.
Finish in Melbourne with the Twelve Apostles.
🧭 Explorer 4 bases · 3 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise at Uluru, then a flight south to Melbourne and dinner in the laneways.
Hosier Lane, Degraves Street and a rooftop bar.
A full-day tour along the cliffs to the Twelve Apostles, with koalas at Kennett River and a rainforest walk.
Surf beaches, wild koalas, the Otways rainforest, and the Twelve Apostles at their best in the afternoon.
A last flat white, then SkyBus to the airport.
Melbourne's brunch culture at its best.
Beaches and ferries to recover from the jet lag.
🌴 Relaxed 2 bases · 1 move
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A flight to Sydney (or Singapore) for your connection home.
Before the long way home.
Laneways, markets and St Kilda's penguins.
🧭 Explorer 4 bases · 3 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise at Uluru, then a flight south to Melbourne and dinner in the laneways.
Hosier Lane, Degraves Street and a rooftop bar.
Coffee and street art in the laneways, Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and St Kilda's pier at sunset.
Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and the arcades.
Produce, deli and hot doughnuts.
Little penguins return at dusk (free).
A full-day tour along the cliffs to the Twelve Apostles, with koalas at Kennett River and a rainforest walk.
Surf beaches, wild koalas, the Otways rainforest, and the Twelve Apostles at their best in the afternoon.
A last flat white, then SkyBus to the airport.
Melbourne's brunch culture at its best.
Two nights in the Red Centre at the end.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise, then a flight to Sydney for your connection home.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta together at dawn.
The Skyrail and scenic railway, or a Port Douglas beach day.
🧭 Explorer 4 bases · 3 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise at Uluru, then a flight south to Melbourne and dinner in the laneways.
Hosier Lane, Degraves Street and a rooftop bar.
Coffee and street art in the laneways, Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and St Kilda's pier at sunset.
Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and the arcades.
Produce, deli and hot doughnuts.
Little penguins return at dusk (free).
A full-day tour along the cliffs to the Twelve Apostles, with koalas at Kennett River and a rainforest walk.
Surf beaches, wild koalas, the Otways rainforest, and the Twelve Apostles at their best in the afternoon.
A last flat white, then SkyBus to the airport.
Melbourne's brunch culture at its best.
More beach time.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise, then a flight to Sydney for your connection home.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta together at dawn.
Four regions: harbour, reef, desert and south coast.
🧭 Explorer 4 bases · 3 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise at Uluru, then a flight south to Melbourne and dinner in the laneways.
Hosier Lane, Degraves Street and a rooftop bar.
Coffee and street art in the laneways, Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and St Kilda's pier at sunset.
Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and the arcades.
Produce, deli and hot doughnuts.
Little penguins return at dusk (free).
A full-day tour along the cliffs to the Twelve Apostles, with koalas at Kennett River and a rainforest walk.
Surf beaches, wild koalas, the Otways rainforest, and the Twelve Apostles at their best in the afternoon.
An afternoon trip for kangaroos and koalas, then thousands of little penguins waddling ashore at sunset.
The world's smallest penguins return from the sea at dusk.
A last flat white, then SkyBus to the airport.
Melbourne's brunch culture at its best.
Sydney, the tropics and the Red Centre, with time to breathe.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 22–24 h, the train into town (15 min), and a first walk around Circular Quay and the Opera House. Stay awake until evening!
Harbour Bridge views and a drink on the Opera Bar steps.
The best-value harbour cruise (30 min each way).
An Opera House tour, the Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, then the 6-km cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee.
1 h inside the icon.
Ocean pools, cliffs and beaches; swim at Bronte or Clovelly.
3.5 h to the top of the arch.
A train to Katoomba, the Three Sisters, and the Prince Henry cliff walk to Wentworth Falls.
Eucalyptus haze over deep sandstone valleys; many short and long walks.
The world's steepest railway and a cable car.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
Ferry to Manly and the Spit walk, Watsons Bay, or a lazy beach day at Bondi.
Snorkel at Shelly Beach and walk to North Head.
Fish and chips by the harbour mouth.
A 3-h flight north to Cairns, and an evening on the Esplanade lagoon.
A free saltwater pool by the sea (you can't swim in the sea in town).
A full-day boat to the outer reef for snorkelling or diving among turtles, giant clams and reef sharks.
Agincourt, Norman or Opal reefs; intro dives possible.
Heart Reef and the coral maze from above.
A tour to the oldest rainforest in the world, a crocodile cruise on the Daintree River, and the beach where the rainforest meets the reef.
Rainforest boardwalks, Mossman Gorge, a croc cruise and cassowaries if you're lucky.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
The Skyrail cable car over the rainforest to Kuranda village, back by the scenic railway, or a slow day in Port Douglas.
A cable car over the canopy, and a historic train down past waterfalls.
Palm-lined beach with a stinger net in season.
A direct flight across the outback to Ayers Rock, a free shuttle to the resort, and sunset at Uluru.
The rock turns orange, red and purple.
Sunrise over Uluru, the 10-km base walk and its rock art, then the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light at night.
10 km around the rock: waterholes, caves and rock art (start early).
7.4 km between the giant domes; closed after 11 am on hot days.
50,000 solar lights in the desert by Bruce Munro.
A last sunrise, then a flight to Sydney for your connection home.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta together at dawn.
Skip a region, add beach days, change the pace… Suggest changes and a new version of this trip will be created.
Getting around
Domestic flights between regions (Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar), public transport in Sydney and Melbourne (tap your card), and tours or shuttles for the reef, rainforest, Uluru and the coast.
Frequent and reliable; the only realistic way to cover the distances.
Sydney and Melbourne suburban trains, and the Blue Mountains line.
Sydney's harbour ferries are transport and sightseeing in one.
Excellent day tours with hotel pick-up everywhere outside the cities.
City buses and airport shuttles; long-distance coaches are slow.
Where to stay & budget
Per person per day, excluding international flights, sharing a room. Domestic flights (CHF 120–380 each) and tours (reef trips CHF 200–320) are the big extras.
A harbour city of beaches and ferries: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Bondi-to-Coogee cliff walk, and the Blue Mountains 2 hours away by train.
Where: The Rocks / Circular Quay, Surry Hills, or near a beach (Bondi, Manly).
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, the oldest rainforest on Earth, with an easy-going tropical waterfront.
Where: Cairns Esplanade (tour pick-ups), or Port Douglas (quieter, 1 h north).
The red heart of Australia: the monolith of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta, sacred to the Anangu people, glowing at sunrise and sunset in the desert.
Where: Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara) is the only place to stay.
Australia's cultural capital: laneway coffee and street art, food markets, sport, and the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island's penguins nearby.
Where: CBD, Fitzroy or South Yarra, close to trams.
Practical
Information last checked: September 2026. Visa rules, prices and timetables change, so always check before booking.
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