4 amazing Australian travel itineraries

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Whether you have just a few days to spend in Australia or you have the luxury of an extended vacation, magical adventures await you. From the “must-see no matter what” to the “out of this world if you have time,” the land Down Under has something for everyone. Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777 will get you to Sydney or Brisbane in comfort and style, and their extensive network of domestic flights will deliver you to any destination you choose.

Not sure what to do with your time?  These four action-packed itineraries will help you experience the best of Oz.

ITINERARY 1: TEN DAYS — SYDNEY AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Days 1 through 4: Sydney

If you have only one week, you can taste all Australia has to offer. First, spend two magnificent days exploring the country’s largest and most famous city. Start your morning with a stroll along Sydney’s iconic harbor, taking in the sights and sounds of the city’s heartbeat. SKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye is the city’s highest open-air attraction, and from the glass-floor viewing platform, you’ll have amazing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Blue Mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Aquarium and get acquainted with Australia’s wildlife. Spend a day hiking the rugged Blue Mountains or touring the vineyards of Hunter Valley. Consider taking a drive down the South Coast, stopping in relaxed seaside towns along the way. If museums are more your style, Sydney has many to choose from: the Australian Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour and the interactive Powerhouse Museum. Book your hotel in Circular Quay or the CBD (central business district, downtown) to be near the nightlife and have easy access to your sightseeing activities.

Have four extra days? Here’s how to spend them.

Days 5 through 8: Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

It’s a three-hour flight to Cairns from Sydney, so book Virgin Australia’s first flight of the day (don’t worry, you can nap in the comfortable seats) and book a hotel in the city.
Walk along the Esplanade and enjoy the scenery. Stop in at one of the bustling cafés and restaurants that line the strip and enjoy the people-watching. Spend the afternoon relaxing, then prepare to immerse yourself in culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. If you visit in the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with a fire-and-water outdoor show (via Tjapukai by Night tours).

On your second day, visit the Great Barrier Reef — the only living organism on Earth that can be seen from space. For scuba divers, this is your day to get wet! There are many dive charter companies to choose from, depending on your level of experience and what you want to see and do. The outer reef is a two-hour boat ride so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the surroundings. For snorkelers, and those who prefer to lounge on the boat, day trips to the reef depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal. Once you get there, you’ll spend the day on a pontoon with like-minded adventurers. If you’re short on time, take a scenic flight in a seaplane, and you’ll be there in minutes.

On your third day in Cairns, explore one of the region’s many rainforests; you’ll find several  just outside Cairns. Board a steam train that will take you along the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where you’ll marvel at mesmerizing waterfalls and gorges. You’ll stop at the mountain village of Kuranda, where you can explore the markets and the nature parks. For your return trip, take the Skyrail cableway, which glides over the rainforest to the edge of Cairns. The views are magnificent.

Days 9 through 10: Brisbane

Australia is famous for its koalas and kangaroos, and you can visit them in Brisbane. Sleep in and take a midmorning flight from Cairns, then hop on a river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary. You’ll be able to cuddle a koala and walk among kangaroos.

If you prefer a culture crawl, explore South Bank where you can immerse yourself in modern and indigenous art at the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Then settle into your hotel and spend a relaxing day at the beach before catching your return flight to the U.S. Once airborne, your attentive Virgin Australia cabin crew will make sure your flight trip  on the Boeing 777 is the grand finale of your trip with world-class service.

ITINERARY 2:  TWO WEEKS — SYDNEY, ULURU AND ADELAIDE

Days 1 through  6: Sydney, Cairns and Brisbane

There are several ways to approach your two-week stay in Australia. Using Sydney and Cairns as home bases, take advantage of Virgin Australia’s domestic network to visit a few remote locales such as Darwin in the Northern Territory or Perth.

Plan a trip to explore Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. This itinerary starts with the week one plan and goes from there.

Days 7 through 8:  Uluru, the Red Centre

Catch an early morning flight from Brisbane to Ayers Rock (Uluru) so you have time to visit the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and explore the park’s many walking trails or join a variety of tours. Stay until sunset — a truly unforgettable sight. Sunrise is gorgeous, too, so plan to wake up early before you head off to Kata Tjuta (called “The Olgas”), where you’ll do more exploring. After all that hiking, enjoy a quiet dinner at the Ayers Rock Resort, sipping champagne and listening to traditional didgeridoo music.

Days 9 through 12: Adelaide and Kangaroo Island

Adelaide is known for it’s wide boulevards and expansive parklands. Spend a few days soaking up the city’s colonial elegance, bustling Central Market and the museums and libraries of North Terrace. Then, swim with the dolphins in Glenelg, explore Hahndorf and other picturesque villages in the Adelaide Hills, and wind your way to world-class wineries in nearby Barossa and Clare Valley.

Plan to spend one full day exploring Kangaroo Island, where you can experience the best food and wine in the region, tour hiking trails, and go on bushwalks in rugged Flinders Ranges. Taste wine made by Jesuit priests in Sevenhill, climb the huge natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound and visit the historic copper-mining town of Burra. Swim, surf, snorkel and bushwalk along the Fleurieu Peninsula before seeing penguins up close in Penneshaw and a colony of sea lions at Seal Rocks.

Days 13 through 14: Sydney

You’ve earned some serious relaxation after all that, and Bondi Beach has just the cure. Sydney’s most famous beach is great for playing in the surf or napping in the sun. The scenic cliff-top walk to Bronte Beach is worth doing, or you can continue hiking to Coogee. On your final day in Australia, visit the beaches again or revisit your favorite stops from the beginning of your trip. Cap it all off by indulging your palate with a seafood lunch or dinner, and get ready for your flight home.

ITINERARY 3: THREE WEEKS — SYDNEY TO PERTH AND MELBOURNE

Days 1 through 13

Three weeks is an amazing amount of time to explore Australia. To make the most of it, follow the two-week itinerary, but instead of traveling from Adelaide to Sydney, catch a flight in the other direction and head to Perth. On the way back to Sydney, make a stop in Melbourne where you can immerse yourself in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Days 14 through 18: Perth

You could really enjoy a three-week holiday in Western Australia alone. In Perth, visit Kings Park Botanical Gardens — one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Take an afternoon trip to one of the many beautiful wineries or relax on stunning white-sand beaches where you can swim with wild dolphins. Take a day trip to Rottnest Island for selfie opportunities with the cute quokkas, and spend the rest of your day biking, fishing and exploring. Or spend an afternoon in a Swan River winery before flying to Broome, where the outback meets the sea. In Broome, don’t miss a camel ride to watch the sunset at Cable Beach— a nice way to  end the evening, and worth the short flight.

Days 19 through 20: Melbourne

Take a morning flight to Melbourne, which will give you the afternoon to tour this beautiful city, considered by some to be Australia’s capital of style, culture and food. It’s close to Phillip Island,  the home of the fairy penguin. Rent a car and get on the road! You won’t want to miss natural wonders such as The Twelve Apostles. Take a day trip to Yarra Valley for the wine, and be sure to stop at the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. Just make sure you return to Melbourne in time to dine on the sands or at one of the city’s amazing rooftop restaurants. If you have an early flight back to the states, catch an evening flight to Sydney. Otherwise, enjoy your last night down under and fly out in the morning.

ITINERARY 4: PLAN YOUR OWN

Regardless of where you go and the length of your stay, Virgin Australia will get you there in comfort and style. The extensive network of domestic flights helps you make the most of your  time. Take portions from each itinerary and build your own dream vacation —  it’s guaranteed to be awesome!

The friendly smiles and attention to your every need make traveling to and from each destination a very special part of the Aussie experience.

Let Virgin Australia help you plan your perfect Australian vacation — starting with luxury passage on the Boeing 777. 

Story provided and presented by our sponsors Tourism Australia and Virgin Australia.