The Final 3 Week Australia Itinerary!

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So many individuals have advised us they’d love to go to Australia, however they solely have a number of weeks trip time to see all of the highlights. We get it, we are able to’t all take months off to go roaming world wide, and three weeks trip is nothing to scoff at.

Fortunately, you possibly can see lots on a 3 week journey to Australia, together with a few of the most iconic websites; Uluru (Ayers Rock), The Nice Barrier Reef, The Sydney Opera Home, and the Nice Ocean Street, to call a number of.

In case you’re new to this weblog and don’t know us, we’re Australian-born journey bloggers who spent 18 months exploring our personal yard, so relating to planning itineraries for Aus – we’re your individuals!

In case you’re unsure the place to go and what to see on a 3 week tour of Australia, then don’t fear, we now we have put collectively the final word 3 week Australia itinerary so you possibly can see the very best of our nation.

The Final Three Week Australia Itinerary

The next itinerary is how we’d spend three weeks if we hadn’t been to Australia earlier than. It caters to first time guests to Aus, however we’ve additionally included some hidden gems and non-touristy issues to do, so if in case you have been earlier than, you possibly can nonetheless discover a number of locations off the overwhelmed path to exlpore.

It’s not set in stone and may be customised to your wants, funds, journey model and pursuits. We love seashores, native tradition, nature, and unimaginable landscapes, so we’ve targeted our points of interest on that foundation.

You may choose extra cities, or extra time on the seaside or wish to go to a few of Australia’s tropical islands, so use this as a information and modify it to go well with you.

Take what you want, and go away the remaining. We’ve supplied a number of concepts for issues to do in every place so you possibly can decide and select what feels best for you, and we additionally share some concepts for the best way to prolong your journey if you happen to determine to remain longer on the finish of this information.

Right here is the route we are going to take:

To get round this itinerary, you will have to e-book inside flights to journey between main cities, and drive to get round.

So, you’re gonna want a rental automotive. We suggest Uncover Automobiles as having the very best reserving platform for locating offers. It’s person pleasant and backed by nice customer support. I exploit them commonly for my automotive hires and love them. See charges and availability right here.

Days 1 – 3: Sydney, NSW

Once you go to Australia you possibly can’t miss Sydney. The truth is, it’s more than likely the primary place you’ll fly into!

Apart from being Australia’s largest metropolis (however not the capital), there are various explanation why Sydney, NSW can be essentially the most visited.

The beautiful harbourside location, iconic seashores, wonderful eating places, improbable cafes and pubs, world heritage websites, terrific purchasing, unimaginable festivals, a multicultural inhabitants, and good year-round climate.

So don’t simply use Sydney as a gateway to Australia, with a lot to see and expertise give your self three days.

Methods to get into Sydney from the airport

The very first thing you’re going to wish to know is the best way to get from the airport to town. To do that, merely hop on the Sydney Airport Hyperlink Prepare, which takes quarter-hour or so.

The excellent news is you now not want an Opal Card if in case you have a contactless fee card. You’ll be able to merely faucet your credit score or debit card, or Apple or Google Pay, and use this to pay fares on trains, buses, ferries, and the sunshine rail. It makes touring round Sydney a lot simpler.

Alternatively, catch an Uber. The airport hyperlink is pricey, so typically an Uber works out to be about the identical value and is extra handy as you possibly can take it on to the resort. You are able to do a value estimate by the Uber app earlier than you request it to double examine

When you’re within the metropolis, I recommend you e-book your lodging within the Sydney CBD so that you’re centrally positioned to all the very best points of interest and take advantage of your go to.

You’ll discover a number of of Sydney’s highlights may be taken in at no cost or low-cost just by strolling round this district.

Issues to do in Sydney

Throughout your three days in Sydney, listed below are a few of the points of interest we suggest you go to. You might wish to use your first day as an orientation day.

Get your self an esim card, stroll across the CBD and take a look at the Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

For the opposite two days, right here’s what we propose you do.

• Stroll Round Round Quay – The perfect place to start out your go to is in Round Quay, the principle transport hub of Sydney Harbour and the place two of Australia’s most well-known landmarks reside; Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Think about taking a 1 hour tour of the Opera Home. In any other case, simply wander round and take your “I used to be right here” photograph. 
• Royal Botanic Gardens – you possibly can’t beat the serenity and harbour views from these gardens. Have a picnic or take a stroll and admire the numerous various kinds of vegetation and metropolis views on a free self-guided strolling tour.
• Discover The Rocks District – The Rocks District is a historic space of Sydney and my favorite a part of the CBD. It’s dwelling to Sydney’s oldest pubs, cobblestone streets, weekend markets, and views of the harbour.

 

• Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge – climbing some of the well-known bridges on the planet is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Take both daybreak, day, twilight, or night time climb and take within the breathtaking views. (Ebook effectively upfront).
• Stroll throughout the Sydney Harbour Bridge – a less expensive choice than climbing is to easily stroll throughout for FREE and soak up the identical views on a decrease stage. Or go to the Pylon Lookout and get improbable views plus 3 ranges of reveals to study in regards to the historical past of the Bridge.
• Bondi Seashore to Coogee Coastal Stroll  – certainly one of my favorite free issues to do in Sydney. A surprising coastal stroll and the right approach to spend a beautiful few hours in Sydney.

• Catch the ferry to Manly – an inexpensive approach to expertise stunning Sydney Harbour with beautiful views of town is to catch the ferry from Round Quay to Manly and again. In Manly, stroll down the palm tree-lined Corso in the direction of the seaside for an ice-cream, stroll round to picturesque Shelly Seashore, or seize a chilly beer at Manly Wharf Lodge. Time your return ferry journey again to the Quay to coincide with the sundown behind the harbour bridge.
• Surry Hills – stroll round certainly one of Sydney’s most artistically-vibrant neighbourhoods with previous terrace houses, a terrific mixture of cafes, eating places, wine bars, and pubs. Wander Crown Road, Bourke Road, and Cleveland Road.
• Queen Victoria Constructing – Positioned on George road. The place to go for the best vogue boutiques, jewelry, and homeware, plus cafes and eating places.
• Darling Harbour – vigorous harbourside precinct only a 10-minute stroll from the CBD and has cafes, bars, eating places, a big youngsters playground and a program of improbable free Sydney leisure each week
• Stroll by Hyde Park – Australia’s oldest park and town’s central open inexperienced house. The park incorporates St Mary’s cathedral plus quite a few monuments and statues, and the central pathway by the park is a powerful fig-lined highway.
• Hit the seashores – Sydney is legendary for its seashores, that are nice free issues to do in Sydney. From the Northern Seashores to the Japanese Suburbs you could have many nice seashores to discover. Our favourites: Bronte and Coogee within the japanese suburbs – and you need to go to the well-known Bondi Seashore no less than as soon as. Manly, Freshwater, and Palm Seashore are on the northern seashores.

• Taronga Zoo – All kinds of Aussie and worldwide animals with keeper talks and animal encounters makes for a terrific half-day as a household outing in Sydney. Catch the ferry from Round Quay to Taronga Zoo which is located in a pure bushland setting with spectacular views over the harbour. Get tickets upfront right here. 
• Sydney Tower – it’s costly to go as much as the highest of Sydney Tower, town’s tallest free-standing construction standing at 309 m (1,014 ft) above the CBD, however it’s price it. It has an commentary deck with superior views of the skyline. Get quick monitor entry tickets right here. 
• Artwork Gallery of NSW – free to enter and certainly one of Australia’s main artwork museums with collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian, and modern artwork.
• The Blue Mountains – take a day journey to the Blue Mountains and see the long-lasting Three Sisters rock formations.

The place to remain in Sydney

We talked about earlier that the very best place to remain in Sydney is the Central Enterprise District, CDB. Listed here are some accommodations we’d suggest on this space:

Days 4 – 6: Cairns, Far North Queensland

It may appear unusual to board a airplane instantly after arriving in Australia, however sadly to get every thing packed into simply three weeks, you’ll have to take a number of inside flights. Far North Queensland is NOT to be missed.

After you’ve caught a flight from Sydney to Cairns (3 hour’s flight) and checked into your lodging in Cairns Metropolis, you’re able to go exploring. Attempt to catch an early morning flight so you possibly can discover within the afternoon and night.

As certainly one of Australia’s largest vacationer cities and the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, Cairns is a vibrant metropolis with loads of issues to do, and lots of nice eating places and cafes to maintain you content.

The climate is usually wonderful, you possibly can stroll round at night time in your shorts and flip-flops, and the times are crammed with an infinite quantity of selections of points of interest to discover within the surrounding areas.

While Cairns is usually about getting out on the Nice Barrier Reef, the encompassing hinterlands and close by rainforests are positively price including to your 3 week Australia itinerary.

Issues to do in Cairns

• Swim on the Cairns Lagoon – the cruelty of the north is you get sizzling summers however you possibly can’t swim on the seashores, they’re stuffed with stingers (jellyfish that may severely hurt you, even kill you). There are additionally a number of crocs round too. The primary seaside in Cairns can be extra of a mud flat. To not worry, the man-made Cairns Lagoon provides you precisely what you want. Crystal clear waters, seaside views, and lifeguards. It’s a cool place to laze round and browse your e-book and it’s secure for swimming.
• Day journey to the Nice Barrier Reef – a real marvel of the world that’s 2,300km lengthy and consists of 900 islands and a couple of,900 particular person reefs. It’s the world’s largest coral reef and the most important residing construction on the planet. There are various choices for getting out on the reef, a few of the predominant Barrier Reef Tour Operators are Reef Magic Cruises, Quicksilver Cruises, and Reef Expertise.

 

• Inexperienced Island – a coral cay surrounded by white sandy seashores and sumptuous coral reefs. You’ll be able to snorkel straight off the shore and there’s a pleasant boardwalk by the forest to the opposite aspect of the island.
• Rusty’s Farmer’s Market – a little bit of a Cairns establishment and certainly one of the most cost effective farmers’ markets I’ve visited in Australia.
• Stroll or cycle the Cairns Esplanade – take a stroll alongside the Esplanade in Cairns, watch the dawn then seize breakfast at one of many busy cafes and eating places that line the strip.

• Atherton Tablelands – about an hour southwest of Cairns, spend a day exploring this area, we particularly cherished the waterfall circuit.

The place to remain in Cairns

We suggest you keep within the metropolis middle of Cairns so that you’re near all of the motion and points of interest. Listed here are some nice lodging choices to think about:

Days 7 – 9: Street Journey Cairns to Cape Tribulation

In case you haven’t acquired one already, now’s the time to choose up a rental automotive to your three-day loop drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation by way of Port Douglas.

This small highway journey means that you can soak up the very best of the Tropical North Queensland space.

It’s some of the enchanting areas in Australia.

I don’t recommend you do that drive as a day journey from Cairns although, it’s 140 km a technique and can be too rushed, so both keep at Port Douglas and do a day journey from there (85 km a technique) or keep inside The Daintree and discover.

Day 7-8: Cairns to Port Douglas

This drive is certainly one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads, you’ve acquired the rainforest on one aspect and the Nice Barrier Reef on the opposite.

In case you have been to drive from Cairns to Port Douglas with out stopping it could solely take you one hour, however contemplate stopping at Palm Cove alongside the way in which.

Palm Cove is a vibrant village and is taken into account to have certainly one of Australia’s most idyllic seashores (there’s a chosen swimming space throughout the stinger season).

There’s a beachfront playground for kids and a beautiful esplanade to walk forwards and backwards alongside for espresso, gelato, or infinite eating places to dine in.

In case you don’t head straight to the Daintree, Port Douglas is a improbable place to base your self and discover extra of the tropical north. And it’s additionally one other good base to move out on to the Nice Barrier Reef. We suggest spending two days exploring this stretch of shoreline.

Issues to see and do in Port Douglas

• Try 4 Mile Seashore – swim, stroll or laze underneath a palm tree.
• Spend a day on the Barrier Reef – Try Quicksilver, Wavelength, or Calypso. Barrier reef excursions from Port Douglas may be discovered right here. 
• Sailaway Reef and Island Excursions – take a sundown cruise, afternoon cruise, or full-day cruise. See extra crusing excursions right here.
• Mossman Gorge – the southernmost finish of the Daintree Rainforest. It’s historical and pristine. A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and an exquisite swimming space.

The place to remain in Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a small city and a terrific base for exploring the tropical area of Cairns. Listed here are some nice locations to remain within the space:

Day 9: The Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

At 110 million years previous, the Daintree Rainforest is probably the oldest present rainforest on the planet, even pre-dating the Amazon.

It’s World Heritage listed and sits smack bang alongside the Nice Barrier Reef – the one place on the planet the place two World Heritage websites meet. It’s a must-visit a part of Australia!

From Port Douglas, the furthest north now we have been to is the spectacular Cape Tribulation (85 km a technique).

Cape Trib is a headland positioned inside the Daintree Nationwide Park.

Issues to do within the Daintree Rainforest

• Cape Kimberley – the primary seaside you come to in Daintree Nationwide Park.
• Alexandra Lookout – cease right here for stunning views out over the Alexandra Vary and Snapper Island.
• Daintree Discovery Centre – do the self-guided audio tour and aerial walkway.
• Cow Bay
• Maardja Botanical Stroll – the 540m boardwalk follows the creek by a piece of rainforest and previous the eerily twisting roots and vines of the mangroves to a lookout over Noah Creek.
• Cape Tribulation – the prettiest of the seashores within the Daintree. Stroll alongside the seaside after which again as much as the Kulki boardwalk.

• Dubuji Boardwalk – the 1.2km boardwalk winds its approach by the mangroves, shaded by it’s cover of huge fan palms, strangler figs and vines main right down to Myall Seashore.
• Myall Seashore
• Kayaking at Cape Tribulation.

The place to remain within the Daintree Rainforest

There aren’t an enormous quantity of locations to remain within the Daintree, however listed below are some nice choices:

Day 10: Fly to Alice Springs

After you come your rental automotive to Cairns airport, you’ll wish to fly to Alice Springs within the Northern Territory and go to Australia’s most well-known Outback city and begin your Outback journey. The flight, even direct, takes 6 hours and 10 minutes. That’s how massive Australia is!

Sadly, you will have to make use of day 10 as a full journey day, however it will likely be completely price it to see this desert city and its surrounding points of interest.

Alice Springs is the thriving, spirited outback centre and is legendary for the persona of its locals and modern and conventional artwork, and naturally the pure wonders.

Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and the desert panorama, Alice has all of the conveniences of a contemporary township imbued with a wealthy residing Aboriginal custom and European explorer historical past.

You possibly can spend a day or every week exploring the websites of Alice Springs. In case you’re fortunate to catch an early flight, you may need time to discover within the afternoon or night if you happen to’re not too drained.

No matter you do after you land, be sure you get a 4-wheel-drive rental automotive in Alice Springs for the subsequent 5 days of exploring Central Australia. 

Issues to do in Alice Springs

• Telegraph Station Historic Reserve – study in regards to the building of the Overland Telegraph Line from Port Augusta in South Australia to Darwin. Onsite cafe and strolling and biking tracks.
• Faculty of the Air Guests Centre – study in regards to the world’s largest classroom, overlaying greater than 1.3 million sq. kilometres.
• The Kangaroo Sanctuary – Rise up shut with kangaroos on the dwelling of Brolga, star of the documentary sequence Kangaroo Dundee – BBC UK / Nat Geo USA. Do the guided sundown tour!
• Royal Flying Docs Service Museum – study one of many largest aeromedical organisations on the planet, offering in depth major well being care and 24-hour emergency service to individuals over an space of seven.3 million sq. kilometres.
• Desert Park – see the animals that reside in Central Australia’s habitats.
• Anzac Hill – for a panoramic view of the city. Dawn is the right time as you watch the solar slowly rise to mild up the MacDonnell Ranges and the gorgeous desert city beneath.

The place to remain in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a vigorous city with a number of nice lodging choices. The excellent news is you possibly can stroll from in every single place within the city, so that you don’t have to fret an excessive amount of in regards to the neighborhood you keep in. Listed here are some nice lodging choices for Alice Springs:

Days 11 – 15: Uluru & Crimson Centre Manner

The Crimson Centre Manner is without doubt one of the Australian Outback’s nice drives, stretching from Alice Springs to Uluru and taking within the beautiful landscapes of Kings Canyon and Ormiston Gorge.

There may be a lot to see and do alongside the drive, you merely want a number of days to finish it. On the naked minimal, we suggest three days.

Day 11: Alice Springs to Glen Helen Homestead

As we speak’s drive is roughly 177 km’s from Alice Springs to Glen Helen Homestead taking in a few of the finest surroundings in Central Australia alongside the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Issues to do within the West MacDonnell Ranges

• Simpsons Hole (23km from Alice Springs by way of Larapinta Drive) – a outstanding waterhole is a vital religious web site to the Arrarnta Aboriginal individuals. At daybreak or nightfall, Simpsons Hole is famend as a spot to see Black-footed Rock-wallabies alongside the hole’s quick strolling monitor.
• Standley Chasm (40km) – When the solar’s mild shifts throughout the cleft, the partitions of Standley Chasm glow golden, orange, and purple. There’s a reasonably 15- 20 min stroll alongside the creek beside uncommon historical cycads, the place spring-fed swimming pools give the valley flooring a lush, tropical oasis really feel. Onsite cafe.
• Ellery Creek Large Gap (57km) – a favorite swimming gap for the locals and a terrific spot for a picnic.
• Ochre Pits (22km from Ellery Creek) – brightly colored small cliffs that native Arrarnta Aboriginal individuals have used for 1000’s of years for his or her ceremonial paint. The layers of white, yellow, and purple ochre of the cliffs are so wealthy and earthy.
• Ormiston Gorge (24km) – the most important and prettiest swimming gap. It’s additionally the most well-liked. There’s a kiosk open right here that apparently serves an outstanding iced espresso.
• Glen Helen Gorge (11km) – The everlasting waterhole at Glen Helen Gorge is a favorite dwelling to many species of desert wildlife and lies on the headwaters of the Finke River, the place you possibly can stroll alongside the riverbed between the gorge partitions to see fabulous cycads. The normal house owners consider Glen Helen Gorge is the house of an historical and highly effective Rainbow Serpent.

Keep in a single day at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge, which gives motel room sort lodging for households or singles plus caravan and tenting websites. There’s a restaurant, bar, gasoline (diesel & unleaded), and a swimming pool.

Day 12: Kings Canyon

Take pleasure in breakfast out on the deck at Glen Helen Homestead. The views out over the West Mac ranges are beautiful and it is vitally serene watching the eagles soar quietly above on the lookout for their very own breaky.

Depart Glen Helen and drive 225km alongside the Mareenie Valley Street, stopping in a single day at Kings Canyon Resort.

Be sure you have a full tank of gasoline, water, and meals provides. This part of highway is unsealed and may be badly corrugated, that’s why we propose a 4×4 car for clearance and luxury and management not as a result of it’s technical off-road driving.

Some individuals drive this in a 2WD however a 4WD could be higher.

Kings Canyon Resort gives snug lodging and hotel-style rooms plus tenting and caravan websites. Services embrace 2 eating places, 2 swimming swimming pools, and a petroleum station.

Climbing Kings Canyon

Iconic Kings Canyon is simply 7 km from the resort.

The 5.5km Kings Canyon Rim Stroll in Watarrka Nationwide Park gives spectacular views of the canyon and beautiful dome-shaped rock formations and the colors change because the solar continued its journey up.

We did it at dawn with our three and six-year-old daughters, with the one steep a part of the stroll being the climb to the highest initially.

Kings Canyon to Uluru (City of Yulara)

The drive from Kings Canyon to Yulara, the principle city on the gates into Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park the place all of the lodging and outlets are, is 300km.

Days 13 – 15: Uluru

Uluru, beforehand often called Ayers Rock, is the religious coronary heart of the nation and a must-see once you go to Australia.

You’ve most likely seen tons of of pictures and TV commercials of Uluru, however it’s a spot you need to see and really feel, for your self.

Made from arkosic sandstone, Uluru stands 348 metres excessive and is taller than The Eiffel Tower and a couple of.5 instances the peak of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

We extremely suggest you don’t fly out and in in a rush, Uluru wants multiple night time to understand its magnificence!

Issues to do at Uluru

Many individuals go to Uluru only for Ayres Rock, however there are literally loads of issues to do close to Uluru and value testing. Listed here are a few of our favorite activites close by:

• Uluru Sundown – the are a number of lookout spots for sundown and each lookout gives a distinct perspective of the colourful and ever-changing colors. The preferred sundown spot is the official Uluru Sundown Lookout about 10 kilometres down the highway by the doorway gates of the park.
• Uluru Dawn – we dragged the children away from bed at 5.00 am every day and jumped within the automotive for the 20-minute drive from Yulara into the park (dawn was round 6.20am). For our first Uluru dawn, we headed again to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku lookout. Be warned, that is the place hordes of individuals and tour buses converge and was very busy even within the low season.

• Base stroll – The loop stroll is 10 km across the base and it took us 3.45 hours with a 3 and seven-year-old and taking a number of pictures. The stroll is totally flat, simply bear in mind you’re within the Outback so it’s finest to start out early at first mild to beat the warmth. The park opens each day at 5am and we propose beginning on the Kuniya strolling level and heading anti-clockwise. Take a number of water, snacks, and quick breaks
• Cycle the bottom – if you happen to’re less than strolling the ten.6 kilometres across the base, a terrific various is to rent bikes from Outback Biking or deliver your individual and bike it. We had a tag-along for Kalyra who loved the comfort of letting daddy do a lot of the peddling, and little Savannah took within the sights in a child seat on the again of Caz’s bike.

• Free Ranger Guided Mala Stroll – your third choice, if you happen to don’t wish to stroll or bike the entire 10.6 kilometres of Uluru, is to take part within the two-kilometre return stroll (1.5 hours) free ranger-guided Mala stroll.
• Sundown drinks  – A becoming farewell to our time at Uluru was sipping on a number of glasses of champagne with the parents from AAT Kings because the sundown over the rock. Try sundown viewing and bubbly experiences right here. 
• Sundown Camel Journey – one of many distinctive methods to soak up Uluru is on the again of a trusty camel. Our youngsters, and us massive youngsters, completely cherished this expertise with Uluru Camel Excursions.
• Sounds of Silence – On our bucket record is the Sounds of Silence eating expertise underneath the celebrities (when the children are a bit older) and a helicopter flight sounds wonderful too!

Issues to do in Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is simply 50km’s up the highway from Yulara and is equally as spectacular as Uluru.

Previously often called The Olgas, this group of enormous historical rock formations consisting of 36 ochre-coloured domes are unfold over an space of greater than 20 kilometres.

The sandstone domes are believed to be round 500 million years previous.

Walks at Kata Tjuta:

• The two.6 km Walpa Gorge stroll is the shorter and simpler of the 2 walks.
• The longest path is the 7km Valley of the Winds Stroll.

The place to remain at Yulara

There may be not an enormous vary of choices at Yulura, however listed below are some nice locations to remain:

Day 16: Uluru to Alice Springs to Melbourne

The drive from Yulara again to Alice Springs is 447km by way of the Lasseter Hwy and Nationwide Hwy 87.

Alternatively, as an alternative of driving again to Alice Springs and catching a flight to Melbourne, you can do a one-way drop off of your rental automotive at Ayers Rock Airport, and fly to Melbourne from there.

You simply have to weigh up the price of a one-way rental drop off versus the completely different flight costs to Melbourne from both Alice Springs or Ayers Rock! To avoid wasting your self time as you solely have three weeks in Australia, it’s price dropping it off at Ayres Rock and flying from there.

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly direct to Melbourne from Ayers Rock Airport.

The truth is, if you wish to shorten this entire 3 week itinerary of Australia and skip Alice Springs and the Crimson Centre Manner, you possibly can fly direct from Cairns to Ayers Rock Airport, then onto Melbourne.

Simply an choice so as to add additional days on the different places.

Days 16 – 18: The Nice Ocean Street

Decide up your rental automotive from the airport in Melbourne and hit the Nice Ocean Street, well-known in Australia and world wide as probably the greatest drives on the planet.

The beginning of the drive is just one hour exterior of Melbourne within the city of Torquay, it stretches over 250 kilometres to Warrnambool, and attracts tens of 1000’s of holiday makers yearly.

Many individuals even take the Nice Ocean Street all the way in which to Adelaide.

While the tour buses crazily drive this in in the future, you really want no less than two or three days to see all of the websites. Don’t simply rush to the 12 Apostles to your vacationer snap. Decelerate and admire all it has to supply.

Go to all of the rock formations and cities, stroll on a seaside and go to the rainforest, see a waterfall and wildlife, sit at a lookout, and be current.

I like to recommend overnighting in Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell alongside the way in which.

Issues to do on the Nice Ocean Street

• Torquay (104 km’s from Melbourne) – Bells Seashore is certainly one of Australia’s most well-known browsing seashores. Go to the Australian Nationwide Browsing Museum. Do a piece of the Surf Coast Stroll.
• Anglesea (18 km) – get some solar on Anglesea’s predominant seaside, a large sandy expanse beside the Anglesea River. Stroll alongside the rugged shoreline or head inland beside the Anglesea River on the 44-kilometre Surf Coast Stroll.
• Aireys Inlet (9 km) – Break up Level Lighthouse was inbuilt 1891 and is perched on the cliffs, 70 metres above sea stage. Stroll alongside surrounding clifftop tracks to see rocky reefs, rock swimming pools, and sheltered coves (preserve your eye out for whales in season).
• Lorne (20 km) – a picturesque city located proper on the Nice Ocean Street. Nice cafes, distinctive outlets boutiques, galleries and Otway Nationwide Park are in your doorstep. Take pleasure in a stroll on the seaside, a motorbike journey alongside the foreshore out to the pier, have a espresso at Lorne Seashore Pavilion and check out a burger from The Bottle of Milk. Teddys Lookout is a brief drive up the hill behind Lorne. Drive as much as the picnic space on the finish of George Road and stroll a brief distance to benefit from the spectacular views of the Nice Ocean Street from the lookout.
• Lorne to Apollo Bay Drive – our favorite stretch of highway alongside the GOR. Be ready to cease for pictures lots. This stretch of highway has a few of the most picturesque surroundings within the area. It hugs the cliff-face because it winds by the Nice Otway Nationwide Park and rolling farmland.
• Apollo Bay (47 km from Lorne) – seaside village midway alongside the Nice Ocean Street and surrounded by Otway Nationwide Park State Forest. Mariners Lookout gives panoramic views of Apollo Bay’s city centre, the harbour, and seashores up and down the coast, positioned on the northern finish of city off Marriners Lookout Street. Climb aboard a kayak, rise up near native seal colonies or join a deep sea fishing journey. There are sundown seaside rides on horseback, present outlets, galleries and tea homes together with numerous culinary delights on provide – fishing is a vital native business so seafood is all the time on the menu!

• Otways Nationwide Park – head into the Otways and immerse your self amongst tall bushes and large tree ferns, and delightful waterfalls – Triplet Falls is a spotlight. The stroll is a couple of 1 hour return loop. And the 2km Shelley Seashore Circuit Stroll is probably the greatest quick walks on the Nice Ocean Stroll.
• Kennett River – wish to see koalas within the wild? The perfect koala viewing spot is Kennet River, alongside the Gray River Street, simply in the course of city. Otway Lighthouse Street is one other in style spot. Simply search for the crowds of individuals and observe their gazes up for fast koala recognizing.
• Twelve Apostles (87 km from Apollo Bay) – Port Campbell Nationwide Park is dwelling to those huge limestone buildings tower 45 metres above the ocean and have been shaped some 20 million years in the past. There are solely eight remaining (the remaining have fallen) and forming the backdrop are these magnificent cliffs as much as 70 metres excessive. Sizzling Tip – get there for dawn or sundown so that you miss the hordes of individuals and tour buses that arrive round lunchtime (we stayed in a single day in Port Campbell, 15 km drive, and drove again for sundown).

• Gibson Steps – just down the highway from the Twelve Apostles Guests Centre are the Gibson Steps. Stroll down these steps onto the seaside for a close-up view.
• Loch Ard Gorge – a couple of minutes drive west of The Twelve Apostles. Named after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground on close by Muttonbird Island on the finish of a three-month journey from England to Melbourne.

• The Grotto – is principally a sinkhole. Take the steps down the cliff face to the underside and look by and also you’ll get visibility of the ocean past a pool at low tide. Fairly cool.
• London Arch (London Bridge) – shaped by a gradual course of of abrasion and initially was a whole double-span and hooked up to the mainland. The arch nearer to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly in 1990.
• The Arch – this naturally sculptured arch stands 8 metres excessive and is positioned 6km west of Port Campbell.
• Bay of Islands – head slightly additional south to Peterborough and also you’ll uncover the magical Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs. Nearly as stunning as 12 Apostles, but hardly ever talked about.

The direct drive again to Melbourne from Warrnambool is 255 km (roughly 3 hrs) by way of the Hamilton Hwy/B140 and M1. Drop off your rental automotive on the airport in Melbourne and make your approach into town.

Melbourne Airport is positioned 25 km from the Metropolis Centre. The Sky Bus gives a daily shuttle service 24/7 direct to Southern Cross Station within the metropolis so that you received’t want your rental automotive anymore.

In addition they provide a resort drop off and decide up service – ask for particulars on the counter.

Days 19 – 21: Melbourne

We love Melbourne, it’s most likely our favorite Australian metropolis and feels very European.

The draw back is it comes with four-seasons-in-one-day climate patterns. Put on layers!

There actually is one thing for everybody in Melbourne, it doesn’t matter what your funds or tastes are. Additionally, it’s a well-known truth amongst Australians that they make the very best espresso within the nation!

Issues to do in Melbourne

• Metropolis Circle Tram – leap on the FREE metropolis circle tram service (route 35) that operates inside Melbourne’s CBD and passes main vacationer points of interest. The loop takes about 45 minutes and you will get off at any one of many many stops to discover extra on foot, and is the easiest way to get round to lots of Melbourne’s inside metropolis highlights.
• Federation Sq. – Fed Sq. occupies a complete city block proper on the banks of the Yarra River and straight reverse Flinders Road Prepare Station and St Paul’s Cathedral within the coronary heart of town. There’s museums, galleries, eating places, bars, festivals, and enjoyable. And the Melbourne Customer Centre is positioned underground. Such a cool city sq.!
• Purchasing – town laneways, particularly between Flinders, Elizabeth, Bourke, and Swanston Streets are terrific. Little Collins Road can be superb for relieving you of a few of your money. Additionally try Prahran and Chapel Road which runs from the Yarra River within the north to Brighton Street within the south, traversing the suburbs of South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, St Kilda, and St Kilda East.

 

• St Kilda – leap on a tram and head to this seaside escape. It’s the closest and best seaside to get to from town, simply 6km away, and it’s Melbourne’s most well-known seaside. There’s out of doors eating and bars, many with bay views, and the sunsets are fairly particular. Acland Road is the place to go for cafes and eating places, but additionally for the well-known cake outlets. West Seashore Cafe is true on the sand and Jerry’s Milkbar is a transformed milkbar with slightly playground out the again and superior banana bread. Try Carlisle St in St Kilda East, a straightforward stroll from Acland St. Much less touristy, and a bit grimey, however a number of character and nice cafes.

• See penguins at St Kilda Pier at nightfall – why go to Phillip Island for the penguin parade when there’s a free one proper within the metropolis? The fairy penguins are available in and convey smiles to everybody who sees them.
• Queen Victoria Market – who doesn’t love a very good open-air market? The Queen Vic Markets has one thing for everybody. Seize some recent produce and head to both Fitzroy Gardens or Carlton Gardens for a picnic.
• Wednesday Evening Markets (summer season months solely) – Queen Vic Markets come alive with nice road meals, with choices from everywhere in the world. It was like several night time meals market you’d discover in Asia, buzzing with environment and low-cost (for Melbourne) road meals. Stay music and family-friendly.
• AFL Recreation – if you happen to’re right here throughout the AFL (Australian Soccer League) season, you need to try a sport. The environment within the huge MCG (Melbourne Cricket Floor) is not like the rest on this nation.
• Fitzroy – for the cafes and eating places, to not point out all the boutique outlets, many catering to a hip crowd.
• Lygon Road – for all issues Italian. We suggest Tiamo for excellent and inexpensive Italian. And Brunetti’s is a Melbourne establishment for espresso, desserts, and pastries.
• Laneways – Melbourne is legendary for its laneways. Centre Place is a busy laneway between Flinders Lane and Collins Road and residential to a number of vibrant bars, cafes, eating places, boutiques, sushi bars, and outlets, in addition to a few of Melbourne’s finest examples of road artwork and graffiti. As is Degraves Road. {Hardware} Lane has a number of nice Italian. Royal Arcade is previous and really stunning (nice chocolate store too).

• Espresso – Melbournians are obsessive about espresso and make it higher than most. Right here’s an inventory of some finest espresso spots on Lonely Planet and the Tourism Australia web site.
• South Financial institution – a pleasant place to stroll round on the Yarra River with nice views again over town, and infinite eating and bar choices.
• Riverland City Beer Backyard – simply down by Fed Sq. and subsequent to the Yarra is a superb spot for a beer and a meal within the solar and to observe the rowers on the river and overlooks the Princess Bridge. Appears like London in the summertime. They’ve a youngsters menu too!
• Hosier Lane – a much-celebrated landmark as a result of its subtle city artwork (graffiti-lined partitions). A 2 minute stroll from Federation Sq. and runs between Flinders St and Collins St. Native and worldwide artists use the partitions as a brief canvas for his or her works, and the artwork could be very attention-grabbing to take a look at.

• Chinatown – if there’s a Chinatown on the town, we’re there! Not often are we disenchanted, and our financial institution stability is all the time completely satisfied. One place in Melbourne we stored going again to was the favored Camy Shanghai Dumpling and Noodle Restaurant – not for the luxurious and fancy, it’s a real Chinese language expertise with below-par service, however their dumplings have been a spotlight and low-cost!
• Botanic Gardens – take the household for a picnic or sit on the banks of the Yarra and watch the world go by.
• Cycle the Bayside Foreshore – stretch your legs on a motorbike journey from St Kilda to Brighton Seashore and take a look at the colorful bathing packing containers.

• Eureka Tower – gives beautiful views from the best commentary deck within the southern hemisphere, Eureka Skydeck at 297 metres/88 flooring. I like to recommend going up simply on sunset so that you expertise Melbourne by day and because it slips into night time.
• Stroll alongside the Yarra River and have a BBQ on the river financial institution in Summer season.

The place to remain in Melbourne

Melbourne is a big metropolis with so many nice lodging choices. We suggest staying within the CBD to be sure you’re close to all the very best points of interest. Listed here are a few of our favorite locations to remain:

Is 3 weeks lengthy sufficient in Australia?

In case you’re questioning if three weeks is lengthy sufficient to see Australia, enable me to place your thoughts relaxed. Three weeks is lengthy sufficient to see a lot of the highlights of Australia.

It’s unlikely it is possible for you to to slot in the entire nation in three weeks (it’s huge), however you possibly can see the finest elements of Queensland and the East Coast, New South Wales, Victoria, and a few elements of South Australia.

If that is your first time planning a visit down underneath, the itinerary you’ve simply learn will take you to the locations in Australia you can’t miss, and can showcase what makes Australia distinctive – its tradition, historical past, various landscapes, wild animals, and wonderful meals and low.

In case you observe this three week Australia itinerary, you’ll get to go to Australia’s finest cities, well-known landscapes, and iconic landmarks.

When you have extra time or plan to come back again, then you possibly can discover locations like Western Australia and Tasmania on one other journey. It’s simply not doable to do all of it in three weeks!

21 Days and Past…

So if you happen to do really feel such as you wish to come again or prolong your journey, then right here is how you are able to do that. We all know that point flies, and typically you wish to decelerate and incorporate some leisure between packing in all these wonderful points of interest.

So we do perceive that some individuals like to increase their journey and take their time.

When you have the posh of including an additional week or extra, that’s nice! Listed here are some concepts for how one can prolong your journey for one more 7 days:

Street Journey From Cairns to the Gold Coast

One of many methods we’d suggest extending this journey is to highway journey from the Gold Coast to Cairns. This could be beginning the journey as an alternative of flying straight to Cairns from Sydney.

There are various sights on the East Coast that supply extra possibilities so that you can discover the pure fantastic thing about Australia.

You’ll discover beautiful tropical islands, locations to chill out, extra areas to scuba dive the barrier reef, and better of all, a while basking on the very best seashores in Australia.

Listed here are some sights on the East Coast you can go to:

• The Whitsunday Islands – Methods to describe the Whitsundays…they’re merely tropical paradise. You’ll discover unspoiled, white-sand seashores and a few of the finest pure websites in Australia. Whitehaven Seashore is a protected seaside that’s so pure, they don’t assist you to take something with you. The gateway to the Whitsundays is from Airlie Seashore on the mainland.
• Fraser Island – that is an adventurer’s paradise. The island is a World Heritage-listed web site and the one approach to get round is to drive by 4WD on the seaside. It’s probably the greatest locations to see humpback whales who migrate in its waters. On calm days, you possibly can see them near the shore. You’ll be able to entry Fraser Island by ferry from Rainbow Seashore.
• Magnetic Island – Simply throughout the waters from Townsville is the bizarre however fantastic Magnetic Island. It’s not likely magnetic, it’s named after the molten granite was pushed into the earth’s floor by a volcanic drive 275 million years in the past. These days it’s price visiting for its distinctive landscapes, granite boulders and beautiful seashores and reefs.
• Brisbane – though Brisbane is a metropolis and very similar to some other in Aus, it’s price testing. Town has a thriving arts scene and has a number of hipster cafes and bars. For many who take pleasure in nightlife, you’ll take pleasure in spending a while in Brisbane.
• Byron Bay – That is certainly one of Australia’s prime seashores and is simply South of Brisbane. It’s well-known for browsing and is without doubt one of the finest spots for knowledgeable surfers to catch some massive waves within the winter.

Discover the Northern Territory

One other approach to prolong this three week Australia itinerary by every week or so is to discover the Northern Territory.

You possibly can simply fly from Alice Springs to Darwin and spend every week exploring Kakadu Nationwide Park, the most important nationwide park in Australia and well-known for its aboriginal heritage and historical rock artwork. You. also can see wild salt water crocodiles right here.

Darwin can be a cool metropolis to go to. The close by Litchfield Nationwide Park simply south of Darwin can be a preferred park to take a look at. It has some beautiful waterfalls and waterholes you possibly can swim in, which is the principle cause to go to.

Earlier than You Go

So there you could have it! That’s a 3 week Australia itinerary overlaying all of the highlights of the Land Down Underneath. As you possibly can see, there may be loads of time spent on planes and in automobiles, however that’s the one approach to see the very best of Australia in three weeks.

Earlier than you go, I’ve one ultimate phrase of recommendation for you. Ebook upfront. You’ll save your self loads of money and time if you happen to e-book your flights (particularly inside flights) and automotive leases upfront.

You may be versatile with lodging and actions, however don’t go away transport to the final minute otherwise you’ll find yourself paying for it.

And above all, have the very best time in Australia, our dwelling. We all know this itinerary skips Perth and Western Australia and the pure wonders of Tassie, however we’d fairly offer you an itinerary that’s reasonable and achievable.

We hope this itinerary helped you intend your Australia journey!

Australia Highlights Videoes

In case you’re unsure what to anticipate, or want some inspiration to get you enthusiastic about your journey, don’t neglect to observe this playlist of our movies exploring Australia on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries

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