17 days in Australia Itinerary

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Mon): walk around South Bank Parklands. Here are some ideas for day two: get great views at Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout and then identify plant and animal life at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Start your trip to Brisbane by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Syracuse, USA to Brisbane is an approximately 25-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 15 hours traveling from Syracuse to Brisbane. In September, daily temperatures in Brisbane can reach 75°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) to allow time to travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Sydney is known for nightlife, beaches, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the landmark architecture of Sydney Opera House, hike along Bondi to Coogee Walk, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, and enjoy the sand and surf at Bondi Beach.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Sydney tour planner.

Getting from Brisbane to Sydney by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Sydney are 71°F, while nighttime lows are 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Melbourne.

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sat): examine the collection at Melbourne Museum, then pause for some photo ops at Shrine of Remembrance, and then admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens. On the 22nd (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get to know the resident critters at Melbourne Zoo, then explore the world behind art at National Gallery of Victoria, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck.

To see more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Melbourne travel route tool.

Traveling by flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Sydney in September, with highs in Melbourne at 63°F and lows at 44°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Please note that visitors are no longer allowed to trek up Uluru.

Located right in the center of Australia, the national park boasts perhaps the country's most iconic natural symbol and a sacred place for the region's indigenous people--as well as Kata Tjuta, a collection of 36 red rocks forming an equally distinctive sight.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is known for nature, museums, and outdoors. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the dramatic natural features at Uluru, get engrossed in the history at Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, go for a walk through Lungkata Walk, and appreciate the views at Valley of the Winds.

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park trip maker.

Fly from Melbourne to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Australian Central Standard Time, which is usually a -0.5 hour difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Melbourne in September: high temperatures in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park hover around 83°F and lows are around 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to travel to Cairns.

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): take in the exciting artwork at Village Gallery and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Here are some ideas for day two: identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas and then stroll through Esplanade Boardwalk.

To see ratings, photos, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Cairns trip planning website.

You can fly from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Cairns in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Cairns is 0.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Cairns when traveling from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in September, with lows around 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Port Douglas.

A holiday in Port Douglas balances an activity-filled getaway with plenty of opportunities to relax, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and bustling beach life.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): explore the gorgeous colors at Opal Reef, then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then stop by With Sugar. Here are some ideas for day two: identify plant and animal life at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, then see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

Discover how to plan a Port Douglas trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Cairns to Port Douglas takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. September in Port Douglas sees daily highs of 83°F and lows of 66°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can travel back home.