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.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): stroll around South Bank Parklands. Keep things going the next day: get great views at Mount Coot-tha Lookout and then identify plant and animal life at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

For where to stay, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Brisbane day trip tool .

Syracuse, USA to Brisbane is an approximately 26-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 15 hours traveling from Syracuse to Brisbane. In September, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can 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, trails, beaches, shopping, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, browse the eclectic array of goods at Sydney Fish Market, wander the streets of Darling Harbour, and see the interesting displays at Australian National Maritime Museum.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Sydney trip itinerary app .

Traveling by flight from Brisbane to Sydney takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. In September, daily temperatures in Sydney can reach 71°F, while at night they dip to 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough 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, don't miss a visit to Shrine of Remembrance, and then take in nature's colorful creations 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 admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Victoria, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Eureka Skydeck.

For maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Melbourne day trip website .

Getting from Sydney to Melbourne by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Sydney in September, expect Melbourne to be a bit cooler, temps between 63°F and 44°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to 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, outdoors, trails, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the dramatic natural features at Uluru, trek along Kuniya Walk, head outdoors with Walpa Gorge, and admire the verdant scenery at Valley of the Winds.

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park tour itinerary maker app .

You can fly from Melbourne to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 5 hours. Another option is to drive. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Melbourne in September; daily highs in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reach 83°F and lows reach 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): view the masterpieces at Village Gallery and then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Keep things going the next day: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Esplanade Boardwalk.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Cairns road trip site .

Fly from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Cairns in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in September, Cairns is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 66°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a bus 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.

On the 28th (Sat), explore the gorgeous colors at Opal Reef, discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and then stop by With Sugar. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, take an exotic tour of a safari tour, and then meet the residents at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

To see where to stay, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Port Douglas day trip planning site .

Take a bus from Cairns to Port Douglas in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 83°F in September, and nighttime lows around 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.