60 days in Australia Itinerary

The smallest of Australia’s state capitals, Darwin has nevertheless become an attractive and important urban center, being simultaneously one of the country’s most modernized cities and a gateway to both the Top End region and South East Asia.

Defence of Darwin Experience and Darwin Aviation Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Visiting Litchfield National Park and Nature & Wildlife Tours will get you outdoors. When in Darwin, make a side trip to see Territory Wildlife Park in Berry Springs, approximately 42 minutes away. There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility, identify plant and animal life at East Point Reserve, enjoy the sand and surf at Lameroo Beach, and cast your line with a fishing tour.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Darwin trip itinerary app .

Manchester, UK to Darwin is an approximately 21.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train, bus, and flight. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Australian Central Standard Time (Northern Territory) (ACST), which is usually a 9 hour difference. Traveling from Manchester in December, expect Darwin to be much warmer, temps between 38°C and 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) early enough to travel to Alice Springs.

Situated right in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs serves as an urban oasis deep within the country’s parched, desert-like Red Center.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and Road Transport Hall of Fame. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Alice Springs Desert Park and Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. Step out of Alice Springs with an excursion to Hermannsburg Historic Precinct in Hermannsburg--about 1h 55 min away. The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Alice Springs Reptile Centre, examine the collection at Central Australia Aviation Museum, get great views at Anzac Hill, and stop by Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre.

To find photos, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Alice Springs online day trip planner .

Traveling by flight from Darwin to Alice Springs takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Darwin in January: highs in Alice Springs hover around 41°C, while lows dip to 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (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.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Mon): get outside with Walpa Gorge, explore the activities along Mutitjulu Waterhole, and then get advice or help at Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the verdant scenery at Valley of the Winds and then take in the awesome beauty at Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park travel route website .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. January in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park sees daily highs of 43°C and lows of 26°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Mossman Gorge Centre and Agincourt Reef. Let the collections at Daintree Discovery Centre and Floravilla Ice Cream Factory capture your imagination. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Port Douglas: Daintree (Photography Tours & Tranquility Falls), Daintree Entomological museum (in Diwan) and Daintree National Park (in Cape Tribulation). And it doesn't end there: explore the gorgeous colors at Opal Reef, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and enjoy the sand and surf at Thornton Beach.

For where to stay and tourist information, use the Port Douglas trip maker tool .

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Port Douglas takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in January, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Port Douglas: temperatures range from 37°C by day to 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) early enough to take a bus 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Palm Cove Beach and River Rafting & Tubing. Get outdoors at Trinity Beach and Josephine Falls. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cairns: Babinda Boulders (in Babinda), Historic Village Herberton (in Herberton) and Jaques Coffee Plantation (in Mareeba). There's lots more to do: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, explore the galleries of Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns, explore the world behind art at KickArts Contemporary Arts, and look for all kinds of wild species at Atherton Tablelands.

For photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Cairns trip planner .

Getting from Port Douglas to Cairns by bus takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a shuttle. January in Cairns sees daily highs of 37°C and lows of 28°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can travel to Hamilton Island.

A trip to Hamilton Island takes you to a car-free destination mostly covered in bushland.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): take in the waterfront activity at Hamilton Island Marina, tour the pleasant surroundings at Catseye Beach, and then get outside with Jetryder.

For ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Hamilton Island visit planner.

You can fly from Cairns to Hamilton Island in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. In January, plan for daily highs up to 35°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can catch the ferry to Airlie Beach.

Very much a town with an emphasis on the tropical lifestyle, Airlie Beach offers exotic surroundings with palm trees and charming, sandy beaches.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Fri): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, get interesting insight from Tours, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Airlie Beach Lagoon. On the 18th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the waterfront views at Heart Reef and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read Airlie Beach vacation planner .

Getting from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach by ferry takes about an hour. In January, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to travel to Brisbane.

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.

Get in touch with nature at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Kondalilla Falls. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Gallery of Modern Art and Museum of Brisbane. Change things up with these side-trips from Brisbane: Flame Hill Vineyard (in Montville) and Maroochydore (Spas & Maroochydore Beach). The adventure continues: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, examine the collection at Queensland Maritime Museum, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Old St Stephen's Catholic Church (Pugin Chapel).

To find maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Brisbane tour itinerary maker app .

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Airlie Beach to Brisbane in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and flight; or drive. Traveling from Airlie Beach in January, Brisbane is a bit cooler at night with lows of 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to drive to Gold Coast.

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

Take a break from the city and head to Cape Byron Walking Track and Kurrawa Beach. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Burleigh Heads Beach and Coolangatta Beach. Get out of town with these interesting Gold Coast side-trips: Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (in Murwillumbah), Byron Bay (Belongil Beach, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, & more) and Broken Head Nature Reserve (in Broken Head). There's much more to do: explore the striking landscape of Springbrook National Park, enjoy the sand and surf at Burleigh Head National Park, buy something for everyone on your list at Robina Town Shopping Centre, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Kirra Beach.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Gold Coast travel planning site .

Drive from Brisbane to Gold Coast in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In January in Gold Coast, expect temperatures between 33°C during the day and 24°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) early enough 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Featherdale Wildlife Park and Balmoral Beach, Mosman. Get in touch with nature at Manly Scenic Walkway and Bronte Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sydney: Katoomba (The Giant Stairway & Wentworth Falls), Shelly Beach (in Manly) and Govetts Leap (in Blackheath). And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at St. Mary's Cathedral, enjoy the sand and surf at Terrigal Beach, admire the masterpieces at Art Gallery of New South Wales, and stroll through Tamarama Beach.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Sydney trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Gold Coast to Sydney takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In January in Sydney, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 23°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to travel to Hobart.

Snaking up the side of a rounded, tree-dotted hill, Hobart sits between Tasmania’s sprawling mountains and the vast estuary of the River Derwent.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Hobart Convict Penitentiary. Escape the urban bustle at Tasmanian Devil Unzoo and Dolphin & Whale Watching. The adventure continues: indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, see the interesting displays at Mawson's Hut Replica Museum, engage your brain at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and identify plant and animal life at The Neck.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read Hobart online driving holiday planner .

Fly from Sydney to Hobart in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, ferry, and bus; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Traveling from Sydney in February, expect Hobart to be a bit cooler, temps between 26°C and 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to drive to Coles Bay.

Overlooking one of Tasmania's most scenic strips of coastline and serving as the gateway to Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay is home to just 500 permanent residents.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): make a trip to Bicheno Blowhole, then look for all kinds of wild species at East Coast Natureworld, then learn about winemaking at Devil's Corner Cellar Door, and finally walk along Wineglass Bay Lookout. On the 7th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sea views from Cape Tourville Lighthouse and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Freycinet National Park.

To see other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Coles Bay trip planning tool .

Getting from Hobart to Coles Bay by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Launceston.

Lying in the Tamar Valley and surrounded by forested hills, the grid-patterned city of Launceston boasts shaded avenues, vibrant street life, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

On the 8th (Sat), admire the verdant scenery at The Tamar Valley, then explore the world behind art at Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, and then stroll around City Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Sun): observe the fascinating underwater world at Seahorse World, identify plant and animal life at Platypus House, then browse the exhibits of Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, and finally examine the collection at National Automobile Museum of Tasmania.

To see where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Launceston sightseeing planner .

Traveling by car from Coles Bay to Launceston takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in February, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like St. Patrick's Cathedral and Spas. Do some cultural sightseeing at ArtVo and Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Change things up with these side-trips from Melbourne: Brighton Beach (in Brighton), Eastern Beach Reserve (in Geelong) and Stony Creek Gallery (in Daylesford). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of William Ricketts Sanctuary, look for all kinds of wild species at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, take in the awesome beauty at Dandenong Ranges National Park, and tour the pleasant surroundings at St. Kilda Beach.

To find photos, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Melbourne trip builder app .

You can fly from Launceston to Melbourne in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of car and ferry. When traveling from Launceston in February, plan for a bit warmer days in Melbourne, with highs around 32°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to travel to Adelaide.

Adelaide exists contentedly as a cultured, diverse, and attractive city with a laid-back center, leafy residential districts, and an underlying cosmopolitan atmosphere.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Glenelg Beach and Henley Beach. Get some cultural insight at National Motor Museum and Murray Street Vineyards. Explore Adelaide's surroundings by going to McLaren Vale (Wirra Wirra Vineyards & Fox Creek Wines), Gorge Wildlife Park (in Cudlee Creek) and Tanunda (Langmeil Winery & Chateau Dorrien). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Cleland Wildlife Park, enjoy the sand and surf at Aldinga Beach, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Peter's Cathedral, and take a memorable tour with Tours.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read Adelaide trip planner.

Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In February, daytime highs in Adelaide are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to travel to Perth.

A modern metropolis of glassy skyscrapers, waterside boulevards, and lush residential neighborhoods, Perth sits on the edge of the Swan Coastal Plain.

Visiting Caversham Wildlife Park and Scarborough Beach will get you outdoors. The Shipwreck Galleries and The Fremantle Round House are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Change things up with these side-trips from Perth: Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Mandurah), Fremantle (WA Maritime Museum & South Beach Recreation Reserve) and Rockingham Beach (in Rockingham). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Cottesloe Beach, take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Mary's Cathedral, tour the pleasant surroundings at City Beach, and pause for some photo ops at The Welcome Walls.

To see photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Perth trip itinerary planning website .

You can fly from Adelaide to Perth in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Adelaide to Perth, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Adelaide in February, plan for a bit warmer days in Perth, with highs around 38°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to travel back home.