18-day Australia family holiday itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Sydney

   You've arrived in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Your designated driver will meet you at the arrival gates of Sydney Airport. Refresh at your hotel - now it's time to discover beautiful Sydney for yourself. There's so much to see in this sophisticated city - Sydney's stunning harbour views and opera house, beaches and world-class dining - these are just a few of many highlights.

   Stay: Fraser Suites Sydney (opens in a new tab)

   • Optional extraSydney Opera House (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraThe Rocks (opens in a new tab)
2. Day 2

   Ultimate Sydney City Tour & Bondi Beach

   Today you're off on a guided tour with the Ultimate Sydney City tour. This includes a sail on Sydney harbour and visiting the stunning Botanical Gardens. You'll also see beautiful examples of Australia's historical architecture. Stop for a sit-down lunch at Rushcutters Bay at Australia's premier yacht club. Continue through Darling Point, before heading along the coastline to famous Bondi Beach. Take a stroll down this gorgeous surfing beach.

   Stay: Fraser Suites Sydney (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightThe Ultimate Sydney Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraBridgeClimb Sydney (opens in a new tab)
3. Day 3

   Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

   A driver will take you to Sydney Airport. From here, you will take a direct domestic flight to Cairns - about 3 hours and 15 mins. From Cairns, you will be transferred to Port Douglas. It's time to enjoy the key highlights of tropical Port Douglas!

   Stay: Mandalay Apartments (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightHartley's Crocodile Adventures (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightWildlife Habitat (opens in a new tab)
4. Day 4

   Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

   The Great Barrier Reef offers an amazing palette of marine life. Spend a day sailing on the luxurious Aquarius Catamaran. Swim and snorkel at leisure in the playground of curious and fascinating creatures. Explore the calm waters of the Low Isles lagoon. Enjoy a seafood gourmet lunch back on-board the Aquarius. You can also opt to join an informal walking tour around the Island. Enjoy a leisurely cruise back to Port Douglas.

   Stay: Mandalay Apartments (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightAquarius Sail & Snorkel Low Isles (opens in a new tab)
5. Day 5

   Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

   Transfer back to Cairns airport for your domestic flight to Ayers Rock (either direct or via Alice Springs). It's time to see the real outback of Australia. In this region, the skyscrapers are made of rock and the night sky is spectacular. The Outback is also home to a large population of unique animals, birds and reptiles.

6. Day 6

   Uluru Guided Tour & Sunset

   Take a guided tour around the spectacular Ayers Rock and watch its colours change from dramatic reds to rich purples. Later that evening, kick back and relax under a star-studded Uluru sky. There is no golden silence quite like this one.

   Stay: Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightUluru Sunset Viewing Area (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraAyers Rock Helicopters
7. Day 7

   Fly to Perth

   Take a domestic flight to Perth Airport where you'll be met by a private driver for your hotel transfer. The capital of Western Australia, Perth, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Sandy beaches line its suburbs. Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre is home to the state ballet and opera companies. The port city of Fremantle is a short drive or boat ride away.

   Stay: Fraser Suites Perth (opens in a new tab)

8. Day 8

   Perth Beaches & Fremantle

   Explore Perth's stunning beaches and spend an afternoon at the beautiful Kings Park. Set aside plenty of time for a ferry ride and explore of Fremantle. This port city is renowned for its outstanding Victorian architecture and relaxed cafe scene. Once in Fremantle, head down to the 'Cappuccino Strip' for a coffee, then visit the Maritime Museum there.

   Stay: Fraser Suites Perth (opens in a new tab)

9. Day 9

   Drive to Margaret River Region

   Collect your rental car and start your drive towards Margaret River. Wander the foreshore of Mandjar Bay at Mandurah. Drive to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. If you're in this area between June and September, you're guaranteed to see Southern Right whales passing through on their annual migration.

   Stay: Redgate Beach Escape

10. Day 10

    Margaret River Wine & Art

    Margaret River is famous for wine, artisan foods and beautiful little art galleries. In fact, this region holds a great appeal for its emphasis on lifestyle. A boutique region, Margaret River offers many natural wonders including spectacular beaches and the Karri forest of the heartland.

    Stay: Redgate Beach Escape

11. Day 11

    Fly to Adelaide

    Return to Perth for your afternoon flight to Adelaide. Adelaide is located in Southern Australia and is renowned for its museums, art galleries and the beautiful Barossa wine area. The Barossa lifestyle combines European heritage with Australia's fresh vitality. Visit old churches, sample premium wines and pass by historic cottages - there are a lot of hidden treasures in the Barossa's rural setting.

    Stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury (opens in a new tab)

12. Day 12

    Kangaroo Island Day Trip

    Join a day tour to South Australia's premier nature-based destination, Kangaroo Island. Pick-up at your hotel is at 6:45am for transfer to the Cape Jervis ferry terminal. Take a 45-minute ferry trip to Penneshaw to visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Get a close-up encounter of Australian sea-lions. Stop for lunch at the Vivonne Bay Bistro. Visit the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to cuddle a koala. Spend the afternoon at Flinders Chase National Park, then fly back to Adelaide via Rex Air.

    Stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightOne Day Kangaroo Island Experience (opens in a new tab)
13. Day 13

    Great Ocean Road - Adelaide to Mount Gambier

    Today, you'll begin the Great Ocean Road trip. Drive from Adelaide to Mt Gambier (inland road 418 km or coastal road 413 km - allow 5 hours). Travel southeast from Adelaide via the Murray River along the coastal scenic route via Kingston. Stop at the pretty little fishing village of Robe. Take a side trip to Cape Jaffa and the Coorong National Park. Continue through to the famous sinkholes on the Limestone Coast. See the highlights of Mt Gambier, especially the gorgeous Blue Lake located in a volcanic crater.

    Stay: The Barn Accommodation

    • HighlightGreat Ocean Road (opens in a new tab)
14. Day 14

    Mount Gambier to Port Fairy

    Mt Gambier to Port Fairy (271 km - allow 3.5 hours driving). Take a side trip to the boutique Coonawarra wine region. The wineries in this area are conveniently located very close to one another. You'll see flagship wineries such as Wynns and Yalumba and you're bound to meet some of the winemakers. Remember to adjust your watch 30 minutes forward once you've passed the state border between South Australia and Victoria. Arrive at the lovely riverside town of Port Fairy.

    Stay: Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel

    • RecommendedTower Hill Wildlife Reserve
    • RecommendedPort Fairy Beach
    • RecommendedGrampians National Park
15. Day 15

    Port Fairy to Apollo Bay

    Port Fairy to Apollo Bay (188 km - allow 3 hours). Stop at lookouts over the cliffs of the Loch Ard Gorge and the dazzling Bay of Islands. Take an exhilarating helicopter ride along the coastline - the views are spectacular! Descend all 86 of the Gibson Steps to the beach for a ground-level view of the famous 12 Apostles. Follow the Great Ocean Road into the lush rainforest of the Otway National Park. Turn off at the Otway Fly Treetop Walk. Stay overnight in Apollo Bay.

    Stay: Apollo Bay Guesthouse

    • RecommendedTwelve Apostles
16. Day 16

    Apollo Bay to Melbourne

    Apollo Bay to Melbourne (188 km - allow 3 hours). Drive 30 minutes to arrive at Kennett River. Follow the 'koala walk' with your camera at the ready. Coastal views dominate the next 30 kilometres to beach town Lorne. Stop at nearby Anglesea and take a detour to the golf course to see kangaroos on the greens. Continue on to Torquay, home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches and the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Immerse yourself in surf culture at Surfworld, visit Bells Beach before arriving in Melbourne.

17. Day 17

    Melbourne Foodie Tour & Penguin Parade

    Melbourne is known for its contemporary yet sophisticated lifestyle. Taste your way around Melbourne's top foodie destinations and sample locally produced delicacies. In the afternoon/evening meet your private guide - time to see the wonderful Penguin Parade. Join a Wild Ocean Eco-Boat Tour, visit the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre. Nature Parks provide many coastal and bushland walks across Phillip Island.

    Stay: Adelphi Hotel (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightPhillip Island Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife Eco Tour (opens in a new tab)
    • Optional extraMelbourne Aquarium
    • Optional extraMelbourne Zoo
    • Optional extraQueen Victoria Market
18. Day 18

    Departure Day

    Fly out of Melbourne either home, or on to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. You can combine the Australia sample travel itineraries with other South Pacific travel. GUEST Australia also loves designing itineraries for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands!

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