Last updated on April 13th, 2024 at 10:21 pm
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This blog post contains what I think is a perfect 14 day Australia itinerary!
Australia is a huge country. Let’s face it, you’ll never be able to see the whole thing in two weeks- you could easily spend several months exploring everything Australia has to offer. However, two weeks is still enough time to cover a fair amount of ground, and check a few items off the bucket list! For a trip this short, I would recommend flying between destinations, rather than renting a car and driving. You will save much needed time- cities in Australia are further apart than you would think!
Two weeks is enough time to comfortably see three cities, and their surrounding attractions. I would recommend staying on the East Coast to avoid long flights, and maximize your time down under. I’ve put together what I think is the perfect 14 day itinerary for a first time traveler to Australia.
Australia Itinerary Days 1-5: Sydney
Most international travelers coming to Australia will arrive in Sydney. That’s great, because this where our itinerary begins. Sydney is a great city to explore, and has a few iconic sights to start off your trip. I highly recommend that any 14 day Australia itinerary includes a stop here.
Where to Stay in Sydney:
I recommend staying in The Rocks neighbourhood; it is easily accessible from the airport with one quick train ride, and is very close to Sydney Harbour. I stayed at Rydges Sydney Harbour in the Rocks, and was able to walk to Sydney Opera House in less than five minutes (and the rooftop pool had a nice view of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge)! The Rocks also has lots to check out, including a free museum, where you can learn lots about the history of the area. Exploring this area could easily take up a full day. Don’t forget to check out the botanic gardens behind the Opera House! That area makes for a beautiful walk.
What to Do in Sydney:
There’s a lot more to Sydney than its iconic harbour. Another famous location is, of course, Bondi Beach. Easily accessible by transit, this beach is a must-see for a first time traveler to Australia. I visited Bondi Beach in April, and it was pouring rain. Even in bad weather, this area makes for a great day of exploration. There is a trail from Bondi Beach called the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. This walk will take about two hours, but I would highly recommend it, as the views will be well worth it. And if it’s a hot day, you can stop for a swim or two!
Darling Harbour is another must-see in Sydney. This area has lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy, as well as a lovely aquarium (especially would recommend this if you are traveling with children). Another essential experience in Sydney is enjoying one of its many cafès. Cafè culture is very strong in Australia, but especially in Sydney. You won’t find many Starbucks stores in Australia- most cafes are locally owned and serve fresh, specialty coffees. Spend a slow morning soaking in this culture while enjoying a delicious flat white and some avocado toast.
Best day trips from Sydney:
If you’re ready to get out of the city, a great day trip from Sydney is the Blue Mountains. This beautiful area is located about an hour from Sydney. It is not accessible by transit, but if you don’t want to rent a car, many tour operators offer day trips there. Get ready to have a great walk, stop at some amazing view points, and see the iconic Three Sisters.
Australia Itinerary Days 6-10: Brisbane
After Sydney, I would recommend moving on to Brisbane. Brisbane is a short 95 minute flight from Sydney, with many direct flights running each day. Brisbane is a big city, with a more modern feel than Sydney, despite being almost 200 years old.
What to Do in Brisbane:
Shopping is a big attraction here- if you’re a shopper, you will enjoy spending an afternoon exploring the shops in the CBD. Brisbane also has lots of green space, and there are a few great spots to sit and enjoy an afternoon of picnicking, reading, or people watching! A perfect spot for this is Roma Street Parkland. Easily accessible by transit, this park has beautiful gardens and lots of room to chill.
Another spot I loved in Brisbane was the South Bank Parklands. I explored a luscious tropical garden here, and spend a few hours sitting in the grass facing the river, reading a book. Such a great way to experience the city! Another popular way to see the river is on a river dinner cruise. Spend an evening cruising along the river while you enjoy a buffet dinner and gorgeous views of the city.
Best day trips from Brisbane:
There are also many day trips you can take from Brisbane. One of my favourites was to Australia Zoo, the zoo that was owned by Steve Irwin, and is still owned and operated by his family. As someone who grew up watching Crocodile Hunter, this was a bucket list experience for me! It is located in Beerwah, about a two hour train ride, or hour long drive, from Brisbane. There is also a tour company that offers day trips there. Read all about my tips for visiting Australia Zoo here.
Another day trip I took from Brisbane was to Gold Coast. This can also be reached by train from Brisbane in about two hours. I went to Surfer’s Paradise, a vibrant area with a beautiful beach, and lots of restaurants and shops. If you have good weather, I would highly recommend this area, especially if you are in need of a beach day.
Australia Itinerary Days 10-14: Whitsunday Islands
After Brisbane, move on to the Whitsunday Islands.
Where to stay in the Whitsundays:
There are a few options of where to stay here. If you are on a budget, I would recommend flying in to Proserpine Airport, and staying in the town of Airlie Beach. Accommodation is cheaper there, and all activities are still accessible. If you are looking for more of a luxury travel experience, fly right in to Hamilton Island. This beautiful tropical island is off the coast of Airlie Beach, and in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands.
What do in the Whitsundays:
No matter where you stay, you will want to spend at least one day, if not a few, enjoying the beautiful beaches and luscious jungle that these locations have to offer.
The Whitsundays are also a great place to explore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Several tour companies offer day trips from both Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island out to the reef. Enjoy a day of snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking a glass bottom boat tour.
Another iconic sight in the Whitsundays is the famous Whitehaven Beach. This beach has uniquely white sand and is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on Earth. Boat tours to Whitehaven Beach are offered from both Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. Not only is the beach lovely, but the boat ride there will offer you spectacular views of the many tropical islands in the area. In my opinion, the Whitsundays are an essential part of any 14 day Australia itinerary.
Hopefully this guide helps inspire you to plan your own perfect 14 day Australia itinerary. In such a big country, with so much to see and do, there are endless possibilities of how you could spend two weeks. But I think this is a perfect itinerary for a first time trip to Australia.
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