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Australia is huge – bigger than Europe – so two weeks isn’t nearly enough to see it all. For a first trip, you’ll need to make some choices. My advice is not to try to cover too much. It’s better to focus on a couple of regions and experience them properly rather than rushing from one famous spot to another. I find this itinerary already fully packed and wouldn’t recommend adding more.
I’ve lived in Australia for over 15 years, so I’ve had time to explore many regions and narrow down which ones I believe should be on a first-time traveller’s radar. Here’s how I’d plan a two-week Australia itinerary if you’re visiting for the first time.
Sydney highlights
Start your trip in Sydney. It’s Australia’s most iconic city, with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and stunning coastal walks. I recommend three days here:
- Day 1: Explore Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge (don’t miss Pylon Lookout), the Opera House and take the ferry to Manly for a first taste of Sydney’s harbour lifestyle.
- Day 2: Take a bus to Bondi and walk from Bondi to Coogee, then head to Darling Harbour in the evening.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains to see waterfalls (I highly recommend canyoning if you’re fit for it!), eucalyptus forests and the Three Sisters lookout.
Where to stay: Three nights near the CBD or The Rocks.
South East Queensland road trip
On day 4, fly to Brisbane early and start exploring South East Queensland. Rent a car for five days – this region combines beaches, rainforest and unique wildlife.
Where to stay: In Brisbane, near Howard Smith Wharves
Days 5–6: Gold Coast
Spend two days between the coast and the hinterland.
- Day 5: Leave Brisbane early to visit Springbrook National Park for rainforest hikes and waterfalls (~1.5-hour drive).
- Day 6: Relax on the beaches of Burleigh Head and join a Jellurgal guided tour to learn more about Aboriginal culture in the area. You could also try some activities in Surfers Paradise, such as jet skiing or a surf lesson. End the day at Coombabah to spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild, or head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where to stay: Two nights in Surfers Paradise if you want nightlife and restaurants close by.
Day 7: Sunshine Coast
Start early and drive north towards Noosa with a detour into the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Stop at the Glasshouse Mountains for scenic lookouts and short walks (you can even try to spot wild pademelons on the Mary Cairncross Walk) before ending the day in Noosa, a relaxed seaside town with a beautiful national park.
Where to stay: One night in Noosa Heads.
Days 8–9: K’gari (Fraser Island)
Join a two-day tour to K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. Highlights include driving along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, swimming in Lake McKenzie, and seeing rainforest growing straight from the sand.
K’gari isn’t easy to plan on your own, especially if you’re short on time, so I recommend joining a tour – no need to worry about tides, timings or driving on sand.
Where to stay: One night on K’gari.
Return to Brisbane at the end of day 9, return your rental vehicle and spend the night in Brisbane (South Bank).
Day 10: Brisbane
Take it easy in Brisbane – check out the museums, wander South Bank, take a cruise on a ferry and enjoy dinner by the river. But if you’re the type who can’t sit still, swap the downtime for an adventure on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) or Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), where you’ll find beaches, wildlife and a taste of island life just off the coast.
Where to stay: Second night in Brisbane.
Day 11: Fly to your next destination
Rest a bit in the morning before flying to your next stop.
- Warmer months from November to April: Fly south to Melbourne (southern Australia is too cold in winter).
- Colder months from May to October: Fly north to Cairns (avoid summer as the risk of rain and cyclone is higher).
Great Ocean Road or Great Barrier Reef
You’ll spend days 12 and 13 on the road or on the water:
- From Melbourne: Rent a car or join a tour to drive the Great Ocean Road. Two days is enough to see highlights like the Twelve Apostles and Apollo Bay. A helicopter tour is well worth the splurge.
- From Cairns: Join a liveaboard trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The cooler season brings pleasant weather and clear water for snorkelling or diving.
Back to Sydney and departure
On day 14, fly back to Sydney for your international flight home. By now, you’ll realise two weeks in Australia only scratches the surface. The Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania are also incredible – you’ll just have to plan another trip.
Overview / Summary
| Day | Where and what | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney’s iconic spots (Opera, Harbour Bridge, ferry cruise, Manly) | Sydney CBD (1 of 3) |
| 2 | Bondi Beach, Bondi to Coogee walk, Darling Harbour | Sydney CBD (2 of 3) |
| 3 | Day trip to the Blue Mountains | Sydney CBD (3 of 3) |
| 4 | Flight to Brisbane | Brisbane Howard Smith Wharves (single night) |
| 5 | Gold Coast: Springbrook National Park | Surfers Paradise (1 of 2) |
| 6 | Gold Coast: Burleigh Head, Coombabah or Currumbin | Surfers Paradise (2 of 2) |
| 7 | Sunshine Coast: Glasshouse Mountains, Noosa | Night in Noosa Head (single night) |
| 8 | K’gari (Fraser Island) | Night on K’gari (single night) |
| 9 | K’gari (Fraser Island) | Brisbane, South Bank (1 of 2) |
| 10 | Brisbane | Brisbane, South Bank (2 of 2) |
| 11 | Flight to your next destination | Cairns or Melbourne (single night) |
| 12 | Great Barrier Reef or Great Ocean Road | Liveaboard or Appolo Bay (single night) |
| 13 | Great Barrier Reef or Great Ocean Road | Cairns or Melbourne (single night) |
| 14 | Flight to Sydney to go back home |
Why I picked these destinations (and what’s missing)
I chose these stops because they offer a mix of experiences – vibrant cities, national parks, and beaches – with very different atmospheres and scenery. The East Coast of Australia is also the easiest part to explore for first-timers.
Of course, there are many other destinations in Australia I love and would recommend, but two weeks is short. Some places only really shine if you have time to slow down and explore beyond the easy-to-access highlights.
- Why not Canberra? Australia’s capital has its appeal, but for me it doesn’t showcase what’s most special about the country – especially on a first visit.
- Why not the Whitsundays? Sailing for a few days is the best way to experience this region, which makes it difficult to fit into a two-week itinerary in Australia.
- Why not the Northern Territory? Uluru is incredible, but flights are expensive, and it feels incomplete without also seeing Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, or even Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park further north.
- Why not Tasmania? You can visit quickly, but less than a week feels rushed. If Tasmania appeals to you more, you could swap it with South East Queensland.
- Why not Western Australia? Honestly, two weeks isn’t even enough to cover just Western Australia properly.
- Why not Adelaide? I enjoyed my trips there, but if you’re not into vineyards, you’ll need to head off the beaten track to find experiences that rival those in South East Queensland.
- Why not Byron Bay? It’s a beautiful spot, but not that easy to include. And to be honest, I think it’s more popular than it should be. If you’re keen on a road trip between Sydney and Brisbane, you could add it to your itinerary.
Tips for planning two weeks in Australia
- Choose a maximum of three regions (even just two if you don’t like moving too much). Australia is huge, so avoid packing in too many flights and destinations.
- Check the season. Weather varies a lot – winter (June to August) is perfect for the tropics, while summer (December to February) suits the southern states.
- Book ahead. Popular tours like K’gari and Great Barrier Reef liveaboards often sell out in peak season.
- Take your time. Stop and watch the scenery, enjoy the wildlife, and soak up the natural sights. Remember that even if you’re short on time, it’s not a race.
Have you visited Australia in two weeks? Share your experience in the comments below!
