Australia is huge, diverse, and full of iconic experiences. If you’re planning a first trip, the biggest mistake is cramming too much into too little time or visiting the wrong places at the wrong time of year. This guide focuses on the best things to do in Australia, when to visit each region, and how to assemble a realistic two-week itinerary that leaves you satisfied rather than exhausted.
Sydney: Your Easy Win and Perfect Starting Point
Sydney is where most international flights land, which makes it the natural place to start. It’s one of the top things to do in Australia for good reason: a compact city centre, world-class landmarks, and beaches within easy reach.
Plan to stay two to three nights. That gives you time for the essentials without feeling rushed:
- Sydney Opera House (take a guided tour or catch a performance)
- Walk across or around the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Relax at Bondi Beach or try the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Explore neighborhoods: The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Surry Hills
Most visitors also underestimate how close the Blue Mountains are. The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage area—about a 90-minute drive from the city—featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and the Three Sisters rock formations. If you like scenic railways, short hikes, and lookout points, add a day trip to your Sydney stay. It’s one of those things to do in Australia that feels wildly different from the urban energy of the city.
Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North: When Timing Matters
The Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2,300 km along the east coast, but for snorkelers and divers, the most reliable reef experience is in the far north near Cairns and Port Douglas. This is where many travellers tick off a top things to do in Australia item: swimming among vibrant coral and tropical fish.
Timing is critical. Visit between April and October—the dry season. Outside those months you risk rain, humidity, and dangerous jellyfish in the water. For safety and comfort, plan your reef time during the dry season.
My practical tips for the reef:
- Base yourself in Port Douglas if you can. It’s quieter, feels more local, and often has shorter boat runs to quality outer-reef sites than Cairns.
- Allow three to four nights for the region. That gives you time for a full-day reef trip, a Daintree rainforest visit, and a relaxed day to recover.
- Book a certified operator for snorkeling or diving—reef health and safety standards vary.
Beyond the reef, the Daintree Rainforest—believed to be the oldest rainforest on Earth—offers guided walks, river cruises, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway. If you want a taste of the outback without a huge detour, there are inland trips from Port Douglas or Cairns to limestone caves and classic outback landscapes.
Uluru and the Red Centre: Iconic but Consider the Trade-Offs
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of the most recognisable images of Australia. It’s iconic, but there are practical realities that every traveller should know before committing a chunk of a two-week trip to it.
Key considerations:
- Uluru is extremely remote. Travel and accommodation costs are higher than coastal alternatives.
- Best visiting months are April to October. Outside that window, summer temperatures can soar to 40–45°C (over 110°F).
- Uluru can feel very touristy during peak season, with large tour groups at the main viewpoints.
If the true outback vibe is the goal and you have the time and budget, consider alternatives:
- Darwin region: Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks offer wetlands, waterfalls, crocodiles, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- Kimberley region: Remote, rugged, and spectacular—best for travellers who can commit extra time and a higher budget.
For many first-time visitors limited to two weeks, the outback portion becomes the most difficult to fit in without compromising other highlights. If you must choose, weigh the cost and travel time against how much you value seeing Uluru specifically.
Wildlife: Kangaroos, Koalas and the Best Place to See Them
Meeting a kangaroo or holding a koala is high on many wish lists. The truth is kangaroos are common across much of Australia—sometimes even considered pests by locals—yet encountering wildlife in natural settings still ranks among the top things to do in Australia.
My single best recommendation for wildlife is Kangaroo Island. Off the southern coast near Adelaide, it is often called the Galapagos of Australia for good reason:
- See kangaroos, wallabies, koalas in the wild, sea lions, and fur seals
- Rare and abundant bird life plus dramatic coastal scenery
- Accessible: about a 30-minute flight from Adelaide or a ferry transfer
Best time to visit Kangaroo Island is October to April. Plan at least three nights to explore properly. If you’re deciding between Uluru and a nature-rich island escape on a constrained budget and schedule, Kangaroo Island is often the smarter choice—easier access, lower cost, and authentic wildlife encounters without the crowds.
Road Tripping: The One Drive I Recommend
Australia’s distances are vast, so not all road trips are practical for a two-week route. For first-time visitors with limited time, the standout drive is the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
Why it’s special:
- Coastal cliffs, rainforest pockets, and the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks
- Charming seaside towns, lighthouse views, and plenty of short walks
To do the Great Ocean Road justice, aim for at least three nights, ideally five. Day trips from Melbourne are possible but long; overnight stops make the scenery and small towns enjoyable rather than rushed.
Tasmania: A Different Side of Australia
Tasmania is often overlooked, yet it offers mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and hiking that rivals New Zealand. If your interests lean toward hiking, food, and dramatic landscapes, Tasmania should be high on the list of things to do in Australia.
Top Tasmanian highlights:
- Cradle Mountain for alpine hikes
- Wineglass Bay for coastal vistas
- Bay of Fires for orange lichen-covered rocks and clear waters
Best time to visit is October to April. You’ll need at least four to five nights to experience Tasmania’s main natural attractions.
Putting Together a Realistic Two-Week Itinerary
Travel in shoulder seasons—April, May or September, October—if possible. These months often offer great weather across multiple regions, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. When planning, follow three simple rules:
- Stay at least two to three nights in each destination.
- Use domestic flights to connect distant regions efficiently.
- Use transfers or shuttles where practical instead of renting a car everywhere.
Sample two-week itinerary (balanced, realistic, and season-friendly):
- Days 1–3: Sydney — city highlights and a Blue Mountains day trip
- Days 4–7: Fly to Port Douglas — Great Barrier Reef day trips, Daintree rainforest, optional outback cave experience
- Days 8–10: Fly to Adelaide and transfer to Kangaroo Island — wildlife, coastal drives, relaxed pace
- Days 11–13: Return to Adelaide and drive or transfer for the Great Ocean Road — experience the coastal scenery and 12 Apostles
- Day 14: Transfer to Melbourne for departure
This plan covers the major icons: city, reef, wildlife, and a classic coastal drive, while keeping travel time and costs manageable. You can swap Kangaroo Island for Tasmania if you prefer mountains and hikes, or add Uluru only if you can extend the trip and budget.
Practical Planning Tips
- Book domestic flights early. Australia is big, and flights connect long-distance hops. Early bookings save time and money.
- Pack for variety. Coastal tropics are hot and humid; Tasmania and alpine areas are cool. Layering is essential.
- Respect local seasons. Reef and tropical regions are best April–October; southern coasts and Tasmania shine October–April.
- Balance activity with downtime. Two to three nights per place reduces travel fatigue and gives time to explore at a comfortable pace.
- Consider transfers and short regional shuttle services instead of renting a car everywhere—saves cost and hassle in cities and reef gateways.
Why This Approach Works
When deciding which things to do in Australia to prioritise, focus on contrast and logistics. Mix a major city (Sydney) with a natural icon (the Great Barrier Reef), wildlife immersion (Kangaroo Island), and a scenic drive (Great Ocean Road). That combination gives a broad sense of Australia’s variety in two weeks without constant long-haul travel between each stop.
Quick Seasonal Cheat Sheet
- April–October — Best for Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and northern dry season activities
- October–April — Best for Kangaroo Island, Tasmania, and southern coastal escapes
- Year round — Sydney is visitable any time, but summers (December–February) are hotter and busier
Final Thoughts
Australia offers a staggering range of experiences, and wisely choosing which things to do in Australia will make your trip feel intentional rather than frantic. Aim for quality time in each place, prioritise seasons, and connect distant regions with flights. Whether you want reef snorkelling, kangaroos in the wild, dramatic coastal drives, or mountain hikes, a thoughtfully planned two-week trip can deliver authentic and memorable experiences.
If you prefer wildlife and coastal scenery without the high cost and remoteness of the Red Centre, consider prioritising Kangaroo Island and Tasmania over Uluru. If reef time is non-negotiable, slot that early in the dry season to get the best conditions.
Happy planning—and enjoy the best things to do in Australia on a trip that actually leaves you wanting to come back for more.
Additional Travel Resources
Australia Youtube Playlist here
Watch our NZ Travel Planning Playlist on YouTube here
Review our NZ Sample Travel Itineraries on YouTube here
Check out our NZ Road Trips Playlist for route inspiration here
Other Australia travel blogs:
Best time to Visit Australia
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