Two months was the perfect amount of time to visit the main cities and towns in Australia and allowed us to get a real sense of this vast, diverse country. Below is our itinerary, including a suggested number of days to spend in each place and the key things to do. However, you could easily adjust it to match the amount of time you have.

Do I need a car to travel around Australia?

No! We spent two months travelling around Australia using only public transport. Domestic flights for long distances were a reasonable price when booked in advance, and the Greyhound bus between cities was extremely efficient, and good value. In each city/town, public buses or trams are easy to navigate and take you to all of the key attractions. There are also plenty of organised day tours for places where public transport is not available.

Which Greyhound Bus pass should I buy for Australia?

For this trip, we bought the 60 day Whimit Travel Pass. This includes unlimited travel on all Greyhound bus routes across 60 consecutive days. We activated this when we arrived in Alice Springs therefore it lasted until the end of our trip in Sydney. It’s easy to book your seat online in advance of each trip and all of our buses were on time. If you are a student, make sure to use the 15% discount on Unidays or Student Beans.

What’s the best time of year to visit Australia? 

The weather changes depending on the time of year in each region of Australia. It’s worth double checking the weather conditions for each state depending on the time of year you are planning to start your trip. We visited from September – November following the below itinerary, and experienced warm, dry weather the majority of the time.

How can I save money on accommodation in Australia?

Sites such as Workaway, HelpX, Worldpackers and WWOOF are great because they allow you to stay with locals and help out with tasks such as gardening and housework in exchange for accommodation and food. This allows you to really get to know the area where you are based and get a sense of local life as opposed to tourist life.

We did a total of 5 Workaways whilst travelling (including one in the Blue Mountains in Australia) and enjoyed all of them! Make sure you read the host profile carefully to ensure you are happy with the location and what is expected of you. Check the reviews as well, and you can find some really good opportunities.

2 Month Australia Itinerary

The Route:

Melbourne – Uluru – Alice Springs – Katherine – Darwin – Cairns – Mission Beach – Townsville – Airlie Beach – Mackay – Rockhampton – Agnes Water – Hervey Bay – Noosa Heads – Brisbane – Byron Bay – Coffs Harbour – Port Macquarie – Newcastle – Sydney – Launceston – Hobart – Perth

We planned the above route bearing in mind the climate of each region i.e. we visited the Outback before temperatures started to get too extreme, and went to Queensland before stinger season. We recommend the route above which worked well for us September – November, but you can easily adapt based on your priorities and time of year you want to go!

Melbourne (5 Nights)

Key Things to Do in Melbourne:

• A Walking Tour (recommended- I am free walking tour): learn more about the main sights of the city including State Library Victoria, Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne Museum, Brunswick Street (for street art), State Parliament, China Town, Federation Square, Arts Centre Melbourne and Melbourne Opera.
• Queen Victoria Market: an iconic market providing a range of fresh produce and souvenirs (open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
• Southbank: a lively riverside promenade with lots of pubs, restaurants and shops.
• Botanic Gardens: wander amongst trees, garden beds and lakes.
• Docklands: a modern harbour development with a big shopping centre, restaurants, observation wheel, and the MCG stadium.
• Fitzroy Gardens and the Fitzroy district: an area popular with students and young professionals.
• St Kilda (40 mins by tram from Melbourne): don’t miss Acland Street with lots of cake shops, and Luna Park (a historic amusement park).
• Brighton Beach (1 hour by train from Melbourne): a pretty beach with colourful bathing boxes. From here, you could continue 5km along the seafront to St Kilda.
• Williamstown (20 mins by train from Melbourne): a waterfront suburb with maritime museums and a beach.
• Great Ocean Road: one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Option to drive yourself or do a group tour daytrip (it is possible to get to some sections by public transport but would require a lot of planning).

PRO TIP: Check out the bathroom on the 35th floor of Sofitel hotel for a great view over the city (made famous by Serena Williams).

Uluru (3 Nights)

Journey from Melbourne: Fly (3 hours).

• OPTION: It is possible to travel by bus from Melbourne to Uluru but the journey is very long and involves multiple stops/ changes, therefore we chose to fly for this leg.

Recommended: 4 day/3 night camping trip with Mulgas Adventures

Given the distance between the sights around Uluru, and a desire to really experience the Outback whilst learning more about aboriginal culture, we opted for a guided tour over 4 days. The tour went to the ‘key things to do’ listed below with the exception of dinner under the stars.

Key Things to Do in Uluru:

• Uluru base walk (guided tours available): explore up to 10km of path around. the base of Uluru, absorbing the enormity and beauty of your surroundings
• Sunset at Uluru: specially located viewing areas allow you to witness the breathtaking colours that appear as the sun sets over this iconic landmark.
• Sunrise over Uluru: see Uluru come to life as the first rays of light appear.
• Kata Tjuja: a series of large, domed rock formations, sacred to the Aboriginal community.
• Kings Canyon: a stunning destination consisting of 300m high sandstone walls amongst which there are hiking trails.
• Mount Conner: nicknamed Fuluru, many people mistake this impressive rock formation for Uluru on first sighting.
• Dinner under the stars: choose from one of three experiences for dining under the magnificent clear sky.

PRO TIP: Bring a fly net and plenty of suncream!

Alice Springs (2 Nights)

Journey from Uluru: Bus (5 hours). The above tour includes an option of drop off in Alice Springs so we chose this for convenience.

• OPTION: Skip Alice Springs and fly from Ayers Rock Airport to Katherine or Darwin (though this is quite expensive).

Key Things to Do in Alice Springs:

• Alice Springs Telegraph Station: a museum showcasing the story of Australia’s connection with the rest of the world through Telegraph Communication in 1871.
• Anzac Hill: climb up for 360-degree views of the town – you really feel you are in the middle of nowhere.
• Wander through the Aboriginal art galleries and book shops.
• Visit the rock wallabies – the best place to see them is Meyers Hill, just before sunset.

PRO TIP: Stay at Alice Secret Travellers Inn – it has a lovely garden and very friendly hosts.

Katherine (2 Nights)

Journey from Alice Springs: Overnight bus (16 hours). This was an adventure, driving through the outback and stopping at BP roadhouses in the middle of nowhere! Our bus was quiet and the seats reclined so you can get some sleep.

Key Things to Do in Katherine:

• Katherine Hot Springs: relax in the natural thermal springs.
• Nitmiluk Gorge: hikes and canoeing among beautiful scenery. It can be difficult to get here without a car – it’s possible to get a taxi but expensive. We stayed at a holiday park and managed to get a lift with someone there, and asked around in the visitor center for a lift back.

PRO TIP: Stay at Riverview Tourist Village for the best chance of organising a lift to Nitmiluk Gorge. The hot springs are a 5 minute walk from here too!

Darwin (4 Nights)

Journey from Katherine: Bus (4 hours) 

Note: Budget accommodation in the centre of Darwin is mostly hostels which seemed quite busy so we stayed at a holiday park a short bus ride out of town which was much quieter.

Key Things to Do in Darwin:

• Waterfront precint: check out the wave pool, saltwater lagoon and inflatable waterpark, or enjoy one of the many cafes and eateries nearby.
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory – learn interesting information about the bombing of Darwin during WW2 and Cyclone Tracy.
• Parap markets: wander the vast array of food, jewellery and craft stalls.
• Mindil Beach sunset markets: taking place on Thursday and Sunday, April – October.
• Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility: understand the history of the RFDS and the WW2 Bombing of Darwin.
• WW2 tunnels: oil storage tunnels built during World War II to protect the oil from Japanese bombing.
• Deckchair outdoor cinema: make sure to check what is on while you’re here.
• Day trip to Litchfield National Park – option to do a jumping croc cruise or visit Fog Dam, before continuing to 3 different waterholes: Florence Falls, Bluey Waterhole and Wangi Falls.

PRO TIP: Visit the WW2 tunnels early in the day. We arrived one hour before the listed closing time but they were already shut!

Cairns (4 Nights)

Journey from Darwin: Flight (3 hours)

Key Things to Do in Cairns:

• Great Barrier Reef: don’t miss the opportunity to admire the vibrant coral and diverse marine life (recommended: small group tour).
• Snorkelling trips to Green Island or Fitzroy Island: visit one or both of these tropical islands off the coast of Cairns.
• Take the bus to beaches further along the coastline, such as Palm Cove.
• Daintree Rainforest: one of the oldest rainforests in the world. You can get here by a joining a group tour daytrip.
• Kuranda: a small village in the rainforest with a few options for hikes, including one to Barron Falls (you can travel to/from Kuranda via the Kuranda Scenic Railway or public bus – we took the bus there and the train back).
• Red Arrow Walking Track: a short hike leading to a great view of Cairns.

PRO TIP: On the Great Barrier Reef, choose to wear a wetsuit as it gets cold after being in the sea for a while. You’ll also be better protected from possible jellyfish stings (not harmful, but not ideal!)

Mission Beach (2 Nights)

Journey from Cairns: Bus (2 hours)

Key Things to Do in Mission Beach:

• Look for Cassowaries: Large, flightless birds most closely related to the emu – the area around Mission Beach is home to one of the highest concentrations of this endangered bird.
• Rent bikes and cycle the coastal trail between different beaches (we used the Bingil Bay Bike Hire service that will drop the bikes to your accommodation).
• Kennedy Walking Track: A 4km track at the end of South Mission Beach, taking you along the coastline and through the forest.
• Bicton Hill: climb up for a great view over Mission Beach.
• Consider staying at Jackaroo Treehouse: a lovely hostel in the middle of the rainforest! It is a bit out of the town centre but there is a shuttle bus to and from town (payment required).

PRO TIP: Check out Acai Hub on the main street – great self serve acai bowls, and ice cream!

Townsville / Magnetic Island (2 Nights)

Journey from Mission Beach: Bus (3.5 hours) (plus 40 minute ferry to Magnetic Island)

Note: We chose to stay in Townsville (it was cheaper and allowed us to break up the journey), but you can stay on Magnetic Island. The bus ends at the ferry terminal in Townsville so it’s easy to jump on the ferry straight away.

Key Things to Do in Magnetic Island:

• Discover the many beaches: we visited Nelly Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay but these are just some examples – see here for a guide.
• Forts Walk: the islands most popular walk due to it being the best chance for spotting wild koalas!
• SS City of Adelaide shipwreck: located in Cockle Bay, this is best to visit at low tide.
• See Rock wallabies at the end of the Old Jetty Road (best early morning or late afternoon).

Key Things To Do In Townsville:

• Walk along the strand: a palm tree lined beach promenade.
• Look at the street art throughout the city.
• Queensland Museum Tropics: learn about the cultural and natural heritage of tropical Queensland.
• Billabong Koala Sanctuary: Australia’s best interactive wildlife experience.

PRO TIP: Hire a Barbie car to get around Magnetic Island (they are automatic) or there is a good bus route.

Airlie Beach (3 Nights)

Journey from Townsville: Bus (4.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Airlie Beach:

• Whitsunday Islands: admire the stunning Whitehaven beach and surrounding clear blue water (recommended: Whitsunday Bullet day trip).
• Airlie Beach Lagoon: a man made lagoon on the beach front for swimming safely.
• Kayaking with sea turtles: take a guided tour or rent a kayak and spot them yourself.
• Jet skiing: there are lots of jet skiing tours available here.
• Hamilton Island (day trip): an alternative or addition to the Whitehaven beach day trip – Hamilton Island is the largest of the Whitsunday Islands with several places to stay and various hikes.
• Skydiving: skydive over the Whitsundays and the surrounding reefs.
• Bicentennial walking track: between Airlie beach and Cannonvale (you could also hire e-scooters).

PRO TIP: If you have the time and budget, you can do overnight sailing tours on the Whitsundays. 

Mackay (1 Night)

Journey from Airlie Beach: Bus (2 hours)

• OPTION: As there is not much to do in Mackay and Rockhampton, you can skip one or both of these and head straight to Agnes Water. We chose to spend a night in each to break up the journey and see some less touristy places on the East Coast.

Key Things to Do in Mackay:

• Bluewater lagoon: 3 tiers of pools and slides overlooking the river (on the weekend it was busy with families but during the week it might be quieter).
• Cape Hillsborough National Park– take part in a sunrise trip to see wallabies and kangaroos on the beach.

PRO TIP: Make sure to check the dates of the Cape Hillsborough day trip in advance, as it only runs on certain days of the week.

Rockhampton (1 Night)

Journey from Mackay: Bus (4.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Rockhampton:

• Riverside Precinct: the main town area to explore.
• Botanic Gardens: one of the oldest public gardens in the country.
• Heritage Village: A museum showcasing the rich history of the Rockhampton district from 1850 – 1950.
• See a free Rodeo show on Wednesday and Friday nights.

PRO TIP: The public buses don’t run on Sunday so make sure you stay close to the main town if you are there on a Sunday.

Agnes Water (2 Nights)

Journey from Rockhampton: Bus (3 hours)

Key Things to Do in Agnes Water:

• Surf Lesson: with plenty of calm waves, Agnes Water is a great place to learn to surf (recommended: Gnarly Surf Tours).
• 1770 LARC! tour: explore beautiful secluded beaches and local national parks by LARCs.
• Rent bikes and cycle to the town of 1770: where Captain James Cook first landed in Queensland. Here, you can head up to Bustard Bay Lookout, or if you prefer, join a sunset or sunrise trip here.
• Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, a short but magical circular walk through tall paperbark trees (recommendation: hire bikes to cycle here as the walk to the start of the trail is along a main road) (CURRENTLY CLOSED as of 2025 – check back for updates).
• Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary: join one of the daily kangaroo feeding sessions.
• Hike the Red Rock Trail (more challenging) or the Discovery Trail (easier).

PRO TIP: Have dinner at Round Hill Road Pizza – delicious pizza at a reasonable price.

Hervey Bay (3 Nights)

Journey from Agnes Water: Bus (4 hours)

Key Things to Do in Hervey Bay:

• K’gari/Fraser Island tour: visit the world’s largest sand island (recommended: Tasman Venture for the less touristy areas – we did this trip and loved it). You can do multiple day tours if you have the time and budget!
• Walk along the coastline path to Urangan Pier and watch the kite surfers.

PRO TIP: Stay in Hervey Bay rather than Rainbow beach, we heard Rainbow beach is not as nice as it sounds.

Noosa (2 Nights)

Journey from Hervey Bay: Bus (4.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Noosa:

• Coastal Walk along Noosa National Park (check out Laguna Lookout, Hells Gates, and the Fairy Pools).
• Hastings Street: wander along this busy street filled with cafes, restaurants and boutiques – next to the main beach.
• Noosa Everglades: one of only two everglades in the world, kayak among rare birds and plants.
• Surf lesson – or hire a board and go to Sunshine Beach (this was much quieter).
• Wander along the river in Noosaville and make sure to check out the Farmer’s market on the weekend.
• Cruise along the Noosa River: choose from a variety of boat trips and set out to enjoy the stunning views.

PRO TIP: Stop at Yo-Chi Frozen Yoghurt Shop – lots of great flavours and toppings.

Brisbane (3 Nights)

Journey from Noosa: Bus (2 hours)

Key Things to Do in Brisbane:

• Walking tour: try this self guided tour around Brisbane, taking in many sights of historical, cultural and architectural importance.
• Hop on a free ferry: admire the city from the river.
• City Botanic Gardens: attractions at the gardens include the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, Riverstage, ornamental ponds and more.
• Victoria Park: try the mini golf which is often themed around events.
• Wander along South Bank: discover parks, galleries, restaurants, cafes and a man-made beach.
• Felons Brewing Co. – a modern brewery on the riverbank under Story Bridge.

PRO TIP: Take the free CityHopper ferry rather than the CityCat which is paid for.

Byron Bay (2 Nights)

Journey from Brisbane: Bus (3.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Byron Bay:

• Cape Byron Walking Track: A 3.7k loop through rainforest and across clifftops, leading you to Cape Byron lighthouse – look out for marine life!
• Tallow Beach: a 7k stretch of sand which is much quieter than the main beach.
• Surf Lesson: if you haven’t already, try learning to surf in Byron Bay!
• Join an aboriginal walking tour: learn about some of Byron Bay’s most significant Aboriginal sites.
• Check out the range of cafes, bars and restaurants.

PRO TIP: The Railway Friendly Bar has free live music every night of the year.

Coffs Harbour (2 Nights)

Journey from Byron Bay: Bus (5 hours)

• OPTION: You can skip this stop, not many travellers seem to stay here, but we enjoyed seeing a town fewer tourists go to.

Key Things to Do in Coffs Harbour:

• Muttonbird Island: a nature reserve which is a great spot for watching birds up close.
• Coffs Harbour Jetty and Jetty Beach
• The Clog Barn: a Dutch owned hotel with a Dutch Model Village.
• Wander around the Botanic Gardens: keep an eye out for Kookaburras.
• Big Banana Fun Park: choose from waterslides, ice skating, mini golf & laser tag (we decided against this but it’s an option to spend an afternoon!)

PRO TIP: Get lunch at The Happy Frog Cafe – the salad bar is great.

Port Macquarie (2 Nights)

Journey from Coffs Harbour: Bus (2.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Port Macquarie:

• Coastal Walk from Town’s Beach to Lighthouse Beach: a beautiful 9km track (one way), and you can get the bus back from Tacking Point Lighthouse.
• Koala Hospital: they have been rescuing and rehabilitating koalas since 1973.
• Kayak on the Hasting’s river at Camp Jordan.
• Stoney Aqua and Action Park (you can get here by public bus except at the weekend).

PRO TIP: Visit the Koala Hospital when the koalas are being fed (between 8.30-9.30am) – they’ll be easier to spot. 

Newcastle (3 Nights)

Journey from Port Macquarie: Bus (3.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Newcastle:

• Newcastle beach: watch, or join the surfers at all times of day!
• Newcastle ocean baths: a free, protected swimming area in the sea.
• Nobbys Lighthouse: an active lighthouse sitting on Nobby’s Headland, this is a lovely walk on a sunny day (keep an eye out for seals or dolphins).
• Fort Scratchley: a historical coastal Fort built in 1882, the museum is free to enter or you can pay for a tour of the tunnels.
• Bogey Hole: a convict dug swimming pool in the sea.
• Merewether ocean baths: similar to Newcastle ocean baths, located at Merewether beach.
• Anzac Memorial Walk: a 450m coastal walkway dedicated to the ANZAC WW1 soldiers – enjoy beautiful views of the sea and over Newcastle.
• Visit the Christ Church Cathedral
• Check out Blackbutt Nature Reserve: a chance to see koalas, wombats, native birds, emus and kangaroos.

PRO TIP: Try the pub quiz at The Commonwealth Pub or music bingo at The Prince of Merewether.

Sydney (5 Nights)

Journey from Newcastle: Bus (2.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Sydney:

• Walking Tour (recommended: I am free walking tour): explore Sydney’s sights and stories with a local guide.
• Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge: must do’s! Decide if you want to climb the bridge or just walk across it at car level.
• Mrs Macquarie’s Chair: a viewpoint offering stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
• The Rocks district: a charming neighbourhood of historic laneways.
• Darling Harbour: a buzzing waterside precinct.
• Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk (either way): a 6km oceanfront walk.
• North Sydney: walk or get the ferry across to North Sydney, checking out Luna Park and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden.
• Manly (a 20 min ferry from Sydney): relax on the beach or walk through the National Park to North Head.
• Watsons Bay (40 min ferry): a pretty seaside town with a coastal walk.
• Blue Mountains Day Trip: a World Heritage region west of Sydney with breathtaking scenery (option to stay in Katoomba if you wish to stay in the Blue Mountains for longer)

PRO TIP: Get an Opal card – it is free and will help save you money on the metro, trains, buses, and ferries. 

Launceston, Tasmania (2 Nights)

Journey from Sydney: Fly (1 hour 45 mins)

Key Things to Do in Launceston:

• Cataract Gorge: a public park with walking tracks, panoramic lookouts, a swimming pool, chairlift and suspension bridge.
• Wander around the town and along the riverfront to the marina.
• Riverbend Park: a recreational area divided into 4 different zones.
• Cradle Mountain Day trip: a beautiful mountain with plenty of trails.

PRO TIP: Stop at Juice Bar 55 on the way back from Cataract Gorge into Launceston – it does really good smoothies using local ingredients!

Hobart, Tasmania (3 Nights)

Journey from Launceston: Bus (3 hours). The bus leaves three times a day – make sure to book at the Launceston Tourist Information Centre if you want to pay by card (or pay cash to the bus driver).

• OPTION: book a Wineglass bay tour that starts in Launceston and ends in Hobart.

Key Things to Do in Hobart:

• Salamanca: a historic and cultural district home to Salamanca Place (restaurants, cafes, bars, shops) and Salamanca Market (every Saturday).
• Battery Point: Hobart’s first suburb, now one of the most fashionable districts.
• Wineglass Bay Day trip: located within Freycinet National park, Wineglass bay is a must-see when in Tasmania and this daytrip combines a journey to the lookout, with the option to see a few other beautiful bays along the coast.
• Mt Wellington/kunanyi day trip: catch the Mount Wellington explorer bus to the top and choose where to stop on the way down – there are many different trails to explore.
• Mount Field National Park, Maria Island or Buny Island day trip

PRO TIP: Bring layers for the top of Mount Wellington – it was freezing when we visited in summer!

Perth (5 nights)

• Journey from Hobart: Fly (5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Perth:

• Coming Soon!

Want to continue your travels after Australia? Read our 6 Week New Zealand Itinerary.

More Travel Tips

Flights:

• Particularly for long haul flights, make sure to book in advance and use Skyscanner to research the best prices.

PRO TIP: Make use of the ‘multi-city’ search option – it’s could be cheaper to spend a night somewhere mid-way to your destination, rather than doing the journey all in one go.

Accommodation:

• Hostelworld is a popular platform among travellers, as it allows you to easily select a hostel (or hotel) appropriate to your needs – you can filter by price, rating, location and a variety of other preferences such as free wifi.
• Booking.com is another great option for finding the best rates on hotels and guesthouses.
• Alternatively, check out Homestay for the opportunity to stay with local hosts and feel more a part of the community.

PRO TIP: Make use of the platform’s loyalty schemes and promotional offers – Booking.com offers a great ‘Genius’ loyalty scheme and with Hostelworld, students receive 8% off each booking!

Activities:

• Viator is a huge travel platform, with more than 300,000 travel experiences, from tours to adrenaline filled adventures. We used Viator for a lot of our travel experiences such as the remote K’gari (Fraser Island) and Whale experience. You can read reviews from other travellers and view all the details you need for your chosen activity.
• Getyourguide is another online marketplace for all things tours, activities and adventures. It’s great because you can enter a certain activity and compare all of the available options – just look at how many choices you have for a Whitsundays sailing adventure!

Saving money:

• Make sure you check out sites such as Workaway, HelpX, Worldpackers and WWOOF for the opportunity to stay with local people and help out with gardening, working in hostels or marketing in exchange for free accommodation and food.
• TrustedHousesitters is a great option for free accommodation in exchange for looking after someone else’s pet(s) while they are away! In Australia, also check out Aussie House Sitters.

PRO TIP: Make sure you read the reviews from other travellers to get a sense of the place you will be staying and what is expected of you. Make sure to personalise your application for each place and state why you want to stay with them.

Stay Connected:

• If you’re lucky, and have a phone that supports the use of e-sims, be sure to check out Airlo for a reliable range of e-sims across multiple countries. We used Airlo sims in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia and found it an effective way to avoid the hassle of finding a Sim card abroad.

Stay Safe:

• It should go without saying that travel insurance is a must on any trip you take. For this trip, we chose to use Go Walkabout, a UK based travel insurance company offering specific working holiday packages. We have also previously used Safety Wing, offering a range of affordable travel insurance policies.