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Our Top 9 Itineraries for Visiting Australia for the First Time

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Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

With diverse landscapes and experiences, our top nine Australia itineraries for first-timers will walk you through vibrant cities, ancient outbacks, and pristine coastlines.

When planning your adventure to the best places to visit in Australia for the first time, you'll need to decide which iconic destinations to prioritize. Sydney's harbor and the Great Barrier Reef offer iconic scenery, the red sands of Uluru demonstrate the wonders of nature, while Melbourne exudes culture. Whether you're a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, our tours are designed to showcase the country’s charm and offer relaxation and excitement.

Extraordinary travel begins with a human touch and our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider visiting Australia for the first time, use the following itineraries as a guide before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Overview
  1. 1. Experience the Essentials of Australia for 14 Days
  2. 2. Stunning Beauty of Australia: 20-Day Highlights Tour
  3. 3. Best of Australia in Two Weeks Tour: Cities, Ocean, and Outback
  4. 4. Highlights of Australia Tour for Seniors
  5. 5. 10-Day Highlights of Australia: City to Desert
  6. 6. Personalized Best of Australia Tour
  7. 7. Incredible Australian Family Vacation
  8. 8. Private Australia Tour for Families with Teenagers
  9. 9. Discover the Coast, Rainforests, and Outback of Australia in 18 Days
  10. Plan Your First Trip to Australia

1. Experience the Essentials of Australia for 14 Days

Uluru.

Uluru Mountains, Australia.

Length: 14 Days

Places visited: Port Douglas, Cairns, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Melbourne, Sydney

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Our Experience the Essentials of Australia for 14 Days itinerary offers a well-balanced mix of natural wonders, culture, and urban exploration. In Port Douglas, enjoy a private yacht tour of the Great Barrier Reef, where our expert guides will take you to hidden snorkeling spots and introduce you to the reef's vibrant marine life. Join our exclusive sunrise walk in Uluru to watch the monolith come alive as the sun rises over the desert landscape. Our indigenous guide will share the ancient stories and secrets of this sacred site. At sunset, gather around a campfire in the heart of the Outback, where our chef will prepare a gourmet BBQ under the stars. Our expert guides, carefully curated activities, and exclusive access to hidden gems will make this journey truly unforgettable as each day balances guided exploration with personal discovery time to ensure you yourself in Australia's beauty, indigenous heritage, and contemporary culture.

2. Stunning Beauty of Australia: 20-Day Highlights Tour

Kangaroo.

Kangaroo.

Length: 20 Days

Places visited: Sydney, Freycinet National Park, Hobart, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Wine Region, Uluru, Kata

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

What sets Zicasso’s Stunning Beauty of Australia: 20-Day Highlights Tour apart is its emphasis on meaningful interactions with the land, its people, and its culture. The trip is designed to let you soak in the spiritual essence of the country at Uluru through intimate Aboriginal cultural workshops and spectacular desert sunsets. Witness the majestic beauty of Kangaroo Island's wildlife, sample some of the world's finest wines in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley, and discover the secrets of Tasmania's historic sites and natural wonders. You’ll be experiencing the heart and soul of Australia as you cruise through Sydney's harbor, hike the majestic Blue Mountains, and indulge in the rich flavors of Yarra Valley wine country.

3. Best of Australia in Two Weeks Tour: Cities, Ocean, and Outback

Wine Farm.

Wine Farm, Barossa Valley, Australia.

Length: 14 Days

Places Visited: Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, Perth, Melbourne, Margaret River

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

What makes our Best of Australia in Two Weeks Tour: Cities, Ocean, and Outbook unforgettable is the way it seamlessly mixes iconic landmarks with authentic local connections. Snorkel through the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef to connect with local marine life and visit indigenous communities that have called this place home for thousands of years. When you're learning about Aboriginal traditions, you’ll find a culture deeply rooted in the land and its people. Witness the majestic desert sunset at Uluru as you learn about Dreamtime stories and the spiritual significance of this sacred site. Sample fine wines in the Barossa Valley and meet local winemakers to uncover the artisanal processes that go into creating these world-class vintages.

4. Highlights of Australia Tour for Seniors

Sydney.

Harbor Bridge, Sydney

Length: 14 Days

Places visited: Melbourne, Uluru, Alice Springs, Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Blue Mountains

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Zicasso’s Highlights of Australia Tour for Seniors offers a relaxed and enjoyable exploration of the country's most breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. It prioritizes comfort and flexibility, allowing you to take your time and soak up the sights and experiences that matter to you. Stroll through Melbourne's vibrant laneways, discovering street art and galleries as you enjoy the city's coffee culture. Explore the majestic Red Center of Uluru, learning about the sacred stories and traditions of the Anangu people, and watch the sunset over the vast desert expanse. We've carefully crafted this tour to cater to seniors' needs, with flexible scheduling and accessible transportation options that ensure you can enjoy every moment of your journey. Take a leisurely boat ride through the Great Barrier Reef, spotting marine life and coral formations from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, or watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour, taking in wonderful views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

5. 10-Day Highlights of Australia: City to Desert

Snorkeling.

Snorkeling experience, Great Barrier Reef.

Length: 10 Days

Places visited: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Three Sisters, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Melbourne

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Our 10-Day Highlights of Australia: City to Desert tour is an action-packed adventure that takes you on a thrilling journey through Australia's most iconic destinations. From the moment you arrive in Sydney, you'll be immersed in the city's vibrant energy with a visit to the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture. You'll visit a community to learn about the history and traditions of the Anangu people and see firsthand the beautiful art and crafts that are an integral part of their heritage. You'll also get up close and personal with kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitats, snorkel through the colorful coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, and stargaze in the Outback under a night sky filled with twinkling stars. With a balanced pace between adventure and leisure, you'll have time to relax and take in the breathtaking views without feeling rushed.

6. Personalized Best of Australia Tour

Koala.

Koala in Australia.

Length: 15 Days

Places visited: Port Douglas, Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Our Personalized Best of Australia itinerary is designed to take you on a comprehensive journey through three distinct regions, each with its own character and charm. Stroll through Melbourne's lively streets to view street art and watch the world go by in cafés as you experience the city's renowned cultural scene. Explore the coastal beauty of Port Douglas, snorkeling through the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef and watching the sunset over the vast Outback. This personalized itinerary is all about blending city experiences with nature. You'll watch koalas in their natural habitat in the Yarra Valley and witness the dramatic color changes of Uluru. You'll also sail Sydney Harbour and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Great Ocean Road, not to mention experience the rich cultural heritage of Australia's indigenous people.

7. Incredible Australian Family Vacation

Bondi Beach.

Bondi Beach, Australia.

Length: 16 Days

Places visited: Sydney, Hobart, Kingscote, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Baird Bay, Lake Gairdner

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

An Incredible Australian Family Vacation will have you and your loved ones balancing urban exploration with wildlife encounters and natural wonders. From Sydney's harbor and surfing lessons at Bondi Beach to Tasmania's wildlife sanctuaries, Kangaroo Island's sea lions to the Outback, it incorporates activities for all ages. Participate in hands-on experiences that will connect you to Australia's natural beauty and wildlife conservation efforts. From becoming wildlife keepers for a day to helping at a turtle rehabilitation center, your interactions will connect you with the country's landscapes, animals, and marine life.

8. Private Australia Tour for Families with Teenagers

Camel.

Camel riding experience, Australia.

Length: 12 Days

Places visited: Sydney, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Round up your teens for Zicasso’s Private Australia Tour for Families with Teenagers for an adventure designed to engage you and your youngsters. Take surfing lessons at Sydney's Bondi Beach and camel rides at sunrise at Uluru, spot crocodiles in Daintree Rainforest, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Hayman Island to discover Australia's diverse landscapes. This itinerary will also see you and your children learning about Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and encountering iconic wildlife as you balance adventure with leisure time and educational elements like wildlife encounters and rainforest exploration, all the while creating lasting family memories in spectacular settings.

9. Discover the Coast, Rainforests, and Outback of Australia in 18 Days

Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountains, Australia.

We're passionate about our Discover the Coast, Rainforests, and Outback of Australia in 18 Days tour. From the cosmopolitan streets of Sydney to the pristine beaches of Hamilton Island, the majestic Blue Mountains to the spiritual heart of Uluru, what makes this a top tour is the way it blends urban sophistication with its natural wonders. You'll have the chance to explore the rugged beauty of the Outback, the vibrant culture of cities, and the stunning natural scenery of the coast and rainforests. Whether you're sailing through Sydney Harbour, snorkeling through the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, or immersing yourself in the rich traditions of the Aboriginal people, every moment is a chance to experience the authentic spirit of Australia. Witness the breathtaking Field of Lights installation at Uluru, sample some of the world's finest wines in the Yarra Valley, and explore the stunning scenery of the Great Ocean Road on a trip that will leave you with myriad memories.

Plan Your First Trip to Australia

Australia.

National Park in Australia.

Australia's vastness and diversity demand thoughtful itinerary planning, especially if you are first-time visitors. Whether you choose a focused two-week exploration of essential highlights or an extended journey through multiple regions, these tours provide excellent starting points that can be customized to match your interests, pace preferences, and travel style.

For more detailed information about traveling Down Under, explore our comprehensive Australia travel guide. It features expert advice, seasonal travel tips, and insider recommendations for making the most of your Australian adventure. For further inspiration, take a look at our Australia tours and vacations.

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