For most adventurers, a trip to Australia is a dream come true. And if you have four weeks in Australia, well, you won’t want to waste a second. With so much to see and do in this vast country—Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and the biggest island on the planet—and the lengths you may go to travel Down Under—it makes sense to not only create a wishlist, but plan a full-on itinerary. That’s where we come in!
Before embarking on a four-week itinerary in Australia, consider the Australian continent’s geography. If you’re a nature lover drawn to remote landscapes, then head to the outback of sparsely populated Western Australia—but be sure to allot time in its super-sunny capital of Perth, a metropolis boasting beaches, botanical gardens, vineyards, and off the coast, an island reserve called Rottnest Island. On the East Coast, between Brisbane and Cairns, you’ll find Australia’s largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, and unlimited opportunities for adventure, from driving the scenic Great Ocean Road to deep-sea diving off the Great Barrier Reef.
And if four weeks in Australia and New Zealand is more the ticket, we’ve got itineraries for that incredible journey, too, including stargazing in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region and bungee jumping in Queenstown, a gorgeous natural wonder that’s truly earned its stripes as the world’s “Adventure Capital.”
Let the itinerary planning begin!
Our top itinerary for four weeks in Australia
Perth to Kalbarri
Start your four-week tour of Australia in sunny Perth. And we do mean sunny—Western Australia’s vibrant capital is one of the sunniest cities in the world! Head north to Nambung National Park to explore The Pinnacles Desert, carving out time to swim at one of the gorgeous beaches. Next up: Jurien Bay Marine Park, where you can snorkel, dive and kayak along the limestone reef, or sand-board down the massive expanse of white sand dunes. Capping off the excursion: a trip through Geraldton to the chill beach town of Kalbarri.
Kalbarri National Park to Shark Bay
Take a short drive to the ancient Kalbarri National Park. Explore the spectacular Skywalk, with two cantilevered structures suspended over Murchison Gorge, and jaw-dropping views that defy the imagination. Hike the Loop Walk and scope out Nature’s Window, an iconic natural attraction formed from Tumblagooda Sandstone. Discuss it all over lunch, then it’s straight on to Shell Beach, composed entirely of white cockle shells—truly a rare phenomenon. End the day in charming Denham, a former pearling town, now the gateway to Shark Bay.
Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
Drive across the Peron Peninsula to the nature reserve, Monkey Mia, to meet the bottlenose dolphins that frequent the shallows. More treasures await as you continue on your Australia itinerary, 4 weeks and counting, including Carnarvon, a tropical haven, and two hours drive south, Hamelin Pool, a marine nature reserve where fascinating stromatolites known as “living fossils” await. Continue along the highway to Coral Bay, a scenic coastline known for its manta rays, white sand beaches, and red outback desert.
Coral Bay to Yardie Creek
Head to picturesque Coral Bay, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ningaloo Reef, famous for its humongous whale sharks. Take a snorkeling or diving tour in the pristine waters or cruise the reef in a glass-bottom boat offering a front-row seat to the coral formations and marine life below. Later, drive to the campsite at Yardie Creek in Cape Range National Park, where you can take a nature walk or boat tour and explore Yardie Creek Gorge, with its enormous cliffs, wildlife, and astonishing views.
Exmouth and Cape Range National Park
Drive from Exmouth to Cape Range National Park, a snorkelers’ nirvana, offering a window to over 500 species of fish and 220 species of coral. Next, head to the hilltop Vlamingh Head Lighthouse with sensational views of the Indian Ocean, but time it right—it’s one of the few places in Australia where you can watch the sun both rise and set. Wander the seaside town of Exmouth before settling down in a permanent campsite.
Karijini National Park
Head inland through the vast cattle-grazing stations of the dry, red-earth Pilbara region. Pass through the little mining town of Tom Price, nicknamed “Top Town in Western Australia” thanks to its position as the country’s highest town above sea level. Spend the night at a campsite overlooking the Hamersley Range, a natural wonder in Karijini, notable for its ancient canyons, gorges, and rocks, plus Mount Bruce, Western Australia’s second-highest peak.
Discover the full itinerary here: West Coast Discovery (From Perth to Darwin)
Four-week itinerary for Australia and New Zealand
Melbourne
Start your sightseeing at gorgeous Fitzroy Gardens, the city’s most historic gardens, then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, renowned for its plant diversity and scenic lakes. Next, it’s on to the Victorian Arts Center, famous for its architecture, as well as its performance spaces. Enjoy dinner at one of the local standout restaurants—Melbourne’s innovative food and drink scene is without equal—then browse Chapel and Brunswick Streets for vintage finds and designer clothing.
Cairns
Fly to the coastal city of Cairns and spend a day relaxing in this tropical paradise. Catch some rays and enjoy year-round swimming at Palm Bay, explore the splendor of Cairns Botanical Gardens, or nearby Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest, where you can zipline, hike, or hop on a river cruise—the options are endless!
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the rewards of spending four weeks in Australia and New Zealand? A trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef—definitely the experience of a lifetime. Board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Reefs where you can snorkel, scuba-dive, and swim among turtles and fish in this dazzling underwater world. Or take a glass-bottom boat tour and view the reef’s brilliant beauty without taking the plunge.
Sydney
Fly to Australia’s largest and most famous city. First stop: the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning architectural masterpiece. Want a peek of the performance spaces? Take a guided tour—or score tickets to a show. Next, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone landmark within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney beckons—the perfect photo-op with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Visit beautiful Bondi Beach (surfing, anyone?) then hop on a Sydney Harbour cruise and enjoy postcard-worthy vistas.
Christchurch
Fly to Christchurch, a must-visit when spending four weeks in Australia and New Zealand. Divided by the Avon River, it’s the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Travel south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a hiker’s heaven named after New Zealand’s highest peak. If weather permits, join a stargazing tour—the Mount Cook region has some of the darkest skies in the world, perfect for viewing the southern night sky with the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes.
Queenstown
Start the day at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, spotlighting the history and culture of the Aoraki/Mount Cook region—and don’t sleep on the domed digital planetarium. Then enjoy the adrenaline rush of Queenstown, dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” There’s no limit to the exciting activities on offer, from bungee jumping, jet-boat rides, skydiving, and canyoning, to snow sports.
Discover the full itinerary here: The Complete South Pacific: Melbourne to Queenstown
