Days 1–3 · Sydney
Opera House and harbour cruise, Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and a day in the Blue Mountains.
Australia travel guide
Australia Holiday Packages & Travel Guide
Australia is a continent of long distances and very different climates, so the order and season of your route matters more than anywhere else. This guide covers a proven Sydney–Uluru–Cairns circuit, realistic costs, entry requirements for overseas visitors and when to travel to each region. Our Sydney consultants tailor it for domestic holidays and for family and friends visiting from overseas.
A classic 10-day Australia itinerary
Sydney, the Red Centre and Tropical North Queensland, connected by domestic flights. Runs as a small-group departure or as a private self-drive and touring combination.
Day 4 · Flight to Uluru
Sunset over Uluru with sparkling wine and canapés.
Day 5 · Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Sunrise base walk with an Anangu cultural guide, then the Valley of the Winds.
Days 6–7 · Cairns
Full-day outer Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkelling, and Kuranda by scenic railway and Skyrail.
Day 8 · Daintree & Cape Tribulation
The world's oldest rainforest, Mossman Gorge and a Daintree River cruise.
Days 9–10 · Free time and departure
Beach day at Palm Cove or a Port Douglas add-on before your flight home.
More ideas on the Australia destination page.
What this holiday costs
Domestic flights Sydney–Uluru–Cairns
From around $550 per person for the two sectors
10-day escorted package (land only)
From $3,499 per person, twin share
Hotels, 4-star
Roughly $220–$380 per room per night, higher at Uluru
Great Barrier Reef day cruise
Around $250–$320 per adult including gear and lunch
Meals and daily spending
Allow $100–$170 per person per day
All figures are indicative guides in Australian dollars for planning only. Final pricing depends on your travel dates, airline, hotel category, group size, exchange rates and availability at the time of booking, and is confirmed in writing before you pay.
Best time to travel
Summer · December to February
Peak beach season in the south. The tropical north is hot, wet and has marine stingers; the Red Centre is very hot for walking.
Autumn · March to May
Warm settled weather in Sydney and Melbourne and the start of the northern dry season — an excellent all-round window.
Winter · June to August
The best time for Cairns, the Reef, Darwin and Uluru: dry, clear and mild. Snow season in the Victorian and NSW alps.
Spring · September to November
Wildflowers in Western Australia, whale watching along the east coast and comfortable temperatures almost everywhere.
Seasonal dates shift each year with the weather; we track the forecasts and advise on departure dates before you commit.
Visa and entry tips
- Australian citizens and permanent residents need no visa; bring photo ID for domestic flights.
- Most overseas visitors need an ETA or eVisitor authorisation before departure — it is applied for online and usually issued quickly.
- Australia has strict biosecurity rules: declare all food, plant and animal products on arrival.
- Domestic flights and remote-area accommodation sell out in school holidays; we book those legs first.
Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and with Smartraveller before you travel. We assist with documentation but cannot guarantee entry decisions.
Ready to plan your Australian holiday?
Tell us your dates, travellers and which regions matter most. Our Sydney consultants sequence the route around the seasons, book the domestic flights and secure the Reef and Uluru experiences early.