12 month trip around australia itinerary

Australia is a country that is overflowing with natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for beaches and rainforests, rocky outcrops and raging rivers, or just some good old-fashioned Australian wildlife, there’s something for everyone in this vast land. And if you want to explore it all, planning a 12-month trip around Australia is the way to go. Not only will this give you plenty of time to see everything you want, but it will also allow you to experience the various regions in depth. Here’s an itinerary of our 12-month trip around Australia that should help get you started. Happy travels!

Arrival in Australia

When you arrive in Australia, the best way to acclimatize is by spending a few days outdoors in the sun. Take a drive out to the Gold Coast, or head up to Cairns for some whale watching. Once you’re ready to get your travel groove on, start planning your month-long itinerary!

Australia is a massive country with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for bustling cities, natural wonders, or simply some great Australian food, there’s something for everyone on this trip around Australia itinerary. Here are just a few of the highlights:

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic buildings and definitely worth a visit if you’re in Sydney during your trip around Australia. Head up to Wollongong for some surfing and then continue down the coast for some beautiful beaches. In Melbourne, take a walk down Melbourne Street and check out Crown Casino before stopping in at The Heineken Brewery for some good old-fashioned Aussie drinking culture.

If you’re in Canberra during your trip around Australia, be sure to visit the National Museum of Australia where you can explore everything from Aboriginal art to traditionalweapons from all over Asia. Head up into Queensland for beautiful scenery and enjoy some good fishing in Bundaberg before ending your trip in Brisbane. There’s so much to see and do on this month-long itinerary that it’s hard to know where to start!

Perth

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, located on the Swan River. The city has a population of just over 600,000 people and is known for its beautiful architecture and natural surroundings.

While in Perth you can visit the Perth Observatory, which was built in 1837 and is one of the oldest observatories in Australia. You can also explore the city’s many cultural centres, such as Town Hall and Parliament House. If you’re looking to take some time out from all the city action, head to Rottnest Island for a day of camping, swimming, fishing and discovery.

Overall, Perth is an interesting and beautiful place to visit and it’s well worth spending some time here if you’re travelling around Australia.

Adelaide

Adelaide is the largest city in the state of South Australia, and the capital. The city was founded in 1836 as part of a British settlement project. Today, Adelaide is known for its wine, beaches, festivals, and cultural activities.

Leaving Adelaide and heading north on Highway 1 takes you to Port Augusta. This town was once a busy port and is now home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Museum of Australian History. Continuing north on Highway 1 leads to Ceduna. This town is known for its mining history and for its spectacular sand dunes. Ceduna also has many good beaches close by.

At Ayers Rock, you’ll find one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. The rock is located about 300 miles (480 km) northeast of Adelaide and can be seen from many locations throughout the state. Ayers Rock is also home to Aboriginal art and ancient burial sites.

From Ayers Rock you can continue your journey on Highway 1 or take a detour to visit some other nearby attractions, such as Hamilton Island or Mclaren Vale. When you’re ready to head back south, take the coast road back down to Adelaide and drive through some of the state’s beautiful coastal towns before arriving back at your accommodation zone in time for dinner.

Melbourne

Australia is a country of vast landscapes, diverse cultures, and abundant wildlife. It’s easy to see why this nation has been called the “Land Down Under.” In this month trip around Australia itinerary, you’ll explore the enchanting cities of Melbourne and Sydney as well as otherworldly national parks like Kakadu National Park and Uluru. You’ll also enjoy some adventures in beach towns like Cairns and Airlie Beach, and sample the local cuisine in each locale. This trip will leave you feeling inspired to visit Australia again soon!

The Great Ocean Road

If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect picture of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is a must-see. Spanning from Melbourne to Adelaide, this 227-mile stretch of coast is lined with stunning ocean views and quaint fishing villages.

Start your journey in Melbourne and take in the city’s world-famous landmarks like the Victoria Cross Memorial and Shrine of Remembrance. Drive out to Fishermans Bend for some great seafood eating and admiring the peaceful bay waters. Continue on to Torquay for more fantastic seafood restaurants, boutique shopping, and stunning coastal views.

Head inland towards Mount Gambier, where you can explore lively town squares and lush gardens before continuing on to Adelaide. Here, you can take in some of the city’s most famous landmarks like King George Square and Government House before ending your trip at one of Adelaide’s many beaches or vineyards.

Uluru National Park

Uluru National Park is located in the central part of Australia and it is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The park covers an area of more than 2,900 square kilometers and it is home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world. Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large monolith that rises more than 1,000 meters above the surrounding desert. The monument is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy its natural beauty and appreciate its fascinating history.

Another remarkable attraction in Uluru National Park is Kata Tjuta National Park, which lies to the north of the rock. This park contains some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, including vast sandstone formations and deep gorges. Kata Tjuta National Park is also home to several endangered species of animals, including the oncilla and kangaroo.

The other major attractions in Uluru National Park include Kings Canyon, which contains some of Australia’s most stunning waterfalls; Watson’s Well, a holy site where Aboriginal people believe that spirits dwell; and Glenmary Falls, one of Australia’s largest waterfalls. There are also numerous camping sites available in Uluru National Park, making it an ideal place for tourists who want to spend a weekend exploring its many attractions.

Sydney

Sydney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. The city has an impressive number of attractions and landmarks that are worth visiting, including the Sydney Opera House, which was built in 1853 and is one of the iconic symbols of Sydney. Other places worth checking out include the Royal Botanic Gardens and Museum, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. There are also a lot of interesting historical sites in Sydney, like Circular Quay and The Rocks. If you’re looking for something more outdoorsy, head to Kings Park or Watsons Bay.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a vibrant, multicultural city full of history and culture. From its colonial days to the present day, Brisbane has seen a lot of change. The city is now known for its vibrant nightlife and abundance of restaurants and cafes.

If you’re looking for an outdoorsy adventure, check out the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. Both have great beaches and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Shopping in Brisbane is also great, with plenty of high-end stores and boutiques. If you’re looking for some relaxation, head to Kangaroo Point or Strathpine for a stroll on the beach or a paddle in the waves.

Tasmania

Tasmania is a place that feels like it belongs in a completely different continent. It’s remote, rugged and has an abundance of natural beauty. You can explore the stunningly scenic landscapes or take part in some of Tasmania’s unique attractions, such as the infamous Lighthouse Bay penguin colony. Make sure to check out Hobart, the state capital and home to many quirky museums and relaxed cafes. If you have time left over, head down to Victoria for some more amazing scenery and interesting attractions.

The Pacific Islands

Australia has an endless array of landscapes and cultures, all waiting to be explored. The southernmost state of Tasmania is a world away from the rest of Australia and offers stunningly beautiful landscapes, including the snow-capped mountains of Mount Wellington. The Australian outback is a place where you can find immense deserts, vast grasslands and towering cliffs. Northern Queensland is home to the beautiful coral reef system, while New South Wales features lush rainforests and imposing snowcapped mountains. Sydney is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world, but there are also plenty of smaller towns and villages that are perfect for exploring on your own.

Australia’s tropical islands offer a welcome respite from its often harsh environment. The Pacific Islands are renowned for their stunning beaches and crystal clear water, as well as their rich cultural heritage. Some of Australia’s most famous island destinations include Cairns in Far North Queensland, Fiji’s Yasawa Islands and Tonga’s Ha’apai Island. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenalin-pumping adventure, Australia has something for everyone.

Canberra

If you’re looking for a short break in Australia, travel around the country’s major cities might not be the best idea – Sydney and Melbourne are both over 3 hours away from Canberra. In fact, if you want to enjoy some of the country’s natural wonders without being too far away from civilization, I’d recommend traveling around the south-eastern corner of Australia. This is where you’ll find some of the country’s most stunningly beautiful countryside, and small towns that are perfect for relaxing and getting a taste of Australian life.

To get started on your month-long trip around Australia, fly into Melbourne and take a few days to explore its vibrant neighborhoods before hopping on a bus or train to head down to regional Victoria. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore vineyards, wineries and lakeside villages.

Things start to get more interesting after Victoria – stay on the bus or train as it makes its way up the east coast towards Tasmania. As you drive past rugged coastline and rolling farmland, it becomes easy to see why Tasmania was once known as “The Isle of Paradise”.

Once in Tasmania, it’s time to switch gears and head back towards Melbourne. This time, take the ferry across Bass Strait to arrive in Launceston – Tasmania’s second largest city. If you’ve got time left after exploring this charming city, take another bus or train down towards Hobart (the state capital) before flying back home!

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living coral reef on Earth and home to over 2,000 different species of fish, including some of the world’s most famous dive sites. The reef stretches for more than 2,300km along the Queensland coast and is made up of over 1,400 individual reefs and islands. The best way to see the reef is by boat, which can take you to some of its most beautiful and untouched areas. There are many operators who offer day trips and longer cruises that allow you to see all the highlights of the reef.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a dusty, dry and red town in the heart of the outback of Australia. The town is known for its desert landscape, Aboriginal rock art and its inhabitants – the Arrernte people. Alice Springs was founded in 1872 by three Englishmen who named it after Lady Alice FitzRoy, wife of the Duke of Wellington. The town’s population peaked at over 30,000 in the 1940s but has since declined to around 10,000.

The main attractions in Alice Springs are the outback museum featuring Aboriginal art and artefacts from all over Australia and dinosaur footprints at the palaeontology centre. There are also numerous pubs and clubs where you can enjoy a drink or listen to live music.

Uluru/Ayers Rock

Uluru is a natural wonder that is found in the Northern Territory. The rock formation, which is about 2400 feet high and 18 miles long, is said to be one of the most photographed things in Australia. It can be reached by car or on foot and there are plenty of tour options available to get a good view of Uluru. Ayers Rock is also known as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and it covers an area of about 373 square kilometers. The park receives around 1 million visitors each year and it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance if you want to visit during peak season (August-January).

Darwin

In March, I took a month-long trip around Australia. This was my third time visiting the continent, and it was definitely my favorite trip to date. Here’s a breakdown of what I did:

I started in Melbourne, where I visited the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Parliament House. These are both amazing sightseeing spots, and worth a visit if you’re ever in Melbourne.

From Melbourne, I drove south to Sydney. Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen – especially at night! There are lots of great restaurants and street markets to explore, and it’s a great place to stay if you’re planning on spending some time in Sydney.

After spending some time in Sydney, I hopped on a boat and sailed down the coast to Campbelltown – one of Australia’s most charming towns. From there, I drove back up to Sydney for a few days before flying out of town.

Overall, this was an awesome trip – worth taking if you’re ever planning on visiting Australia!

Cape York Peninsula

The Cape York Peninsula is a long and narrow landmass that extends for more than 600 miles along the north-east coast of Queensland, Australia. The peninsula is home to some of the most rugged and remote coastline in Australia, making it one of the best places to explore off the beaten track.

One of the best ways to explore the peninsula is by spending a month travelling around its various districts. This itinerary will take you on a journey from the tropical beaches of Cairns to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Isa, passing through natural beauty such as rainforest and mangroves on the way.

There are plenty of activities available in each district, whether you want to spend your days swimming, fishing or hiking through pristine wilderness. If you’re looking for something less strenuous, try exploring some of Cairns’ fascinating heritage sites or taking in a show at one of its vibrant nightlife venues. Whatever you do, make sure to let Cape York’s unique charm fill your heart and mind for the rest of your trip!

Torres Strait Islands

Australia’s Torres Strait Islands are a short distance from Queensland and offer many of the same attractions as its more populous neighbor. The islands are known for their natural beauty, including beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can find plenty of activities to enjoy on the islands including scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, cycling, and fishing. If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation with plenty of opportunity to explore, the Torres Strait Islands are an ideal destination.