18 days in Australia Itinerary

A low-rise, laid-back town of approximately 4,500 inhabitants, Margaret River serves as an ideal local base to explore the surrounding wine region.

Popular historic sites such as Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse are in your itinerary. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Hamelin Bay and Gnarabup Beach. Get out of town with these interesting Margaret River side-trips: Meelup Beach (in Dunsborough), Yallingup Beach (in Yallingup) and Jewel Cave (in Augusta). There's still lots to do: Head underground at Mammoth Cave.

For traveler tips, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, read our Margaret River online tour itinerary planner.

Doha, Qatar to Margaret River is an approximately 20-hour combination of flight and bus. Traveling from Doha to Margaret River, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) so you can go by car to Albany.

Founded as a military outpost in 1826, Albany is the oldest town in Western Australia, just barely gaining this title by being settled two years earlier than Fremantle and Perth.

On the 21st (Sat), kick back and relax at Little Beach, examine the collection at National Anzac Centre, and then kick back and relax at Middleton Beach. On the 22nd (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at Albany's Historic Whaling Station and then stroll through Greens Pool.

To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, go to the Albany trip app.

You can drive from Margaret River to Albany in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. In December, daily temperatures in Albany can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to travel to Kangaroo Island.

Abandoned by Aborigines a few thousand years ago, Kangaroo Island attracts over 140,000 visitors each year.

Step off the beaten path and head to Seal Bay Conservation Park and Off-Road Tours. The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Raptor Domain, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Kangaroo Island Spirits, and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Flinders Chase National Park.

For maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Kangaroo Island driving holiday planner.

Traveling by flight from Albany to Kangaroo Island takes 10.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, ferry, and taxi. Traveling from Albany to Kangaroo Island, you'll lose 1.5 hours due to the time zone difference. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to travel to Hobart.

Snaking up the side of a rounded, tree-dotted hill, Hobart sits between Tasmania’s sprawling mountains and the vast estuary of the River Derwent.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Battery Point Sculpture Trail and Richmond Gaol. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Hobart Convict Penitentiary and Constitution Dock. Venture out of the city with trips to The Neck (in Bruny Island) and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (in Brighton). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Mawson's Hut Replica Museum, engage your brain at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Cascade Brewery, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Wellington.

To find traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Hobart trip maker site.

Fly from Kangaroo Island to Hobart in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, ferry, bus, and train. The time zone changes from Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), which is usually a 0.5 hour difference. In December, daytime highs in Hobart are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to travel to Gold Coast.

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): browse the exhibits of Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, browse the different shops at Robina Town Centre, thenenjoy the sand and surf at Burleigh Heads Beach, and finally explore the striking landscape of Burleigh Head National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll through Kurrawa Beach, kick back and relax at Coolangatta Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kirra Beach.

To see photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Gold Coast trip planner.

You can fly from Hobart to Gold Coast in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus, ferry, and train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Hobart in December: high temperatures in Gold Coast hover around 32°C and lows are around 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Australian National Maritime Museum and Australian Centre for Photography. You'll get in some beach time at Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. There's lots more to do: take a stroll through The Rocks, visit Darling Harbour, tour the pleasant surroundings at Bondi to Coogee Walk, and take in the dramatic natural features at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Sydney trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Gold Coast to Sydney takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.