Australia - Suggested Itineraries

Australia's size and its distance from Northern Hemisphere destinations are the two most daunting things about planning a visit. It's a long way to come for just a week, but if that's all you can spare, you still want to see as much as possible. While our inclination is to immerse ourselves in one spot, we're aware that not everyone wants to do that. Seeing as much as you can is often a priority.

Australia is a complex and fascinating place, merging ancient Aboriginal culture with modern life. You'll learn a lot in a week or two but will have just scraped the surface of this vast nation.

If you're a first-time visitor, with only 1 or 2 weeks, you may find these two itineraries most helpful: Australia in 1 Week or Australia in 2 Weeks. These itineraries can be shifted around to suit your needs; you could substitute the Cairns section of Australia in 1 Week for the Uluru/Red Centre suggestions in Australia in 2 Weeks, flying from Sydney to Uluru.

If you've been to Australia before, or have already visited our major icons -- Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, or Uluru (Ayers Rock) -- you might want to focus on another aspect of the country. You may even want to head out West to see the lesser-known, but very rewarding, parts of the country. If you're bringing your family with you, our Australia for Kids itinerary may give you some ideas to keep the young ones occupied (at the same time entertaining their parents).

You might also review our "Best ofs" to see what experiences or sights have special appeal to you, and adjust the itineraries to suit your own interests.
Getting around this vast continent, where the major attractions are thousands of miles apart, is daunting and time-consuming. Flying is the only way to cover long distances efficiently, but unfortunately it can also be expensive. Remember to allow flying time in your itineraries and don't try to pack too much in on the days you fly -- even domestic flights can be around 3 hours, and can be draining.

Our best advice is to take a tip from Australians: If the pace gets too hectic, just chill out and reorder your sightseeing priorities. Take time to meet the locals and ask their advice on what you should see as well.

In One Week
Impossible! Australia is so vast that in 1 week, only a small corner of it -- perhaps one city or a few of the natural wonders -- will be all you get in such a short time. It will be memorable, nevertheless, and careful planning will maximize your time and allow you to see some of the major sights.

Use the following itinerary to make the most out of a week in Australia, but make sure you don't exhaust yourself trying to cram everything in. Australians are a laid-back lot, generally, and in some places the pace is relaxed. And that's just the way to enjoy it. One week provides barely enough time to see the best of Sydney, which for most people is the entry point to Australia. Your first view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House may well be from the air as your plane comes in. It's a spectacular introduction to a great city.

If you have only a week and want to head farther afield, there are two main choices, depending on your interests. The Great Barrier Reef is a "must" for divers, but don't forget that you must allow time either side of your reef trip for flying. There are no such problems with Australia's other icon, Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the heart of the Red Centre. This triangle, of course, is something of a cliché, but still gives you a complete Australian experience. Realistically, you will have to choose between the Reef and the Rock, or choose not to scuba dive while you are in Queensland.

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Sydney

Check into your hotel and spend whatever time you have after arrival recovering from almost-guaranteed jet lag. If you arrive in the morning and have a full day ahead of you, try to stay up and hit the nearest cafe for a shot of caffeine to keep you going. Head to Circular Quay and from there get a fantastic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge, before strolling to the Sydney Opera House and soaking up some history at The Rocks. If you have time, you can take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly beach to round off a fairly easy day with fish and chips, then head to bed for some much-needed sleep.

Start Day 2 with a ride to the top of the Sydney Tower to experience Sydney's newest and highest open-air attraction, Skywalk, a breathtaking 260m (853 ft.) above Sydney. Harnessed onto a moving, glass-floored viewing platform that extends out over the edge of the tower, you can view of all Sydney landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and all the way to the Blue Mountains. And it's not actually as scary as it sounds. Sydney Tower has several attractions, including OzTrek -- a simulator ride the kids will love. For an introduction to Australia's wildlife, head to Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Aquarium. If you enjoy museums, put the Australia Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, and the interactive Powerhouse Museum on your list for the day. For an insight into Sydney's beginnings as a convict settlement, visit the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, a convict-built prison. Finish off your day with a twilight (or later at weekends) BridgeClimb or take the kids to Luna Park, a small and fairly traditional amusement park that's at its best at night. For information about all these attractions, see chapter 4.

Day 3: A day trip to the Blue Mountains

Take the train from Central Station to Katoomba for a day, exploring the beauty of the Blue Mountains, 2 hours from Sydney. Once there, jump on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, which allows you to hop on and off wherever you please. There are also many day-tour operators running to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Whichever mode of transport you use, don't miss the spectacular Three Sisters rock formations, best viewed from Echo Point Road at Katoomba.

The adventurous might prefer to take a tour from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves, about a 90-minute drive southwest. Nine caves are open for exploration, and you can take canyoning tours of between 3 hours and a full day. Head back to Sydney and have dinner somewhere with a view of the harbor. For information about how to get to the Blue Mountains, where to eat, where to stay, and what to see, refer to chapter 5.

Day 4: Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

On Day 4, take the earliest flight you can from Sydney to Cairns -- flight time is 3 hours -- and check into a hotel in the city, which on such a tight schedule will make getting to the major attractions quicker and easier than staying on the northern beaches, out of town. Explore the city a little and to see some wildlife -- including a massive saltwater crocodile -- in the bizarre setting of the Cairns Rainforest Dome, atop the Hotel Sofitel Reef Casino. You will have time the rest of the day to head out to visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. If you are not going to the Red Centre, this is a great place to learn about Aboriginal culture and life, albeit in a theme-park kind of way. You could spend several hours here, or save the visit for the evening, when Tjapukai by Night tours give a different look at traditional ceremonies, including dinner and a fire-and-water outdoor show.

Day 5: A day trip to the Reef

Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef leave from the Reef Fleet Terminal. The trip to the outer reef takes about 2 hours, and once there you will spend your day on a pontoon with about 300 people. Experienced divers may prefer to take a day trip with one of the dive charter companies who take smaller groups and visit two or three reefs. The pontoons of the big operators also offer the chance to take a scenic flight -- a truly spectacular experience. Divers must spend another 24 hours in Cairns before flying. If you are content to snorkel, ride the glass-bottom boats, and soak up the sun, you will be able to fly the next day. After returning to Cairns, take a stroll along the Esplanade and eat at one of the busy cafes and restaurants that line the strip.

Day 6: Kuranda or the Daintree

Waiting out the day after diving (you can't fly for 24 hr. after you've been on a dive) can be spent discovering another aspect to Australia -- the rainforest. Take a trip to the mountain village of Kuranda aboard the steam train along the Kuranda Scenic Railway, past waterfalls and gorges. In Kuranda, explore the markets and the nature parks, and maybe take a Kuranda Riverboat Tour, which runs about 45 minutes. Make your return journey on the Skyrail cableway, which carries you over the rainforest (you can get to ground level at a couple of stations on the way) to the edge of Cairns. The views are sensational.

Another option is to head to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, 2 hours' drive north of Cairns. Many tour operators, including Port Douglas-based Heritage & Interpretive Tours, run day tours into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks. If you are exploring on your own, make time for a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River with Dan Irby's Mangrove Adventures, where you will travel in a small open boat and see lots of fascinating wildlife. Both day and night tours are highly recommended.

If you choose the Daintree option, overnight in the lovely resort town of Port Douglas and head to one of its great restaurants -- try Nautilus for fine dining or Salsa Bar & Grill for a more relaxed and lively atmosphere.

Day 7: Cairns to Sydney

Drive back to Cairns in the morning, and head to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Unless you have a flight directly out of Cairns, you will spend most of your last day in Australia returning to Sydney. With the time you have left in Sydney, treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, with its bridge and Opera House illuminated. It's a sight you'll carry home with you.

Off the Beaten Track
A Few Days in Margaret River, WA

Getting to see more of Australia than its most famous icons and the east-coast beaches is not always easy. But if you have the time, there are many wonderful places to discover off the beaten track, which will give another dimension to your image and memories of Australia. Here, we suggest a few days in the Margaret River region, just a few hours' drive south of the Western Australia capital, Perth. You can add it on to the end of a week or so in the east, or change it with the latter part of the 1- or 2-week itineraries above.

Note that each year from August to mid-November, the southern half of Western Australia is blessed with a carpet of 12,000 species of white, yellow, mauve, pink, red, and blue wildflowers. Wildflower shows and festivals in country towns throughout the state accompany the annual blossoming. September and October are the peak months.

Starting from the pleasant, sunny city of Perth, you can tailor your trek to take in some great beaches and surfing, winery tours, excellent food and wine, and the chance to see kangaroos, whales, and dolphins.

Day 1: Welcome to Perth

The capital of Western Australia, Perth, has a superb climate, a great setting on the Swan River, a fabulous outdoor life of biking and beaches, excellent restaurants, and a beautiful historic port, Fremantle. If you'd like to spend a day or so recovering from jet lag as well as getting to know the city, you can overnight here before taking off on your exploration of WA. A relaxing way to spend the day is at the port of Fremantle, about 19km (12 miles) southwest of Perth's CBD at the mouth of the Swan River.

"Freo" is a bustling district of 150 National Trust buildings, alfresco cafes, museums, galleries, pubs, markets, and shops in a masterfully preserved historical atmosphere. It's still a working port, so you will see container ships and fishing boats unloading, and yachts gliding in and out of the harbor. It's a favorite destination for Perth's population every weekend, resulting in a wonderful hubbub of shoppers, merchants, cappuccino drinkers, tourists, and fishermen. You can enjoy the parade as you knock back a beer or two on the veranda of a gorgeous old pub.

Day 2: Perth to Margaret River

A leisurely 4-hour drive southwest from Perth will put you on the edge of the vineyards of Margaret River, one of Australia's finest and most scenic wine regions. En route, stop off at the town of Bunbury, where you may be lucky enough to see the wild dolphins, which regularly come in to "play" with visitors. The area is really compact, so you can make your base at any of the numerous boutique lodges or B&Bs. You can then readily take your choice from around 80 wineries, as well as numerous art and craft galleries and the many gourmet produce outlets. Eat out at one of the excellent local restaurants -- perhaps try one of the local specialties, marron (a freshwater crustacean), or venison, with a bottle of Margaret River wine.

Day 3: South to Cape Leeuwin

Spend the day traveling the winding country roads of the southwest "hook" of Western Australia. Prevelly, west of Margaret River, has some of Australia's best surfing. Follow Caves Road south from here to Augusta and the historic lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. Augusta is one of the best places in the south to see migrating whales (both humpback and southern right) in season -- with tours available. Your trip will take you through stands of massive karri and jarrah trees. Don't miss Boranup Drive, a scenic detour that cuts through a magnificent karri forest. For the adventurous, there is a maze of caves, some of which are open to the public. Have lunch at one of the winery restaurants or picnic in their lovely gardens. Wind your way back to your accommodations, with the car stocked with some newly favorite wines to drink or take home, as well as local cheeses, olive oil, and perhaps some craft work. Remember to designate a driver before setting out if you are planning to taste several wines; Australia's drunk-driving laws are strictly enforced and carry heavy penalties.

Day 4: North to Cape Naturaliste & Perth

The area north of Margaret River town has the biggest concentration of wineries including some of Australia's big names, as well as the Margaret River Chocolate Company. Caves Road runs north from here heading for Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste. Don't hurry along the tree-lined country roads and take time to explore some of the local galleries and enjoy the scenery. At Yallingup, you will swing northeast for Dunsborough, where -- between September and November -- you can do more whale-watching. Another stop on your way back to Perth should be at the seaside town of Busselton, where a visit to the underwater observatory on at the end of the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere is well worthwhile.

In Two Weeks
With 2 weeks, your visit to Australia will be much more relaxed and you will get a greater sense of the diversity of Australia, its landscape, and its people. You will get to see all three icons -- Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and Uluru -- in more depth, and maybe even have time to go outside those areas, especially if you limit your icons to two instead of three.

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Sydney

Check into your hotel and spend whatever time you have after arrival recovering from almost-guaranteed jet lag. If you arrive in the morning and have a full day ahead of you, try to stay up and hit the nearest cafe for a shot of caffeine to keep you going. Head to Circular Quay and from there get a fantastic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge, before strolling to the Sydney Opera House and soaking up some history at The Rocks. If you have time, you can take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly beach to round off a fairly easy day with fish and chips, then head to bed for some much-needed sleep.

Start Day 2 with a ride to the top of the Sydney Tower to experience Sydney's newest and highest open-air attraction, Skywalk, a breathtaking 260m (853 ft.) above Sydney. Harnessed onto a moving, glass-floored viewing platform that extends out over the edge of the tower, you can view of all Sydney landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and all the way to the Blue Mountains. And it's not actually as scary as it sounds. Sydney Tower has several attractions, including OzTrek -- a simulator ride the kids will love. For an introduction to Australia's wildlife, head to Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Aquarium. If you enjoy museums, put the Australia Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, and the interactive Powerhouse Museum on your list for the day. For an insight into Sydney's beginnings as a convict settlement, visit the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, a convict-built prison. Finish off your day with a twilight (or later at weekends) BridgeClimb or take the kids to Luna Park, a small and fairly traditional amusement park that's at its best at night. For information about all these attractions, see chapter 4.

Day 3: A day trip to the Blue Mountains

Take the train from Central Station to Katoomba for a day, exploring the beauty of the Blue Mountains, 2 hours from Sydney. Once there, jump on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, which allows you to hop on and off wherever you please. There are also many day-tour operators running to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Whichever mode of transport you use, don't miss the spectacular Three Sisters rock formations, best viewed from Echo Point Road at Katoomba.

The adventurous might prefer to take a tour from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves, about a 90-minute drive southwest. Nine caves are open for exploration, and you can take canyoning tours of between 3 hours and a full day. Head back to Sydney and have dinner somewhere with a view of the harbor. For information about how to get to the Blue Mountains, where to eat, where to stay, and what to see, refer to chapter 5.

Day 4: Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

On Day 4, take the earliest flight you can from Sydney to Cairns -- flight time is 3 hours -- and check into a hotel in the city, which on such a tight schedule will make getting to the major attractions quicker and easier than staying on the northern beaches, out of town. Explore the city a little and to see some wildlife -- including a massive saltwater crocodile -- in the bizarre setting of the Cairns Rainforest Dome, atop the Hotel Sofitel Reef Casino. You will have time the rest of the day to head out to visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. If you are not going to the Red Centre, this is a great place to learn about Aboriginal culture and life, albeit in a theme-park kind of way. You could spend several hours here, or save the visit for the evening, when Tjapukai by Night tours give a different look at traditional ceremonies, including dinner and a fire-and-water outdoor show.

Day 5: A day trip to the Reef

Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef leave from the Reef Fleet Terminal. The trip to the outer reef takes about 2 hours, and once there you will spend your day on a pontoon with about 300 people. Experienced divers may prefer to take a day trip with one of the dive charter companies who take smaller groups and visit two or three reefs. The pontoons of the big operators also offer the chance to take a scenic flight -- a truly spectacular experience. Divers must spend another 24 hours in Cairns before flying. If you are content to snorkel, ride the glass-bottom boats, and soak up the sun, you will be able to fly the next day. After returning to Cairns, take a stroll along the Esplanade and eat at one of the busy cafes and restaurants that line the strip.

Day 6: Kuranda or the Daintree

Waiting out the day after diving (you can't fly for 24 hr. after you've been on a dive) can be spent discovering another aspect to Australia -- the rainforest. Take a trip to the mountain village of Kuranda aboard the steam train along the Kuranda Scenic Railway, past waterfalls and gorges. In Kuranda, explore the markets and the nature parks, and maybe take a Kuranda Riverboat Tour, which runs about 45 minutes. Make your return journey on the Skyrail cableway, which carries you over the rainforest (you can get to ground level at a couple of stations on the way) to the edge of Cairns. The views are sensational.

Another option is to head to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, 2 hours' drive north of Cairns. Many tour operators, including Port Douglas-based Heritage & Interpretive Tours, run day tours into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks. If you are exploring on your own, make time for a 1-hour cruise on the Daintree River with Dan Irby's Mangrove Adventures, where you will travel in a small open boat and see lots of fascinating wildlife. Both day and night tours are highly recommended.

If you choose the Daintree option, overnight in the lovely resort town of Port Douglas and head to one of its great restaurants -- try Nautilus for fine dining or Salsa Bar & Grill for a more relaxed and lively atmosphere.

Day 7: Cairns to Uluru

On Day 7, leave Cairns as early as you can (this will probably mean spending the night in Cairns rather than Port Douglas). Your flight to Ayers Rock Airport will take around 3 hours, sometimes more, depending on the type of aircraft you are on. Make sure you book a direct flight, and not one that goes via Sydney! Try to get a window seat for the spectacular views as you fly over the Outback.

If you take the early flight, you can be in Uluru by around 9am, which gives you the whole day to take in the enormity of this fabulous monolith. Take the shuttle from Ayers Rock Resort (which is the only place to stay, but offers many accommodations choices) to the Rock. If you decide to climb Uluru (remembering that the Aboriginal traditional owners would prefer you didn't), make sure you don't do it at the hottest time of day. A climb will take you between 2 and 4 hours, depending on your fitness. An alternative is to join Anangu Tours for a walk around it; one of the best is the late-afternoon Kuniya walk, which concludes with watching sunset over Uluru -- an unforgettable sight. Spend some time in the impressive and interesting Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre near the base of Uluru. And after doing all that in a day, you'll be ready for a quiet dinner at whatever hotel you've chosen.

Day 8: Exploring Uluru

Sunrise is one of the magic times at Uluru, so make the effort to get up early on Day 8. This is also a great time to do the 9.6km (6-mile) Base Walk circumnavigating Uluru, which takes 2 to 3 hours. There are a range of other ways to experience Uluru, including camel rides, Harley-Davidson tours, and helicopter joy-flights, but walking up close to the Rock beats them all, in my opinion.

You will also have time today to head to Kata Tjuta (also called The Olgas) where you will see there is much more to the Red Centre than just one Rock. Kata Tjuta is about 48km (30 miles) west of Uluru, but plenty of tours go there if you do not have your own wheels.

End your day in the desert with the Sounds of Silence dinner, run by Ayers Rock Resort. Sip champagne as the sun sets over Uluru, to the eerie music of the didgeridoo, then tuck into kangaroo, barramundi, and other native foods. But it's not the food you're here for -- it's the silence and the stars. A short stargazing session with an astronomer ends a memorable evening.

Day 9: Uluru to Kings Canyon

Hire a 4WD and tackle the long Outback drive from Uluru to Alice Springs, stopping for a night at Kings Canyon. It is 306km (190 miles) from Uluru to Kings Canyon (also known as Watarrka National Park), which offers another unbeatable look at Outback Australia. You can spend the afternoon walking up the side of the canyon and around the rim. It is very steep and will take you around 4 hours. A gentler walk is the short and shady canyon floor walk. Stay overnight at Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 10: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get an early start for Alice Springs, and take the unpaved but interesting Mereenie Loop Road, which will take you through the Glen Helen Gorge or the historic Hermannsburg mission settlement. Whichever road you take, the scenery is like nowhere else in Australia. You will probably spend most of the day driving to Alice, making a few stops along the way.

On arrival check into a hotel and head out to one of the local restaurants, several of which offer sophisticated versions of "bush tucker" including kangaroo, emu, and crocodile dishes.

Day 11: Alice Springs

If you can stand another early start, take a dawn balloon flight over the desert, usually followed by a champagne breakfast. If you don't head back to bed immediately for a few hours catch-up sleep, there are plenty of attractions to discover, including the Alice Springs Desert Park for a look at some unusual Australian creatures, the School of the Air, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service base. In the afternoon, take a half-day tour with an Aboriginal guide at the Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre. Alternatively, visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve set in an oasis just outside town for a look at early settler life. Finish the day with a sunset camel ride down the dry Todd River bed and have dinner at the camel farm.

Day 12: Alice Springs to Sydney

Direct flights from Alice Springs to Sydney leave in the early afternoon, so you have all morning to explore more of the town and perhaps buy some Aboriginal art (this is one of the best places to get it).

On arrival in Sydney after an almost 3-hour flight, book into your hotel and spend the night discovering some of the city's nightlife.

Day 13: A day at Bondi Beach

For sands of a different kind from those you've experienced in recent days, take the bus to Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi, and spend it lazing on the sand or -- in summer, at least -- taking a dip in the surf. Take the Bondi Explorer bus from Circular Quay, which gives you a choice of harborside bays and coastal beaches, or take the train to Bondi Junction and then a bus to the beach. The scenic cliff-top walk to Bronte Beach is worth doing, or you can continue farther to Coogee.

Day 14: Sydney

Your final day in Australia can be spent on last-minute shopping and seeing those Sydney sights that you haven't had time for so far. Cap it all off with a slap-up seafood dinner somewhere with a fantastic view of the Harbour Bridge.

Inland Odyssey
When Sydneysiders get tired of the city they often dream of "going bush." If they could, they'd head west into the setting sun and out into the Outback. Not many local city slickers ever get to realize their dream, but you can do it for them on this 7-day inland odyssey from Sydney to Melbourne.

Day 1: The Blue Mountains

Armed with your road map, leave Sydney via Parramatta Road, by the M4 motorway and the Great Western Highway. Two hours should see you safely in the cool of the Blue Mountains. Drive into the little town of Katoomba, where you could stop for a quick coffee break or early lunch at the historic Paragon Café before taking a short spin to see the incredible views across to the Three Sisters rock formation from Echo Point. From here, follow the signs to Scenic World, where you can take the world's steepest railway into an enchanting world of tree ferns -- it will take just a couple of minutes to get down. Take the cable car up and continue on your journey.

Keep following the Great Western Highway as it heads west for 39km (24 miles), through Blackheath, Mount Victoria, and Hartley, and then downhill toward the old mining town of Lithgow. The most famous attraction around here is the Zig Zag Railway, a former coal route that crosses the valleys on impressive viaducts and winds around the eucalyptus-covered hills. A steam train runs the 18km (11-mile) back-and-forth route on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays, and a diesel train does the route on other days. It costs A$20 (US$16) for adults round-trip and A$10 (US$8) for kids, and takes 1 1/2 hours. Call tel. 02/6355 2955 or visit www.zigzagrailway.com.au for details.

The highway leads from here down onto the plains and into Bathurst, approximately 200km (124 miles) west of Sydney, and 5km (3 miles) west of Lithgow. Bathurst, which was proclaimed a city in 1815, is the oldest inland settlement in Australia. Its 19th-century architecture is beautifully preserved, and makes for pleasant wandering. Stay here for the night.

Day 2: Canowindra to Dubbo

It's a 56km (34-mile) drive along the Mitchell Highway from Bathurst to Orange. Highly recommended is a 58km (36-mile) sidetrack down through a landscape of spare trees and orange soil to Canowindra, to visit the Age of Fishes Museum (www.ageoffishes.org.au). A chance discovery in 1955 near here revealed an extensive fossil bed dating back 360 million years, and containing over 3,500 fish, some with armored shells, lungs, and huge jaws like crocodiles. The fish are well displayed, many still in their muddy-looking rock shelves.

Make your way back to the Mitchell Highway for the 150km (93-mile) trek northwest to Dubbo, which has that beginning-of-the-Outback feel, with plenty of Akubra hats around. Five kilometers (3 miles) south of town is the Western Plains Zoo, set in over 300 hectares (741 acres) of bushland and home to more than 1,000 animals, which roam large outdoor enclosures. The zoo has paths for walking, cycling, and vehicles, and is worth visiting if you have the time.

Day 3: Mount Grenfell & Wilcannia

From Dubbo continue for 166km (103 miles) along the highway to Nyngan, a small township on the edge of the true Outback where you can while away a short time in the local museum or spot birds among the rivergums at Rotary Park.

From here the Barrier Highway scoots across dusty arid red plains for 597km (370 miles) to Broken Hill. The best place to stop for the night is Cobar, 133km (83 miles) from Nyngan. There's an excellent rural museum here, and some fascinating local pubs and historic buildings.

You'll find some of the best Aboriginal art in NSW at Mount Grenfell, 40km (25 miles) farther along the Barrier Highway from Cobar -- a signpost directs you off the main road and it's another 32km (19 miles) to three rock overhangs where 1,300 richly colored stencils and drawings cover the surfaces.

It's a 265km (164-mile) drive from here to Wilcannia, across a landscape scuttling with giant lizards and emus (the 'roos usually come out at dusk). Wilcannia can seem a bit threatening because of the Aborigines who tend to cluster around in the streets, but they love to talk, so don't worry too much.

From Wilcannia you can veer north along a bitumen road for 97km (60 miles) to the opal-mining town of White Cliffs, where most people live underground.

Day 4: White Cliffs on the way to Broken Hill

It's worth spending most of the day discovering the fascinating sights of White Cliffs before making your way back to the highway and completing the 197km (122-mile) journey to Broken Hill.

Day 5: Opal mining in Broken Hill

Rest up in Broken Hill for the day, and make sure you take a tour of the town with a local tour company; you won't regret it. Sights to see include the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, as well as popping out to Silverton.

Days 6 & 7: Down to Mildura & the Murray Valley

A long, 295km (183-mile) drive takes you south along the Silver City Highway to Mildura, where you can stop for lunch. It's another 544km (337 miles) from here to Melbourne, but there are good highways much of the way. A good stopover for the night is Echuca, 210km (130 miles) north of Melbourne, reached by the Murray Valley Highway, where you can spend the morning on a paddle steamer on the Murray River.

For Families
Australia is an unbelievable destination for kids -- and not just for the kangaroos and koalas that almost every child (and parent!) is desperate to see. Our suggestion is to explore Sydney for 2 days with family in tow, then head up to the beautiful Blue Mountains on a day trip to ride the cable car and the world's steepest railway. The climax comes with a few days exploring the Barrier Reef and the rainforest around Port Douglas.

Days 1 & 2: Sydney

First off, head to Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House. A tour inside might be a bit much for younger kids, but you can walk around a fair bit of it and take the obligatory photos of Australia's most famous landmark. To stretch your legs, head from here into the Royal Botanic Gardens to spot long-beaked ibises wandering around the grass and hundreds of fruit bats squabbling among the treetops in the jungle section in the middle of the gardens.

Walk back past the Opera House and the ferries to The Rocks, where you can take a quick stroll through the historic streets, stopping off for a look at some of the trendy shops, or The Rocks Market on Saturdays.

There are plenty of places to eat lunch, but a filling prospect is pasta or ravioli or the likes at Rossini, opposite the ferry terminals, where you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Portions are large, so you might want to split a meal between younger kids.

After lunch take a ferry to Taronga Zoo, where a cable car takes you up the hill to the main entrance. All the kids' favorites are here, from kangaroos and koalas to platypuses, located in a nocturnal house. A farmyard section edges onto a playground of sorts with lots of water features to give your kids a sprinkle on a hot day.

On Day 2 head to the city center for an elevator ride up to the top of Sydney Tower, where you can look right across Sydney as far as the Blue Mountains in the distance. Entry includes admission to Skytour, which features a darkened storytelling room where the kids can learn a little about Australian legends and Aborigines, and there's also a thrilling simulator ride that takes you on adventures throughout Australia.

It's a short walk from here to Darling Harbour, where you can cap off the morning with a visit to Sydney Aquarium. The sharks are huge here, and they swim right above your head, but the real attraction is the Barrier Reef section, where tens of thousands of colorful fish swim by in huge tanks to the sound of classical music.

Eat lunch at one of the many cheap eateries on the other side of the bridge before taking the monorail back to Town Hall or taking another ferry from near the Aquarium back to Circular Quay.

If it's a hot day, or you just want to go to the beach, you have two main choices: From Circular Quay you can take a half-hour ferry ride, or a 15-minute high-speed JetCat to Manly. Here you can laze the afternoon away, and can even rent a surfboard, body board, or in-line skates. Or, take a CityRail train from Town Hall to Bondi, then a bus to Bondi Beach, where you can reward your efforts with ice cream or a late-afternoon pizza from Pompei's, on the main drag.

Day 3: The Blue Mountains

You could easily spend a couple more days with the kids having fun in Sydney, but you shouldn't miss a trip the mountains. Several companies run tour buses to the area, stopping off at an animal park along the way. The best one to visit is Featherdale, where you can get up close to more kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. The tour will also stop at Scenic World, where you can take the short ride on the Scenic Railway. It's very steep, so hold on tight. At the bottom you'll find yourselves among an ancient tree fern forest -- it's truly remarkable. A short walk takes you to the Skyway, a cable car that travels 300m (984 ft.) above the Jamison Valley.

Elsewhere in the mountains there are fabulous views across craggy bluffs and deep bowls of gum trees. It's a long day, so pack plenty of snacks and a few favorite toys.

Days 4, 5 & 6: The Reef & the Rainforest

Now it's time to head north, up the Tropics. You'll need to fly, of course, otherwise it would take you several days to drive up the coast. Most people base themselves in Port Douglas rather than Cairns, because the beach is huge and uncrowded and some of the best trips originate from here.

After the flight, relax on the beach, but remember to swim inside the nets off the sand; the "stingers" (box jellyfish) around here can cause life-threatening stings, especially where kids are concerned.

The next day, it's time to visit the Reef. Thankfully, once on the Reef itself, the dangerous jellyfish are very uncommon. Cruise boats take around 90 minutes to get from Port Douglas to the outer Reef, but once there you are in for some amazing snorkeling. Expect to see numerous species of corals and fish, and even an occasional turtle. A good seafood lunch is generally served on board so you won't go hungry!

On Day 6, it's time for a real jungle experience. Tours leave Port Douglas daily for the Daintree National Park and the Cape Tribulation Rainforests. Usually included in the tour is a boat trip among the local crocodiles, a stroll along an isolated beach, and, of course, walks in the rainforest, where you emerge into a dripping world of palms, strangler figs, staghorns, pythons, frogs, and electric-blue butterflies.

Day 7: Fly back to Sydney

If you have time, take the kids by ferry to Luna Park, just across from Circular Quay, or walk there across the Harbour Bridge. The fun park is small, with a few rides suitable for younger kids, but it does boast a magnificent view across to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, which look glorious after the sun's gone down.

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