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As a lot of our readers know, we took off on an enormous Australia highway journey that lasted for 18 months. Whereas most individuals don’t have over a yr to spend exploring one nation, it’s not unparalleled to plan for a 6 month highway journey of Australia.
I might say 6 months is the right period of time to spend exploring Australia. You’ll be able to spend a very good period of time within the Outback, discover the East Coast extra leisurely, and even throw in a visit to Tasmania in that timeframe.
We took 6 months to discover New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, however that’s solely as a result of we tied in work and journey, in addition to homeschooling two small youngsters.
You could possibly simply embody the Northern Territories, The Purple Heart, South Australia and the West Coast into an epic 6 month journey.
Having explored the whole continent of Australia and leaving no stone unturned, we’ve provide you with the last word 6 month Australia itinerary for individuals who want just a little assist with the strategy planning stage…
Are you able to do a lap of Australia in 6 months?
However first, are you able to go to Australia in 6 months? The reply is sure, completely.
I might say that it could take round 4 months to drive across the nation and spend a very good period of time in every place, however 6 months means that you can journey a bit slower, take your time extra leisurely, and keep longer in locations that you simply actually loved.
The nice Aussie highway journey, additionally known as “doing the lap”, is a dream of many and never a day goes by that I don’t pinch myself and understand how lucky we have been to have the ability to do it ourselves.
At A Look: A 6 Month Highway Journey Itinerary for Australia
In case you are brief on time, and want a fast overview of an itinerary to get your planning began, right here is our recommended itinerary at a look.
- Week 1: Melbourne. Spend every week exploring the town, take day journeys to Phillip Island, Morning Peninsula, Yarra Valley and The Grampians.
- Week 2: The Nice Ocean Highway. Spend every week driving the long-lasting Nice Ocean Highway route in direction of Adelaide.
- Week 3: Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island. Spend a day or two in Adelaide earlier than visiting the close by Barossa Valley for 2-3 days of wine tasting and exploring the charming countryside. Make a journey to Kangaroo Island for 2-3 days.
- Week 4: Alice Springs and The Purple Heart. Take the Ghan Prepare from Adelaide as much as Alice Springs. Spend every week exploring Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West Macdonnell Ranges.
- Week 5: Darwin. Spend every week exploring Darwin and it’s surrounding nationwide parks, comparable to Katherine Gorge, Litchfield Nationwide Park and the Adelaide River.
- Week 6-7: The High Finish. Go to Cable Seashore, Kakadu Nationwide Park, after which head down in direction of Timber Creek and Lake Argyle.
- Week 8: Lake Argyle to Broome. It’s an extended drive from Lake Argyle to Broome however there’s not a lot to see on the way in which. Take 2 days driving the journey and cease in small outback cities on the way in which. Spend 2-3 days in Broome and go to 85-mile seashore.
- Week 9: Broome to Coral Bay. Spend a few days driving from Broome to Coral Bay, stopping in Exmouth. Spend 4 days in Coral Bay, swim with manta rays, go to Cape Vary Nationwide Park and Carnarvon.
- Week 10: Coral Bay to Perth. Spend 3 days driving to Perth stopping at Kalbarri Nationwide Park and Nambung Nationwide Park. Spend 4 days in Perth.
- Week 11: Margaret River. Drive over to Margaret River and spend 2-3 days there. Then fly to Cairns. Spend a few days within the metropolis of Cairns, take a day journey to the Nice Barrier Reef.
- Week 12: Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas. Spend every week exploring the rainforest area of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree. Base your self in Port Douglas.
- Week 13: Magnetic Island. Spend every week on Magnet Island to recuperate from all of the driving on a soothing, quiet island. Slip into “Maggie Time” and recharge.
- Week 14: The Whitsundays. Take a ship again to Townsville and drive all the way down to Airlie Seashore to go to The Whitsundays. Spend every week exploring the islands right here, comparable to Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and Hayman Island. Ensure to go to Whitehaven Seashore.
- Week 15-16: Outback Queensland. Spend a few weeks exploring the small cities of Outback Queensland. You should definitely go to Winton and Longreach. Right here’s a two week itinerary for Outback Queensland right here. (You could possibly additionally drop this, in case you didn’t wish to make the detour inland. Alternatively, in case you’re driving between west and east coast Australia, you may add it in right here)
- Week 17: Agnes Water and City 1770. Drive again to Agnes Water and spend a few days exploring the distant settlement of City of 1770. Drive all the way down to Hervey Bay and chill out on the coast for a couple of days.
- Week 18: Fraser Island. Spend a 3-4 days on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Drive a 4WD alongside 75-mile seashore, discover the island’s recent water lakes, go fishing, try the shipwreck and search for migrating humpback whales from the shore.
- Week 19: Brisbane. Drive all the way down to Brisbane from Fraser Island stopping in Noosa Heads and the Sunshine Coast. Spend 2-3 days in Brisbane.
- Week 20: The Gold Coast. Spend every week on The Gold Coast, visiting Surfer’s Paradise and Byron Bay.
- Week 21: Coffs Harbour. Drive all the way down to Coffs Harbour stopping at Yamba and Woolgoolga for two days every. Spend 3 days in Coffs Harbour.
- Week 22: Port Macquarie. Drive to Port Macquarie stopping at South WestRocks. Spend a pair days in Port Macquarie earlier than driving in direction of Sydney. Cease off in Newcastle for 1 or 2 nights.
- Week 23: Sydney. Spend every week in Sydney, take a day journey to the Blue Mountains, go to Manly, Bondi Seashore, Mudgee Wine Area, and Royal Nationwide Park.
- Week 24-26: Tasmania. Fly to Tassie for 3 weeks of rural journey. Go to Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, and Freycinet Nationwide Park.
The Greatest 6 Month Australia Highway Journey Itinerary
The next itinerary goes in a form of determine of eight route, as a result of we initially deliberate to go clockwise round Australia, however we determined to reverse our journey so we might head north for the winter.
Though it’s generally known as a “lap of Australia” since you drive across the outdoors, in some unspecified time in the future you could reduce by the center to succeed in the Purple Centre to see Ayres Rock. Adelaide sits within the middle of the nation and has an iconic path to Alice Springs by way of the Ghan railway, so it is sensible to chop in right here.
That’s why this itinerary goes in a determine of eight, moderately than an ordinary loop round.
This itinerary relies on the place you begin and end and the way you’re getting round. We’ve added in a couple of flights so you may see extra of Australia.
For some, which may be problematic in case you intend the drive the whole lap. You’ll simply have to regulate – largely for getting from the West Coast to the East Coast, ensuring to permit for at the least 5 days to drive over. You can too catch a automobile ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania, so change the itinerary to permit for that, in case you want to drive.
That is solely a recommended itinerary, and also you would possibly wish to change it up relying on what season you might be visiting in. Attempt to time it in order that your go to to the High Finish and Northern Territory is for the winter.
Week 1: Melbourne
We deliberate to go to Victoria for one month, and so they lastly kicked us out after three. What a revelation this state was!
There are such a lot of nice locations in a small space, and all inside quick access of Melbourne.
We suggest you spend every week in Melbourne so you may take day journeys to a few of our favourite locations, comparable to Phillip Island, Wilsons Promenade, The Grampians, The Bellarine, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, and Echuca.
Melbourne is unquestionably one of the crucial thrilling cities in Australia. This metropolis has all of it, simply try to ignore the loopy climate, and your rising waistline from all of the espresso and cake.
We beloved Squeaky Seashore in Wilsons Promontory Nationwide Park, and the small city of Brilliant.
We love the alpine surroundings, the cafe scene, the walks, the bike rides, the river, and the youngsters playground is viewable from the superior Brewery, which has the most effective cider ever, by the way in which. There have been so many issues to do in Brilliant, you possibly can simply neglect about your highway journey and simply keep there.
Week 2: The Nice Ocean Highway
Lastly, came upon why The Nice Ocean Highway drive is so well-known. It matched my expectations and we acquired fortunate with the climate.
It has wonderful surroundings, nice cities, pretty coastal and forest walks, waterfalls, rainforests, and plenty of native wildlife. Many individuals drive this in one-two days, we took 2 weeks ultimately.
I like to recommend you’re taking at the least every week so you may cease off and do some climbing within the nationwide parks.
Week 3: Adelaide
After driving the Nice Ocean Highway, head alongside to Adelaide.
Town of Adelaide itself isn’t a lot to put in writing dwelling about. It’s only a metropolis. Nevertheless, it has so many cool locations to go to close by, comparable to the long-lasting Barossa Valley – Australia’s premier wine area.
You must spend a few days exploring the Barossa and do some wine tasting, although there may be loads extra to do within the Barossa moreover consuming wine. You’ll be able to examine issues to do within the Barossa right here.
One other excellent place to go to close by is Kangaroo Island. You’ll be able to simply spend 3-4 days on this island taking in all of the wildlife. It’s not simply kangaroos both, there’s an abundance of koalas, seals, and dolphins.
Right here’s the right way to spend 4 days on Kangaroo Island.
It’s wonderful what number of wild kangaroos we noticed on the south coast. They’re on the seashores, on the golf programs, by the aspect of the highway, within the camp grounds, within the Nationwide Parks. It was such an amazing expertise to see them for our children.
Week 4: Alice Springs & The Purple Centre
From Adelaide, one of the crucial iconic issues to do in Australia is to take the Ghan practice as much as Alice Springs and The Purple Heart. You’ll be able to truly take the Ghan all the way in which to Darwin, however don’t miss an opportunity to go to the Outback – it’s actually a particular place.
Spend every week exploring the Purple Heart from Alice Springs. You’ll be able to take a few days in Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park to see Ayres Rock and go tenting within the outback.
I’d additionally take a guided tour to be taught in regards to the cultural significance of this sacred website and make sure you go to at sundown to look at the solar gentle up Ayres Rock in a vibrant shade of crimson.
Then enterprise to Kata Tjuta, also referred to as the Olgas, and spend time climbing by the beautiful rock formations. After that, head to Kings Canyon and hike the breathtaking Kings Canyon Rim Stroll, taking within the panoramic views of the encircling panorama and exploring the luxurious Backyard of Eden.
When you’ve got extra time, go to the West Macdonnell Ranges for some extra tenting and climbing experiences.
To wrap up your time within the Purple Heart, spend a couple of days in Alice Springs, immersing within the native artwork scene on the Araluen Cultural Precinct and exploring the fascinating historical past on the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Week 5: Darwin
Take the Ghan all the way in which as much as Darwin and spend a day or two exploring the town. Although we’re not museum individuals, you may be taught in regards to the fascinating historical past and tradition of the Northern Territory individuals on the Museum and Artwork Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Within the night, enterprise to the well-known Mindil Seashore Sundown Market, and spend the night searching the stalls, sampling scrumptious meals from all over the world, and having fun with dwell music because the solar units over the seashore. It’s one of the crucial iconic issues to do in Darwin and simply one of many finest sundown spots in Australia.
For the next 2 days, I’d dedicate my time to exploring the beautiful Litchfield Nationwide Park. I’d take a full day to go to the park’s iconic waterfalls, together with Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, the place I’d have the possibility to swim and funky off within the refreshing pure swimming pools.
One other nationwide park price visiting from Darwin is Katherine Gorge, the place you may kayak or canoe down the river, or take a stroll to search for historical aboriginal rock artwork.
If you would like some wildlife journey, go to Crocosaurus Cove to stand up shut and private with saltwater crocodiles and different fascinating reptiles.
Week 6 & 7: The High Finish
There isn’t a greater journey in Australia to have than highway tripping the High Finish of Australia. It’s essentially the most distant, wild and untamed a part of the nation (moreover Tassie, possibly) and is filled with pure wonders to discover.
You can not miss the long-lasting Kakadu Nationwide Park. I’d suggest you spend 3 days exploring the park, taking within the historical rock artwork at Ubirr and Nourlangie, and embarking on a scenic cruise alongside the Yellow Water Billabong to identify crocodiles and birdlife.
After that, I’d enterprise to the breathtaking Lake Argyle, the place I’d spend a day or two cruising on the expansive lake, taking within the dramatic surroundings and studying in regards to the space’s distinctive ecology.
You’ll be able to even swim within the lake with recent water crocs (they received’t damage you) in case you’re feeling courageous sufficient! Examine our expertise doing that right here.
Week 8: Lake Argyle to Broome
From Lake Argyle, highway journey alongside to the city of Broome. From right here, you may go to the rugged fantastic thing about the Bungle Bungle Vary in Purnululu Nationwide Park, which is likely one of the high issues to do in Broome.
When you’ve got some cash in your funds, you may take a scenic flight over the distinctive beehive-shaped domes after which hike amongst these historical rock formations, taking within the beautiful vistas.
One other plae to go to close by is the charming city of Halls Creek the place you may spend a day studying in regards to the native Indigenous tradition and historical past on the Yarliyil Artwork Centre and having fun with the peaceable surrounds of the close by Caroline Pool.
Fitzroy Crossing is one other fashionable vacation spot to go to and is understood for being the gateway to the majestic Geikie Gorge. I’d take a ship tour alongside the tranquil waters, marveling on the towering cliffs and studying in regards to the space’s geological and cultural significance.
Spend a day on the mesmerizing Tunnel Creek Nationwide Park, venturing deep into the traditional cave system, wading by the cool waters and discovering the fascinating rock formations and native wildlife.
You can not go to Broome with out stress-free on the iconic Cable Seashore, taking within the breathtaking sunsets, strolling round to Gantheaume Level to see dinosaur footprints fossilized into the rock face, and experiencing the pure marvel of the Staircase to the Moon, a mesmerizing optical phantasm created by the rising moon over the uncovered mudflats!
Week 9: Broome to Coral Bay
Once you’re prepared to go away Broome, drive alongside the coast in direction of Coral Bay. Keep within the distant city of Port Hedland and spend a day marveling on the pure marvel of the Staircase to the Moon, a mesmerizing optical phantasm created by the rising moon over the uncovered mudflats. Broome additionally
Don’t miss an opportunity to cease off at Karijini Nationwide Park and dedicate three days to immersing myself within the rugged fantastic thing about the park.
Hike by the breathtaking gorges, swim within the crystal-clear rock swimming pools (there aren’t many croc-free swimming pools on this a part of Australia, so benefit from it!), and marvel on the beautiful waterfalls.
Spend a day or two within the charming city of Exmouth, and discover the pristine seashores.
Lastly, head to Coral Bay, the gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park the place you’ve the chance to swim with majestic whale sharks or manta rays!
Week 10: Coral Bay to Perth
From Coral Bay, head south to the charming city of Carnarvon, the place you may spend a day visiting the Carnarvon Gorge Nationwide Park and do some extra climbing by gorges and swimming in swimming holes.
After that, proceed your journey to the Pinnacles Desert, the place you may spend a couple of hours marveling on the otherworldly limestone formations. It’s a novel and surreal panorama that’s undoubtedly price a cease.
As you method Perth, make a detour to the attractive Lancelin Sand Dunes, the place you may spend a day sandboarding and taking within the breathtaking coastal views. It’s an exhilarating and scenic method to spend your time.
Lastly, arrive in Perth and spend the final couple of days exploring the colourful metropolis, visiting the long-lasting Kings Park, and strolling alongside the attractive Swan River. Town’s vigorous ambiance and various sights make for an ideal finish to this part of the highway journey.
Week 11: Margaret River
From Perth, drive the brief drive to Margaret River, a shocking area on the Western Australia shoreline recognized for its pristine seashores. Spend a day on the well-known Surfers Level, the place you may experience the highly effective waves and take within the lovely surroundings.
Subsequent, head inland to the long-lasting Mammoth Cave, and spend a couple of hours marveling on the historical formations and studying in regards to the area’s wealthy historical past. The guided excursions are tremendous informative and actually convey the cave to life.
Spend a couple of days within the charming city of Margaret River itself, the place you may chill out, soaking within the quiet small city vibe, discover the native artwork galleries, boutique outlets, and indulging in some scrumptious wine and gourmand meals.
The wine tastings are a must-do, and the native produce is simply unimaginable.
Then enterprise to the beautiful Boranup Forest, and go for a hike by the towering karri bushes and breathe within the recent, earthy scent of the forest. It’s an amazing place to unwind and join with nature.
Wrap up the week by visiting the attractive Hamelin Bay, absorbing the sunshine and admiring the crystal-clear waters. The resident stingrays typically make an look, and it’s a really magical method to finish a visit to the Margaret River space.
Week 12: Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas
Fly over to Cairns on the East Coast of Australia. This shall be a full journey day and would require an inside flight.
On the second day, spend a day exploring the colourful metropolis of Cairns, taking a dip within the well-known Lagoon.
Subsequent, head north to Port Douglas, the place you may spend a few days absorbing the solar at 4 Mile Seashore and exploring the charming city. The Sunday Market is a must-visit for some native crafts and scrumptious meals, in case you time your go to proper.
From there, enterprise into the traditional Daintree Rainforest, the place you may spend a day or two immersing myself within the lush greenery and taking a guided stroll by the pristine wilderness. The Mossman Gorge is a spotlight, with its crystal-clear waters and serene environment.
Then make your method to Cape Tribulation, the place you may spend a day exploring the rugged shoreline and taking a guided tour by the dense rainforest. The Cape Tribulation Seashore is an ideal spot for some leisure and wildlife recognizing.
We did a kayak tour there, however these excursions don’t appear to run anymore, sadly.
Wrap up the week by heading again to Cairns and taking a day journey to the long-lasting Nice Barrier Reef, the place you may go snorkeling or diving with the colourful marine life and colourful coral formations.
Week 13: Magnetic Island
Drive down from Cairns to Townsville, the gateway to Magnetic Island. By now, you’re about midway by the journey and it’s time for leisure.
I like to recommend you spend every week on Magnetic Island, a distant island recognized for its laid-back life-style and distant, rugged pure magnificence.
Begin by exploring the beautiful seashores of Horseshoe Bay and the well-known Alma Bay. The crystal-clear waters and exquisite surroundings make it an ideal spot for some snorkeling or just absorbing the solar.
You should definitely go to the long-lasting Forts Stroll, the place you may spend a couple of hours marveling on the historic WWII army base and having fun with the panoramic views of the island. The strolling trails are tremendous scenic and supply a good way to attach with nature. You even have an amazing likelihood of seeing koalas in bushes right here.
Go to the charming city of Arcadia, and discover the native artwork galleries, boutique outlets, and indulging in some scrumptious seafood. The native fish and chips are a must-try, and the laid-back vibe of the city is simply good for unwinding.
Additionally go to the attractive Picnic Bay. The resident sea turtles typically make an look, and it’s a really magical expertise to see them of their pure habitat.
Week 14: The Whitsunday Islands
Nothing spells paradise like The Whitsundays. These idyllic islands lay within the coronary heart of The Nice Barrier Reef and are recognized for his or her pristine white sand seashores and unspoiled pure magnificence.
You should definitely sail or seaplane to Whitehaven Seashore, essentially the most well-known seashore in Australia! Spend a day lounging on its pristine sands and visiting the perspective at Hill Inlet. The pure silica sand and the turquoise sea make it an ideal spot for some Instagram-worthy photographs.
Head to Hamilton Island and spend a few days exploring the colourful marina, indulging in some watersports, and having fun with the island’s luxurious facilities. The sundown views from One Tree Hill are completely breathtaking and price spending a night there.
Spend a day or two stress-free on the attractive Daydream Island, the place I take a leisurely stroll alongside the Residing Reef and revel in some snorkeling to see the various marine life. It’s an amazing place to unwind and join with nature.
Week 15-16: Outback Queensland
Should you’re all relaxed out and prepared for an journey once more, head to Outback Queensland for a few weeks soaking within the small city Australian vibe.
Head in direction of the long-lasting city of Longreach, the place you may spend a couple of days exploring the Australian Stockman’s Corridor of Fame and having fun with a sundown cruise alongside the Thomson River. The wealthy historical past and the rugged fantastic thing about the outback make it an ideal spot to start my journey.
Subsequent, head to Winton, the place you may spend a couple of days exploring the sights there. Don’t miss the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and taking a guided tour to see the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. The traditional fossils and the dramatic landscapes are actually outstanding and price a full day of exploration.
One other fascinating city to go to is Mount Isa, the place I like to recommend you spend a few days delving into the mining historical past on the Outback at Isa advanced and witnessing the breathtaking views from the Metropolis Lookout. It was one of many finest sunsets we noticed in Australia. The underground tour of the Arduous Occasions Mine is an absolute must-do and provides a captivating perception into the area’s mining heritage.
Don’t miss the picturesque Garden Hill Nationwide Park, now referred to as Boodjamulla Nationwide Park, and spend a couple of days to climbing by the beautiful gorges, canoe alongside the tranquil waters, and camp below the starry outback sky. The pure magnificence and the distant wilderness of the park are actually awe-inspiring and price immersing myself in for some time.
Additionally go to the charming city of Birdsville, and experiencing the joys of the annual Birdsville Races if the timing is true.
Week 17: Agnes Water & City of 1770
Head again in direction of the coast in direction of Agnes Water and the City of 1770 however certainly not again to civilization!
Begin by hitting the attractive seashores and spending a day absorbing the solar on the primary seashore. The laid-back vibe and the clear waters make it an ideal spot for some leisure and seashore actions after a few weeks within the desert!
Head to the long-lasting Agnes Water Discovery Path, the place you may spend a couple of hours climbing and exploring the beautiful coastal surroundings. The strolling trails are tremendous scenic and supply a good way to attach with nature.
After that, go to the charming city of City 1770, the place you may spend a few days exploring the historic websites, taking a LARC tour and boogie boarding down the sand dunes!
After a couple of days in Agnes Water, head in direction of Hervey Bay, the place you may chill out for a pair days earlier than catching the ferry to…
Week 18: Fraser Island
Every week on Fraser Island is the right period of time to benefit from the websites and mix leisure with journey!
Begin by hopping in a 4WD and driving alongside the 75-mile seashore, also referred to as the Fraser Island Freeway. Go to the beautiful Lake McKenzie and spending a day swimming in its crystal-clear waters and stress-free on its pure white silica sands.
Take a look at the long-lasting Maheno Shipwreck and the charming city of Eurong. Take a swim in Champagne Swimming pools, a pure rock pool that’s the right place to chill off in and really feel the ability of the ocean spray.
You could possibly simply spend a few days indulging in some four-wheel adventures, stopping off at websites to do some fishing on the shoreline and taking within the pure magnificence. Listed below are the numerous wonderful issues to do on Fraser Island
Week 19: Brisbane
From Fraser Island, drive down in direction of Brisbane, stopping off on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Heads for a day or so to benefit from the seashores and whale watching experiences.
Then spend a few days within the metropolis of Brisbane, exploring the colourful South Financial institution Parklands and spending a day strolling alongside the riverfront, testing the distinctive road artwork, and having fun with a picnic by the lagoon.
Take a look at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the place you may spend a couple of hours cuddling koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos.
Additionally make sure you enterprise to the beautiful Mount Coot-tha, the place you may take a leisurely stroll to the lookout and benefit from the panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes.
Week 20: The Gold Coast
For Australians, it’s all in regards to the water. There’s no higher place to know this, than on the Gold Coast.
Spend your days on the seashores, browsing or just absorbing the solar at Surfers Paradise, or visiting a few of the world class theme parks, comparable to Dreamworld and Film World.
After that, make your method to the charming city of Burleigh Heads, the place you may spend a day exploring the luxurious nationwide park and taking a leisurely stroll alongside the scenic coastal stroll.
We lived in Burleigh Heads for 18 months. It’s one among our favourite locations in Australia! we discover Surfers Paradise to be touristy and overrated. The most effective aspect of the Gold coast is from Burleigh Heads all the way down to Coolangatta.
Take a look at the beautiful Tamborine Mountain, discover the attractive rainforest, go to the picturesque waterfalls, and bask in some wine tasting on the native wineries.
Additionally don’t miss the attractive Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, to stand up shut with native Australian animals, watching the thrilling wildlife reveals, and hand-feeding the pleasant lorikeets.
The Gold Coast is the place Australians go for his or her holidays, so you already know it’s going to be good.
Week 21: Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour
Journey from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, the place you may spend a few days exploring the lovely seashores, taking a stroll to the long-lasting Cape Byron Lighthouse, and having fun with the colourful arts and music scene.
Subsequent, head to the agricultural city of Yamba, the place you may take a leisurely stroll alongside the picturesque seashores and indulge within the peaceable ambiance after the busy crowds of The Gold Coast.
After that, enterprise to the beautiful Bellingen and spend a few days exploring the luxurious rainforest, searching by the native Bellingen markets, and having fun with the bohemian vibe of the city.
Don’t miss the Dorrigo Nationwide Park, and hike by the enchanting World Heritage-listed rainforest, marvel on the beautiful waterfalls, and revel in a picnic amid the serene environment.
Lastly, arrive in Coffs Harbour and spend a couple of days having fun with the laid-back vibe right here. Take a look at the long-lasting Huge Banana, go on coastal walks, and maybe indulging in some dolphin or whale watching.
Week 22: Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie to Newcastle
From Coffs Harbour, head in direction of the attractive coastal city of Port Macquarie. Go to the Koala Hospital, take a scenic coastal stroll, and go to the Willi Willi Nationwide Park.
You could possibly spend a few days in Port Macquarie, earlier than driving all the way down to Newcastle. Cease off at South West Rocks alongside the way in which for some beautiful coastal views.
Newcastle is an enormous metropolis with a number of cool sights to go to.
Whereas on this area, you might wish to spend a few days within the Hunter Valley for wine tasting and indulging in gourmand meals. Alternatively, head to Mudgee Valley for picturesque vineyards and charming cellar doorways. Will probably be fairly a detour, however we actually like Mudgee. You can too go to there from Sydney.
Week 23: Sydney
Lastly, we make it to the long-lasting metropolis of Sydney! You could possibly simply spend greater than every week in Sydney, and I’ve allowed three weeks for Tasmania, however you possibly can add a couple of extra days in Sydney is you just like the vibe (don’t have lower than 2 weeks on Tassie although!)
Spend a day visiting the long-lasting Sydney Opera Home and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Spend one other day taking a ferry to Manly Seashore, the place you may absorb the laid-back ambiance.
Our favourite factor to do in Sydney is the coastal stroll from Bondi to Coogee, which has beautiful ocean views and loads of picturesque spots for a swim.
Take a day journey to the Blue Mountains, marveling on the breathtaking surroundings and taking a leisurely hike to see the well-known Three Sisters rock formation. The recent mountain air is a welcome change from the town bustle.
Enterprise south to the Royal Nationwide Park, the place you may spend a day or two climbing by lush rainforest and uncover hidden waterfalls.
Persevering with alongside the coast, for a day at Wollongong for some seashore leisure and to discover the colourful artwork scene. The Nan Tien Temple was a serene escape, and I loved studying about Buddhist tradition and philosophy.
Week 24-26: Tasmania
What higher method to finish a 6 month journey of Australia than by exploring the wild, distant and rugged island state of Tasmania.
Tasmania has a novel mix of historical past, small city communities, wonderful seashores and mountains, and unmissable hikes.
One in every of our highlights was the Wineglass Bay to Hazards Seashore stroll in Freycinet Nationwide Park. When you may mix two of Australia’s finest seashores within the one stroll (Wineglass Bay and Hazards Seashore) you already know it’s a hike to not miss.
To be standing alone on the well-known Wineglass Bay was unimaginable. It’s undoubtedly price it to stand up early to beat the gang, of us!
One other spotlight was visiting Bruny Island. The rugged shoreline, superior cliffs and sea caves, abundance of wildlife, and a enjoyable and informative information, made it one among our favourite actions.
Though you may go to Bruny Island on a day journey from Hobart, it’s price exploring for a few days as there are a lot of issues to do on Bruny Island.
Port Arthur is one other top-of-the-line locations to go to in Tasmania, particularly in case you love historical past. It was shifting, attention-grabbing, unhappy, troubled, and exquisite, all wrapped up in a single bundle.
Port Arthur has a violent and troubled historical past as a penal colony for a few of Australia’s hardened convicts. We beloved this Port Arthur ghost tour!
Additionally, don’t miss MONA, Hobart. We’re not museum individuals and usually we might run the opposite method.
To seize our consideration a museum needs to be interactive, completely different, fascinating, and possibly just a little bizarre.
MONA, the Museum of Previous and New Artwork, was all that. The founder David Walsh has described the museum as a “subversive grownup Disneyland.”
Ultimate Ideas
They are saying time flies whenever you’re having enjoyable, and 6 months into our household journey, we undoubtedly had our fair proportion of enjoyable!
You’ve most likely seen South Australia isn’t on the checklist! We didn’t get time for it in our Australian highway journey, BUT we have now visited there on separate journeys. So if you could find a method to match it into your 6 month Oz highway journey we suggest it! We love the pure magnificence and considerable wildlife on Kangaroo Island, the beautiful Flinders Ranges Nationwide park, the quirky Coober Pedy, and the Eyre Peninsula (swim with wild sea lions and unimaginable seashores!)
We hope this itinerary helped you intend your Aussie journey and gave you some inspiration to your personal journey.
I understand how the planning can get overwhelming, however the anticipation and all the joy quickly builds, and earlier than you already know it you’re residing your dream!
Extra Australia Journey Ideas
What place do you most wish to see in Australia? Tell us within the feedback!