Suggested itinerary: Australia in 12 days for independent travellers (Jun-Sep)

Day 1: Arrival in Australia

Arrival in Cairns. Visit Cairns city centre and its lagoon (artificial pool that simulates a beach). Take a walk through and have dinner at the Cairns Marina. Night in Cairns. 

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Day 2: The great barrier reef

Day trip to the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran, stopping in three places for diving and snorkelling. Return, have dinner and spend the night in Cairns. 

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Day 3: From Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Take the rental car north to Cape Tribulation, passing the famous beaches and towns of Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas along the way. Once in Cape Tribulation, visit Kulki Beach. Night in Cape Tribulation. 

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Day 4: From Cape Tribulation to Mission Beach

Walk on one of the gangplanks through the tropical jungle of the Daintree River. Take the rental car down to Mission Beach, passing Mungalli Falls on the way. Night in Mission Beach. 

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Day 5: Magnetic Island

Continue in the rental car to Townsville. Take the ferry to Magnetic Island. Circle the island stopping at the best beaches and coves. Go on a walk to see the wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees. Night on Magnetic Island. 

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Day 6: Return to Cairns:

Return in the rental car to Cairns. Night in Cairns. 

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Day 7: Uluru: Australia's Red Centre

Fly to Ayers Rock. Rent a car to visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and hike its trails. Before sunset visit the sacred mountain of Australian aborigines: Uluru. Night in Ayers Rock. 

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Day 8: Kings Canyon

Take the rental car through the desert to Kings Canyon. Walk along one of the Kings Canyon trails, where you'll see cliffs, streams, waterfalls and ponds. Watch the sunset at Kings Canyon. Night in Kings Canyon. 

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Day 9: Return to Ayers Rock and flight to Sydney

Return to Ayers Rock and fly to Sydney. Arrive to the hotel and go for a walk in the city. Night in Sydney. 

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Day 10: Sydney: the bay

Visit the Opera House. Take the ferry to Manly Beach crossing Sydney's impressive bay. Go for a swim at Manly Beach. Visit the historic centre of Sydney (The Rocks). Night in Sydney. 

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Day 11: Sydney: Bondi Beach

Go for a swim at Bondi Beach. Rent a surfboard or take a surfing class for beginners. Walk through Chinatown and have dinner. Night in Sydney. 

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Day 12: Back home

Trip to the airport. Flight back home.

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Travel map

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