Real pictures from Way-Away trips

Summary: Australia in 18 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. 
Arrival in Australia
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. 
The great barrier reef
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. 
From Cairns to Cape Tribulation
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. 
From Cape Tribulation to Mission Beach
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. 
Magnetic Island
Day 6

Airlie Beach

Continue in the rental car to Airlie Beach, a lively town with good atmosphere, known for being the departure point for the famous Whitsundays Islands. Night in Airlie Beach. 
Airlie Beach
Day 7

Whitsundays Islands & Whitehaven Beach

Day trip by boat to visit the Whitsundays Islands and famous Whitehaven Beach. Return to Airlie Beach. Overnight bus trip to Hervey Bay (this journey can also be made by plane). 
Whitsundays Islands & Whitehaven Beach
Day 8

Humpback whales in Hervey Bay

Arrive in Hervey Bay in the morning in time to take the boat to see Humpback whales. Normally they frequent the Australian coast from August to November. Night in Hervey Bay. 
Humpback whales in Hervey Bay
Day 9

Fraser Island

All-day boat trip to explore Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. 4x4 trip on its sand dunes and through its forest. Night in Hervey Bay. 
Fraser Island
Day 10

Melbourne

Fly to Melbourne. Walk through the city visiting the centre, the alternative neighbourhood of Fitzroy, and the Italian district of Carlton, brimming with charming restaurants for dinner. Night in Melbourne. 
Melbourne
Day 11

The Great Ocean Road

Rent a car to go from Melbourne to Port Campbell on the famous and spectacular Great Ocean Road. On the way, stop at one of the famous beaches for surfing. See the Twelve Apostles cliffs. Spend the night in the fishing village of Campbell. 
The Great Ocean Road
Day 12

Melbourne and Santa Kilda

Return to Melbourne on the interior highway. Stop in the town of Winchelsea or at a winery. Visit Santa Kilda, one of the hippest neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Melbourne. Night in Melbourne. 
Melbourne and Santa Kilda
Day 13

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. 
Uluru: Australia's Red Centre
Day 14

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. 
Kings Canyon
Day 15

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. 
Return to Ayers Rock and flight to Sydney
Day 16

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. 
Sydney: the bay
Day 17

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. 
Sydney: Bondi Beach
Day 18

Back home

Trip to the airport. Flight back home.





Map of the route:



See map of the route on Google Maps
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