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Australia itineraries

City walks, day trips and multi-day routes: stops in order, travel times, budget and Google Maps links. Pick a place, a format and transport; the filters combine.

Updated: 13 October 2026

Found: 209 routes

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Sydney41

  • Harbour foreshore half-day

    Walk · 4.5 km on foot, ~4 h · 4 stops

    Train or ferry to Circular Quay, then on foot. Pay with a bank card.

  • Grand Pacific Drive: cliffs and the blowhole

    Day trip · 1 day, ~240 km by car · 5 stops

    This is a drive down the Grand Pacific Drive. A train reaches Wollongong, and the parks and Kiama are easier by car.

  • Hunter Valley: wine and gin

    Day trip · 1 day, ~350 km by car · 5 stops

    Go by car from cellar door to cellar door. The driver skips the tastings.

  • Blue Mountains & Oberon (Jenolan Caves closed until early 2027)

    Several days · 3 days, ~420 km by car · 9 stops

    Train to Katoomba for the mountains. The Oberon leg is a drive. Jenolan Caves stay closed until early 2027.

  • Harbour evening: Barangaroo to Darling Harbour

    Walk · ~3 km on foot, ~2 h · 6 stops

    Train or ferry to Circular Quay or Wynyard, then walk the water. Pay with a bank card.

  • Manly & North Head by ferry

    Day trip · 1 day: 30-min ferry + ~9 km on foot · 6 stops

    The Manly ferry from Circular Quay, Wharf 3. A bank card works. Come back on the sunset ferry.

  • The NSW grand loop in 5 days

    Several days · 5 days, ~500 km by car plus ferries · 16 stops

    Use a bank card for the city and the ferries. The mountains and the south-coast day are a drive.

  • Food crawl: Surry Hills to Spice Alley

    Walk · 4 km on foot, ~5 h · 5 stops

    Train to Central, then walk through Surry Hills. Pay with a bank card.

  • The harbour locals actually use

    Walk · 6 km on foot plus a short ferry, ~5 h · 4 stops

    Light rail to Lilyfield for Callan Park. The walk ends with the ferry from Thames Street to McMahons Point. Pay with a bank card.

  • Royal National Park, without the coach

    Day trip · a driving day, ~70 km from the city · 4 stops

    Drive to Audley. You can leave by ferry from Bundeena to Cronulla.

  • Cremorne Point: the light and the local pool

    Walk · a ferry plus ~2 km around the point, about 2 h · 3 stops

    Ferry to Cremorne Point Wharf. Parking on Milson Road is short. Pay with a bank card.

  • Kelly's Bush and the Woolwich point

    Walk · ~2 km along the shore, about 2 h · 3 stops

    Bus to Woolwich, then walk. Check the board at Woolwich Wharf and take the ferry back when one is running.

  • Ocean pools on the eastern beaches

    Walk · 4 km along the cliffs, ~4 h · 4 stops

    Bus from Bondi Junction to Clovelly. A bus back to the city leaves from Coogee. Pay with a bank card.

  • La Perouse and the Kamay bays

    Walk · 5 km on foot, ~4 h · 3 stops

    Bus to the La Perouse terminus. Pay with a bank card.

  • The bridge, the Luna Park face and the rebuilt pool

    Walk · ~3 km on foot, about 3 h · 4 stops

    Train or ferry to Circular Quay, then walk up to Observatory Hill. The bridge and the pool are on the same walk. Pay with a bank card.

  • Rose Bay's painted lane and Milk Beach

    Walk · ~4 km along the shore, about 3 h · 3 stops

    Bus along New South Head Road to the Rose Bay shops, then on foot. Pay with a bank card.

  • Spit Bridge to Manly, along the harbour

    Walk · 10 km one way, ~4 h · 4 stops

    Bus to Spit Bridge, walk to Manly, and come back on the ferry from Manly Wharf. Pay with a bank card.

  • Bilgola, Palm Beach and Barrenjoey

    Day trip · a day by B-Line bus or car · 3 stops

    The B-Line bus reaches Palm Beach. The lookout at Governor Phillip Park is easier by car, and that parking is paid.

  • Ferry to Watsons Bay and the South Head light

    Walk · a ferry plus ~4 km on foot, ~3 h · 4 stops

    Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. On weekends that is the calmer way in. Check the return ferry before you leave the wharf.

  • Cronulla: the flags, then two ocean pools

    Walk · a train plus ~2 km along the shore, ~3 h · 3 stops

    Train to Cronulla. The station is five minutes from the sand. Pay with a bank card.

  • Icebergs to the Bronte pool

    Walk · ~2.5 km along the cliffs, ~3 h · 3 stops

    Train to Bondi Junction, then the bus to the beach. The bus back to Bondi Junction leaves from Bronte. Pay with a bank card.

  • Balmoral, then the quiet bay over the hill

    Walk · ~2 km, about 2 h · 2 stops

    Bus to Balmoral, getting off on the Esplanade. Pay with a bank card.

  • Ferry to Taronga, the headland and Chowder Bay

    Walk · 4 km one way, ~3 h · 3 stops

    Ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf. Bus 244 runs back to Wynyard. Pay with a bank card.

  • Kalkari, then the Bobbin Head mangroves

    Day trip · a short driving day, A$12 entry · 2 stops

    This is a drive through Ku-ring-gai Chase to Bobbin Head.

  • Paddington into Centennial Park

    Walk · ~2 km, about 2 h · 2 stops

    Walk from Museum station, or take a bus along Oxford Street. Cars are allowed in the park only in daylight. Pay with a bank card.

  • Dundee, The Matrix and The Fall Guy

    Walk · ~6 km on foot, about 4 h · 10 stops

    Train to Museum or Central, then on foot. Pay with a bank card.

  • Macquarie Street to the chair

    Walk · ~3 km on foot, about 3 h · 4 stops

    Train to St James or Martin Place, then walk Macquarie Street. Pay with a bank card.

  • Port Stephens: dunes, dolphins and Tomaree

    Several days · 2 days, ~210 km from Sydney by car · 5 stops

    A car is easiest: about 2.5 hours north of Sydney on the M1. Stay in Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay.

  • Canberra in 2 days: Parliament, galleries and the Memorial

    Several days · 2 days, ~290 km from Sydney · 6 stops

    The NSW TrainLink train from Central takes under 4.5 hours to Kingston station, 3 services a day. Murrays coaches run daily from Central and the airport to the Jolimont Centre. Driving is about 3 hours on the Hume Highway.

  • Bondi to Manly, part 1: Bondi to Watsons Bay

    Walk · 13.4 km, 4–5 h, ~390 m of climbing · 9 stops

    Train to Bondi Junction, then bus 333 or 380 to Bondi Beach. Back on the F9 ferry from Watsons Bay Wharf to Circular Quay, or buses 324 and 325 to the city. In strong winds ferries sometimes skip Watsons Bay and turn at Rose Bay.

  • Bondi to Manly, part 2: Watsons Bay to Double Bay

    Walk · 11.4 km, 3–4 h, ~140 m of climbing · 8 stops

    F9 ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay. Back on the F7 ferry from Double Bay Wharf to Circular Quay, or the train from Edgecliff, about fifteen minutes uphill. To shorten it, stop at Rose Bay Wharf: the F9 calls there too.

  • Bondi to Manly, part 3: Double Bay to Circular Quay

    Walk · 8.7 km, 2–3 h, ~160 m of climbing · 8 stops

    F7 ferry from Circular Quay to Double Bay Wharf, or the train to Edgecliff and walk down. You finish at Circular Quay, with trains, buses and every ferry.

  • Bondi to Manly, part 4: Circular Quay to Taronga

    Walk · 14.5 km, 4–5 h, ~280 m of climbing · 9 stops

    Train, bus or ferry to Circular Quay. Back on the F2 ferry from Taronga Zoo Wharf to Circular Quay. Bail-out wharves on the way: Neutral Bay (F5), Cremorne Point and Mosman Bay (F6).

  • Bondi to Manly, part 5: Taronga to the Spit Bridge

    Walk · 12 km, 3–4 h, ~210 m of climbing · 8 stops

    F2 ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf. Back by bus from the Spit Bridge to the city, North Sydney, Chatswood, Manly or the Northern Beaches. To shorten it, finish at Balmoral, which has buses too.

  • Bondi to Manly, part 6: Spit Bridge to Manly Wharf

    Walk · 9–10 km, about 3–4 h, ~190 m of climbing · 8 stops

    Bus to the Spit Bridge from the city, North Sydney, Chatswood or Manly. Back on the F1 ferry from Manly Wharf to Circular Quay, about 30 minutes, or buses from the wharf.

  • Bondi to Manly, part 7: North Head to Manly Beach

    Walk · 10 km, about 3 h, ~240 m of climbing · 8 stops

    F1 ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, or a bus to Manly from North Sydney, Chatswood or the Northern Beaches. You finish at The Corso, five minutes' walk back to the ferry.

  • Blue Mountains with kids by train: Leura and Katoomba without the crowds

    Day trip · ~105 km from Sydney, about 2 hours each way by train, 9–10 hours · 7 stops

    Train: Blue Mountains Line (NSW TrainLink) from Central to Leura station, about 2 hours, pay with Opal or tap a contactless bank card. Off-peak trains run roughly hourly, so check Trip Planner. Return from Katoomba. Car: ~105 km via the M4 and Great Western Highway, 1.5-2 hours (the WestConnex section of the M4 near the city is tolled). Park at Gordon Falls Reserve off Lone Pine Avenue; Katoomba is then 5 km on, park in the town centre and watch the time-limit signs.

  • Blue Mountains beyond the Three Sisters: falls, antiques and a Grose Valley sunset

    Day trip · ~240 km return by car, 9–10 hours · 7 stops

    By car: M4 and the Great Western Highway to Wentworth Falls (about 100 km), then on to Medlow Bath and Blackheath; Blackheath back to Sydney is about 120 km. Free parking at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area (fills up on busy days; try nearby streets), Conservation Hut and Evans Lookout. By train: Blue Mountains Line from Central to Wentworth Falls takes about 2 hours on Opal; continue by train to Medlow Bath and Blackheath. Evans Lookout is 4.5 km from Blackheath station, so take a taxi without a car.

  • Southern Highlands: Bradman, Berrima and Fitzroy Falls

    Day trip · ~300 km round trip by car, 10–11 hours · 7 stops

    By car: M31 Hume Motorway to the Mittagong exit and on to Bowral, about 117 km and 1.5 hours from the CBD; back from Fitzroy Falls via Moss Vale and the Hume, about 140 km, 2 hours. Bowral has free time-limited street parking. Without a car: NSW TrainLink Southern Highlands Line to Bowral (often changing at Campbelltown, about 2 hours, Opal), but Berrima and the falls are impractical without a car, so the train only works for the Bowral part.

  • Central Coast with kids: crocodiles, a marine centre and Terrigal

    Day trip · ~190 km round trip by car, 9–10 hours · 7 stops

    By car: the M1 Pacific Motorway, about 75 km and 70 minutes to the Reptile Park (Somersby, by the Gosford exit), then 18 km to Terrigal; the drive back from Terrigal takes about 1.5 hours. Depending on your route through Sydney there may be tolls. Parking at the Reptile Park, on Terrigal Drive by Rotary Park (limited) and free parking at The Haven. Without a car: Central Coast & Newcastle Line train from Central to Gosford (about 1.5 hours). There is no bus from Gosford station to the Reptile Park, only taxi or Uber (show the receipt for discounted entry). Bus 68 (also 66A, 66C, 67) runs from Gosford to Terrigal. Honestly, without a car this day is noticeably slower and pricier.

  • Wollongong by train: Nan Tien Temple, two lighthouses and the Blue Mile

    Day trip · ~85 km from Sydney, about 1.5 hours each way by train, 9–10 hours · 8 stops

    South Coast Line train from Central to Unanderra (about 1.5 hours; check Trip Planner, since 2026 all South Coast services also stop at Sydenham). From Unanderra it is a 20-30 minute uphill walk along Berkeley Road, or bus 34 to the rear entrance on Nolan Street. Then one train hop to Wollongong and walk or ride the free Gong Shuttle (55A/55C). Return from North Wollongong. By car: about 85 km via the M1 Princes Motorway, around 1.5 hours; free parking at the temple, paid and time-limited parking in the city and by the harbour on weekdays.

Melbourne26

  • CBD classics: station, street art, gardens

    Walk · 2.5 km on foot · 4 stops

    Train to Flinders Street. The centre sits in the free tram zone. A full-fare bank card works.

  • Werribee safari & the You Yangs

    Day trip · 1 day, ~135 km by car · 4 stops

    Go by car. Werribee and the You Yangs are a driving day.

  • Yarra Valley: wine and Four Pillars gin

    Day trip · 1 day, ~130 km by car · 5 stops

    Go by car. The driver skips the tastings.

  • Great Ocean Road

    Several days · 3 days, ~550 km by car · 12 stops

    This is a drive on the Great Ocean Road. From 16 October 2026 the Twelve Apostles lookouts need a booking, and that booking is free until April 2027.

  • Laneway evening: coffee, dumplings and rooftops

    Walk · ~2 km on foot, one evening · 6 stops

    Train to Flinders Street, then walk the lanes. You are inside the free tram zone.

  • Mornington Peninsula: gondola, lighthouse and hot springs

    Day trip · 1 day, ~230 km by car · 5 stops

    Go by car. The peninsula is a driving day.

  • Victoria in five days: the grand loop

    Several days · 5 days, ~850 km by car · 18 stops

    The city day is trains and trams, full fare on a bank card. The rest of the loop is a drive.

  • Food crawl: croissant to tapas

    Walk · about 8 km on foot, ~6 h · 5 stops

    Train to Parliament or Melbourne Central, then on foot. Tram 86 is the shorter hop if your feet are done. A full-fare bank card works.

  • Merri Creek and the Yarra farm

    Walk · 7 km on foot, ~5 h · 4 stops

    Tram to East Brunswick for CERES, then walk the creek to Abbotsford Convent. A full-fare bank card works.

  • The Dandenongs, without the tourist train

    Day trip · a driving day, ~40 km from the city · 4 stops

    Go by car. On weekends the 1000 Steps car park is full by 9.

  • Williamstown by ferry, then on foot

    Walk · 3 km on foot after the ferry, ~3 h · 3 stops

    The Melbourne River Cruises ferry runs from Southbank Promenade to Gem Pier in just under an hour. It's a private service: buy the ticket online separately; myki and PTV card fares don't apply. Check the timetable that morning.

  • Fitzroy, between the park and the pool

    Walk · 3 km on foot, ~3 h · 3 stops

    Tram along Brunswick Street to Fitzroy. A full-fare bank card works.

  • The Beaumaris shore: boatsheds and the sanctuary

    Walk · 5 km on foot, ~3 h · 3 stops

    Train to Sandringham, then the bus along the bay and the shore on foot. A full-fare bank card works.

  • Organ Pipes, then the river on the way home

    Day trip · a half day by car, ~40 km from the centre · 2 stops

    Go by car. Organ Pipes and the river on the way home sit outside the tram network.

  • St Kilda along the bay to Point Ormond

    Walk · ~3 km on foot, ~2.5 h · 3 stops

    Tram to St Kilda Beach, then walk the bay path. A full-fare bank card works.

  • Heide, then the river at Westerfolds

    Day trip · a driving day, ~5 km between the parks · 2 stops

    Go by car. Check the morning detour. North East Link works on Bulleen Road can slow the drive.

  • The train to Brighton and the boxes on the sand

    Walk · ~2 km from the station, ~2 h · 3 stops

    Train to Middle Brighton. If you walk on to Green Point, come back from Brighton Beach station. A full-fare bank card works.

  • Two piers and Sandridge Beach

    Walk · ~2 km along the bay, ~2.5 h · 3 stops

    Tram to Station Pier. The tram back is on Beach Street. A full-fare bank card works.

  • The two Yarra boathouses

    Walk · ~5 km along the river, ~3 h · 2 stops

    Train to Fairfield for the first boathouse. The train back is from Hawthorn. A full-fare bank card works.

  • Puffing Billy out to Emerald Lake

    Day trip · a day: the suburban train to Belgrave, then about 1 h of steam · 2 stops

    Train to Belgrave, then Puffing Billy. The steam ticket is separate from the suburban fare. A full-fare bank card works on the suburban train.

  • Wilsons Promontory: Squeaky Beach and Mount Oberon

    Several days · 2 days, ~3 hours from Melbourne by car · 6 stops

    Car only: Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Freeway to Meeniyan, then the C444 to the park gate. Tidal River is another 30 km. Until 20 November 2026 there are roadworks at the entrance with stop/go lights; allow extra time. No fuel at Tidal River; the nearest is Yanakie.

  • Phillip Island: pelicans, koalas, a farm and the Penguin Parade

    Day trip · ~290 km return by car, 12–13 hours, back around 11 pm · 7 stops

    By car: M1 Monash Fwy, then South Gippsland Hwy and Bass Hwy (M420/A420) to San Remo, ~125 km, 1 h 45 min; cross the bridge to the island. Parking is free everywhere. Without a car: the V/Line Cowes/Inverloch coach (via Dandenong and Koo Wee Rup) from Southern Cross, weekdays 06:16 to San Remo 08:19, but there is no public transport back from the Penguin Parade at night, so this day needs a car or an organised tour

  • Healesville Sanctuary with kids: platypus, birds of prey and chocolate

    Day trip · ~140 km loop by car, 8–9 hours · 6 stops

    By car: Eastern Fwy (M3), then Maroondah Hwy through Ringwood and Lilydale to Healesville and right into Badger Creek Rd; ~66 km, about 1 h 10 min. The Sanctuary has its own car park. Without a car: Lilydale line train to Lilydale, then bus 685 to Healesville Sanctuary (times in the PTV Journey Planner). The Chocolateries at Yarra Glen is awkward by bus; treat it as a car-only stop

  • Ballarat: the gold rush, Lydiard Street and Lake Wendouree

    Day trip · ~240 km return by car, or V/Line train, 8–9 hours · 7 stops

    By car: Western Fwy (M8) straight to Ballarat, ~115 km, about 1 h 35 min; park at Sovereign Hill on Bradshaw St, and free along Wendouree Parade and Gillies St at the gardens. By train: V/Line Ballarat line from Southern Cross to Ballarat in under 90 minutes; bus 21 runs from the station to the Sovereign Hill gates. Lydiard Street starts right at the station, and for the gardens use Wendouree station (1.1 km walk)

  • Daylesford & Hepburn Springs: Sunday market, the Convent and mineral baths

    Day trip · ~240 km return by car, 9–10 hours, best on a Sunday · 7 stops

    By car: Western Fwy (M8) to Ballan, then the Daylesford-Ballan Rd, ~115 km, about 1 h 35 min. Free market parking off Raglan St and East St. Without a car: V/Line Daylesford (via Woodend), on Sundays the 09:01 train from Southern Cross to Woodend plus coach, arriving 10:58; back at 18:39 from Daylesford, into Southern Cross at 21:12. You still catch the market; take a taxi to Hepburn Springs (~6 km)

  • Bellarine & Geelong: Fort Queenscliff, Portarlington mussels and the carousel

    Day trip · ~260 km loop by car, 9–10 hours · 6 stops

    By car: West Gate Fwy and Princes Fwy (M1) to Geelong, then the Bellarine Hwy to Queenscliff, ~106 km, about 1 h 40 min; back from Geelong ~74 km, 1 h 10 min. The driver only sips at the cider tasting: Victoria's limit is 0.05. Without a car the full loop doesn't work in a day, but half does: Port Phillip Ferries from Docklands to Portarlington (weekends 10:40 to 11:50, back 17:00 to 18:10, adult A$27.50 one way plus a temporary 8% fuel levy), or the V/Line Geelong line to Geelong and a 15-minute walk to the waterfront

Brisbane20

  • River & culture: South Bank to the gardens

    Walk · 3.5 km on foot · 4 stops

    CityCat ferry or train to South Brisbane. Trips cost 50 cents with a go card or bank card.

  • Tamborine Mountain: skywalk and glow worms

    Day trip · 1 day, ~145 km by car · 4 stops

    Go by car. Tamborine Mountain is out of town.

  • Wine & gin: Sirromet and Tamborine

    Day trip · 1 day, ~160 km by car · 5 stops

    Go by car. The driver skips the tastings.

  • Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo, hinterland & Noosa

    Several days · 3 days, ~360 km by car · 9 stops

    Go by car. Noosa is about 140 km from Brisbane.

  • Brisbane by night: wharves, gardens and cliffs

    Walk · ~3 km on foot, about 2 hours · 6 stops

    Walk down from the city, or take the CityCat. The ride is 50 cents.

  • Minjerribah (Straddie): whales, gorge and beaches

    Day trip · 1 day, SeaLink ferry + ~60 km on the island · 6 stops

    Ferry from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland. Book a car space ahead. The island bus meets the passenger ferry.

  • Noosa & the coast: trails, markets and Mooloolaba

    Several days · 3 days, ~380 km by car · 10 stops

    Go by car. The trails and the lighthouse start from car parks.

  • Food crawl: laneways, wharves, the Valley

    Walk · 4.5 km on foot, ~6 h · 5 stops

    Train to Central or Fortitude Valley, then on foot. The ride is 50 cents. Pay with a bank card.

  • A West End Saturday

    Walk · 4.5 km on foot, ~4 h · 4 stops

    CityCat or a bus to West End. 50 cents, paid with a bank card.

  • Mt Coot-tha past the lookout

    Day trip · a half-day drive, 15 minutes from the centre · 3 stops

    Go by car. The gardens are at the bottom and the lookout is up the same road.

  • The Wynnum bay and Manly harbour

    Walk · 2.5 km along the foreshore, ~3 h · 2 stops

    Train to Wynnum, walk the bay, and come back from Manly or Wynnum station. 50 cents.

  • Mount Glorious and the D'Aguilar forest

    Day trip · a driving day, ~70 km return · 3 stops

    Go by car. The road from The Gap is narrow.

  • Sandgate to Shorncliffe Pier

    Walk · 2.5 km along the shore, ~2.5 h · 2 stops

    Train to Sandgate. The train home leaves Shorncliffe station, beside the park. 50 cents.

  • The Glass House Mountains from the lookouts

    Day trip · a driving day, with no summit climb · 3 stops

    Go by car. The lookouts sit on the highway.

  • Redcliffe, from Woody Point to the jetty

    Walk · ~4.5 km along the parade, ~3 h · 4 stops

    Train to Kippa-Ring, then the bus to the water. The walk from the station to the jetty is about 4 km. 50 cents.

  • Mount Gravatt lookout and Toohey Forest

    Day trip · a short driving day, ~4 km between the stops · 2 stops

    Go by car, and arrive while it is still light.

  • K'gari: the ferry, the lakes and 75 Mile Beach

    Several days · 3 days, ~300 km to the ferry and ~150 km on sand · 10 stops

    About 3.5 hours' drive from Brisbane to River Heads near Hervey Bay. The Island Connections ferry takes about 50 minutes to Kingfisher Bay. From the south, a barge runs from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach. Without your own 4WD, take a 1- or 2-day K'gari Explorer tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

  • Moreton Island: Tangalooma and the wrecks

    Day trip · 1 day, a catamaran across Moreton Bay · 3 stops

    The Tangalooma catamaran leaves Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba at 7:30 or 10:00 and returns at 16:00 (19:00 on the A$159 Extended cruise); booking is essential. Alternatively, the Micat ferry from 14 Howard Smith Drive, Port of Brisbane, takes about 90 minutes and lands right by the wrecks.

  • Australia Zoo with kids, then sweet Montville

    Day trip · ~85 km to the zoo and ~110 km back, 9–10 hours · 7 stops

    By car via the Bruce Highway and Steve Irwin Way, about an hour from Brisbane; zoo parking is free. Without a car you can reach the zoo only: Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast line to Beerwah station, where the zoo's free courtesy coach meets most trains (if it isn't there, call 07 5436 2000). Railbuses sometimes replace trains on the line, so check translink.com.au. Maleny and Montville can't be linked by public transport in one day, so the afternoon needs a car.

  • A Redcliffe Sunday: market, lagoon and fish and chips

    Day trip · ~35 km from central Brisbane, 7–8 hours · 9 stops

    By car, about 40 minutes via the Gateway Motorway and the Ted Smout bridge across the bay; parking is free, but works on Redcliffe Parade cut the number of spaces. Without a car: the Redcliffe Peninsula line to its terminus at Kippa-Ring, then local buses to Redcliffe and Woody Point (routes 694 and 696 run on Sundays); Morgans recommends bus 690 for Scarborough Harbour. Check the trip in the translink.com.au journey planner.

Perth19
Gold Coast17
Tasmania19

  • South & Tasman Peninsula

    Several days · 2–3 days, ~240 km by car · 10 stops

    Drive the peninsula. For MONA, the ferry from Brooke Street Pier, about 30 minutes up the river, is the better arrival.

  • East Coast: Wineglass Bay & Bay of Fires

    Several days · 3 days, ~480 km, Hobart → Launceston · 11 stops

    Go by car. The east coast is a few days of driving.

  • North & Cradle Mountain

    Several days · 3 days, ~235 km from Launceston · 7 stops

    Go by car. Finish on the Spirit of Tasmania from Devonport if you are leaving by sea.

  • Hobart on foot: Salamanca & Battery Point

    Walk · ~3 hours, ~2.5 km on foot · 6 stops

    On foot from the waterfront. To shortcut on another day: Metro has made buses free for Tasmanians until 30 June 2027, with no fare or GreenCard required on board; the rules don't say anything about visitors.

  • Bruny Island in a day: ferry, oysters & The Neck

    Day trip · 1 day, ~140 km from Hobart incl. ferry · 5 stops

    Drive to the Kettering ferry. Buy the ticket online and take the first morning boat.

  • kunanyi/Mt Wellington, history & wildlife

    Day trip · 1 day, ~110 km by car · 5 stops

    Go by car. The mountain road and Bonorong make one driving day.

  • Food crawl: Battery Point & the docks

    Walk · 3.5 km on foot, ~6 h · 5 stops

    Walk from the waterfront and Battery Point. A city bus is free until 30 June 2027.

  • Battery Point and the rivulet, not just Salamanca

    Walk · 4 km on foot, ~4 h · 4 stops

    Walk from Salamanca. A city bus can bring you back, and it is free until 30 June 2027.

  • Mount Field before the groups

    Day trip · a driving day, ~75 km from Hobart · 4 stops

    Go by car. Mount Field is a drive out of Hobart.

  • The Pipeline Track to Silver Falls

    Walk · 2 km on foot, ~2 h · 3 stops

    Bus to Fern Tree, free until 30 June 2027, then walk the Pipeline Track.

  • Plenty and New Norfolk, up the Derwent

    Day trip · a driving day, ~40 km from Hobart · 3 stops

    Drive up the Derwent and stop by the river.

  • Alum Cliffs to the Shot Tower

    Walk · 4 km one way, ~2.5 h · 2 stops

    Bus to Kingston Beach, free until 30 June 2027. Bus 427 runs back from the tower.

  • The Domain and the botanic gardens

    Walk · 2 km on foot, ~2.5 h with the gardens · 2 stops

    Walk from the city, or take the bus. The bus is free until 30 June 2027.

  • Seven Mile Beach toward Lauderdale

    Walk · ~7 km on the sand one way, then the bus back · 2 stops

    Bus toward Seven Mile Beach, free until 30 June 2027, then walk the shore.

  • The signal station and Waterworks Reserve

    Day trip · a short day, ~6 km between the stops · 2 stops

    A bus from the city reaches the signal station, and it is free until 30 June 2027. Waterworks Reserve needs a car.

  • The Huon: Tahune airwalk and the Hastings pool

    Day trip · a driving day south of Hobart · 3 stops

    Go by car. The Tahune airwalk and Hastings Caves are a drive down the Huon.

  • Richmond with kids: wombats, an old gaol and a lolly shop

    Day trip · ~75 km loop by car from Hobart, 8–9 hours · 8 stops

    Car only: from Hobart take the Brooker Highway (A1) to Brighton, about 30 minutes to Bonorong (593 Briggs Road, free on-site car park). Then via Tea Tree Road to Richmond; park on Bridge Street or by the Village Green. Back to Hobart is 26 km, about 30 minutes

  • Port Arthur in a day: stone tiles, devils and the convict past

    Day trip · ~200 km return by car from Hobart, 10–11 hours · 7 stops

    Car only: from Hobart take the Tasman Highway (A3) through Sorell, then the Arthur Highway (A9) to Eaglehawk Neck, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Blowhole Road (C338) leads to Tasmans Arch; the last stretch is gravel with limited parking. Port Arthur has a large car park at the Visitor Centre

  • Saturday Hobart: Salamanca Market, Battery Point and the ferry to Mona

    Day trip · On foot and by ferry, ~25 km return on the water, 8–9 hours · 6 stops

    No car needed. The market fills Salamanca Place in central Hobart, a 7-minute walk from the Elizabeth Street bus mall. On Saturdays Salamanca Place is closed to cars from 5am to 5:30pm; park in the city car parks or on Evans Street. The Mona ferry leaves Brooke Street Pier, about 30 minutes each way

NSW South Coast8

  • Huskisson bay on foot

    Walk · about 2 km on foot, 1.5 hours · 3 stops

    Park near Hawke Street in Huskisson and walk south. This is the start of the Round the Bay track. There is no train: allow about 3 hours by car from Sydney.

  • Jervis Bay: Hyams, Murrays and the old lighthouse

    Day trip · a driving day, 5 stops · 5 stops

    By car. Booderee pass: A$20 per vehicle per day, concession A$10, annual A$80, two-year A$110; walkers and cyclists don't need one. The park entry station is currently closed, so buy the pass online in advance, at the Visitor Centre or from the mobile van at Jervis Bay Supermarket. Hyams Beach is outside Booderee and needs no pass.

  • Jervis Bay, Mollymook and Pebbly Beach

    Several days · 3 days by car · 9 stops

    There is no train to the bay. Drive from Sydney: allow about 3 hours to Huskisson, a little longer to Mollymook, and further again to Pebbly Beach toward Batemans Bay.

  • Eating the coast: Huskisson, Mollymook, Ulladulla

    Day trip · a driving day between three towns · 3 stops

    There is no train to the bay. Drive from Sydney: allow about 3 hours to Huskisson, a little longer to Mollymook, and further again to Pebbly Beach toward Batemans Bay.

  • Kiama: the shops and the blowhole

    Walk · about 1 km on foot from Terralong Street · 3 stops

    Take the South Coast line from Sydney to Kiama station. For Gerringong, Berry and Bomaderry you usually change here onto the short train. Terralong Street is a few minutes on foot from the station. Check the time, and any trackwork, on transportnsw.info.

  • Kiama, Gerringong and Berry in a day

    Day trip · a driving day along the coast, 5 stops · 5 stops

    The train covers Kiama, Gerringong and Berry if you are not driving between them. Kiama Heights, between the big blowhole and the little one, is easier by car: a few minutes from Kiama station. Berry station is a few minutes from Queen Street. The timetable is on transportnsw.info.

  • Jamberoo, Kangaroo Valley and old Nowra

    Day trip · a driving day: rainforest, the bridge and a house museum · 5 stops

    This day is a drive. Minnamurra Rainforest is about 15 minutes west of Kiama. The park lists a bus from Kiama, Kiama Coaches on 02 4232 1531, and Kiama Cabs on 02 4237 7507. The train does not reach Jamberoo or Kangaroo Valley.

  • The road: Kiama, the valley and Nowra

    Several days · 3 days: the coast, the rainforest and the house museum · 10 stops

    Day 1 can start on the train to Kiama, then a car: Little Blowhole, Jamberoo and Kangaroo Valley have no station. Day 2 turns west into the mountains. Day 3 is Nowra, where the train ends at Bomaderry station. Jervis Bay, Mollymook and Pebbly Beach start south of Nowra and sit on their own route: allow about an hour by car from Nowra to Huskisson.

Byron Bay5

  • The Pass and Cape Byron lighthouse

    Walk · about an hour on foot up to the lighthouse and back · 3 stops

    Park at The Pass on Brooke Drive: A$5 per vehicle per hour, tap and pay. Walk up to the lighthouse. The lighthouse lawn car park is A$10 per hour and capped at one hour per vehicle per day. An NPWS annual pass does not lift that cap. A shuttle from Ballina Byron Gateway is about 35 minutes.

  • The farm, Bangalow and Minyon Falls

    Day trip · a driving day into the hinterland · 3 stops

    Breakfast in Ewingsdale on the way out of town, then Bangalow and the falls. Reach Minyon Falls by Minyon Falls Road only. Nightcap Range Road is closed both ways for a landslip, and the alert runs through 31 December 2026.

  • Three days in Byron Bay

    Several days · 3 days: the cape, the south beaches, the hinterland · 8 stops

    Ballina Byron Gateway is the closest airport, about 35 minutes by road. Book a shuttle ahead. Gold Coast Airport is the other common arrival, further north.

  • Breakfast in town and coffee by the beach

    Walk · about 2 km on foot · 3 stops

    Start at Butler Street Reserve in town. On Thursdays from 7:00am to 11:00am this is the Byron Farmers Market. On the first Sunday of the month, from 8:00am, the Byron Community Market is in town, plus the third Sunday in December and January. From Ballina, allow about 35 minutes by shuttle.

  • Byron on foot: the lighthouse at dawn, lunch by the sea, a market at dusk

    Day trip · ~8 km on foot, no car needed, 10–11 hours · 8 stops

    The whole route is on foot from central Byron Bay. If you come for the day from the Gold Coast, leave the car at the paid Main Beach car park (Bay Street) and walk: the lighthouse car park has a one-hour limit and fills on weekends.

Noosa5

  • Coastal track to Dolphin Point

    Walk · about 1.2 km one way on the park's own measure · 4 stops

    Bus 622 from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa Junction, about hourly, 50 cents. Then walk or take a local bus to Hastings Street and the club at Main Beach. The official track start is the Noosa Headland day-use area, just inside the park gate.

  • The Noosa River and the everglades

    Day trip · a day: Noosaville and a canoe from Elanda Point · 2 stops

    Noosaville is a Translink bus at 50 cents, or a car. The canoe slipway is on Elanda Point Road, about 30 minutes north of Noosa. Check the hire price with the operator that day.

  • Three days in Noosa

    Several days · 3 days: the headland, the south beaches, Eumundi · 7 stops

    Sunshine Coast Airport is the closest. Translink bus 622 runs about hourly to Noosa Junction via Maroochydore. The fare is 50 cents, the same as other south-east Queensland buses. A contactless card or a go card works.

  • Hastings Street and the river at Noosaville

    Walk · on foot along Hastings, then a short ride to the river · 3 stops

    Sunshine Coast Airport is the closest. Translink bus 622 runs about hourly to Noosa Junction via Maroochydore. The fare is 50 cents, the same as other south-east Queensland buses. A contactless card or a go card works.

  • Eumundi market at breakfast, Hell's Gates by noon, Noosa beach by afternoon

    Day trip · ~45 km by car and ~6 km on foot, 8–9 hours · 6 stops

    From Noosa Heads to Eumundi is about 20 minutes by highway: take the Eumundi exit and follow Memorial Drive. Without a car: bus 631 from Noosa Heads bus station (via Tewantin and Cooroy) stops by the market on Memorial Drive; on Saturdays a direct 630 trip leaves the market for Noosa Junction at 1:05pm. Route 631 is not part of Noosa's free weekend buses, so check times on translink.com.au. The car park at the end of Park Road fills early; it is easier to park near Hastings Street and walk the boardwalk.

Mornington Peninsula5

  • Sorrento: shops, the beach and the pier

    Walk · about 1.7 km on foot · 3 stops

    Park by Ocean Beach Road and walk toward the bay. Bus 788 from Frankston stops in the village. The pin sits on the shopping street itself.

  • Gondola, the point and the springs in a day

    Day trip · 1 day by car around the peninsula · 5 stops

    The Frankston line ends at Frankston. Bus 788 continues to Sorrento and Portsea and finishes at the Point Nepean gate. A car is the practical way to combine the gondola, the lighthouse and the hot springs. From central Melbourne, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes to Mornington and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Sorrento. The Searoad ferry runs between Sorrento and Queenscliff. Times are on searoad.com.au.

  • With children: animals, slides and the gondola

    Day trip · 1 day, three stops · 3 stops

    Moonlit is in Pearcedale, on the way out of Melbourne, before the peninsula proper. The gondola and the adventure park then sit next to each other at Arthurs Seat.

  • Coffee, the farm store and lunch on the bay

    Day trip · 1 day, four tables · 4 stops

    The Frankston line ends at Frankston. Bus 788 continues to Sorrento and Portsea and finishes at the Point Nepean gate. A car is the practical way to combine the gondola, the lighthouse and the hot springs. From central Melbourne, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes to Mornington and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Sorrento. The Searoad ferry runs between Sorrento and Queenscliff. Times are on searoad.com.au.

  • Three days on the peninsula

    Several days · 3 days: the town, the point and the springs · 9 stops

    Day 1 can start on the train to Frankston and a car after that. Day 2 runs west to Sorrento and Point Nepean, which is also where bus 788 goes. Day 3 is the ocean side and Fingal. The Queenscliff ferry makes sense if you are continuing to the Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road5

  • Lorne on foot: the street and the pier

    Walk · about 1.8 km on foot · 3 stops

    The visitor centre is at 15 Mountjoy Parade. Allow about 2 hours by car from Melbourne. There is no train.

  • Chocolate, surf and Lorne in a day

    Day trip · 1 day on the first stretch of the road · 5 stops

    This is a drive. There is no train along the Great Ocean Road. From Melbourne, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to Torquay, about 2 hours to Lorne, and a little over 3 hours to the Twelve Apostles if you do not stop. From 16 October 2026 the lookouts and the car park need a booking on twelveapostles.org.au. That booking is free until April 2027, and a card is still needed to complete it.

  • With children: chocolate, the beach, koalas and the canopy

    Day trip · 1 day, reach Otway Fly before 15:30 · 4 stops

    Start at Bellbrae, which is the closest stop to Melbourne. Otway Fly sits inland on Phillips Track near Beech Forest, so do not leave it until evening.

  • Chocolate, the Wye store and the harbour

    Day trip · 1 day along the road · 3 stops

    This is a drive. There is no train along the Great Ocean Road. From Melbourne, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to Torquay, about 2 hours to Lorne, and a little over 3 hours to the Twelve Apostles if you do not stop. From 16 October 2026 the lookouts and the car park need a booking on twelveapostles.org.au. That booking is free until April 2027, and a card is still needed to complete it.

  • Three days on the Great Ocean Road

    Several days · 3 days: the surf, the forest and the Apostles · 13 stops

    Sleep in Lorne after day 1, in Apollo Bay after day 2 and in Port Campbell after day 3. Book the Apostles before you leave. If day 2 falls on a Wednesday or a Thursday, swap it with day 3: the lightstation is closed those days. Deep Blue hot springs in Warrnambool are about another hour past Port Campbell.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef11

  • The Esplanade: aquarium, Lagoon and the piers

    Walk · about 2 km on foot, half a day · 4 stops

    Cairns Airport is 10 minutes from the centre. From 23 November 2026 Translink bus 100 runs to Cairns City and the Lagoon every 30 minutes, 4am to 10:30pm, for 50 cents. Before that it is a taxi or a shuttle: taxis pay an airport access fee of A$4 (A$5 for an international terminal pick-up).

  • Cairns by taste: market, prawns and bush food

    Walk · about 1.5 km on foot through the centre · 4 stops

    Cairns Airport is 10 minutes from the centre. From 23 November 2026 Translink bus 100 runs to Cairns City and the Lagoon every 30 minutes, 4am to 10:30pm, for 50 cents. Before that it is a taxi or a shuttle: taxis pay an airport access fee of A$4 (A$5 for an international terminal pick-up).

  • Port Douglas on foot: lookout, Macrossan Street and the marina

    Walk · about 2.5 km, half a day · 4 stops

    Port Douglas is an hour north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway. Without a car, the simplest option is the Quicksilver coach from Cairns and the Northern Beaches: A$45 return for an adult.

  • The outer reef with Quicksilver: Agincourt Reef

    Day trip · 1 day: boat from Port Douglas, 3.5 hours at the reef · 3 stops

    Port Douglas is an hour north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway. Without a car, the simplest option is the Quicksilver coach from Cairns and the Northern Beaches: A$45 return for an adult.

  • Kuranda: train up, cableway down

    Day trip · 1 day: 37 km of railway and Skyrail over the forest · 7 stops

    Trains leave Cairns station on Bunda Street at 8:45am and 9:30am (Freshwater 9:10 and 9:55); arrive 30 minutes early. Until 1 November 2026, because of upgrade works, Skyrail only runs a Kuranda to Barron Falls loop, Wednesday to Sunday, so come back down on the 2:45pm or 3:30pm train. From November the cableway again descends to Smithfield terminal in northern Cairns, with taxis or the Skyrail hotel shuttle from there.

  • Mossman Gorge, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation

    Day trip · a day by car, about 160 km return from Port Douglas · 8 stops

    You need a car. Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge is 20 minutes, then about half an hour more to the Daintree River ferry. The ferry runs 5am to midnight, a car pays A$35 one way or A$57 return, by card or cash.

  • The Atherton Tablelands: crater lakes and waterfalls

    Day trip · a day by car, about 250 km round trip from Cairns · 6 stops

    By car only. Cairns to Lake Eacham is about 68 km up the Gillies Range, allow a little over an hour. Coming back down via Kuranda makes a loop.

  • Three days: Cairns, the reef and the Daintree

    Several days · 3 days based in Cairns, a car on day 3 · 8 stops

    Cairns Airport is 10 minutes from the centre. From 23 November 2026 Translink bus 100 runs to Cairns City and the Lagoon every 30 minutes, 4am to 10:30pm, for 50 cents. Before that it is a taxi or a shuttle: taxis pay an airport access fee of A$4 (A$5 for an international terminal pick-up).

  • Five days: Cairns, Kuranda, the Tablelands, Port Douglas and the outer reef

    Several days · 5 days, 2 nights in Cairns and 3 in Port Douglas, a car from day 3 · 13 stops

    Cairns Airport is 10 minutes from the centre. From 23 November 2026 Translink bus 100 runs to Cairns City and the Lagoon every 30 minutes, 4am to 10:30pm, for 50 cents. Before that it is a taxi or a shuttle: taxis pay an airport access fee of A$4 (A$5 for an international terminal pick-up).

  • Cairns with kids: sharks, the Lagoon, Muddy's and Palm Cove beach

    Day trip · ~55 km return by car to Palm Cove, 9–10 hours · 6 stops

    The morning is on foot along the Esplanade in central Cairns; park on Florence Street or at the Night Markets (level 1, A$2.20 an hour via EasyPark). Palm Cove is 27 km north on the Captain Cook Highway, about 30 minutes by car; park along Williams Esplanade

  • Sunday in Port Douglas: cassowaries, the market and Four Mile Beach

    Day trip · ~140 km return by car from Cairns, 9–10 hours · 6 stops

    Drive north from Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway, about 65 km and an hour along the coast; turn onto Port Douglas Road, Wildlife Habitat sits at the edge of town. In town park by Market Park, on Macrossan Street, at the Crystalbrook marina or Rex Smeal Park; spaces are tight on Sundays

Whitsundays8

  • Airlie Beach foreshore: from the port to Cannonvale

    Walk · about 5 km on foot, 2 to 3 hours with stops · 6 stops

    From Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), the Whitsunday Transit shuttle takes about 40 minutes and meets every Jetstar and Virgin flight. Book ahead online or on 07 4946 1800. The same company runs the local buses around town.

  • Marina breakfast, the market and a waterside sunset

    Walk · about 2.5 km on foot, morning to sunset · 4 stops

    From Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), the Whitsunday Transit shuttle takes about 40 minutes and meets every Jetstar and Virgin flight. Book ahead online or on 07 4946 1800. The same company runs the local buses around town.

  • Hamilton Island: the climb to Passage Peak

    Walk · about 7 km on foot, 3 to 4 hours · 4 stops

    The Cruise Whitsundays ferry from Port of Airlie to Hamilton Island Marina is A$74.50 adult and A$63 child one way. A free shuttle runs on the island. Hamilton Island is cashless, so bring a card.

  • Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout

    Day trip · a full day by boat, 7:15am to 6pm · 4 stops

    Port of Airlie (24 The Cove Road) is a 10-minute walk from the Airlie Beach main street, and most hotels are close by. The Cruise Whitsundays coach to the terminal is A$13 per adult, booked 12 hours ahead. Pay by card; Visa and Mastercard carry a 1.42% surcharge.

  • A family day on Hamilton Island

    Day trip · a full day, ferry 8am to 6:10pm · 5 stops

    Port of Airlie (24 The Cove Road) is a 10-minute walk from the Airlie Beach main street, and most hotels are close by. The Cruise Whitsundays coach to the terminal is A$13 per adult, booked 12 hours ahead. Pay by card; Visa and Mastercard carry a 1.42% surcharge.

  • Outer reef: the Hardy Reef pontoon and Heart Reef from the air

    Day trip · a full day by boat, 8am to 6:10pm · 3 stops

    Port of Airlie (24 The Cove Road) is a 10-minute walk from the Airlie Beach main street, and most hotels are close by. The Cruise Whitsundays coach to the terminal is A$13 per adult, booked 12 hours ahead. Pay by card; Visa and Mastercard carry a 1.42% surcharge.

  • Three days: Airlie, Whitehaven and Conway

    Several days · 3 days, based in Airlie Beach · 8 stops

    From Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), the Whitsunday Transit shuttle takes about 40 minutes and meets every Jetstar and Virgin flight. Book ahead online or on 07 4946 1800. The same company runs the local buses around town.

  • Two nights under sail

    Several days · 2 days and 2 nights aboard, from Coral Sea Marina · 4 stops

    Prosail meets guests at Meeting Point C in Coral Sea Marina, a 10-minute walk from central Airlie Beach. The yachts Hammer, Broomstick and Condor sail on different days of the week. Bring your own alcohol. Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Afterpay.

Uluru & Red Centre9

  • Around Uluru on foot: the Uluru Base Walk

    Walk · 10.6 km loop, about 3.5 h · 4 stops

    Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ): Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Ayers Rock Resort hotel guests ride a free AAT Kings coach, no booking needed. There are no taxis or public transport in the park, so you need a hire car, a tour or a hop on hop off bus pass. From the resort it is about 20 minutes to Uluru and about 45 minutes to Kata Tjuta.

  • Yulara: from coffee to the barbecue

    Walk · about 2.6 km on foot around the resort · 5 stops

    The resort is compact enough to walk. A free resort shuttle runs between the hotels and the Town Square.

  • Kata Tjuta: Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge

    Walk · 7.4 km loop plus 2.6 km return · 4 stops

    Kata Tjuta is about 45 minutes by car from Ayers Rock Resort, and every road in the park is sealed.

  • Alice Springs on foot: the hill, Todd Mall and the Flying Doctor

    Walk · about 2.5 km on foot · 4 stops

    Alice Springs Airport is 15 km from town. The Alice Springs Airport Shuttle costs A$23 one way, A$44 return, A$10 for a child under 16; book ahead. Taxis are 13cabs and Alice Springs Taxis, and Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty hire cars at the terminal.

  • Uluru in a day: sunrise, the loop and the Cultural Centre

    Day trip · 1 day, about 80 km by car · 5 stops

    Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ): Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Ayers Rock Resort hotel guests ride a free AAT Kings coach, no booking needed. There are no taxis or public transport in the park, so you need a hire car, a tour or a hop on hop off bus pass. From the resort it is about 20 minutes to Uluru and about 45 minutes to Kata Tjuta.

  • Kata Tjuta and an evening at Field of Light

    Day trip · 1 day, about 160 km by car · 4 stops

    Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ): Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Ayers Rock Resort hotel guests ride a free AAT Kings coach, no booking needed. There are no taxis or public transport in the park, so you need a hire car, a tour or a hop on hop off bus pass. From the resort it is about 20 minutes to Uluru and about 45 minutes to Kata Tjuta.

  • Kings Canyon: the Rim Walk at dawn

    Day trip · 1 day in Watarrka, about 50 km by car · 5 stops

    Kings Canyon is 450 km from Alice Springs and about 300 km from Yulara. From Yulara it is sealed all the way: the Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road. Entry needs an NT Parks Visitor Pass (online only): A$10 per adult for a day, A$20 for 3 days. NT residents pay nothing.

  • 3 days: Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

    Several days · 3 days, about 500 km by car · 9 stops

    Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ): Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Ayers Rock Resort hotel guests ride a free AAT Kings coach, no booking needed. There are no taxis or public transport in the park, so you need a hire car, a tour or a hop on hop off bus pass. From the resort it is about 20 minutes to Uluru and about 45 minutes to Kata Tjuta.

  • 6 days: Alice Springs, West MacDonnells, Kings Canyon, Uluru

    Several days · 6 days, about 1,100 km, part unsealed · 19 stops

    Fly into Alice Springs, out of Ayers Rock Airport. Larapinta Drive between Hermannsburg or Glen Helen and Watarrka needs a Mereenie Loop Pass, sold at the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, the Central Land Council office, Standley Chasm, Hermannsburg General Store, Kings Canyon Resort and Kings Creek Station. A 4WD is recommended for the unsealed stretch; check road conditions before you go.

Adelaide & South Australia11

  • North Terrace: the Oval, the museums and the Botanic Garden

    Walk · about 3 km on foot, half a day · 5 stops

    Central Adelaide is flat and compact, so everything here is walkable. The tram between South Terrace and the Entertainment Centre is free. Everything else is Tap and Pay or metroCARD: A$4.75 at peak and A$2.70 off-peak, valid for 2 hours.

  • Central Market to the East End food walk

    Walk · about 2.5 km on foot, lunch through dinner · 5 stops

    Start at the Central Market on Gouger Street, next to the Victoria Square tram stop. The market is closed on Sunday and Monday, so plan this walk for Tuesday to Saturday.

  • Glenelg by tram: the square, the jetty and the beach

    Walk · about 1.5 km on foot plus the tram, half a day · 4 stops

    The tram from Victoria Square to the Moseley Square terminus takes about half an hour. Pay by Tap and Pay or metroCARD, A$4.75 at peak and A$2.70 off-peak. The walk starts at the tram terminus and ends on the tram back to the city.

  • The Barossa: the palm avenue and the cellar doors

    Day trip · 1 day, ~200 km by car · 5 stops

    From central Adelaide, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes by car to Tanunda. You need a sober driver: South Australia's limit is 0.05, and zero for P and L plate drivers. Without one, a group wine tour from the city is the easier option.

  • McLaren Vale: the d'Arenberg Cube and sunset at Port Willunga

    Day trip · 1 day, ~100 km by car · 3 stops

    McLaren Vale is about 45 minutes by car from the city. You need a sober driver; South Australia's limit is 0.05. Without a car, join a group winery tour.

  • Adelaide Hills: Mount Lofty, koalas and Hahndorf

    Day trip · 1 day, ~80 km by car · 4 stops

    Mount Lofty is about 25 minutes up the M1, Hahndorf another 20 minutes on. Cleland is about 20 minutes from the city.

  • Victor Harbor: the horse tram to Granite Island

    Day trip · 1 day, ~180 km by car · 4 stops

    Victor Harbor is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Horse tram tickets aren't sold online: you buy them from the driver at the platform.

  • Kangaroo Island in 3 days

    Several days · 3 days, ~450 km by car plus the ferry · 9 stops

    Cape Jervis is about 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Adelaide. The SeaLink ferry to Penneshaw takes about 45 minutes and runs daily except Christmas Day. The published fare is from A$49 per adult and from A$99 for a car up to 5 m each way, but prices move with demand. Book on sealink.com.au.

  • Adelaide, the Barossa and the Hills in 4 days

    Several days · 4 days, the city on foot plus ~300 km by car · 12 stops

    Day one is on foot in the city, then a hire car. At cellar doors you need a sober driver; South Australia's limit is 0.05.

  • Port Adelaide and Glenelg: steam trains, river dolphins and a sunset beach

    Day trip · Train and tram, ~5 km on foot, 9–10 hours · 7 stops

    Morning: Adelaide Metro Outer Harbor line from Adelaide Railway Station to Port Adelaide, about 20 minutes. Afternoon: back to the city and the Glenelg Tram to the Moseley Square terminus, about 30 minutes. Pay with metroCARD or contactless. The Glenelg tram has run its full route again since 20 July 2026 after upgrade works

  • Clare Valley: the Riesling Trail by bike, Jesuit wine and Martindale Hall

    Day trip · ~140 km each way by car + ~19 km by bike, 10–11 hours · 6 stops

    Car only: Adelaide to Clare via Port Wakefield Rd and the Horrocks Hwy, about 140 km (around 1 h 50 min). Free parking at the bike hire on Warenda Road. Nominate a non-drinking driver: it's 2 hours back at the end of the day

Good to know

Practical: transport, parks, safety

The short cheat sheet that saves money and nerves. Checked against official sources, 12 October 2026.

City transport: just tap your card

Sydney: a bank card or phone works on trains, metro, ferries, buses and light rail. An adult pays no more than A$19.30 Monday to Thursday, A$9.65 Friday to Sunday, and A$50 a week. The airport station fee sits outside that cap. Melbourne: a full-fare bank card works on trains, trams and buses in the myki area. A concession still uses myki. Fares are half price until 1 January 2027, so the full-fare daily cap is A$5.70. Trams in the centre are free. SkyBus is separate. Brisbane and the Gold Coast: 50 cents a trip on Translink buses, trains, trams and ferries. Airtrain is separate. Perth: a bank card is at most A$3.50, a SmartRider is A$2.80, Sunday taps are free, and the CAT buses in the centre are free. Tasmania: government buses and the Derwent ferry are free until 30 June 2027.

National parks & passes

Queensland and Victoria are free to enter (a Twelve Apostles fee only arrives late 2026). NSW charges at some parks only (Royal NP A$12 per car). WA: A$17 per car, or a 5-day Holiday Pass for A$25. Tasmania requires a pass everywhere: A$47.70 per vehicle per day; for Cradle Mountain get the Icon Pass; it includes the mandatory shuttle.

The sun here is serious

Protect yourself whenever the UV index hits 3+, which in Australia is most of the year, clouds included. The local formula: SPF50+, a hat, sleeves, shade and sunglasses. Burning in 15 minutes is not a figure of speech.

Ocean: swim between the flags

On patrolled beaches swim strictly between the red-and-yellow flags. Lifeguards watch that zone and it avoids rips. A beautiful empty beach with no flags is not a bonus; it is a reason to stay out of the water. Patrolled beaches: beachsafe.org.au.

Driving: left side, kangaroo hours

Traffic is left-hand, and country distances deceive, so allow extra time. Kangaroos come to the roads at dawn and dusk: they account for 80% of animal collisions. If one is on the road, brake in a straight line. Never swerve.

How to use the routes

Every route is a map, per-stop timings and the legs between stops; the Google Maps button builds turn-by-turn navigation through the points. Times are net of queues and swims. The URL of an open route is shareable straight from the address bar.

Routes and prices verified against official sites in July 2026; zoo prices rechecked October 2026, transport 12 October 2026. South Coast, Byron Bay, Noosa, Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road routes added and verified 13 October 2026.

Data sources

Venue prices and schedules change, so check the official site before visiting. Informational content; we are not affiliated with the listed operators.