Australia is a whole continent: the distance between Sydney and Perth is similar to the distance between Riyadh and London. That is why a successful first visit focuses on the east coast. This 10-day itinerary combines Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, with domestic flights between cities and a version that supports your visa application.
Best time to visit Australia
Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are the reverse of the Gulf’s. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are best for the southern cities. Summer, from December to February, is beach season but the most expensive. The Gold Coast is warm most of the year.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney | Arrival and rest | Flight to Sydney (SYD) | Hotel, Sydney |
| 2 | Sydney | Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Rocks | Walk and ferry | Hotel, Sydney |
| 3 | Blue Mountains | Day trip | Train or organised tour | Hotel, Sydney |
| 4 | Sydney | Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo | Bus and ferry | Hotel, Sydney |
| 5 | Sydney → Melbourne | Transfer, Federation Square | Domestic flight (about 1.5 hours) | Hotel, Melbourne |
| 6 | Great Ocean Road | Day trip to the coast and sea stacks | Organised tour | Hotel, Melbourne |
| 7 | Melbourne | Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market | Tram | Hotel, Melbourne |
| 8 | Melbourne → Gold Coast | Transfer, Surfers Paradise beach | Domestic flight | Hotel, Gold Coast |
| 9 | Gold Coast | Theme parks | Car | Hotel, Gold Coast |
| 10 | Brisbane | Departure | Flight from Brisbane (BNE) | — |
Getting around and practical tips
Domestic flights are the practical choice between Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, because driving takes many hours. The journey from the Gulf to Australia is long, so keep the first day for rest. On the Gold Coast you will need a rental car to get between your hotel and the theme parks, and Australians drive on the left.
Visa and trip documents
The Australian visitor visa is applied for online through an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), and biometrics may be required depending on your nationality. Australia does not require paid bookings, but attaching an itinerary with a preliminary flight reservation and hotel bookings clarifies the length and purpose of your visit and strengthens your application.
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, with a flight reservation that includes domestic flights and hotel bookings in all three cities.
Frequently asked questions
Are 10 days enough for Australia?
Enough for the east coast. To add the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, add at least three days.
Do I need an international driving permit?
Usually yes, together with your national licence. Rules differ between states, so check with the rental company.
Do I need travel insurance?
Strongly recommended, because medical treatment for non-residents is very expensive. Travel insurance
