19 days in Australia Itinerary

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Wed): look for all kinds of wild species at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, then admire all the interesting features of Suncorp Stadium, and then take a leisurely stroll along Eagle Street Pier. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Moffat Beach and then get your game on at South Bank Parklands.

To see maps, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Brisbane trip itinerary builder tool .

Vancouver, Canada to Brisbane is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of shuttle and flight; or do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 18 hours traveling from Vancouver to Brisbane due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Vancouver in January, things will get much hotter in Brisbane: highs are around 34°C and lows about 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Rockhampton.

With over 300 sunny days every year, Rockhampton plays host to numerous outdoor activities.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Fri): explore the engaging exhibits at FLOW Visitors Centre, then meet the residents at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, and then identify plant and animal life at Capricorn Caves.

To see maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Rockhampton attractions planner.

Fly from Brisbane to Rockhampton in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Brisbane in January, you will find days in Rockhampton are somewhat warmer (38°C), and nights are about the same (26°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to travel to Gold Coast.

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sat): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Burleigh Head National Park, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Coolangatta Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Greenmount Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Sun): enjoy breathtaking views from SkyPoint Climb, kick back and relax at Kurrawa Beach, and then kick back and relax at Kirra Beach.

To find maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Gold Coast trip planner .

The Route module can help you plan travel from Rockhampton to Gold Coast. When traveling from Rockhampton in January, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Gold Coast: temperatures range from 33°C by day to 24°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Byron Bay.

Named after Lord Byron's grandfather, Byron Bay is not only famous as the easternmost point of Australia, but even more so as one of the liveliest vacation spots in the country.

On the 14th (Mon), kick back and relax at Broken Head Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Lennox Head Beach, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers. On the 15th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Belongil Beach, look for all kinds of wild species at Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and then take some stellar pictures from Broken Head Nature Reserve.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Byron Bay road trip website .

Traveling by car from Gold Coast to Byron Bay takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Coffs Harbour.

Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Coffs Harbour is one of the larger cities in New South Wales.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Wed): meet the residents at Pet Porpoise Pool - Dolphin Marine Magic, identify plant and animal life at Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Diggers beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Thu): get great views at Forest Sky Pier, enjoy the sand and surf at Park Beach, and then identify plant and animal life at Boambee Creek Reserve.

For ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Coffs Harbour sightseeing site .

You can drive from Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Byron Bay in January, plan for a bit cooler days in Coffs Harbour, with highs around 31°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Port Macquarie.

Known for its numerous beaches and resident koala population, Port Macquarie offers visitors a welcoming environment in which to unwind.

Explore hidden gems such as Trial Bay Gaol and Seven Mile Beach. Tacking Point Lighthouse and Innes Ruins will appeal to history buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Port Macquarie: Crescent Head Lookout (in Kempsey) and Smoky Cape Lighthouse (in South West Rocks). The adventure continues: hike along Coastal walk, get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, don't miss a visit to Breakwall, and look for all kinds of wild species at Koala Hospital.

For photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Port Macquarie itinerary website .

You can drive from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. While traveling from Coffs Harbour, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Port Macquarie, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Mon) early enough to travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Shelly Beach and Speed Boats Tours. Visit Bondi Beach and Manly Beach for some beach relaxation. There's lots more to do: get to know the fascinating history of The Rocks, admire the natural beauty at The Royal Botanic Garden, tour the pleasant surroundings at Coogee Beach, and catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House.

To find maps, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Sydney trip planner.

You can fly from Port Macquarie to Sydney in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. When traveling from Port Macquarie in January, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Sydney: temperatures range from 32°C by day to 23°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) so you can travel back home.