10 Days in Australia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Australian Adventure for Families: City, Outback & Reef

Perfect for families wanting to visit some of Australia's iconic destinations, this 10-day itinerary includes time in Sydney, Uluru, and Cairns. Explore family-friendly Sydney, watch sunrises and sunsets and discover Anangu First Nations culture at Uluru (Ayers Rock), snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, and take a scenic railroad journey from Cairns through Barron Gorge National Park.  

Your family adventure begins in Sydney. You'll meet animals from Australia and around the world at Taronga Zoo, see First Nations rock art and engravings at Ku-ring-gain Chase National Park, and tour the Northern Beaches region. Your family's next stop is Uluru in the Outback, where you will witness memorable sunrises and sunsets together, hike to see First Nations' sacred sites and stunning views, and ride camels—an exciting adventure for adults and kids alike.

On Day 6, explore the Field of Light Uluru with your family before flying to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You and the family will see the reef by catamaran and then go snorkeling or take a trip on a glass-bottom boat. The next day, you'll all head to Barron Gorge on a scenic train ride, spend time in Kuranda visiting kid-pleasing attractions and shops, and return to Cairns by cable car. On your family's final day in Cairns, you'll enjoy a free day together relaxing at the Cairns Esplanade's playgrounds and swimming pool, investigating the Rainforest Boardwalk, or visiting some of Cairns' many museums and attractions. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney

This 10-day self-drive road trip takes your family from Brisbane to Sydney via the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens, and Newcastle, allowing you plenty of sightseeing flexibility along the way. Meet koalas, lorikeets, and other indigenous animals, discover First Nations traditions, and learn to sandboard and surf, then head to Sydney for two days of exploration and family fun.

Begin your Australian family road trip in Brisbane, where you'll have time to wander on your own before visiting a koala sanctuary and attending a First Nations dinner theater experience. Collect your rental car and head to Gold Coast, where your family can hike, swim, or visit a wildlife sanctuary with colorful lorikeet parrots. Spend the next night together in Byron Bay, Australia's easternmost point, then head to Coffs Harbour, home of the Big Banana—it's a bit corny, but kids love it—and the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park.

The next leg of your journey takes your family to Port Stephens and Nelson Bay, where you'll go whale watching and then learn to sandboard at Stockton Beach Sand Dunes. Spend the night in Newcastle, then drive to Sydney and take your family on a two-hour dinner cruise in Sydney Harbour. Day 9 includes a city tour, a visit to Taronga Zoo, perfect for animal lovers of all ages, and free time to take a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach or visit Sydney's world-famous attractions and historic neighborhoods. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Perth for Families

Base your family in Perth and discover city sights, theme parks, wildlife, and Perth's beaches on this 10-day itinerary. You'll only need to unpack once, giving you more time to relax, have fun, and create special family memories.

Take some time to settle your family into your hotel in Perth, then head out to get acquainted with Australia's sunshine capital. Next day, enjoy a half-day driving tour of Perth with your family and continue to nearby Fremantle, home to Victorian-era market buildings and architecture, to enjoy the port city on your own and return to Perth by boat. Day 3 includes a kid-friendly indoor skydiving lesson and free time in Perth. The following day, adults and kids will all enjoy looking for fur seals, hiking, and trying water sports on Rottnest Island. On Day 5, spend the day at Adventure World, which features theme park rides and waterslides for all ages.

The next day is yours to spend as you like in Perth, perhaps by showing the kids the world's largest gold coin at the Perth Mint or watching bell ringers at the Bell Tower. Day 7 takes you to Caversham Wildlife Park, where adults and kids will meet kangaroos, wombats, and koalas, to Cervantes for a rock lobster processing plant tour (optional for families with young children), and to Nambung National Park's Pinnacles Desert for a family sandboarding adventure. Enjoy your family's last day in Australia by visiting AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia and relaxing at a nearby beach. Learn more

More Great Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your family's trip to Australia? Check out these other family-friendly Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.