If you want a trip entirely centered on unparalleled wildlife and raw nature, Australia is the obvious choice. This 19-day itinerary spans the southern and western territories of The Land Down Under, moving from the vibrant cultural hubs through the rugged bush and along a vast, stunning coastline. It’s remarkable how this single journey seamlessly brings together incredible beaches overflowing with marine life, and huge deserts teeming with classic Aussie wildlife right next to each other! This is the (April-May based) itinerary I’d recommend for exploring these diverse regions, ensuring you encounter every essential experience, from kangaroos to whale sharks. (This journey is one of two planned trips to see all of Australia’s highlights; this one covers the South and West coasts, while the other focuses on Sydney and Queensland.)
Day 1: Arrival in Melbs
G’day, mate! You’ve arrived in Aussie land. Your Australian adventure begins as you arrive in Melbourne (Melbs). After checking into a lovely hotel like Treasury on Collins or The Langham, take the day slow, adjusting to the time zone, as you explore and wander the city’s unique streets. Melbourne is famous for its hidden laneways and incredible café culture, so just soaking up the atmosphere is the perfect introduction.
Days 2-3: The Cultural and Trendy Hub
Melbourne is a beaut, best explored on foot. Start with a local-led private walking tour to discover its true highlights and hidden gems. Spend the rest of your time in this city getting familiar with the laid-back Aussie spirit. Browse the thriving craft brewery scene, take a look at some famous street art, or spend an afternoon at the famous Queen Victoria Market.
Day 4: To the Eyre Peninsula
Time to hit South Australia’s aquatic heartland! You’ll fly to Port Lincoln. Upon landing, pick up your 4WD rental car, a necessity for the coming days, and drive to the relaxed seaside town of Coffin Bay. After checking into your lodging at Discovery Park, drive out to explore the stunning coastline. Stop at the Golden Island Lookout, where you can witness the rare sight of two ocean currents meeting, before heading to the beach with its bright turquoise waters and white sand. For a bit of fun, enjoy driving around the remote sand dunes, where you’ll be sharing the road with emus!
Day 5: Oysters and Rock Pools
Start your day with a truly South Australian experience: an oyster farm tour. Put on some waders, and head into the water to learn how these oysters are raised, before shucking some of your own. You’ll have the chance to try some of the freshest oysters you’ll ever have! In the arvo, drive to the rugged coastline of Greenly Beach to swim in its natural, beautiful blue rock pools. Finish the day with a drive to Venus Bay, checking into the Beachfront Tourist Park.
Day 6: Puppies of the Sea
This is the first day focused on marine life! Head out early for a six-hour excursion to swim with wild dolphins and sea lions. The Eyre Peninsula is one of the only places in the world where you can freely interact with these playful creatures. They are incredibly friendly and are deservedly called the “puppies of the sea.” After a day in the water, take the scenic drive back to Port Lincoln and check into a great spot like the Limani Port Lincoln hotel.
Day 7: The Zoo Without Fences
You’ll fly to Kangaroo Island in the morning. The island is often referred to as a “zoo without fences” due to its incredible density of native animals. After picking up your car and checking in, your evening is dedicated to wildlife spotting. Join a sunset nature walk to see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and more, as they become most active at dusk.
Day 8: Up Close with Aussie Animals
Today is dedicated to unforgettable Australian animal encounters. Start at Seal Bay, where a guided tour allows you to walk right on the beach among the third-largest population of Australian sea lions. Then, spend the rest of your day at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you’ll get multiple specialized encounters. The ultimate highlight is the chance for a special koala cuddling experience.
Days 9-10: City Break in Freo
Time to give the West coast a go! Fly from Kangaroo Island to Perth, often called the “Sunniest City in the World.” Upon arrival, head straight for the historic port city of Fremantle (Freo), which has a fantastic maritime history and a laid-back, creative vibe. Check into your hotel, Quest Fremantle or The National Hotel, and spend your time exploring the famous Fremantle Markets, the colorful and historic Victorian architecture, or the thriving craft brewery scene. You’re halfway through your adventure, so also use this time to relax and reset before the rest of the journey ahead!
Day 11: The Happiest Animal on Earth
You’ll see loads of smiles today! Take the quick ferry to Rottnest Island. This island is renowned for its protected wildlife and its star resident: the quokka. These small marsupials are famous for their perpetually smiling appearance. They are very friendly and will come right up to you, giving you the chance to take that iconic quokka selfie! You’ll walk to Garden Lake to see them in the morning while it’s still cooler, then rent e-bikes to effortlessly explore the island’s beautiful coastline and hidden coves before taking the 4 o’clock ferry back to Fremantle.
Day 12: Pinnacles and Pink Lakes
Pick up your rental car in the morn, and begin your incredible road trip up the Coral Coast, a gorgeous scenic drive. Your first major stop is the Pinnacles Desert, an otherworldly landscape dotted with thousands of limestone formations. Watch for emus! Next, drive to Hutt Lagoon to witness a phenomenon unique to this region: a pink lake! Be sure to stop and take some unique pictures with this one-of-a-kind sight. After exploring, drive to Kalbarri and check into River Retreat.
Day 13: Canyons and Ancient Life
Start the day with a gnarly quad bike safari through the rugged terrain, where you’re likely to spot kangaroos and echidnas. Next, drive to the spectacular Kalbarri Skywalk, which projects out over the stunning Murchison River Gorge, giving you breathtaking views of the outback canyons. In the afternoon, drive north to Hamelin Pool to see the rare Stromatolites– these are living fossils, and this specific site is recognized as having the oldest (we’re talking billions of years), and largest forms of microbial life on Earth! Finish the day at Shell Beach, a beautiful beach made entirely of tiny white seashells, for a memorable sunset before driving to the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
Days 14-15: Monkey Mia Magic
This region, Shark Bay, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning array of marine life, making this stop unmissable. In the morning, you can walk right out to the beach from your resort to watch the wild bottlenose dolphins swim to the shore to be fed. The dolphins come to get fed three times before noon, but they are often curious and come up to the shore later in the day, too! Later in the morning is a marine life cruise to spot dugongs (similar to manatees) and other sea creatures like sea turtles and reef sharks. Watch another cool dolphin feeding the next morning before you begin the long drive north toward the vast Outback and Bullara Station. Bullara is a working cattle station (ranch) set deep in the bush and surrounded by red sand dunes, and this is your home for the next few days.
Day 16: Outback Station Life
Enjoy a full free day immersing yourself in the Australian Outback experience at Bullara Station. There is so much to do and so much available for you here! You can explore the Exmouth Gulf 4WD track, enjoy bush walking trails, or fish and get the chance to see some mud hoppers in the mangroves. Make sure to join the nightly bonfire back at the station– and don’t forget, the clear skies at night are perfect for stargazing.
Day 17: Majestic Whale Sharks
Today is the ultimate bucket-list experience. You’ll head out for a full-day excursion to swim with whale sharks. You may also spot manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and more! The Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where these gentle giants congregate reliably (April-June). Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, often growing over 40 feet long, but they are incredibly docile filter feeders! After your epic day on the water, return to the station absolutely buzzing before enjoying another round of bonfire and stargazing.
Days 18-19: Final Adventures and Journey Home
This is your last full day to spend in the bush! You can relax at the station or hit a nearby beach, but make sure you don’t miss their iconic burger night (only on Fridays). This is a quintessential Aussie Barbie with a bonfire and live music, outback style! Enjoy a final morning at the station before heading to Learmonth Airport for your long flight home. You’ll depart with memories of wild sea creatures, vast outback skies, and the Aussie spirit.
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