We recommend a minimum of two weeks to explore the best of either Australia or New Zealand. If you want to experience both countries in one trip, we suggest at least three weeks. Combining Australia or New Zealand with an island destination such as Fiji, Tahiti or the Cook Islands is possible, but you should allow a minimum of three weeks for this. If you have less time, it's best to focus on just one country.
Australia and New Zealand have many differences, so it's worth taking the time to explore each one properly. If you have 16 days available, this travel itinerary will take you to some incredible places. As a special highlight, it includes Kangaroo Island, which is often overlooked but is considered by many to be the “Galapagos of Australia”. The iconic Sydney Opera House is located at Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, next to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
This performing arts center was designed by Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, and construction began in 1958. Today, the Sydney Opera House hosts more than 1,500 performances a year and is one of Australia's top tourist attractions, with more than 1.2 million people visiting each year. Manly Beach is one of Australia's most famous surfing beaches and an Australian landmark. It hosts the Australian Open Surf Championship every February and is popular with backpackers and families alike. The long waterfront is full of cafés, bars and restaurants, and visitors can enjoy bike paths for walking, jogging, skating or biking.
Manly's seaside beaches and surf coves are perfect for active water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling and diving. Or you can just relax in the sun, take a dip in one of the saltwater pools or swim on the guarded beaches. Manly Cove on the harbor side is ideal for family picnics, sailing, fishing or building sandcastles. Witness the birthplace of Sydney by exploring the convict huts, bars and Australia's first church in The Rocks district.
Then head east to the stunning Botanic Gardens located in the heart of Sydney. Along the way you'll pass Macquarie Street (named after Lachlan Macquarie, the fifth governor of New South Wales), see Australia's first Parliament, the Mint, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary's Cathedral. Take a walking tour along the waterfront with magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and Rushcutters Bay before stopping for lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (home to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race).
Then admire some of Sydney's most sought-after locations in Darling Point (one of Sydney's most affluent neighborhoods) before crossing the coast to Bondi Beach. Soak up the atmosphere before returning to Sydney via Oxford Street and Paddington (a boutique shopping district with charming Georgian and Victorian architecture). Inaugurated in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a world-renowned symbol of Australia. Located in front of Sydney's stunning natural harbor, it has become one of the most photographed elements of this beautiful city.
With a BridgeClimb Sydney guide as your guide you can climb the arches of this bridge step by step and enjoy iconic views of Sydney from its spectacular harbor. During your climb your guide will entertain you with stories about its history – from its construction to its inauguration in 1932 – including its place in local everyday celebrations. IMPORTANT: Avoid alcohol; all climbers must pass a breath test (if their blood alcohol limit is less than 0.05%) before climbing. Children under 8 years old cannot climb; every 3 children between 8 and 15 years old inclusive must be accompanied by at least one adult participant.
If you are less than 24 weeks pregnant you can upload with a fitness certificate form signed by your general practitioner. The Sailaway VII is a tailor-made sailing catamaran that sails every day to the Great Barrier Reef. Sailaway – an advanced ecotourism operator that is a leader in climate action and national winner of sustainability – innovates an exciting new ecological adventure: a one-day sailing adventure through Mackay Coral Cays or Undine Reefs off Port Douglas Marina. On board this beautiful yacht you'll sail along the coast and enjoy views of Daintree Mountains before arriving at your destination where nature activities will include snorkeling over pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist who will interpret what you see on a guided snorkel tour. A glass-bottomed boat tour is also available so you can observe corals without getting wet! Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life including turtle encounters and an incredible display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Journey through rich agricultural areas to Daintree National Park forest region – declared a World Heritage Site – where you'll board a custom boat for a cruise through gentle clear waters in search of Ulysses butterfly, kingfishers and other wildlife. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that combines culture with nature then Australia and New Zealand are perfect destinations for your next holiday! With two weeks or more available for exploration you can make sure that your trip includes all these amazing experiences!.
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