16 days in Australia Itinerary

A holiday in Port Douglas balances an activity-filled getaway with plenty of opportunities to relax, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and bustling beach life.

You've added Daintree National Park, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Sunday Market Port Douglas, and other attractions to your itinerary. Explore Port Douglas' surroundings by going to Barron Falls (in Kuranda) and Palm Cove Beach (in Palm Cove). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

To see reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Port Douglas road trip planner.

Sydney to Port Douglas is an approximately 7-hour travel. You can also fly; or drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Sydney in April: high temperatures in Port Douglas hover around 34°C and lows are around 25°C. You'll have a few hours on the 29th (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to Mission Beach.

Gracing the coast along the Coral Sea, Mission Beach is a collection of villages that merged into one city.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Thu): walk around Paronella Park and then take in the dramatic natural features at Babinda Boulders. On the 30th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Mission Beach and then get great views at Mamu Tropical Skywalk.

For photos, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Mission Beach trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Port Douglas to Mission Beach takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of shuttle and bus. You will have some time to spend on the 1st (Sat) before leaving for Townsville.

Tucked snugly beneath a steep, craggy mount--known as Castle Hill--the vibrant city of Townsville is as picturesque as its backdrop.

On the 1st (Sat), contemplate the long history of Kissing Point Fort.

For where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Townsville day trip planner.

Getting from Mission Beach to Townsville by journey takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in May, and nighttime lows around 21°C. You will have some time to spend on the 2nd (Sun) before leaving for Orpheus Island.

Spend the 3rd (Mon) exploring nature at Orpheus Island National Park.

To find ratings, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Orpheus Island travel itinerary planner.

Drive from Townsville to Orpheus Island in 7 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Orpheus Island can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. You'll have a few hours on the 7th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Brisbane.

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.

To see reviews, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Brisbane trip builder tool.

Traveling by car from Orpheus Island to Brisbane takes 21.5 hours. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Orpheus Island in May, with highs in Brisbane at 27°C and lows at 15°C. You will have some time to spend on the 9th (Sun) before leaving for home.