Travelling all the way across the world, you really want to make the most of your trip to Australia. If you’re limited for time, you’ll need to plan carefully to make the most of your time down under. Here is how I managed to make the most of my 10 days in Australia.

Day 1

Most flights will land in Sydney. We flew straight out up to Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands which has its own airport and got our adventure straight underway. It was already lunchtime when we arrived so we headed into the harbour for food and spent the afternoon exploring the island courtesy of our very own golf buggy.

Day 2

Head out to the Great Barrier Reef. Boat trips leave early in the morning for the 2 hour trip to Reefworld where you can snorkel and take a ride in a glass-bottom boat to see what lives under the sea.

Day 3

The Great Barrier Reef is as impressive from above as it is from below. Take a helicopter tour over the Whitsunday Islands before arriving at the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll circle over Heart Reef and can spot some of the larger marine life from up high.

Your helicopter will then take you to what is the best beach I’ve ever been to, landing on the powder white sands. Bubbles are poured as you’re left alone to enjoy the incredible beach and take in the experience of being in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 4

Fly to Cairns and drive up to the Daintree Forest. The drive along Captain Cook Highway is so picturesque that you’ll stop a few times along the way to gaze at the pristine, untouched beaches. Stay at Silky Oaks Lodge where you can relax in the middle of the jungle. Spend the afternoon swimming with turtles in the Mossman River or swinging in your hammock to the soundtrack of the rainforest.

Day 5

Take a boat out to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. You’ll experience the Reef in a more intimate setting and will be taken to a few different reef sites where you’ll learn more about the marine life. There are lots of boat tours to choose from, I wouldn't recommend the one we went with unfortunately, but send me a message if you want recommendations on who to choose (or not to!).

Day 6

Walk from Silky Oaks into the Daintree National Park. Take a picnic if you can brave the heat or cool off in the natural pools. In the afternoon drive to Mossman and visit Tranquility Falls. It’s a short walk to get there through the rainforest but very much worth the trip. If you’re lucky like we were, you’ll have the whole falls to yourselves.

Day 7

Take a very early flight to Ayers Rock. You’ll arrive in the morning for a full day of exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. Find the best spot to watch the Rock change colours as the sun sets.

In the evening visit the impressive Field of Light where 50,000 lights are lit up reflecting various aspects of Uluru.

Day 8

Another early start to watch the Rock glow as the sun rises onto it.

Make the most of the cooler mornings by taking a walk into the Walpa Gorge in Kata Tjuca.

Take a lunchtime flight to Sydney, arriving in time for dinner and drinks in the city.

Day 9

Enjoy a slow morning for a change. Head over to Bondi for brunch with the sea air watching the surfers taking on the famous Bondi waves.

From either Watson Bay or Rose Bay, take the shuttle boat back to Circular Quay, sailing in the famous Sydney Harbour Bay.

Walk around the Opera House before heading over to The Rocks for a more quaint Sydney experience.

Catch the last of the rays in Darling Harbour before heading back into the city for dinner.

Day 10

My favourite way to prepare for a full day of sitting on a plane is by going on a long run. Run along the quays, through the rocks, under the Bridge and around the Opera House, followed by a nice big brunch. 

By now you’ll be completely in love with Australia and happy to get some last glimpses of it’s special sights.