Take the trip planning hassle out of your hands by having an expert travel planner craft the perfect tailored vacation. However you choose to experience a trip to Australia, this country surely won't disappoint!

Sydney (3 days)

Start your Aussie adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Sydney. Spend 3 days discovering this sunny harbor hub's top sights:

• Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on a guided tour to enjoy panoramic views of the harbor, opera house, and city skyline from 134m above the water.
• Take a tour of the renowned Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel with a soaring white shell roof design perched gracefully on the harbor.
• Wander the historic Rocks neighborhood to shop, see charming colonial-era buildings, and enjoy sweeping views of the bridge and opera house.
• Stroll lively Darling Harbour's waterside pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, attractions like the Sea Life Aquarium, and street performers.
• Ferry over to Manly Beach to soak up the laidback seaside town atmosphere, swim in the protected bay beach, and grab fish and chips.
• Feast on fresh local seafood right at Circular Quay's array of waterfront restaurants with iconic harbor views.
• Hike along the scenic Bondi to Coogee 6km coastal walk for incredible ocean cliff scenery and secluded beaches.
• After dark, join in the buzzing nightlife scene of hip bars and a world-class foodie culture in Surry Hills.

Great Ocean Road (2 days)

Pick up a rental car in Melbourne and drive the stunning 150 mile Great Ocean Road coastline. Stop to see natural landmarks like:

• The iconic Twelve Apostles sandstone pillars jutting dramatically from the sea – the road trip’s iconic highlight.
• Loch Ard Gorge's pristine small beach nestled against towering limestone cliffs and clear blue waters.
• Bay of Islands' azure waters dotted with islands you can boat out and explore
• London Bridge, a natural stone arch rock formation once spanning two columns now one after the other's collapse.
• Sprawling colonies of wild koalas in habitat areas near Cape Otway Lighthouse and Kennett River

Stay overnight in the quaint seaside village of Port Campbell before continuing West along the shipwreck coast. The road trip scenery is truly unforgettable.

Melbourne (2 days)

Melbourne dazzles with its blend of old and new. Must-dos in this fun-loving city include:

• Wander the city center's charming hidden laneways and arcades full of colorful street art, cozy cafes, and chic indie boutiques.
• See immaculate Victorian architecture and grand dome at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building.
• People watch and sip coffee along Degraves Street, a lively European-style pedestrian lane lined with cafes and restaurants.
• Take in sweeping views of the city skyline and Yarra River from the luscious gardens at Government House and Flagstaff Gardens.
• Sample farm fresh local produce, artisan foods, and fresh seafood at the historic 138-year old Queen Victoria Market.
• Stroll along the scenic riverfront promenades of the Yarra River and Southbank.

<2>Cairns (3 days)</h2> Fly up to tropical Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Top attractions include:

• Snorkeling or diving the reef's breathtaking corals, tropical fish, turtles, and giant clams on day trips out of Cairns.
• Joining an Aboriginal guided tour through Mossman Gorge to see ancient rock art and learn about indigenous culture and rainforest medicines.
• Hiking and swimming in the luminous blue freshwater pools, thundering waterfalls, and lush mountains of the Atherton Tablelands inside crater remnants.
• Riding the Skyrail gondola for an aerial view over and inside the dense rainforest canopy on route to Kuranda village.
• Exploring night market stalls of handmade crafts, enjoying tropical drinks at friendly pubs, and soaking up laidback vibes in walkable Cairns.

This 10 day itinerary showcases the best of Australia's cities and natural wonders and you can use it as a travel itinerary template. Starting in Sydney to discover its iconic harbor sights, road-tripping the Great Ocean Road's breathtaking coastal scenery, enjoying Melbourne's blend of old and new, and capping it off immersed in the tropical beauty of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional trip planning tips:

• Avoid summer crowds by visiting in fall or spring
• Fly between cities to maximize time
• Book longer 2-3 night stays in each spot rather than constant hotel changes
• Pack for diverse weather across different regions - bring layers
• Rent a fuel-efficient car for scenic driving days

And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy!