If you recently returned from an Australian vacation and need to get your fix of Aussie fun here at home in San Diego, here’s a one-week walkabout tour itinerary of San Diego that may convince you that you’re back in the Land Down Under.
There’s nothing like spending a week in Australia. From the gleaming metropolis of Sydney to the rugged outback, the lush rainforests of the Blue Mountains, and the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has something to capture the imagination of every traveler. The continent spans more than 2,485 miles and each one is filled with one-of-a-kind adventure and excitement that can only be found in the exotic Land Down Under.
To make the most of everything Australia has to offer, the Qantas Walkabout Pass is the ultimate ticket to customize a one-week walkabout visit. Create an itinerary of up to six domestic flights to 26 destinations and pay less than if the same flights were booked separately. A one-week walkabout tour of Australia provides a great taste of the diverse country and is likely to whet the appetite for a return trip.
The best news is, the flight from San Diego and other West Coast cities to Australia is about the same as to European destinations such as Rome – around 14 hours. So climb aboard a Qantas luxury flight, enjoy a fine meal and a good night’s sleep, and awaken refreshed and ready to explore the wonders of Australia.
Did You Know?
The flight from San Diego and other West Coast cities to Australia is about 14 hours -- the same as travel to Rome and other European destinations.
Explore the Cities
Australia boasts some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, each with its own individual charm and friendly local residents. With world-class shopping, dining, museums, indigenous culture, and live music, a one-week visit to one or more of Australia’s cities creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Sydney, the country’s sophisticated and vibrant cultural center, was recently named atop the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It is famous for its iconic waterfront Opera House and Harbour Bridge majestically spanning the Sydney Harbour. Take a surf lesson at legendary Bondi Beach or learn the art of Australian cuisine with cooking classes led by local chefs at the Sydney Fish Market. A visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Art Gallery of New South Wales is a perfect way to spend a beautiful afternoon in Sydney. The Taronga Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum are other popular stops on a tour of the city. To cap off a Sydney visit, shop and bar hop down Oxford Street.
See Sydney
A one-week walkabout is a great way to discover Sydney's cosmopolitan vibe and stunning scenery.
In Cairns, take a day trip to Kuranda, also known as the “village in the rainforest,” or glide just above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail. Birdworld and the Butterfly Sanctuary provide up-close-and-personal views of some of Australia’s most beautiful animals. Tasmania boasts stunning natural landscapes and brilliant sunsets that end each day spent on vacation.
Near Adelaide is Kangaroo Island, dubbed “Australia’s Galapagos” for its wealth of undisturbed wildlife. Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, has a European vibe, with many outdoor cafes and restaurants creating a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Take a hot air balloon flight to see Melbourne from a different point of view, or go wild on an animal spotting day trip to see koalas and kangaroos in the nearby bush.
Tackle the Rugged Outback
For a uniquely Australian visit that is not based in the city, consider adding the outback to your one-week walkabout. For the heart of Australia's outback, head to the Red Centre and explore the array of natural and aboriginal attractions found between Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs, including seeing or touring Uluru (the giant monolith) at sunrise or sunset with the Anangu people as your guides. Take a walk through Kata Tjuta or Kings Canyon and check out Alice Springs School of the Air, Royal Flying Doctor Service, or reptile center.
If you like adventure that takes you to frontier territory where you can explore indigenous cultures, see stunning rock art and outback parks and get up close with Australia's nature, then Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory and Broome in North Western Australia should be on the top of your outback itinerary.
Outback Adventure
Spot a kangaroo or cuddle a koala on a one-week walkabout of the Australian outback.
Dive Into the Great Barrier Reef
Stretching for nearly 1,600 miles in the Coral Sea off the northeast coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 900 islands and 3,000 individual reefs. It is a natural wonder like no other on Earth and is one of the world’s most popular sites for diving and snorkeling.
At Lizard Island, an exclusive resort and private island on the Great Barrier Reef, guests enjoy world-class accommodations and excursions, including diving and snorkeling. Take a half-or full-day reef dive at world-famous Cod Hole and swim alongside massive sea turtles and other marine life. Other wildlife, such as green tree frogs and the Monitor Lizard for which the island is named, populate the island and are perfect for land-based animal watching.
Excitement Awaits on a One-Week Walkabout Tour of Australia
Whether it’s a walking tour of Sydney, a wild excursion into the untamed outback, or an exhilarating diving or snorkeling adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, a one-week walkabout tour of Australia is a vacation like no other. The riches of this majestic land that have enchanted travelers the world over are just a plane ride away.
