3-Day Australia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Australia itineraries

Compiled by

SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in South Australia, incl. Great Ocean Road and Grampians

  Eleven destinations stretch across 1,085km over 3 days, featuring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Grampians National Park. Includes 6.5km of guided bushwalks, traditional Aussie BBQ in Halls Gap, and wildlife encounters at Tower Hill Conservation Reserve.

  

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  • Day 1

    Melbourne to Warrnambool via Great Ocean Road

    Leave Melbourne by 7:30 AM to avoid traffic. Drive to Apollo Bay first, which takes about 3 hours. A recent visitor shared: "The variety of breathtaking views of the coastline made this a very memorable trip. We won't forget watching an amazing sunset standing in a field of kangaroos!" Look for koalas near Kennett River in the morning when they're most active. Take a walk through Great Otway National Park but bring good shoes since the trails get slippery. After lunch head to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Visit around 4-5 PM when the tour buses are gone. You'll cover about 375km before reaching Warrnambool for the night.

    
  • Day 2

    Warrnambool to Halls Gap

    Start your morning at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, set in an old volcano crater. Get there early to spot emus and kangaroos. In the afternoon drive north to the Grampians National Park for hiking. Try the Pinnacle lookout trail (4.5km return). It's a bit challenging but worth it for the views. Bring lots of water and sunscreen since you'll be exposed to the sun. One hiker said: "The climb up the Pinnacles at Hall's Gap was tough but manageable. Bring proper hiking shoes as the trail has some steep sections." Spend the evening in Halls Gap and enjoy a classic Australian BBQ. Watch for kangaroos around town at sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Grampians to Adelaide

    Take an early morning walk to MacKenzie Falls. The track down takes about 30 minutes but it's steep with lots of stairs. If you have time check out Boroka Lookout at sunrise. After seeing Reed's Lookout start the long drive to Adelaide (520km). You'll pass Dimboola's Pink Lake and cross into South Australia at Bordertown. You should reach Adelaide around 7:30 PM, ending at YHA Adelaide Central. The drive takes up most of the day so bring some entertainment for the road.

    

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• 3 Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary, incl. Adelaide and Flinders Chase

  A 580km route connects 6 destinations from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island's highlights. Seal Bay's sea lions, Flinders Chase National Park's formations, and conservation work at Zelling Reserve await, while camping at Happiness eco-site.

  

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  • Day 1

    Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

    Get ready for an early start with the 6:45 AM SeaLink bus from Adelaide CBD to Cape Jervis. Bring motion sickness tablets for the 45-minute ferry ride to Penneshaw. The Southern Ocean can be rough. Visit Pennington Bay for beautiful surf views but stay well back from the powerful waves. Get to Prospect Hill early and climb the 500 steps before the temperature rises. As one traveler said: "From the moment we disembarked onto Kangaroo Island it was moment after moment of fun and excitement!"

    
  • Day 2

    Flinders Chase National Park & Seal Bay

    Start your day early to see everything Flinders Chase National Park has to offer. Visit Admirals Arch first thing to see New Zealand fur seals at their most active. Watch your step on the Remarkable Rocks boardwalk when it's wet. Take the 45-minute guided tour at Seal Bay. The rangers know the best spots to see endangered Australian sea lions. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens since you'll need to keep your distance from the wildlife. End your day with swag camping at Antechamber Bay under an amazing night sky. A recent visitor noted: "The swag camping was unique and surprisingly comfortable."

    
  • Day 3

    Emu Bay & Return to Adelaide

    Take an early morning walk at Emu Bay to spot wallabies. If you want to swim with dolphins ($180 USD), pack your own wetsuit for winter visits when water temperatures go below 60°F. Not interested in swimming? Try the Ironstone Hill hike for great coastal views without much climbing. Your journey back is a long one. The 5:30 PM ferry connects with the SeaLink bus to Adelaide, getting you there around 9 PM. Book a place to stay in Adelaide that night since you'll arrive late.

    

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• 3 Day Red Centre Itinerary, incl. Uluru and Kings Canyon

  The Red Centre reveals its majesty over 3 days and 1,006km. UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon's 100-meter cliffs, and sacred Aboriginal sites await. Package includes 2 nights camping, 7 meals, and guided walks ranging from 2-6km daily.

  

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  • Day 1

    Alice Springs to Uluru

    Get an early start from Alice Springs for the 350km drive to Uluru, which takes about 4.5 hours. Stock up on water and snacks before leaving as stops are limited. You'll want to pause for photos at Mt Connor (often confused with Uluru) and take a break at Curtin Springs. After lunch at the campsite, explore the Aboriginal Cultural Centre to understand the spiritual importance of this UNESCO site. Take a guided walk to sacred locations like Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kuniya Piti. "Our guide's knowledge of Aboriginal culture and geological history really brought the sacred sites to life," one traveler shared. Watch the sun set at Uluru. Bring a light jacket since evening temperatures drop quickly. Sleep in permanent safari tents or traditional swags under the stars at Ayers Rock Campground.

    
  • Day 2

    Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta

    Start at 5am to catch sunrise at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After breakfast, take the 45-minute drive to Kata Tjuta for the Valley of the Winds walk. One recent visitor noted: "Bring proper hiking shoes with grip - the Valley of the Winds trail can be slippery and challenging in parts." The afternoon takes you on a 4-hour drive to Kings Canyon. Watch the outback sunset before enjoying dinner at Kings Creek Station campsite. Many travelers say the campfire dinners are a highlight of their trip.

    
  • Day 3

    Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

    Start early to beat the heat while exploring Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. The main rim walk includes 500 steps at the beginning and takes 3-4 hours. Bring at least 2L water per person. "The rim walk was strenuous but the views from the top were absolutely worth it. Our guide knew exactly when to take breaks and share stories about the landscape," according to one reviewer. The return drive to Alice Springs takes about 3 hours on the Stuart Highway, arriving around 5:30pm. If you have a 4WD, consider taking the scenic Mereenie Loop for stunning desert views, but allow extra time.

    

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