The south east: the great cities
Most first visits begin in Sydney, with its harbour, Opera House, ferries and ocean beaches. The Blue Mountains are an easy day trip by train. A short flight south brings you to Melbourne, the country's capital of coffee, food, laneway art and sport, and the starting point for the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island's little penguins.
The tropical north: reef and rainforest
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is where you snorkel or dive the reef, walk in the Daintree, the world's oldest tropical rainforest, and stay in relaxed Port Douglas. The dry season from May to October is the most comfortable time to go.
The red centre
Uluru and the red centre is the spiritual heart of the country: the great red rock, the domes of Kata Tjuta and the cultural knowledge of the Anangu people who own and care for the land. Fly into Ayers Rock Airport and stay two or three nights.
Queensland's easy coast
Brisbane and the Gold Coast combine a sunny river city with surf beaches, theme parks and the green hinterland. It is the easiest region for families and a good stop between Sydney and the reef.
How to choose
With ten days, pair Sydney with either the reef or Uluru. With two weeks, add Melbourne. With three weeks, you can link all four regions by air, or add Perth, Tasmania or a Queensland road trip. Distances are vast: Sydney to Perth is a flight of around five hours, so do not plan to drive it on a short holiday.
Seasons matter
The south is warmest from December to February and pleasant in spring and autumn. The tropical north is hot, humid and wet from about November to April, which is also marine stinger season. The centre is best from April to October, when days are warm and nights cool. Plan your route around the season and the rest falls into place, and use the free trip planner if you want help.