Suggested itinerary: Australia in 14 days for independent travellers (Oct-May)

Day 1: Arrival in Australia

Arrival in Cairns. Visit Cairns city centre and its lagoon (artificial pool that simulates a beach). Take a walk through and have dinner at the Cairns Marina. Night in Cairns. 

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Day 2: The great barrier reef

Day trip to the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran, stopping in three places for diving and snorkelling. Return, have dinner and spend the night in Cairns. 

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Day 3: From Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Take the rental car north to Cape Tribulation, passing the famous beaches and towns of Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas along the way. Once in Cape Tribulation, visit Kulki Beach. Night in Cape Tribulation. 

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Day 4: From Cape Tribulation to Mission Beach

Walk on one of the gangplanks through the tropical jungle of the Daintree River. Take the rental car down to Cairns, passing Mungalli Falls on the way. Night in Cairns. 

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Day 5: Uluru: Australia's Red Centre

Fly to Ayers Rock. Rent a car to visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and hike its trails. Before sunset visit the sacred mountain of Australian aborigines: Uluru. Night in Ayers Rock. 

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Day 6: Kings Canyon

Take the rental car through the desert to Kings Canyon. Walk along one of the Kings Canyon trails, where you'll see cliffs, streams, waterfalls and ponds. Watch the sunset at Kings Canyon. Night in Kings Canyon. 

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Day 7: Return to Ayers Rock and flight to Melbourne

Return to Ayers Rock and fly to Melbourne. Arrive to the hotel and go for a walk in the city. Night in Melbourne. 

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Day 8: Melbourne

Walk through the city visiting the centre, the alternative neighbourhood of Fitzroy, and the Italian district of Carlton, brimming with charming restaurants for dinner. Night in Melbourne. 

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Day 9: The Great Ocean Road

Rent a car to go from Melbourne to Port Campbell on the famous and spectacular Great Ocean Road. On the way, stop at one of the famous beaches for surfing. See the Twelve Apostles cliffs. Spend the night in the fishing village of Campbell. 

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Day 10: Return to Melbourne

Return to Melbourne on the interior highway. Stop in the town of Winchelsea or at a winery. Visit Santa Kilda, one of the hippest neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Melbourne. Night in Melbourne. 

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Day 11: Return to Ayers Rock and flight to Sydney

Visit Santa Kilda, one of the hippest neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Melbourne. Flight to Sydney. Arrive to the hotel and go for a walk in the city. Night in Sydney. 

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Day 12: Sydney: the bay

Visit the Opera House. Take the ferry to Manly Beach crossing Sydney's impressive bay. Go for a swim at Manly Beach. Visit the historic centre of Sydney (The Rocks). Night in Sydney. 

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Day 13: Sydney: Bondi Beach

Go for a swim at Bondi Beach. Rent a surfboard or take a surfing class for beginners. Walk through Chinatown and have dinner. Night in Sydney. 

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Day 14: Back home

Trip to the airport. Flight back home.

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