Australia is a vast and diverse country with so much to offer, from stunning beaches to breathtaking deserts and vibrant cities. Here’s a fun and exciting 25-day itinerary that includes your requests for a Mercure Hotel and the Desert Gardens Hotel. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

• Morning: Arrive in Sydney. Check into the Mercure Sydney.
• Afternoon: Explore Darling Harbour. Visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
• Evening: Dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 2: Sydney

• Morning: Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and take a guided tour.
• Afternoon: Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy views of the Harbour Bridge.
• Evening: Catch a show at the Opera House or enjoy a sunset cruise.

Day 3: Sydney

• Day Trip: Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Visit the Three Sisters and enjoy some hiking.
• Evening: Return to Sydney and relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Sydney to Cairns

• Morning: Fly to Cairns (approx. 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Cairns Esplanade.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef

• Day Trip: Full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling or diving.
• Evening: Return to Cairns and relax.

Day 6: Cairns

• Morning: Visit the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
• Afternoon: Explore Kuranda Village and its markets.
• Evening: Return to Cairns and enjoy a casual dinner.

Day 7: Cairns to Alice Springs

• Morning: Fly to Alice Springs (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into the Desert Gardens Hotel. Explore the Alice Springs Desert Park.
• Evening: Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 8: Uluru

• Day Trip: Take a tour to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Visit the Cultural Centre and take a guided walk around the base.
• Evening: Enjoy the sunset at Uluru.

Day 9: Uluru

• Morning: Sunrise at Uluru, followed by a guided tour of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
• Afternoon: Return to Alice Springs.
• Evening: Relax at the hotel.

Day 10: Alice Springs to Melbourne

• Morning: Fly to Melbourne (approx. 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore Federation Square.
• Evening: Dinner in the vibrant laneways of Melbourne.

Day 11: Melbourne

• Morning: Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Afternoon: Explore the National Gallery of Victoria.
• Evening: Enjoy a show at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Day 12: Great Ocean Road

• Day Trip: Full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road. Visit the Twelve Apostles and enjoy stunning coastal views.
• Evening: Return to Melbourne.

Day 13: Melbourne

• Morning: Visit Queen Victoria Market for breakfast and shopping.
• Afternoon: Explore St Kilda Beach and Luna Park.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Day 14: Melbourne to Hobart

• Morning: Fly to Hobart (approx. 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Salamanca Market (if it’s a Saturday).
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Hobart

• Day Trip: Visit Port Arthur Historic Site and explore the Tasman Peninsula.
• Evening: Return to Hobart and relax.

Day 16: Hobart to Launceston

• Morning: Drive to Launceston (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Cataract Gorge and enjoy a walk.
• Evening: Dinner in Launceston.

Day 17: Launceston to Brisbane

• Morning: Fly to Brisbane (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore South Bank Parklands.
• Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Day 18: Brisbane

• Day Trip: Visit the Australia Zoo or take a trip to Moreton Island for some beach fun.
• Evening: Return to Brisbane.

Day 19: Brisbane to Whitsundays

• Morning: Fly to Hamilton Island (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax on the beach.
• Evening: Dinner at the resort.

Day 20: Whitsundays

• Day Trip: Full-day sailing tour to Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling.
• Evening: Return to Hamilton Island.

Day 21: Whitsundays to Gold Coast

• Morning: Fly to Gold Coast (approx. 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and hit the beach.
• Evening: Explore the nightlife at Surfers Paradise.

Day 22: Gold Coast

• Day Trip: Visit one of the theme parks (e.g., Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World).
• Evening: Relax at your hotel.

Day 23: Gold Coast to Sydney

• Morning: Fly back to Sydney (approx. 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit Bondi Beach.
• Evening: Farewell dinner at a nice restaurant with a view.

Day 24: Sydney

• Day Trip: Take a ferry to Manly Beach for a relaxing day by the sea.
• Evening: Return to Sydney and enjoy your last night.

Day 25: Departure

• Morning: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A fabulous 25-day adventure through Australia, filled with stunning sights, cultural experiences, and plenty of relaxation. Enjoy your trip! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask! 🌏✈️