Im heading to Australia in late January for 33 days. Im a 27 year old female solo traveller who will be staying in hostels. I usually target "party" hostels because its easier to meet people when solo, but only ones with overall good reviews. Im interested in beaches, snorkelling, wildlife, rainforests/nature, the big sights, with some partying at night. This is the rough schedule Ive sketched out and Im wondering if its too much, if Im missing anything, or if Ive scheduled too much/not enough time in places. Activity/sightseeing/hostel ideas also very welcome! I like to keep it fairly budget-conscious but I can afford to basically do whatever I feel like.

Days 1-8 – Melbourne: A friend lives here so Ill be staying with her a bit longer than usual. Im hoping to get over my jet lag, see Phillips Island, and do a winery tour day. I am hoping my friends boyfriend will teach me how to surf. I will also be camping on the Great Ocean Road the last few days. These days are pretty set and Im flying to Sydney in the evening of Day 8.

Days 8-12 – Sydney: Ill be spending 1 day with a friend. Considering a Blue Mountain Park day trip. Im hoping to go to a museum focusing on Aboriginal history and art either here or maybe Brisbane?

Days 12-14 – Byron Bay:

My plan is to fly up to Coolangatta then backtrack on a shuttle to Byron Bay. Its all Greyhound from this point up to Cairns. I may have a friend living here by this time.

Days 14-15 – Surfers Paradise:

I heard this place is kind of awful? But possibly worth it if I just approach it as a party?

Days 15-17 – Brisbane:

Havent really looked into things to do here much yet. Would love ideas.

Days 17-18 – Noosa:

Also not so sure of things to do here other than explore because it looks nice

Days 18-21 – Fraser Island:

Figured Id book a 3D/2N tour, spend the first night in Hervey Bay

Days 21-25 – Airlie Beach:

It looks like I might spend the night of the 21st on an overnight Greyhound, and I plann to do a 2D/1N Whitsundays tour then 2 nights in Airlie Beach.

Days 25-27 – Townsville/Magnetic Island:

I figured one night in each, maybe both nights on the island

Days 27-31 – Cairns:

I want to do a day tour of the reef and a day tour of the rainforest. I fly back to Melbourne early on day 31 and will likely show up late on Day 27, so that will leave me with 1 free day.

Days 31-33 – Melbourne again:

I accidentally booked my flight from Cairns to Melbourne a day earlier than necessary and its ridiculously expensive to change it now, so Ill have more Melbourne time. I flight out late on Day 33.