This study at the University of Canberra and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, used qualitative journey mapping with 46 people with dementia (average age 74.3 years) and 24 care partners through semi-structured interviews to map lived experiences across the dementia care pathway in Australia, from symptom onset to ongoing management. The findings revealed that Australians with dementia and their care partners consistently face preventable delays in diagnosis driven by stigma and low public awareness, fragmented and under-resourced post-diagnostic support with inadequate referral pathways, and significant challenges navigating complex government-funded health, aged care and disability services. More positive experiences were reported when individuals encountered a key support person who assisted with system navigation, though this occurred largely by chance. The study underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements aligned with the National Dementia Action Plan 2024–2034 to ensure timely, coordinated and evidence-based care across the dementia continuum.