14-Day Australian Adventure: Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Cairns Exploration

View Packing List

Day 1: Melbourne Arrival

Melbourne, Australia on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Enjoy a French-inspired breakfast at this popular Melbourne café known for its delicious croissants and creative egg dishes.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

Visit Melbourne's iconic cultural precinct and historic railway station, perfect for photos and soaking in the local vibe.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit National Gallery of Victoria

Discover Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum featuring an extensive collection of local and international art.
Free entry; special exhibitions extra, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Savor vibrant Thai cuisine at this bustling Melbourne hotspot, known for its bold flavors and trendy atmosphere.
AUD35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll Royal Botanic Gardens

Relax amid lush landscapes and beautifully curated gardens, an oasis in the heart of the city.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Experience modern Australian cuisine inspired by historic recipes in an elegant setting. Reservations recommended.
AUD150, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 2: Melbourne Culture and Laneways

Melbourne, Australia on July 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Proud Mary

Enjoy specialty coffee and hearty breakfast in one of Melbourne’s top specialty coffee roasters.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Melbourne Museum

Explore natural history, cultural exhibitions, and an impressive collection of Aboriginal artifacts.
AUD15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lune Croissanterie

Taste arguably Melbourne’s best croissants and pastries in this world-renowned bakery.
AUD15, 45m

1:00pm

Laneways Street Art Tour

Discover Melbourne’s vibrant street art culture by exploring Hosier Lane and other famous laneways with an expert guide.
AUD30, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at St Kilda Beach

Unwind by the seaside, watch the sunset and perhaps enjoy a walk on the pier.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Claypots Seafood Bar

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood in a casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening.
AUD60, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 3: Travel to Brisbane

Melbourne to Brisbane, Australia on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Start your day with creative, beautifully plated breakfast dishes in a stylish café environment.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Flight from Melbourne to Brisbane

Catch a direct flight to Brisbane, approximately 2.5 hours, arriving midday.
AUD150, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Explore this diverse food market with international stalls and a lively atmosphere.
AUD30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit South Bank Parklands

Stroll along Brisbane’s cultural and recreational hub, featuring gardens, markets, and river views.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stokehouse Q

Dine on contemporary Australian cuisine with stunning riverfront views at sunset.
AUD70, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 4: Explore Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King Arthur Café

Enjoy innovative coffee and wholesome breakfast fare in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, and experience native Australian wildlife up close at the world’s first koala sanctuary.
AUD40, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Charming Squire

Enjoy hearty pub fare and craft beers in a lively setting near the river.
AUD35, 1h

2:30pm

Walk along Brisbane Riverwalk

Take a scenic riverside walk with tranquil views of the city’s skyline and parklands.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Climb Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Drive or hike up to Brisbane’s best panoramic viewpoint to watch the sunset over the city.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at e'cco Bistro

Relish modern Australian dishes with a French twist at this award-winning restaurant.
AUD100, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 5: Travel to Sydney

Brisbane to Sydney, Australia on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Brew Café, West End

Start early with specialty coffee and fresh breakfast options in a trendy setting.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Flight from Brisbane to Sydney

Take a morning flight to Sydney, approximately 1.5 hours.
AUD130, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria

Experience a rustic café with garden seating, famous for fresh, seasonal dishes and great coffee.
AUD35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of this world-famous architectural icon and learn about its history and design.
AUD45, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Enjoy a relaxing walk through this beautiful garden with stunning Sydney Harbour views.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Dine with spectacular harbour views and modern Australian cuisine at one of Australia’s best restaurants. Booking ahead recommended.
AUD200, 2h
Book a Hotel

Day 6: Sydney Sightseeing

Sydney, Australia on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Billy Kwong

Enjoy Asian-inspired fresh breakfast dishes by celebrity chef Kylie Kwong in a stylish setting.
AUD25, 1h

9:00am

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

Experience a guided climb to the top of the iconic bridge for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Book tickets in advance.
AUD320, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Butler

Casual lunch with great harbour views located in Potts Point.
AUD40, 1h

3:00pm

Visit The Rocks District

Explore Sydney’s historic area filled with markets, galleries, and pubs dating back to the colonial era.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mr. Wong

Enjoy refined Cantonese cuisine in a chic, lively environment in Circular Quay.
AUD80, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 7: Travel to Cairns

Sydney to Cairns, Australia on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Quick Breakfast at Brewtown Newtown

Grab regarded coffee and pastries before heading to the airport.
AUD15, 30m

9:00am

Flight from Sydney to Cairns

Fly north to tropical Cairns, approximately 3 hours flight time.
AUD180, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ochre Restaurant

Taste native Australian flavors with modern cuisine in Cairns’ premier dining spot.
AUD50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Relax at this popular saltwater lagoon with beautiful views and facilities.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll Cairns Esplanade Markets (Fri/Sat only)

Browse local arts, crafts, and food stalls if timing aligns with market days.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt House

Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine.
AUD70, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, Australia on July 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early to get ready for a full day at the Great Barrier Reef.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Take a full-day snorkeling and diving trip to the reef with certified operators. Includes equipment and lunch onboard. Book in advance as tours run 8am-5pm.
AUD250, 9h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rusty Inn Seafood

Casual seafood dinner to relax after an active day on the reef.
AUD50, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 9: Kuranda Village

Cairns, Australia on July 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Spoon Café

Start with healthy and delicious organic options close to Cairns city center.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda

Enjoy breathtaking views over the tropical rainforest to the charming village of Kuranda. Operating 8am-5pm.
AUD60, 2h

11:30am

Kuranda Markets and Butterfly Sanctuary

Explore the arts and crafts markets and visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
AUD20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kuranda Rainforest Café

Relax with casual dining surrounded by lush rainforest ambiance.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Return via Kuranda Scenic Railway

Take a historic train journey back to Cairns offering spectacular views.
AUD70, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ciao Italian Restaurant Cairns

End your day with authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
AUD50, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 10: Daintree Rainforest

Cairns, Australia on July 21, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for your day trip.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Guided Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour

Join a full-day guided tour exploring the ancient tropical rainforest, diverse wildlife, and the unique ecosystem where the rainforest meets the reef. Tour includes lunch and runs 7:30am-5:30pm.
AUD220, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

Relax with waterfront views and enjoy expertly prepared seafood and steak.
AUD70, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 11: Cairns Relaxation

Cairns, Australia on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffiend

Enjoy specialty coffee and innovative breakfast dishes in a laid-back environment.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Relaxation at Palm Cove Beach

Spend a leisurely morning at this beautiful beach area known for its calm waters and palm-lined shore.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove

Taste fresh local seafood and tropical flavors with beachfront views.
AUD50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Spa treatment at The Spa Palm Cove

Relax with a luxurious spa treatment or massage to rejuvenate before your trip end.
AUD120, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Enjoy your final dinner savoring innovative Australian cuisine focusing on indigenous ingredients.
AUD60, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 12: Return Travel

Cairns to Melbourne or onward on July 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A leisurely breakfast at your accommodation to start your travel day smoothly.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Flight from Cairns to Melbourne

Return flight to Melbourne for connections home or next destination.
AUD180, 3h
Book a Hotel
0
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed