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5‑Week East Coast & Southern Australia Adventure

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

Morning: Land at Sydney Kingsford‑Smith and check into your waterfront hotel, then stroll along Darling Harbour for a coffee with views of the harbor bridge.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, join a guided tour, and walk through the Royal Botanic Garden to enjoy harbour panoramas.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant in The Rocks and watch the sunset from Mrs Mackenzie’s Point.

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Day 2: Sydney City Highlights

Morning: Take a ferry to Manly Beach for a swim and coastal walk.

Afternoon: Return to the CBD and visit the Australian Museum, then shop at Pitt Street Mall.

Evening: Enjoy a harbour‑side dinner in Darling Harbour and catch the nightly light show.

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Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for the Blue Mountains, stopping at the scenic Three Sisters at Echo Point.

Afternoon: Hike the Grand Canyon Walk and visit the historic town of Katoomba.

Evening: Return to Sydney and relax with a drink at a rooftop bar.

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Day 4: Sydney to Canberra

Morning: Drive or take the train to Canberra, check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Tour the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia.

Evening: Dine at a local bistro in the vibrant Kingston district.

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Day 5: Canberra Exploration

Morning: Visit Parliament House and watch the Changing of the Guard.

Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Australia and stroll around Lake Burley Griffin.

Evening: Sample regional wines at a nearby vineyard.

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Day 6: Canberra to Port Stephens

Morning: Travel north to Port Stephens, check into a beachfront resort.

Afternoon: Take a dolphin‑watching cruise from Nelson Bay and relax on Birubi Beach.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

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Day 7: Port Stephens to Brisbane

Morning: Fly from Newcastle to Brisbane, settle into the city centre.

Afternoon: Walk through South Bank Parklands, visit the Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art.

Evening: Have dinner along the river at Howard Smith Wharves.

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Day 8: Brisbane City & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Morning: Tour the historic Brisbane City Hall and the adjacent Museum of Brisbane.

Afternoon: Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to cuddle a koala and feed kangaroos.

Evening: Explore the lively nightlife of Fortitude Valley.

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Day 9: Moreton Island Day Trip

Morning: Catch the ferry to Moreton Island for sand‑boarding on the world’s largest sand dunes.

Afternoon: Snorkel around the historic SS Maheno shipwreck and relax on Tangalooma Beach.

Evening: Return to Brisbane and unwind at your hotel.

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Day 10: Brisbane to Gold Coast

Morning: Drive to the Gold Coast, check into a beachfront resort in Surfers Paradise.

Afternoon: Stroll the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach and shop Cavill Avenue.

Evening: Dine with ocean views at a beachfront restaurant.

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Day 11: Gold Coast Theme Parks

Morning: Spend the day at Dreamworld, enjoying thrill rides and wildlife encounters.

Afternoon: Continue to Sea World for marine shows and aquarium tours.

Evening: Relax with a sunset walk along Broadwater Parklands.

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Day 12: Hinterland Exploration

Morning: Drive to the Gold Coast Hinterland, visit the stunning Lamington National Park rainforest walks.

Afternoon: Enjoy a tea‑time stop at the charming village of Mount Tamborine, sampling local chocolates.

Evening: Return to the coast and unwind with a spa treatment.

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Day 13: Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Morning: Travel south to Byron Bay, check into a boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Walk to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia.

Evening: Enjoy live music at a local beachfront bar.

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Day 14: Byron Bay to Melbourne

Morning: Fly from Gold Coast to Melbourne, settle into a city‑centre hotel.

Afternoon: Explore the laneway street art of Hosier Lane and shop boutique stores on Degraves Street.

Evening: Dine at a renowned restaurant in the vibrant Southbank precinct.

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Day 15: Melbourne City Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum.

Afternoon: Take a tram to St Kilda Beach, ride the iconic Luna Park roller coaster.

Evening: Experience the bustling nightlife of Fitzroy with its eclectic bars.

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Day 16: Great Ocean Road – Day 1

Morning: Depart on a guided drive along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Torquay for surf lessons.

Afternoon: Visit the towering 12 Apostles and the scenic Loch Ard Gorge.

Evening: Stay overnight in the coastal town of Port Campbell.

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Day 17: Great Ocean Road – Day 2

Morning: Continue the drive to Warrnambool, explore the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.

Afternoon: Return to Melbourne via the inland route, stopping at the historic town of Port Fairy.

Evening: Arrive back in Melbourne for a relaxed dinner.

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Day 18: Melbourne to Phillip Island

Morning: Travel to Phillip Island, check into a seaside lodge.

Afternoon: Explore the Koala Conservation Centre and the scenic Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

Evening: Witness the famous Penguin Parade as little penguins return to shore.

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Day 19: Phillip Island to Adelaide

Morning: Fly from Melbourne to Adelaide, settle into the city centre.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Adelaide Central Market and the historic Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Evening: Dine on local produce at a restaurant in the vibrant East End.

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Day 20: Adelaide City & Hilltop Views

Morning: Visit the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Afternoon: Take the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden tram to enjoy panoramic city views.

Evening: Explore the nightlife of Peel Street.

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Day 21: Kangaroo Island – Day 1

Morning: Fly to Kangaroo Island, pick up a rental car and head to Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Afternoon: Walk among sea lions and visit the remarkable rock formations at Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

Evening: Stay overnight at a coastal lodge and enjoy a dinner of locally sourced seafood.

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Day 22: Kangaroo Island – Day 2

Morning: Spot kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

Afternoon: Relax on the pristine sands of Vivonne Bay and explore the historic Harvey’s Bushwalk.

Evening: Return to Adelaide by evening flight.

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Day 23: Adelaide to Barossa Valley

Morning: Drive to the Barossa Valley, check into a vineyard cottage.

Afternoon: Tour world‑class wineries such as Penfolds and Jacob’s Creek, enjoying tastings and cellar door lunches.

Evening: Dine on a gourmet meal paired with local wines at a boutique restaurant.

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Day 24: Barossa Valley to Melbourne (via Flight)

Morning: Enjoy a final vineyard brunch, then drive back to Adelaide for a flight to Melbourne.

Afternoon: Arrive in Melbourne, check into a hotel in the Docklands.

Evening: Take a relaxed evening walk along the Yarra River and enjoy a nightcap at a riverside bar.

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Day 25: Melbourne to Tasmania – Hobart

Morning: Fly to Hobart, settle into a historic waterfront hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the famous SALT Exhibition and wander the charming streets of Battery Point.

Evening: Dine on fresh Tasmanian seafood at a harbor‑front restaurant.

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Day 26: Hobart & MONA

Morning: Take a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), exploring its provocative collections.

Afternoon: Return to Hobart and stroll through the bustling Salamanca Market (open Saturdays).

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Derwent River.

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Day 27: Port Arthur Historic Site

Morning: Drive to the UNESCO‑listed Port Arthur Historic Site, join a guided convict‑era tour.

Afternoon: Explore the nearby Remarkable Cave and the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula.

Evening: Return to Hobart for a relaxed evening.

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Day 28: Hobart to Launceston

Morning: Travel north by scenic road to Launceston, check into a boutique inn.

Afternoon: Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and stroll through the picturesque Cataract Gorge Reserve.

Evening: Sample local wines at a cellar door in the Tamar Valley.

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Day 29: Launceston & Tamar Valley

Morning: Enjoy a river cruise on the Tamar, spotting wildlife and historic homesteads.

Afternoon: Tour premium vineyards such as Josef Chromy and Glenora for tastings.

Evening: Return to Launceston for a dinner featuring Tasmanian lamb.

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Day 30: Cradle Mountain National Park

Morning: Drive to Cradle Mountain, check into a lodge near the park entrance.

Afternoon: Hike the iconic Overland Track segment to Lake Dove and enjoy alpine scenery.

Evening: Relax with a soak in the lodge’s hot tub under the stars.

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Day 31: Cradle Mountain Exploration

Morning: Take a guided walk around Cradle Mountain to the summit for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Explore the Dove Lake Circuit, spotting wombats and platypus.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced trout and game.

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Day 32: Cradle Mountain to Hobart

Morning: Depart early for a scenic drive back to Hobart, stopping at Lake St Clair for a quick walk.

Afternoon: Arrive in Hobart, check into a downtown hotel and enjoy some free time for shopping.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a dinner at a top‑rated restaurant on the waterfront.

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Day 33: Hobart to Melbourne (Fly)

Morning: Fly back to Melbourne, check into a hotel near the city centre.

Afternoon: Revisit any missed attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens or the vibrant Queen Victoria Market.

Evening: Take a sunset dinner cruise on the Yarra River.

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Day 34: Melbourne Day Trip – Yarra Valley

Morning: Drive to the Yarra Valley, start with a tasting at Yering Station.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant and visit the Healesville Sanctuary to meet native wildlife.

Evening: Return to Melbourne for a relaxed evening.

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Day 35: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely brunch at a café in Fitzroy.

Afternoon: Transfer to Melbourne Airport for your international flight home.

Evening: Reflect on an unforgettable 5‑week adventure along Australia’s east coast and the scenic south.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Sydney Opera House – 2 hrs – $40 entry
  • Blue Mountains (Three Sisters, Grand Canyon Walk) – 6 hrs – $30 transport
  • Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge) – 8 hrs – $120 guided tour
  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade – 2 hrs – $35 entry
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – 3 hrs – $32 entry
  • Moreton Island (sand‑boarding, snorkeling) – 7 hrs – $150 day trip
  • Dreamworld & Sea World – 10 hrs – $140 combined tickets
  • Mount Lofty Botanic Garden – 2 hrs – $10 transport
  • Barossa Valley wine tours – 5 hrs – $120 tastings
  • MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) – 4 hrs – $30 entry + ferry
  • Port Arthur Historic Site – 5 hrs – $35 entry + transport
  • Cradle Mountain Overland Track segment – 6 hrs – $0 (self‑guided)
  • Yarra Valley wine tasting & Healesville Sanctuary – 6 hrs – $70 entry & tastings
  • Domestic flights (Sydney‑Brisbane, Brisbane‑Melbourne, Melbourne‑Adelaide, Adelaide‑Hobart, Hobart‑Melbourne) – 5 flights – $800 total
  • Accommodations (35 nights, mid‑range) – 35 nights – $3,150
  • Car rentals & fuel (South Australia, Tasmania, Yarra Valley) – 10 days – $600
  • Meals (average $45/day) – 35 days – $1,575
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – – $300
  • Total Estimated Cost: $9,067

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the extended Tasmania segment (Days 30‑32) and replace it with a day‑trip from Hobart to the nearby Mount Field National Park. For a longer stay, add extra nights on the Gold Coast for more beach time or explore the Margaret River region in Western Australia, which can be reached via a short flight from Melbourne. Adjusting the number of winery visits or swapping one of the theme‑park days for a relaxed coastal walk can also help balance budget and pace.

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