Stroll along Circular Quay for iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and take photos; the exterior is open for free viewing while the building grounds are open daily.
Short walk from the Opera House for harbour panoramas, themed gardens and the Mrs Macquarie’s Chair viewpoint; gardens open daily (typically dawn–dusk).
Lunch with harbour views at Opera Bar (outdoor seating) or Quay Café for a sit-down harbour-side meal; both are right on Circular Quay and open midday.
Scenic cliff-to-cliff walk (approx. 6 km) with beaches, rock pools and seaside lookouts; open anytime but best in morning to avoid heat — allow 1.5–2 hours.
Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo for close encounters with native wildlife and great harbour views; zoo open roughly 9:30am–5:00pm (check seasonal times).
Allow time for check-in and security for a domestic flight (Sydney to Melbourne ~1h30m flight time); arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure.
If market is open (check seasonal hours; weekends are best), enjoy fresh produce and street food; otherwise choose a laneway café for hearty brunch fare.
Explore Melbourne’s cultural heart — Federation Square and the iconic Flinders Street Station, then wander Hosier Lane for famous street art (laneways accessible all day).
Join an early guided coach tour or self-drive west for the full-day coastal experience; plan a 3–4 hour drive to reach central highlights with stops en route.
Highlight of the drive — dramatic limestone stacks and nearby Loch Ard Gorge with walking platforms and interpretive signs; visitor centre open daytime.
Arrive at the Penguin Parade viewing area before sunset to watch Little Penguins return from sea; parade starts around sunset (approx 8:00–8:30pm in late Nov) — book tickets in advance.
If the market is open that morning, stroll stalls for last-minute gifts; alternatively visit the NGV or Melbourne Museum (check each venue’s opening times for Nov 27).