Arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and transfer to your CBD hotel to drop bags and refresh — allow time for immigration and luggage. This sets you up for a relaxed first afternoon.
Simple, classic Aussie breakfast bakery in Surry Hills with great coffee and pastries; popular and quick so you can start exploring. Open from about 7:00am.
Stroll the harbour, photograph the Opera House and take an optional guided Sydney Opera House tour (tours typically run 9:00am–5:00pm). The harbour is iconic and compact to explore.
Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or explore The Rocks historic precinct with markets and galleries; BridgeClimb is available with morning/afternoon/evening climbs (book in advance).
Rooftop pub with excellent harbour views and a relaxed menu — perfect for a first night with views of the Opera House and bridge. Open evenings from ~5:00pm.
A dramatic cliff-top coastal walk (approx 6km) with beaches and viewpoints; you can do as much or as little as you like. Open all day; allow 1.5–3 hours depending on stops.
Catch the short ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo (ferry services run frequently) and explore native Australian wildlife; zoo hours usually 9:30am–5:00pm. Great harbour views from the zoo.
Grab an early hotel or café breakfast and catch a train (approx 2 hours) or join a guided coach tour to Katoomba for full-day access to the Blue Mountains. Trains leave early; coach tours often depart ~7:00am.
Experience the Scenic Railway, Skyway and walkway trails in the Jamison Valley; Scenic World typically opens from 9:00am–5:00pm and is a highlight for accessible viewpoints.
Popular modern Thai-style restaurant with no reservations walk-in policy for some seating; vibrant atmosphere and late opening hours. Book or expect a wait.
Transfer to Sydney Airport for your morning flight to Cairns — domestic flights commonly depart early and take ~3 hours (including time zone differences not applicable within Australia).
Morning domestic flight; book in advance. Flight time approx 3 hours; you arrive in tropical north Queensland and transfer to your hotel on the Esplanade.
Light breakfast at the marina before boarding your Great Barrier Reef operator — most reef boats depart between 6:30am–8:00am, so arrive early to check in and collect gear.
Full-day boat trip to a reef or outer reef platform with snorkelling, optional introductory scuba and lunch provided; operators typically return by 4:30pm–5:00pm. Book a certified operator with reef stewardship.
Contemporary restaurant specialising in native Australian ingredients and seafood, open evenings — excellent for a celebratory reef dinner after a big day.
Join a full-day guided tour that typically departs early (around 7:00–7:30am) to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, including wildlife spotting and a river crocodile cruise; tours usually return late afternoon.
Lunch is often included with the tour or served at a local eco-café in Daintree village; local food highlights native ingredients and fresh seafood when available.
Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (services from ~8:30am) to Kuranda Village for markets, wildlife parks and rainforest walks; return options vary by operator.
Evening flight from Cairns to Proserpine (closest airport to Airlie Beach) or transfer via Brisbane/Mackay depending on schedules; flight time ~1.5 hours direct if available. Book earlier flights to maximise time in the Whitsundays.
Full-day sailing or powerboat tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, with swim/snorkel stops and beach time — operators typically depart 8:00am and return 5:00pm. This is a highlight of the Whitsundays.
Short ferry to Hamilton Island for a day exploring Catseye Beach, Wyndham Way boutiques and waterfront dining; ferries run multiple times daily (check seasonal timetables).
Transfer from Airlie Beach to Proserpine Airport then morning flight to Brisbane; travel time including transfer and flight ~3–4 hours total depending on connections.
Visit the SkyPoint Observation Deck (opens ~7:00am) at Q1 for sweeping coastal views from Surfers Paradise; quick visit gives excellent perspective of the coastline.
Short hike and coastal lookout at Burleigh Heads National Park followed by relaxed beach time — great surf and locals’ vibe. Park and beach open all day.
If your visit falls on a Friday–Sunday check Eat Street Northshore (open 4:00pm–10:00pm) for diverse street food and live music; otherwise choose riverside dining in Brisbane.
Famous modern Asian restaurant in the CBD; busy and atmospheric — if you can't get a table, try a nearby laneway eatery. Open for lunch/dinner depending on booking.
Walk Hosier Lane, Degraves Street and Federation Square to enjoy Melbourne's famed street art, cafés and cultural heart — open all day and great for photography and coffee stops.
Full-day Great Ocean Road guided tour leaves early (about 7:00am) to reach key stops including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and coastal lookouts; full days typically return 7:00pm–9:00pm.
Take a final stroll through the CBD, pick up souvenirs or visit a gallery; Federation Square and adjacent laneways open all day and are close to transport links to the airport.
Allow at least 2–3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security; transfer time from the CBD to Tullamarine is around 30–45 minutes by car or SkyBus.