Arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, take a quick shuttle to your hotel in the Circular Quay area and settle in. Stroll along the waterfront to soak up the iconic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a harbour-side café, then explore the historic Rocks district with its cobblestone lanes and boutique shops. Optionally join a guided harbour cruise for close-up sights of the bridge and opera house.
Head to Darling Harbour for the nightly Christmas lights display and fireworks over the harbour. Dine at a waterfront restaurant and toast the start of your festive adventure.
Visit Sydney Tower Eye for 360° city views, then wander down to the bustling Queen Victoria Building for some early Christmas shopping. Stop for a coffee at a nearby café.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden, strolling to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for a perfect harbour photo. Head to The Rocks Christmas Market for artisanal gifts, live music, and festive treats.
Dine in Darling Harbour’s vibrant precinct, then catch a performance at the Sydney Opera House or enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar with harbour vistas.
Take the train to Bondi Beach, enjoy sunrise on the sand, and embark on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, stopping at stunning cliffs and beaches along the way.
Relax at Coogee Beach, have a seafood lunch at a beachfront café, then return to the city via ferry to Manly. Explore Manly’s promenade and grab an ice‑cream.
Return to Sydney, freshen up, and enjoy a casual dinner in the vibrant Newtown neighbourhood, known for its eclectic eateries and live music.
Catch an early flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Upon arrival, take the SkyBus to the city centre and check into your hotel near Federation Square.
Explore Federation Square, visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and stroll across the Yarra River to admire the iconic Melbourne skyline. Stop for a coffee at Degraves Street.
Dine at a laneway restaurant in the CBD, then enjoy a leisurely walk along Southbank, watching the city lights reflect on the river.
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) to see classic and contemporary art collections. Grab a specialty coffee at Proud Mary in Collingwood.
Wander through the vibrant street art of Hosier Lane, then explore the boutique shops of Chapel Street. In the late afternoon, head to the Docklands precinct for its spectacular Christmas light installations.
Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Docklands, followed by a stroll to see the illuminated Christmas tree at Melbourne City Square.
Discover hidden laneways such as Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, peeking into vintage shops and cafés. Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce and festive treats.
Spend the afternoon at Melbourne Museum and the adjacent Royal Exhibition Building, both offering interactive exhibits perfect for families. Take a short tram ride to the Melbourne Zoo if time permits.
Return to the CBD for dinner at a family‑friendly restaurant in Chinatown, then catch a twilight view of the city from the Eureka Skydeck.
Pick up a rental car in Melbourne and drive to Torquay, the start of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Bells Beach to watch surfers and enjoy the dramatic cliffs.
Continue to Anglesea for a quick lunch, then head to Lorne. Walk the Lorne Pier and explore the town’s boutique stores before driving to Apollo Bay for an overnight stay.
Dine on fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant in Apollo Bay and relax with a sunset over the Southern Ocean.
Depart early from Apollo Bay and drive to the Twelve Apostles. Spend time at the viewing platforms and walk down to the beach for closer views.
Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, exploring the dramatic rock formations and coastal trails. Continue to the Great Otway National Park for a short rainforest walk to see towering ferns and waterfalls.
Return to Port Campbell for dinner, then stay overnight in a cosy B&B, reflecting on the day’s spectacular scenery.
Drive back to Melbourne, return the rental car, and catch a mid‑day flight to Canberra. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre.
Explore Parliament House with a guided tour, then visit the Australian War Memorial for its poignant exhibits. Walk through the National Gallery of Australia to see Indigenous and contemporary works.
Stroll around Lake Burley Griffin as the city prepares for New Year celebrations. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the vibrant NewActon precinct.
Take a relaxed morning walk around the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens. Grab brunch at a local café on Kingston.
Head to Commonwealth Park for the New Year’s Eve festivities, find a good spot for the fireworks, and explore the nearby Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) market stalls.
Celebrate the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Burley Griffin. After midnight, return to your hotel, pack, and prepare for departure the next morning.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport transfer | $15-25 |
| Sydney Harbour Bridge | Free (view from ground) |
| Sydney Opera House | Free to view, $42 for a guided tour |
| Darling Harbour Christmas lights & fireworks | Free |
| Sydney Tower Eye | $30 |
| The Rocks Christmas Market | Free entry, purchases variable |
| Royal Botanic Garden | Free |
| Bondi Beach & coastal walk | Free |
| Manly Ferry ride | $10 |
| Flight Sydney → Melbourne | $120-180 |
| Federation Square & ACMI | Free (ACMI entry $18 optional) |
| National Gallery of Victoria | Free (special exhibitions $20) |
| Hosier Lane street art | Free |
| Docklands Christmas Lights | Free |
| Queen Victoria Market | Free entry, food purchases variable |
| Melbourne Museum & Royal Exhibition Building | $15 |
| Great Ocean Road drive (Torquay to Apollo Bay) | Fuel $30, tolls $5 |
| Bells Beach | Free |
| Twelve Apostles | Free (parking $10) |
| Loch Ard Gorge & Gibson Steps | Free |
| Great Otway National Park rainforest walk | Free |
| Flight Melbourne → Canberra | $80-130 |
| Parliament House tour | Free |
| Australian War Memorial | Free |
| National Gallery of Australia | Free |
| Lake Burley Griffin New Year fireworks | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $2,300-2,800 |