After you've checked in and refreshed, wander through Hyde Park to stretch your legs, then head to Darling Harbour for a relaxed waterfront coffee and people-watching at one of the harbourside cafés. From there, take a short ferry or walk to [Barangaroo Reserve](https://www.google.com/search?q=Barangaroo+Reserve+Australia+itinerary+10+days+official+site) for a gentle coastal stroll among native plantings and panoramic views-perfect for orienting yourself to Sydney's waterfront before the afternoon's harbour-side discoveries.
Head to Circular Quay for the classic harbour atmosphere, then stroll the foreshore to the dramatic sandstone terraces of Royal Botanic Garden Sydney-pause at Mrs Macquarie's Chair for framed views of the skyline and a relaxed picnic if the sun's out. As evening approaches, board a short harbour cruise from King Street Wharf or grab a table at The Rocks waterfront pubs (choose one of the historic lanes away from the morning crowds) to watch the lights come on across the harbour and ease into your first Sydney night.
As twilight deepens, head to Mrs Macquarie's Point's nearby sister spot, Woolloomooloo Wharf, for a waterside dinner at a seafood grill or relaxed bistro table with harbour views, then stroll the Finger Wharf to soak in the evening air. After dinner, catch a short ferry from Woolloomooloo to Cockatoo Island for a sunset-to-night lighting perspective-explore the island's industrial heritage and skyline views on a paced walk before returning to the city by late evening.
Begin your morning with a guided tour inside the Sydney Opera House, then linger at the northern steps for coffee while watching ferries glide across the harbour. From there, walk up to the Pylon Lookout on the Harbour Bridge for sweeping skyline photos, then descend to explore the historic lanes and weekend markets of The Rocks Markets, sampling local pastries and boutique crafts as the city wakes up.
Cross into the lively waterside suburb of Milsons Point for lunch with skyline views at The Cottage Restaurant or a casual bite along the foreshore, then stroll the tree-lined promenades of Bradfield Park beneath the Harbour Bridge for sweeping photo angles. Continue to Luna Park Sydney to take a nostalgic ride on the Ferris wheel and snap playful harbour vistas, finishing with a relaxed coffee at North Sydney Oval café while watching local cricket or leisure activity as the light softens.
As twilight settles, wander through the lantern-lit lanes of Dawes Point Park for elevated harbour views, then descend to Campbell's Cove for a riverside dinner at a table-side bistro serving modern Australian dishes. After dinner, catch live music at the intimate Lyn Theatre or sip cocktails on the rooftop bar at Barangaroo House to round out the night with skyline-lit conversations and a gentle harbour breeze.
Catch an early train or join a small-group coach from Sydney to the Blue Mountains and begin your day with a brisk walk along the clifftop at Govetts Leap Lookout, taking in the dramatic Grose Valley panorama and the waterfall-fed escarpments. Continue to Evans Lookout for quieter views, then descend onto the family-friendly Prince Henry Cliff Walk toward Furber Steps, pausing at shaded picnic spots and native eucalyptus groves before a riverside coffee at Leura Village cafés to refuel for the afternoon's deeper bushwalks.
After lunch in Leura, wander the charming streets to browse boutique shops and galleries before catching the scenic Katoomba Scenic Railway down into the valley for a short rainforest boardwalk and immersive views. Climb back up via the Scenic Skyway for a glass-floored panorama over the Jamison Valley, then pause at Echo Point's quieter eastern rim to watch the changing light on the Three Sisters and listen for the call of lyrebirds as you head toward an easy late-afternoon stroll along the Federal Pass.
As light softens, head to Sublime Point Lookout for a quieter sunset panorama over the Jamison Valley, then follow the short cliff-top trail to Clifftop Walk at Lincoln's Rock for dramatic evening photos as the shadows lengthen. After the view, unwind with hearty mountain fare and local craft beer at Leura Garage or enjoy a cosy dinner at Silk's Brasserie in Katoomba, finishing the night with a stargazing pause near Glenraphael Drive away from town lights.
After an early flight from Sydney, drop your bags and head straight for a refreshing stroll along the water at Cairns Esplanade, where the lagoon and boardwalk offer easy views and a chance to relax after travel. From there, join a short mangrove kayak tour from Trinity Inlet to spot elusive birdlife and learn about local ecosystems, then refuel with tropical fruit and a casual brunch at the lively Rusty's Market-fresh produce and local snacks are perfect fuel for your reef adventures ahead.
Stretch your legs after arrival with a shady stroll through [Botanic Gardens Cairns](https://www.google.com/search?q=Botanic+Gardens+Cairns+Australia+itinerary+10+days+official+site) to see tropical palms and the colourful orchid houses, then head to Cairns Aquarium for a relaxed indoor introduction to reef and rainforest species without venturing offshore. Late afternoon, explore the waterfront precinct at Marlin Parade for casual seafood bites and coffee, or join a short glass-bottom-boat cruise from Cairns Marina to get a preview glimpse of reef habitats as the light softens.
As twilight falls, head to Cairns Night Markets to wander the lanes of stalls for handcrafted souvenirs, tropical snacks and vibrant street-food flavours; linger at the seafood barbecue stands to sample freshly-grilled prawns and chilli mud crab. After market browsing, walk a few minutes to The Pier Precinct for waterfront cocktails with live music or join an evening reef-talk at Dive Cairns to learn about tomorrow's Great Barrier Reef excursion before returning to your hotel with the sea breeze on your face.
Board an early fast-boat or liveaboard shuttle from Cairns Marina Departure Terminal and head straight for a morning at Michaelmas Cay, where you can snorkel clear shallows teeming with clownfish and giant clams and stroll the sand cay for seabird sightings. After a guided shallow-reef snorkel, join a short introductory dive at Saxon Reef with an experienced dive crew, then warm up with a beachside brunch served onboard while watching the skipper reposition for afternoon exploration.
After a seaside lunch onboard, head to Opal Reef for an afternoon of drift-snorkelling where colourful corals fringe shallow bommies and reef sharks are often spotted; surface between swims to relax on the sun deck with a cold drink and reef-briefing from your dive guides. Later, transfer to Fitzroy Island's outer fringing reefs for a guided reef walk at low tide around the lagoon and finish with a sunset glass-bottom-boat return, watching the reef glow as the light softens on the water.
After returning to shore, unwind with a beachfront dinner at Roustabout Bar & Grill on the Cairns esplanade, savouring freshly caught reef fish and tropical cocktails as the sun dips. Later, join a guided night-spotting walk at Cairns Night Market Waterfront Promenade or book an after-dark marine talk at Reef Teach Centre to learn about nocturnal reef life-perfect closure after a day on the water before you rest for tomorrow's rainforest adventure.
Board an early guided transfer from your Cairns accommodation to the Daintree and begin with a sunrise river cruise on Mossman River, spotting kingfishers and freshwater crocodiles while your guide interprets ancient floodplain ecology. After the cruise, stroll the elevated boardwalks at Daintree Discovery Centre for close-up views of canopy vines and a canopy tower experience, then refuel with a tropical breakfast at the centre's café before continuing north toward Cape Tribulation for the afternoon.
After breakfast head north to explore the coastal heart of the region with a guided walk through Mason's Swimming Hole and the adjacent mangrove boardwalks at Cow Bay, where your guide will point out tree-kangaroo habitat and rare seabird roosts. Continue to Cape Tribulation Beach for a relaxed picnic and a short guided rainforest-to-reef walk-keep an eye out for Boyd's forest dragon amid the strangler figs-then take a late-afternoon guided night-spotting short walk from Kulki Boardwalk to watch the forest come alive as light softens toward evening.
As dusk falls, take a guided nocturnal walk along the Jindalba Boardwalk to spot possums, tree frogs and the flash of night insects while your guide explains Aboriginal connections to the land. Afterwards, return toward Cape Tribulation for dinner at Whet Restaurant where tropical-inspired dishes spotlight local seafood and rainforest produce, then finish the night with a stargazing stop at Mount Sorrow Ridge Lookout for an uninterrupted southern-hemisphere sky and the sound of the forest below.
After your flight and hotel drop-off, kick off with a hearty brunch at Hardware Societe before wandering into Melbourne's laneway tapestry; explore the ever-changing street art of Hosier Lane and duck into hidden galleries under Flinders Lane. Continue to Queen Victoria Market to sample local cheeses and coffee, then join a guided food-walking tour through Degraves Street and Centre Place to taste signature Melbourne espresso culture and artisanal pastries as the city hums to life.
Wander south to the riverside precinct and enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the Yarra at Southbank Promenade, then cross the river to explore the independent boutiques and bookstores of Fitzroy's Gertrude Street for a distinctly local shopping vibe. Finish the afternoon with a coffee and people-watching session at a laneway roastery in Hardware Lane, followed by a short tram ride to Royal Arcade to admire its historic architecture and pick up handcrafted souvenirs before an evening of rooftop dining.
As twilight falls, head to Eureka Skydeck for a sunset city panorama, then descend to savour a modern-Australian tasting menu at Chin Chin or a refined small-plates meal at Vue de Monde (reserve ahead). After dinner, wander the neon-lit laneways to discover live jazz at Bird's Basement or rooftop cocktails at Rooftop at QT, finishing the night with a late stroll along the riverbank beneath the lit bridges.
Leave Melbourne early and drive (or join a small-group tour) to the rugged Shipwreck Coast, beginning with a sunrise stroll along Anglesea Coastal Walk to watch the light hit the surf. Continue to Kennett River for guided bird-spotting (look for colourful lorikeets and kookaburras) before a short detour to the cliff-top boardwalk at Split Point Lighthouse for panoramic views and a quick history stop-pause for coffee at the lighthouse café as the road opens up toward the iconic limestone stacks ahead.
After morning stops, follow the coastal ribbon to Loch Ard Gorge for a breezy cliff-top walk and the evocative shipwreck interpretive signs, then descend to the beach to feel the sea-sculpted cliffs up close. Continue west to The Arch and the dramatic sea stacks at Razorback, pausing for fish-and-chip lunch at a seaside kiosk in Port Campbell before a late-afternoon lookout over the surf-strafed coastline as the light softens.
As the sun dips, pull into Gibson Steps for a short descent to the sand and watch the golden light paint the cliff faces before heading on to London Bridge Lookout for dramatic coastal silhouettes. Finish with a leisurely dinner at the beachfront bistro in Peterborough, sampling local seafood while the waves roll in, then stop at Cape Otway Lighthouse's viewing area for a final coastal panorama and, if skies are clear, a bit of stargazing away from town lights.
If you choose wildlife on Phillip Island, start with a scenic coastal drive to Nobbies Centre for panoramic seal and seabird viewing, then continue to Churchill Island Heritage Farm to stroll historic gardens and watch working-horse demonstrations before lunchtime. Alternatively, for a relaxed Yarra Valley morning, join a guided tasting at Domaine Chandon's sparkling terraces, take a vineyard walk through Yering Station's heritage vines and finish with a gourmet brunch at TarraWarra Estate overlooking rolling vineyard slopes.
If you chose Phillip Island, spend a leisurely afternoon at Cape Woolamai following the dramatic coastal walk to the surf beaches and sculpted rock formations, then head to Rhyll Inlet for birdwatching by kayak or a guided mangrove cruise to spot swans and migratory waders. Alternatively in the Yarra Valley, enjoy a long, late-lunch tasting and seasonal produce pairing at Oakridge Wines, followed by a relaxed cellar-door tour and a stroll through the art-filled grounds of Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery before returning toward Melbourne as evening approaches.
If you're on Phillip Island, linger after sunset at Rhyll Foreshore for a calm estuary paddle or guided boardwalk to watch waterbirds settle, then enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at The Cape Kitchen with ocean-vista tables before finishing at Pyramid Rock Lookout for a moonlit stroll and seal-spotting from the cliffs. If you're in the Yarra Valley, conclude the day with a twilight tasting and shared platter at TarraWarra Estate's illuminated terrace, followed by a live-acoustic session and nightcap at Healesville's Badger & Pickett-then take a quiet vineyard drive past the softly lit rows back toward Melbourne.
Squeeze in a relaxed final morning by wandering the planted promenades and coffee carts of Carlton Gardens, then step into the leafy tranquillity of Royal Park for a short riverside stroll and birdwatching before heading back to town. Finish with a speedy visit to Melbourne Museum to catch a highlights display (or grab a takeaway brunch at the museum café) and collect any last-minute souvenirs en route to the airport, keeping travel time and traffic in mind.
Spend a relaxed final afternoon wandering the leafy precinct of Fitzroy Gardens, where you can visit the charming Cook's Cottage and enjoy a riverside bench picnic beneath mature elms. Then head to the nearby Melbourne Arts Precinct to browse contemporary exhibitions at ACMI or quick galleries on Flinders Street, finishing with coffee and a light bite at the riverside terrace of Arbory Bar & Eatery before collecting bags and heading to the airport.
Before you head to the airport, enjoy a relaxed early-evening stroll through South Melbourne Market to pick up gourmet picnic treats and artisanal souvenirs, then settle on the nearby lawns of Albert Park Lake to watch rowers glide past as the sun lowers. Finish with a refined last supper at Lûmé or a riverside cocktail at Seafarers Bridge while savouring final views of the city skyline, then collect your bags and allow ample time for the short drive to the airport.