Australia in March: Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns Itinerary

Arrival and early afternoon

After landing at Sydney Airport, allow 30–45 minutes to reach Circular Quay, plus time for baggage and immigration. The Airport Link train is the quickest predictable option: trains run frequently to Circular Quay via Central and Town Hall, with the airport access fee making the fare noticeably higher than a normal city trip; a taxi or rideshare is easier with heavy luggage, usually around A$45–70 depending on traffic. Drop bags at your hotel or luggage storage, then walk into The Rocks for about 1½ hours. Wander the cobbled lanes around George Street, Suez Canal, and Dawes Point, pausing at the harbour lookouts. Weekend market stalls are generally open Saturday and Sunday, but on a Monday the historic streets and small galleries are the attraction rather than the markets. Wear comfortable shoes—the paving is uneven—and keep your day bag light.

Afternoon harbour icons

Continue on foot to the Sydney Opera House—roughly 10–15 minutes from The Rocks along the waterfront. Allow about 1½ hours for a guided interior tour, normally available during the day and often costing around A$45–55, or simply take in the sails and harbour from the forecourt if you are tired after the flight. Check tour times and luggage restrictions ahead, as large bags are not convenient inside. From the Opera House, enter the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and follow the harbour path toward Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This is one of the best first-day walks in the city, with postcard views back to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge; allow another 1½ hours, but shorten it if jet lag catches up. The gardens are generally open from early morning until evening, and there are drinking fountains—fill your reusable bottle and apply sunscreen even in March.

Evening dining

Finish with dinner at Quay Quarter Lanes, an easy 15–20-minute walk from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair through the edge of the CBD, or a short light-rail/taxi ride if your legs are done. The precinct’s narrow laneways and clustered restaurants make it a relaxed first-night choice, with dinner typically around A$35–60 per person before drinks. Hinano, Gura, and Whalebridge are useful options depending on whether you want casual food, Japanese-leaning dishes, or a more polished meal; check Monday opening hours and book if you want a particular table. Keep the evening gentle after the flight—Sydney’s harbour is especially good just after sunset, and you can return to your accommodation on foot or by train from Wynyard or Circular Quay.

Morning

Start at Bondi Beach around 8:00 a.m., before the sand fills up and while the morning light is best for photos. Grab coffee from Harry’s Bondi or Shuk Bondi on Hall Street, then settle in for a swim or a couple of relaxed hours on the beach. Swim between the red-and-yellow flags only; conditions can change quickly, and the beach’s lockers and public showers are useful if you do not want to carry wet gear. March is still warm, but bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the breeze.

From the southern end of Bondi Beach, join the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk and allow roughly three hours at an easy sightseeing pace. Follow the cliff path through Tamarama and Bronte, stopping at the ocean lookouts and small coves along the way; the section around Mackenzies Bay is especially lovely. Wear proper walking shoes rather than flip-flops, and carry water—the route is exposed, with limited shade. If the full walk feels too much after your swim, you can shorten it, but keep enough energy for the later snorkelling stop.

Afternoon and evening

Have a late lunch at Coogee Pavilion, right beside Coogee Beach, where the casual upstairs dining area and balcony are convenient after the walk. Expect about A$25–55 per person depending on whether you order a light meal or share several dishes. Afterward, take the short bus ride or walk north along Arden Street toward Gordon’s Bay in Clovelly—allow around 20–30 minutes on foot, or check live Transport for NSW departures for buses. This sheltered cove is a good contrast to Bondi: bring your swimsuit and snorkel if conditions are calm, but check the water before entering and avoid the rocks in rough surf. Give yourself around 90 minutes here to explore the cove and swim without rushing.

For dinner, take a rideshare or taxi from Clovelly to The Grounds of Alexandria—usually 20–30 minutes outside peak traffic, longer at commuter times. The courtyard, bakery, garden, and market-style spaces make it worth arriving before your reservation so you can wander; dinner generally runs A$30–55 per person. It is busiest from late afternoon into the evening, so book ahead and check the specific venue’s hours, as the complex has several separate food outlets. Finish with a relaxed walk around the decorated garden spaces rather than trying to add another sightseeing stop.

Morning

Take the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney Central around 7:30–8:00 a.m.; the ride to Katoomba takes roughly two hours. Services can be chilly, so keep your lightweight jacket handy, and check Transport for NSW for weekend trackwork or replacement buses. From Katoomba station, Echo Point is about a 30-minute walk or a short local bus/taxi ride. Spend around an hour at the lookout, where the Three Sisters rise above the Jamison Valley; arrive early for clearer views and fewer tour groups. The main viewing platforms are easy, but bring walking shoes for the short paths around the clifftop.

A short taxi or local bus ride brings you to Scenic World, where you can spend approximately 2½ hours choosing between the steep Scenic Railway, the Cableway, and the glass-floored Skyway. Allow extra time for queues, particularly during school holidays. A standard ride package is usually around A$55–65 for adults, though prices and operating hours can change; check the official site before leaving Sydney. The elevated views into the eucalyptus-filled valley are the highlight, while the boardwalks at the valley station offer a little more time among the trees.

Afternoon

Continue by local bus or taxi to Leura Mall, an easygoing strip of cafés, galleries, bookshops, and small boutiques. Allow about 1½ hours for lunch and a wander; Leura Garage is a good choice for a relaxed meal, while Bakehouse on Wentworth works well for coffee, sandwiches, or something sweet. Budget roughly A$25–45 per person. After lunch, head toward Leura Cascades—a short taxi ride is simplest, although bus connections can be infrequent. Follow the forest path to the waterfall and canyon viewpoints for around 1½ hours. The track can be damp and uneven after rain, so wear proper walking shoes, carry water, and don’t approach unfenced edges. Aim to return to Katoomba station with a buffer before your evening train back to Sydney; the journey takes about two hours, and services become less frequent later at night.

Morning

After breakfast in Katoomba, check out and take the Blue Mountains Line one stop to Wentworth Falls—about 10 minutes, with frequent services, though it is worth checking Transport for NSW for trackwork. Leave your larger luggage at your Katoomba accommodation or use station storage where available; the walks are much more enjoyable with only water, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Begin at Wentworth Falls Lake for an easy, peaceful circuit of roughly an hour. The lakeside path is a good reset after yesterday’s longer sightseeing day, and March mornings can still be pleasantly cool. Allow extra time if the ground is wet, as some edges become slippery.

Continue to the Wentworth Falls Track, where the route leads toward Jamison Valley lookouts. Give yourself about two hours, but turn around whenever the stairs or conditions feel too demanding—the views are rewarding even without completing the full descent. Wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals, carry water, and check National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts before setting out; recent rain can affect track access. Pick up a packed lunch or snacks in Wentworth Falls village before boarding the train, since the afternoon schedule is easier if you are not waiting for a sit-down meal.

Afternoon and evening

Return by train toward Sydney, changing at Parramatta for a short bus or taxi ride to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park in Doonside. From Wentworth Falls, allow roughly 1½–2 hours in total, so aim to leave the mountains around 12:30–1:00 p.m. and reserve about 2½ hours for the park. It is a particularly good stop for seeing koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native animals at close range; admission is commonly around A$50–60 per adult, and advance online tickets may be cheaper. Check the daily keeper-talk schedule on the morning of your visit, and bring water, a hat, and insect repellent. Afterwards, continue by train or taxi to Parramatta Park, allowing around 25–35 minutes depending on connections, for a relaxed 1½-hour walk among broad lawns and colonial heritage sites. Finish at Eat Street Parramatta, a short walk from the park and nearby transport, where multicultural restaurants make an easy dinner choice—budget approximately A$25–45 per person. Check individual kitchens’ closing times, as some stalls wind down earlier on quieter evenings; Parramatta Station provides straightforward trains back to central Sydney.

Arrival and check-in

Take a morning flight from Sydney Airport to Melbourne Airport, allowing roughly 3½–4½ hours door to door once check-in, baggage, and transfers are included. From the airport, SkyBus runs regularly to Southern Cross Station in about 30–40 minutes; a taxi or rideshare is quicker in light traffic but costs considerably more. Drop your bags at your CBD accommodation, then make your way north to Queen Victoria Market—walkable from the centre or about 10 minutes by tram. Check the market’s schedule before setting out, as trading days vary; allow around 1½ hours and budget A$15–30 for lunch from the food stalls, fresh fruit, pastries, or something grilled. Bring your reusable bottle and sunscreen—the open sheds can feel surprisingly bright and warm in March.

Afternoon wandering

From Queen Victoria Market, return toward the CBD by tram or on foot, then spend about 45 minutes exploring Royal Arcade on Bourke Street. This beautifully preserved Victorian passage is ideal for a slower wander, with mosaic floors, boutique shops, and the famous Gaunt’s Clock figures; most shops generally trade from late morning into the afternoon. Continue south through the central grid to Hosier Lane, roughly a 10-minute walk away. Melbourne’s street art changes constantly, so take your time with the side walls and nearby alleys rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. The lane is free and open all day, though late afternoon usually gives you better light and a livelier atmosphere than the early morning.

Evening

Walk about 10 minutes to Tipo 00 on Little Bourke Street for handmade pasta and a relaxed first Melbourne dinner. It is a small, popular restaurant, so reserve ahead if possible; allow about 1½ hours and expect roughly A$45–70 per person before drinks. After a travel day, resist adding another major sight—Melbourne’s central laneways are best enjoyed slowly, and the short walk back through the CBD gives you an easy introduction to the city’s evening rhythm.

Morning

Begin at Fitzroy Gardens around 9:00 a.m., taking a tram from the CBD toward East Melbourne—routes 75 and 48 are useful, depending on your starting point. The gardens are free and usually open from around 7:30 a.m. until sunset, with broad paths, clipped lawns, fountains, and quiet pockets that feel far removed from the city traffic. Allow about 1½ hours, including Captain Cook’s Cottage; the cottage generally opens from 10:00 a.m. and charges a small admission fee, so check the exact 2027 hours before setting out. From the gardens, take a tram or walk roughly 25 minutes toward Southbank for the National Gallery of Victoria, arriving around 11:00 a.m. The gallery typically opens at 10:00 a.m., and its permanent collection is free, though special exhibitions may require tickets. Two to two-and-a-half hours is enough to enjoy the major Australian and international galleries without trying to see everything.

Lunch and Afternoon

Continue by tram or on foot to South Melbourne Market for lunch, allowing about 20–25 minutes from the gallery. It is a good place to eat casually: choose from dumplings, gozleme, fresh seafood, pastries, or market produce, with around A$15–30 per person being comfortable. The market is generally open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but confirm the 2027 trading calendar; if your visit falls on a non-market day, keep the stop for the next suitable day rather than arriving to closed stalls. After lunch, walk or take a short tram ride to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne’s Domain precinct. Entry is free, and the galleries and memorial spaces usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; allow about an hour. Climb to the balcony if weather is clear—the view takes in the Royal Botanic Gardens, CBD, and Yarra River. Dress respectfully and bring your light cardigan, as the interior can feel cool.

Evening

Finish at St Kilda Beach and St Kilda Pier, reached from the Shrine of Remembrance by tram in roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on the service. Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset so you can stroll the foreshore and pier before the sky changes over Port Phillip Bay. The pier is free and remains a pleasant place for an evening walk; check local conditions and avoid the end of the pier in rough weather. For dinner afterward, wander into Acland Street for a relaxed choice such as Hanoi Rose or Claypots Seafood Bar, then return to the CBD by tram—allow 30–40 minutes and use a myki card or contactless payment where accepted. Keep sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes close at hand: even in March, Melbourne’s sun can be sharp while the evening breeze by the bay is noticeably cooler.

Morning

Pick up your rental car early in Melbourne and leave around 7:00 a.m. via the M1 toward Geelong, joining the Great Ocean Road beyond Torquay. The drive to Apollo Bay takes about 3¼ hours without stops, but allow 4–5 hours for the scenic route. Keep your swimsuit, water bottle, sunscreen, and a light jacket within reach—the coastal weather can shift quickly, and mobile reception becomes patchy in places. Your first stop is the Memorial Arch at Eastern View, where the timber monument marks the road’s historic entrance. There is a small parking area beside the road; allow about 30 minutes for photographs, but take care crossing because this remains an active highway.

Continue west to Lorne, a relaxed seaside town with easy parking near the foreshore. Spend roughly 1½ hours here, stretching your legs along the sand before lunch at The Bottle of Milk on Mountjoy Parade—a good casual option for burgers, fish and chips, and shakes, generally around A$20–35 per person. If you prefer a lighter café lunch, The Mex nearby does salads, toasties, and coffee. March is often warm enough for a quick swim, but use only patrolled areas and check the beach signs before entering the water.

Afternoon

From Lorne, drive inland for about 15–20 minutes to Erskine Falls, following the winding road through cool temperate rainforest. The falls car park is free, though it can fill during the middle of the day; allow about 1½ hours for the short walk to the lookout and back. The path can be damp and uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are much better than sandals. After returning to the coast, continue for approximately 45 minutes to Apollo Bay, check in, and spend the late afternoon walking the Apollo Bay foreshore. The long beach is ideal for an easy stroll or a swim if the sea is calm, though conditions can be rough and there are no lifeguards on every section. Keep valuables out of the car while stopping at viewpoints, and refuel in Apollo Bay if the tank is getting low.

Evening

For dinner, drive a few minutes uphill to Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant, whose dining room looks out over the coast toward Cape Otway. Book ahead—especially for a window table—and expect approximately A$45–75 per person for regional produce, seafood, and local wine. Sunset views are excellent, but leave Apollo Bay around 30 minutes before sunset so you are not rushing on the winding road. After dinner, return to town for a quiet evening; the foreshore is pleasant for a brief walk, but bring your light cardigan and insect repellent.

Morning

Leave Apollo Bay around 7:30 a.m. and follow the Great Ocean Road west through the forest toward Maits Rest Rainforest Walk in Great Otway National Park. The drive takes about 35 minutes. This easy, roughly one-hour loop is at its best early, when the cool temperate rainforest is quiet and the boardwalks are often damp with morning mist. Wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals, and carry insect repellent and water; there are limited facilities, and mobile reception can be patchy. Continue toward Gibson Steps, allowing about 50 minutes by car. The steps can be slippery, and beach access may close in rough surf, so check Parks Victoria conditions before descending.

Late Morning and Lunch

Spend about an hour at Gibson Steps, where the staircase drops beneath towering coastal cliffs to a broad stretch of beach. Stay well back from the water and allow extra time for the climb back up. A short drive then brings you to the Twelve Apostles visitor area, where the main viewing platforms provide the classic view of the offshore limestone stacks. Allow roughly an hour, including parking and the walk from the car park; there is no admission charge, though the car park is busy by late morning. For lunch, stop in Port Campbell—about 10 minutes farther west—for fish and chips or a café meal before continuing. Keep the afternoon moving, as the return drive is long.

Afternoon and Return to Melbourne

After lunch, drive back east to Loch Ard Gorge, part of Port Campbell National Park, and spend around 90 minutes exploring the signed viewpoints and sheltered coves associated with the 1878 shipwreck. The paths are straightforward but exposed, so bring your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light layer for the wind. Depart the Port Campbell area around 2:30–3:00 p.m.; the inland route via Colac is generally the practical choice for Melbourne and takes roughly 3½–4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Stop near Colac for coffee or fuel if needed, and refuel before returning the rental car.

Evening

After checking in and freshening up in Melbourne, have dinner at Chin Chin on Flinders Lane. It is a lively Southeast Asian restaurant with a walk-in-friendly atmosphere, though a wait is common at peak times; aim for an early table around 6:00 p.m. or join the queue before dinner rush. Expect approximately A$35–60 per person, excluding drinks. The restaurant is an easy walk from Flinders Street or Southern Cross area hotels, and the energetic laneway setting makes a relaxed finish after the long coastal drive.

Late Morning and Arrival

After your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns Airport, allow roughly 45–60 minutes to reach central Cairns, depending on baggage and traffic. An airport shuttle is usually the best-value option—around A$20–30 per person—while a taxi or rideshare generally costs about A$30–45 to the CBD. Drop your bags at your accommodation, change into swimwear, and keep your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and reusable water bottle handy; Cairns is notably hotter and more humid than Melbourne.

Afternoon by the Water

Begin your orientation at the Cairns Esplanade, following the broad waterfront promenade north and south of the central swimming area. Allow about an hour for the easy walk past the mangroves, public art, and views toward the mudflats; late afternoon is more comfortable than midday, and the changing tide gives the waterfront a very different character. Then spend around 1½ hours at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, the free, lifeguarded saltwater swimming pool beside the promenade. It is typically open from early morning until evening, although hours and closures can change, so check local signage. Lockers, showers, and changing facilities are available nearby; keep valuables minimal and reapply high-SPF sunscreen after swimming.

Evening

After a shower and a little downtime, walk into the CBD for the Cairns Night Markets, usually open from late afternoon until around 11 p.m. Browse the stalls for handmade goods, Aboriginal art, clothing, and inexpensive souvenirs, then keep dinner casual with food-court dishes or fresh fruit—budget roughly A$15–30 per person. Finish at Ochre Restaurant on the waterfront, a short walk from the markets, for modern Australian cooking using ingredients such as kangaroo, barramundi, wattleseed, and native herbs. Expect about A$45–75 per person before drinks; booking ahead is sensible, particularly for a waterfront table. A light cardigan is unnecessary for most evenings, but the sea breeze and strong air-conditioning make one useful if you feel the cold.

Early morning and the reef cruise

Be at Cairns Marina around 7:00–7:30 a.m. for check-in, depending on your operator’s boarding time. Most outer-reef cruises leave between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and run for roughly 8–9 hours, including the safety briefing, transfers, and time on the reef. Bring your passport or booking details, a refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, a light layer, and motion-sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness. The open catamaran can feel breezy even in warm weather, and March crossings may be choppy. Allow roughly A$220–350 per person for a standard outer-reef trip; hotel transfers, wetsuits, and introductory dives may cost extra. If you are staying centrally, Cairns Marina is an easy 10–15-minute walk from most hotels, or a short taxi ride.

Outer Reef snorkeling

Spend the main part of the day at the operator’s Great Barrier Reef pontoon or outer-reef mooring, with snorkeling sessions totaling about three hours spread around the boat’s schedule. Use the supplied stinger suit or wetsuit if offered, particularly in March, and apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding rather than after entering the water. The best visibility is often during the first snorkel, so get in early before the site becomes busy; take breaks between sessions and use the shaded areas of the pontoon or vessel. Expect a simple buffet or packed lunch on most cruises, but bring a small snack if you have dietary requirements. Follow the crew’s instructions closely around currents, and consider a guided snorkel if you would like help identifying reef fish and coral without drifting too far from the boat.

Late afternoon and seafood dinner

Return to Cairns Marina in the late afternoon, usually around 4:30–5:30 p.m., and keep the rest of the day deliberately easy. Walk along the waterfront, rinse off the salt, and settle in for a drink while the boats come back into the harbour—The Pier Bar is a convenient option for a relaxed waterside stop. Then have dinner at Prawn Star, the small floating fishing boat moored at Cairns Marina, where the menu focuses on fresh prawns, bugs, oysters, and other seafood served simply. Budget about A$25–45 per person, though larger seafood platters and drinks will increase the bill. Seating is limited, so reserve ahead or arrive as soon as you return from the cruise; if the boat is full, ask about the next available sitting rather than waiting around hungry. Bring sandals and a light cardigan for the walk back afterward, and keep the evening quiet—tomorrow’s rainforest transfer starts early.

Morning

Take a pre-booked shared shuttle from Cairns to Port Douglas, ideally leaving around 8:00 a.m. The drive along the Captain Cook Highway takes about 1¼ hours; arrange hotel drop-off so you are not carrying luggage around town. After checking in or leaving bags at your accommodation, walk down Macrossan Street toward Four Mile Beach. Allow about 1½ hours for the palm-lined shoreline and a relaxed swim—use the patrolled area, follow local stinger warnings, and avoid the water if conditions are rough. March is still hot and humid, so bring your hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sandals, and plenty of water.

Afternoon

Collect a rental car or join a pre-arranged tour for the drive north to Daintree Discovery Centre in Cow Bay, allowing roughly 45–50 minutes from Port Douglas. The centre generally operates during daylight hours, with admission commonly around A$45–55 for adults; check the current session times before setting out. Spend about two hours on the elevated canopy tower and rainforest boardwalks, where interpretation panels make the dense vegetation much easier to understand. Continue to the Daintree River for a guided cruise, usually around 1½ hours and often priced at approximately A$35–50 per adult. Late-afternoon departures can be particularly good for birdlife and crocodile sightings, but confirm the final boat time and allow extra time for the return drive.

Evening

Return to Port Douglas and have dinner at Salsa Bar & Grill on Macrossan Street, a lively, casual choice with seafood, salads, and tropical flavors; budget roughly A$35–60 per person. Book ahead if visiting on a weekend or during a busy school-holiday period. Afterward, take an easy stroll along Macrossan Street or the nearby Marina Mirage, but keep the evening unhurried—the rainforest excursions, heat, and early start make this a good night to turn in rather than add another major activity.

Morning

Pick up the car in Port Douglas early and drive north to Mossman Gorge—about 20 minutes via the Captain Cook Highway and Mossman–Mount Molloy Road. Park at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where the shuttle to the gorge entrance is generally required; allow around A$15–20 return, subject to current pricing. Spend roughly 2½ hours on the rainforest walks beside the Mossman River, taking the easy Baral Marrjanga or Lower River trails rather than attempting anything strenuous after rain. Swimming in the gorge is not always permitted and conditions can change quickly, so follow local signs and ranger advice. Bring water, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, and a dry change of clothes; the centre typically opens from around 8:00 a.m., but check seasonal hours and road conditions before leaving.

Midday and afternoon

Return to Port Douglas for the Port Douglas Sunday Market along Macrossan Street, usually held on Sunday mornings and finishing around lunchtime. Browse local produce, handmade jewellery, art, and tropical treats for about 1½ hours; if the market is not operating or has packed up, use the time for a relaxed wander through the town centre and a takeaway lunch. Then begin the drive south toward Cairns, stopping at Rex Lookout after roughly 45 minutes. The signed pull-off has dramatic views over the Coral Sea and the forested coastal range—allow 30 minutes, and take care near the edge, particularly in wet or windy weather. Continue another 35–40 minutes to Cairns Botanic Gardens in Edge Hill. The gardens are free and usually open during daylight hours, with shaded tropical collections and pleasant walking paths; allow 1½ hours, but avoid arriving too late if the gates are nearing closing time.

Evening

From Edge Hill, drive about 25–30 minutes north to Palm Cove for dinner at Nu Nu Restaurant. Book ahead for a table, especially on a Sunday evening, and expect approximately A$60–100 per person for refined tropical Queensland cooking. Leave room for a short beachfront stroll along Williams Esplanade before or after the meal if you still have energy. After dinner, return to Cairns in about 30 minutes via the Captain Cook Highway. If you have an early flight, confirm your airport transfer and return-car instructions before setting out from Port Douglas; otherwise, returning the car in Cairns after dinner is straightforward, though allow extra time for fuel and after-hours drop-off procedures.