Australian Adventure: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

1. Tuesday, November 28: Sydney Opera House
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Sydney Harbour Bridge

   Marvel at the iconic Sydney Opera House and take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. In the morning, explore the Concert Hall and then head to the Opera Kitchen for a delicious lunch overlooking the harbor. In the afternoon, catch a performance or take a scenic harbor cruise to enjoy the Opera House from a different perspective.

   • Guided Tour: $40 per person, 1.5 hours
   • Performance Ticket: $80 per person, duration varies
   • Harbor Cruise: $35 per person, 1 hour
2. Wednesday, November 29: Taronga Zoo
   30 minutes (8 miles) from Sydney Opera House

   Embark on a wild adventure at Taronga Zoo where you can see a wide range of Australian animals up close. Start your morning by visiting the koalas and kangaroos. After lunch, attend the informative animal shows and take a cable car ride for breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.

   • Zoo Admission: $45 per adult, $25 per child, 4-6 hours
   • Cable Car Ride: $10 per person, 15 minutes
3. Thursday, November 30: Great Barrier Reef
   3 hours 30 minutes (1,400 miles) from Taronga Zoo

   Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Great Barrier Reef. Take a scenic flight to Cairns and then hop on a boat to explore the vibrant underwater world. Snorkel or dive amidst colorful coral reefs, swim with tropical fish, and indulge in a buffet lunch aboard the boat.

   • Scenic Flight: $250 per person, 2 hours
   • Great Barrier Reef Tour: $150 per person, 6 hours
4. Friday, December 1: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
   15 minutes (8 miles) from Brisbane City Centre

   Spend a day surrounded by cuddly koalas and other native Australian animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Start your morning by hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies. In the afternoon, enjoy a photo opportunity with a koala and watch the captivating bird of prey show.

   • Sanctuary Admission: $40 per adult, $25 per child, 4-6 hours
   • Koala Photo Opportunity: $20 per person, 15 minutes
5. Saturday, December 2: Melbourne Zoo
   20 minutes (6 miles) from Melbourne City Centre

   Explore the diverse wildlife at Melbourne Zoo. Start your day with a visit to the Gorilla Rainforest and then head to the Butterfly House. In the afternoon, don't miss the exciting elephant feeding and the interactive Australian wildlife exhibit.

   • Zoo Admission: $35 per adult, $15 per child, 4-6 hours
   • Elephant Feeding: $10 per person, 20 minutes
6. Sunday, December 3: Surfers Paradise Beach
   1 hour 30 minutes (50 miles) from Melbourne Zoo

   Spend a relaxing day at Surfers Paradise Beach, known for its golden sand and perfect waves. Enjoy a morning swim or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline. In the afternoon, try your hand at surfing or explore the nearby attractions and markets.

   • Beach Access: Free, all day
   • Surfing Lesson: $50 per person, 1 hour
7. Monday, December 4: Australia Zoo
   1 hour (40 miles) from Surfers Paradise Beach

   Visit Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin, and get up close with a variety of wildlife. Start your day by watching the crocodile feeding show. In the afternoon, explore the African savannah and cuddle a koala before catching the breathtaking wildlife show.

   • Zoo Admission: $55 per adult, $30 per child, 4-6 hours
   • Koala Cuddle: $30 per person, 10 minutes

Recommendations

For more family-friendly attractions, consider visiting the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, or the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island near Melbourne. Day trips to the Blue Mountains from Sydney or the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne are also highly recommended. To make the most of your money, check for discounted family passes, which often offer better value. Don't forget to try some local Australian cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture!

Check hotel and flight prices here.