Start your trip in Sydney by exploring the iconic Sydney Opera House in the morning. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating architecture and history. In the afternoon, visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to see a variety of marine life up close. End the day at Darling Harbour, where you can enjoy waterfront dining and watch the mesmerizing fireworks display in the evening.
Sydney Opera House: Cost estimate - $40 per adult, $22 per child | Time spent - 2-3 hours
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: Cost estimate - $40 per adult, $28 per child | Time spent - 2-3 hours
Darling Harbour: Free entry | Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria. This charming cafe offers a range of breakfast options, from homemade pastries to hearty dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, head to The Rocks Cafe, located near the Sydney Opera House. This cozy cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and burgers, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Aria Restaurant, situated on the waterfront at Circular Quay. Enjoy stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while savoring contemporary Australian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
Tuesday, September 12: Cairns
On your second day, fly to Cairns and start the morning with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Embark on a snorkeling or diving adventure to witness the breathtaking underwater world. In the afternoon, head to Kuranda Village, taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for panoramic rainforest views. Explore the vibrant market stalls, art galleries, and wildlife parks. Wrap up the day with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, enjoying scenic views of the rainforest.
Great Barrier Reef: Cost estimate - $150 per adult, $75 per child | Time spent - Half-day
Kuranda Village: Cost estimate - $50 per adult, $25 per child (including Skyrail and Scenic Railway) | Time spent - Afternoon
Restaurants
Breakfast: Try the delicious and hearty breakfast options at Palm Cove Deli Café, located in Palm Cove. With a beachfront location and a wide range of menu choices, you can enjoy a satisfying breakfast for around $15 per person.
Lunch: For a quick and tasty lunch, head to Ochre Restaurant & Catering in Cairns. This award-winning restaurant offers a fusion of Australian and Indigenous flavors, with unique dishes like emu and crocodile. A lunch meal here will cost you around $25 per person.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at Tamarind, located in Port Douglas. This renowned restaurant offers an exquisite blend of Asian and Australian cuisine. With elegant ambiance and impeccable service, a dinner at Tamarind will cost you around $50 per person.
Wednesday, September 13: Gold Coast
Continue your journey to the Gold Coast and spend the morning at the famous Surfers Paradise Beach. Enjoy the golden sand and perfect waves for swimming and surfing. In the afternoon, visit Warner Bros. Movie World for thrilling rides and attractions based on your favorite movies. Wrap up the day at Broadbeach, where you can find a variety of family-friendly restaurants.
Surfers Paradise Beach: Free entry | Time spent - Morning
Warner Bros. Movie World: Cost estimate - $89 per adult, $79 per child | Time spent - Afternoon
Broadbeach: Cost estimate - Varies | Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in the Gold Coast is The Paddock Bakery, known for its delicious artisanal breads and pastries. A meal here costs about $15 per person on average.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, head to The Fish House in Burleigh Heads. This seafood restaurant offers panoramic ocean views and a menu featuring fresh local catches. A meal here costs about $40 per person on average.
For a memorable dinner experience, try the Rick Shores restaurant in Burleigh Heads. Enjoy modern Asian cuisine while overlooking the stunning Burleigh Beach. A meal here costs about $60 per person on average.
Thursday, September 14: Brisbane
Head to Brisbane and start the day at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala and interact with other Australian wildlife. In the afternoon, explore the South Bank Parklands, home to beautiful gardens, the Streets Beach lagoon, and the Wheel of Brisbane offering panoramic city views. Wrap up the day with a leisurely cruise along the Brisbane River, enjoying the city lights.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Cost estimate - $36 per adult, $22 per child | Time spent - Morning
South Bank Parklands: Free entry | Time spent - Afternoon
Brisbane River Cruise: Cost estimate - $30 per adult, $15 per child | Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Pancake Manor. Indulge in a variety of delicious pancakes and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this historic church-turned-restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Lunch: For a delectable lunch, visit The Charming Squire. This brewery and restaurant offers a range of mouthwatering dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss their specialty craft beers! Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Dinner: Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable dinner at Jellyfish Restaurant. Known for its fresh seafood and stunning river views, this upscale dining establishment offers an extensive menu of ocean delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Friday, September 15: Melbourne
Fly to Melbourne and start your day by visiting the Melbourne Zoo, home to a diverse range of animals. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant laneways and street art of Melbourne's city center. Don't miss the famous Queen Victoria Market, where you can find fresh produce, local goods, and delicious food. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Yarra River and enjoy the city's skyline.
Melbourne Zoo: Cost estimate - $40 per adult, $20 per child | Time spent - Morning
City Laneways: Free exploration | Time spent - Afternoon
Queen Victoria Market: Free entry | Time spent - Afternoon
Yarra River Walk: Free activity | Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Hardware Societe, a popular cafe known for its creative dishes and warm atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, head to Cumulus Inc. located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Enjoy their innovative menu of seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, where you can savor authentic Italian pizzas made with fresh ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Saturday, September 16: Adelaide
Travel to Adelaide and start the day at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, where you can explore stunning gardens and learn about Australia's native plants. In the afternoon, visit the Adelaide Zoo to see a variety of animals, including the beloved pandas. End the day at Glenelg Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful coastline.
Adelaide Botanic Garden: Free entry | Time spent - Morning
Adelaide Zoo: Cost estimate - $37 per adult, $20 per child | Time spent - Afternoon
Glenelg Beach: Free entry | Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Loose Caboose. This charming cafe offers a variety of options, from fluffy pancakes to hearty brunch plates. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Cafe Bravo for a tasty meal in a relaxed setting. Their menu features a range of salads, sandwiches, and pastas to satisfy all tastes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner at Press Food & Wine. This fine dining restaurant offers a sophisticated menu showcasing the best of Australian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Sunday, September 17: Perth
Fly to Perth and start your day with a visit to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the Swan River. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Fremantle Markets, where you can find unique art, crafts, and local produce. End the day with a relaxing walk along Cottesloe Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful sunsets.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Free entry | Time spent - Morning
Fremantle Markets: Free entry | Time spent - Afternoon
Cottesloe Beach: Free entry | Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sayers Sister, known for their scrumptious avocado toast and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to The Raw Kitchen, a vegan-friendly restaurant offering healthy bowls and smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Wildflower, located on the rooftop of COMO The Treasury hotel. Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine with breathtaking views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Port Stephens region, known for its stunning sand dunes and dolphin-watching experiences. Another local favorite is the Blue Mountains, located near Sydney, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. These destinations provide unique experiences and natural beauty that the whole family can enjoy.