7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney
Monday, August 14: Melbourne
Start your trip in Melbourne by exploring the vibrant city center. In the morning, visit the iconic Federation Square, which hosts various cultural events and exhibitions. Take a stroll along the Yarra River and enjoy the stunning views. In the afternoon, head to the Melbourne Zoo, home to a wide range of animals. End your evening with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, where you can indulge in delicious street food and shop for local products.
Federation Square: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Melbourne Zoo: Cost: $30 per adult, $15 per child, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Queen Victoria Market: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hardware Societe, a popular café known for its unique and creative dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, try Rice Paper Sister, a modern Asian fusion restaurant offering a delicious selection of small plates. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
For dinner, indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine at Maha. This upscale restaurant offers a range of flavorful dishes in a stylish setting. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Gold Coast
Start your day in Gold Coast with a visit to the famous Surfers Paradise Beach. Enjoy the golden sand and pristine waters. In the afternoon, head to Warner Bros. Movie World, a theme park with thrilling rides and entertainment. End your day by exploring the Broadbeach area, known for its dining options and vibrant nightlife.
Surfers Paradise Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: Full day
Warner Bros. Movie World: Cost: $99 per adult, $79 per child, Time Spent: 5-6 hours
Broadbeach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Groove Train. This family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of breakfast options, from hearty omelettes to fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Sandbar Beach Cafe. Located right on the beach, this restaurant offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Choose from a variety of fresh seafood dishes and tasty burgers. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, dine at Melbas on the Park. This iconic restaurant in the heart of Surfers Paradise offers a diverse menu with options ranging from juicy steaks to vegetarian delights. Enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Wednesday, August 16: Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and start your day by visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House. Take a guided tour to learn about its architecture and history. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, offering stunning views of the Sydney Harbour. End your day with a visit to Darling Harbour, where you can enjoy waterfront dining and entertainment.
Sydney Opera House: Cost: Guided tour - $42 per adult, $22 per child, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Royal Botanic Garden: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Darling Harbour: Cost: Free, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out The Grounds of Alexandria, a charming cafe known for its fresh and organic offerings. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, visit Doyle's on the Beach, a seafood restaurant located in Watsons Bay with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
For dinner, try ARIA, a fine dining restaurant located in Circular Quay. Enjoy modern Australian cuisine while taking in breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House. Average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
Thursday, August 17: Sydney
Continue exploring Sydney by visiting Taronga Zoo in the morning. Experience close encounters with wildlife and enjoy scenic views of the city skyline. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Manly Beach, known for its surf culture and relaxed atmosphere. Spend the evening strolling along the vibrant Circular Quay and take in the beauty of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Taronga Zoo: Cost: $47 per adult, $27 per child, Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Manly Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge: Cost: Free, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria. This popular restaurant offers a range of mouthwatering dishes, including artisanal bread, fresh pastries, and organic smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, head to Chin Chin, a trendy Asian fusion restaurant located in Surry Hills. With a vibrant atmosphere and a menu featuring dishes like crispy skin barramundi and caramelized pork belly, it's a great spot to enjoy a flavorful lunch. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful culinary experience at Quay Restaurant. Located at Circular Quay, this award-winning fine dining restaurant offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour while serving modern Australian cuisine. With dishes like roasted duck breast and poached lobster, Quay is a perfect choice for a special dinner. Average cost for a meal is about $150 per person.
Friday, August 18: Melbourne
Return to Melbourne and explore the iconic Great Ocean Road. Start your day early and drive along this breathtaking coastal route. Visit the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks, and enjoy stunning ocean views. In the afternoon, explore the charming coastal town of Lorne and relax on its beautiful beach. Return to Melbourne in the evening.
Great Ocean Road: Cost: Fuel and tolls, Time Spent: Full day
Twelve Apostles: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Lorne: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hardware Société in Melbourne where you can enjoy delicious Spanish-inspired dishes such as the Baked Eggs or the Croque Madame. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about $20 per person.
For lunch, try Cumulus Inc., a popular restaurant known for its modern Australian cuisine in Melbourne. Indulge in their famous Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder or their Roast Pumpkin Salad. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about $30 per person.
For dinner, dine at Tipo 00, an Italian restaurant in Melbourne known for its handmade pasta dishes. Don't miss their signature dish, the Tagliolini with King Prawns and Zucchini Flowers. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about $50 per person.
Saturday, August 19: Melbourne
Visit the Melbourne Museum in the morning, where you can explore various exhibits and learn about Australia's history and culture. In the afternoon, head to St Kilda Beach, a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Acland Street, known for its cafes and cake shops. End your day with a visit to Luna Park, an amusement park that has been entertaining visitors since 1912.
Melbourne Museum: Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
St Kilda Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Luna Park: Cost: Free entry, rides require tickets, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Grain Store, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try out Pelligrini's, a Melbourne institution famous for its classic Italian dishes and bustling atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, dine at Supernormal, a trendy Asian-inspired restaurant known for its innovative menu and stylish decor. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Sunday, August 20: Melbourne
Spend your last day in Melbourne exploring the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens and admire the architectural beauty of the building. In the afternoon, visit the Melbourne Aquarium and discover a variety of marine life. End your trip with a relaxing Yarra River cruise, enjoying the city's skyline.
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Melbourne Aquarium: Cost: $42 per adult, $28 per child, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Yarra River Cruise: Cost: $30 per adult, $15 per child, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hardware Société located near the Royal Exhibition Building. This bustling café serves delicious French-inspired dishes such as baked eggs and fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
If you're looking for a quick and tasty lunch, make your way to Roll'd in Melbourne Central. This Vietnamese street food eatery offers fresh and flavorful banh mi sandwiches and rice paper rolls. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Supernormal. This modern Asian restaurant showcases a fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean flavors. From their famous New England lobster roll to their mouthwatering dumplings, there's something for everyone. The average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For families looking for off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for panoramic views of the city. Another local favorite is the Gold Coast Hinterland, where you can explore stunning national parks and enjoy scenic hikes. In Sydney, visit the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, home to a diverse range of marine species. Don't miss the Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can get up close to native Australian animals.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.com.