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12-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Melbourne and Sydney

Day 1: Wednesday, October 25 - Melbourne Arrival

Welcome to Melbourne! Start your trip by exploring the city's iconic landmarks. In the morning, visit Federation Square, a cultural hub where you can admire modern architecture and enjoy street performances. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Yarra River and explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. As evening approaches, head to Southbank Promenade for dinner while enjoying the stunning views of the city skyline.

  • Federation Square: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Royal Botanic Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Southbank Promenade: Cost varies, evening
Day 2: Thursday, October 26 - Melbourne Zoo and Aquarium

Embark on a wildlife adventure today! Start your morning at Melbourne Zoo, home to various animals from around the world. Spend the afternoon at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where you can get up close to fascinating marine creatures. In the evening, stroll along the vibrant laneways of the city, such as Hosier Lane, known for its street art.

  • Melbourne Zoo: AUD 37 (adult), AUD 19 (child), 4-5 hours
  • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: AUD 43 (adult), AUD 31 (child), 2-3 hours
  • Hosier Lane: Free, evening
Day 3: Friday, October 27 - Great Ocean Road

Embark on a scenic road trip along the Great Ocean Road. Start early in the morning and drive to Torquay, the gateway to this breathtaking coastal route. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the famous Twelve Apostles. Take breaks at picturesque towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Return to Melbourne in the evening.

  • Great Ocean Road: Free, full day
  • Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay: Cost varies, stops along the way
Day 4: Saturday, October 28 - Melbourne to Sydney

Today, catch a morning flight or take a scenic train journey from Melbourne to Sydney. Arrive in Sydney and spend the day exploring the city at your own pace. Visit Circular Quay, home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, and take a leisurely walk along the harbor promenade. In the evening, head to Darling Harbour for waterfront dining options and entertainment.

  • Circular Quay: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Sydney Opera House: Cost varies (guided tour), 1-2 hours
  • Darling Harbour: Cost varies, evening
Day 5: Sunday, October 29 - Sydney Harbour and Bondi Beach

Start your day with a visit to Sydney Harbour Bridge, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Pylon Lookout. Take a scenic ferry ride to Manly Beach and spend the afternoon exploring its vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, head to Bondi Beach and witness a stunning sunset while enjoying a beachside dinner.

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout: AUD 15 (adult), AUD 8 (child), 2-3 hours
  • Ferry to Manly Beach: AUD 15 (adult), AUD 8 (child), afternoon
  • Bondi Beach: Free, evening
Day 6: Monday, October 30 - Blue Mountains

Embark on a day trip to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes and charming villages. Explore the Scenic World, where you can ride the steepest railway in the world and marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation. Visit the quaint town of Leura and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Return to Sydney in the evening.

  • Blue Mountains Scenic World: AUD 43 (adult), AUD 23 (child), full day
  • Leura Village: Cost varies, lunchtime
Day 7: Tuesday, October 31 - Sydney Museums

Immerse yourself in Sydney's rich history and culture by visiting its renowned museums. Start at the Australian Museum, which showcases the country's natural history and indigenous culture. In the afternoon, explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales, housing an extensive collection of Australian and international art. Spend the evening strolling through The Rocks, a historic area filled with charming cafes and boutique shops.

  • Australian Museum: AUD 20 (adult), AUD 12 (child), 2-3 hours
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales: Free (general admission), 2-3 hours
  • The Rocks: Cost varies, evening
Day 8: Wednesday, November 1 - Taronga Zoo and Sydney Tower Eye

Today, visit Taronga Zoo, located on Sydney Harbour's shores. Get up close to native Australian animals and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. In the afternoon, head to Sydney Tower Eye and take in breathtaking panoramic views from the observation deck. Spend the evening exploring Darling Harbour's family-friendly attractions, such as the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

  • Taronga Zoo: AUD 47 (adult), AUD 26 (child), 4-5 hours
  • Sydney Tower Eye: AUD 29 (adult), AUD 20 (child), 1-2 hours
  • SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: AUD 43 (adult), AUD 31 (child), evening
Day 9: Thursday, November 2 - Sydney Beaches and Coastal Walks

Discover the beauty of Sydney's beaches and coastal walks today. Start with a visit to Coogee Beach, where you can relax or take a dip in the ocean. Embark on the scenic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. In the evening, head to The Grounds of Alexandria, a unique dining and shopping precinct with a vibrant atmosphere.

  • Coogee Beach: Free, morning
  • Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • The Grounds of Alexandria: Cost varies, evening
Day 10: Friday, November 3 - Wildlife and Adventure

Experience wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures today. Begin by visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can interact with native Australian animals. In the afternoon, head to Manly's North Head for scenic coastal hikes and stunning views. End the day with dinner at The Rocks, enjoying the lively atmosphere and delicious food.

  • Featherdale Wildlife Park: AUD 35 (adult), AUD 20 (child), 3-4 hours
  • North Head, Manly: Free, 2-3 hours
  • The Rocks: Cost varies, evening
Day 11: Saturday, November 4 - Sydney Olympic Park

Explore the legacy of the 2000 Sydney Olympics at Sydney Olympic Park. Start with a visit to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, where you can enjoy swimming and water slides. In the afternoon, cycle or stroll through the park's extensive pathways, surrounded by beautiful parklands and wetlands. End the day with a picnic and outdoor activities at Bicentennial Park.

  • Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre: AUD 8 (adult), AUD 6 (child), morning
  • Cycling/Strolling at Sydney Olympic Park: Free, afternoon
  • Bicentennial Park: Free, evening
Restaurants
  • The Olympic Cafe offers a delicious breakfast menu with a variety of options such as pancakes, eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
  • Parkview Restaurant is a great choice for lunch, serving a range of tasty dishes including sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
  • For dinner, head to The Bakehouse, where you can enjoy hearty Australian cuisine like steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Day 12: Sunday, November 5 - Departure

After an amazing family-friendly adventure, it's time to bid farewell to Sydney. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take one last stroll through the city before heading to the airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the wonderful memories created during your Melbourne and Sydney journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Melbourne, make sure to visit the Melbourne Museum, which offers engaging exhibitions and interactive displays suitable for all ages. In Sydney, take a trip to the Australian National Maritime Museum to learn about the country's maritime heritage and enjoy hands-on activities. For a unique experience, venture to Featherdale Wildlife Park to hand-feed kangaroos and get close to koalas. Locals also love spending time at Milk Beach, a hidden gem in Sydney with stunning views of the harbor and a peaceful atmosphere.

Don't forget to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.

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