5-Day City & Nature Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Australia

Day 1: City Exploration in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on October 7, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Degraves Street

Start your day with delicious coffee and pastries at the iconic Degraves Street, known for its charming cafes and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk 5 minutes from your accommodation to Degraves Street.
15 AUD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Federation Square

Visit Federation Square to admire modern architecture, art galleries, and possibly catch a free event or exhibition.
Walk 10 minutes from Degraves Street to Federation Square.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Queen Victoria Market, offering a variety of food stalls with fresh local produce and multicultural cuisines.
Walk 20 minutes from Federation Square to Queen Victoria Market.
20 AUD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll along Yarra River

Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Yarra River, where you can enjoy views of the city skyline and relax in the riverside parks.
Walk 15 minutes from Queen Victoria Market to Yarra River.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Head to Chinatown for an affordable and delicious dinner, offering a wide range of Asian cuisine options.
Walk 15 minutes from Yarra River to Chinatown.
25 AUD, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature Exploration in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on October 8, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fitzroy Gardens

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast in the lush greenery of Fitzroy Gardens, home to diverse plant species and historic landmarks.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation to Fitzroy Gardens.
10 AUD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, a serene oasis in the city with beautiful landscapes, native flora, and relaxing walking paths.
Walk 20 minutes from Fitzroy Gardens to Royal Botanic Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at St. Kilda Beach

Pack a picnic lunch and head to St. Kilda Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea, watching kite surfers and enjoying the coastal views.
Take a 30-minute tram ride from Royal Botanic Gardens to St. Kilda Beach.
15 AUD, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Street Art in Hosier Lane

Discover Melbourne's vibrant street art scene in Hosier Lane, where you can admire colorful murals and graffiti artworks.
Walk 20 minutes from St. Kilda Beach to Hosier Lane.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Southbank Promenade

Enjoy dinner with a view at Southbank Promenade, lined with restaurants overlooking the Yarra River and the city lights.
Walk 15 minutes from Hosier Lane to Southbank Promenade.
30 AUD, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: City Discovery in Sydney

Sydney, Australia on October 9, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Rocks

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Rocks, a historic area with charming cafes and views of the Sydney Harbour.
Take a 2-hour train ride from Melbourne to Sydney.
20 AUD, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Sydney Opera House

Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, marvel at its unique architecture, and take a guided tour to learn about its history.
Walk 15 minutes from The Rocks to Sydney Opera House.
40 AUD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Circular Quay

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Circular Quay, a bustling waterfront area with outdoor dining options and views of the Harbour Bridge.
Walk 10 minutes from Sydney Opera House to Circular Quay.
25 AUD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore The Royal Botanic Garden

Take a leisurely stroll through The Royal Botanic Garden, featuring lush greenery, colorful flowers, and scenic views of Sydney Harbour.
Walk 15 minutes from Circular Quay to The Royal Botanic Garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Indulge in a diverse dinner selection at Darling Harbour, known for its waterfront dining options and vibrant evening atmosphere.
Walk 20 minutes from The Royal Botanic Garden to Darling Harbour.
35 AUD, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature Adventure in Cairns

Cairns, Australia on October 10, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rusty's Markets

Start your day with a tropical breakfast at Rusty's Markets, offering fresh fruits, juices, and local delicacies.
Take a 3-hour flight from Sydney to Cairns.
30 AUD, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kuranda Rainforest

Embark on a day trip to the nearby Kuranda Rainforest, where you can experience lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife in a scenic setting.
Take a 30-minute bus ride from Cairns city center to Kuranda Rainforest.
50 AUD, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Kuranda Village

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the local eateries in Kuranda Village, surrounded by rainforest and artisan shops.
Walk 5 minutes within Kuranda Village.
20 AUD, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Barron Gorge National Park

Explore the stunning Barron Gorge National Park, known for its rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and scenic walking trails.
Take a 20-minute bus ride from Kuranda Village to Barron Gorge National Park.
10 AUD, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cairns Esplanade

End your day with a relaxed dinner at Cairns Esplanade, where you can enjoy seafood and local Australian dishes by the waterfront.
Walk 15 minutes from Barron Gorge National Park to Cairns Esplanade.
30 AUD, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cairns

Cairns, Australia on October 11, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pier Bar

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Pier Bar, overlooking the marina and serving fresh breakfast options.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation to The Pier Bar.
15 AUD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Embark on a full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel, dive, and explore the vibrant underwater world of coral reefs.
Take a boat tour from Cairns Marina to the Great Barrier Reef.
150 AUD, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Night Markets

Enjoy a variety of affordable food options at the Cairns Night Markets, offering international cuisines, snacks, and souvenirs.
Walk 15 minutes from Cairns Marina to the Night Markets.
20 AUD, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability