Melbourne to Sydney: 12 Days of Adventure in Australia

Day 1: Explore Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breaky’s on Leicester

Kickoff your day with a delicious breakfast at this popular café known for its avocado toast and organic coffee.
Walk or take a tram to the café
AUD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll around these beautifully landscaped gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Melbourne.
Tram to the gardens
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Southbank

Enjoy lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, with a view of the Yarra River.
Walk to Southbank
AUD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Federation Square & ACMI

Visit this cultural precinct and explore the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Walk to Federation Square
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Melbourne Laneways

Wander through Melbourne’s famous laneways and discover hidden street art, café culture, and unique shops.
Walk around city centre
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Enjoy a modern Thai dinner at this bustling restaurant famous for its vibrant atmosphere.
Walk or tram to Chin Chin
AUD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Top Paddock

Start your day with an innovative breakfast menu in this trendy café.
Tram to Richmond
AUD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Gallery of Victoria

Explore Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, featuring international and local artworks.
Tram to NGV
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Melbourne Central

Enjoy lunch in this major shopping centre with plenty of food options.
Walk to Melbourne Central
AUD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Melbourne Zoo

Visit the Melbourne Zoo to see native and exotic animals in naturalistic settings.
Tram to the zoo
AUD40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Queen Victoria Market

Wander the market stalls, sample food, and shop for souvenirs.
Tram to Queen Victoria Market
Free entry, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Savour a contemporary dining experience at this renowned restaurant in the CBD.
Walk to Cumulus Inc.
AUD55, 2 hours
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Day 3: Outdoors & Nature

Melbourne, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Hardware Société

Indulge in a French-inspired breakfast at this charming café.
Walk or tram to Hardware Société
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and scenic walking trails in this beautiful national park.
Drive or take a tour bus (1 hour)
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

Experience stunning views paired with a delicious lunch at this mountaintop restaurant.
Drive to the restaurant
AUD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Healesville Sanctuary

Meet native Australian animals up close in this wildlife sanctuary.
Drive to Healesville (30 minutes)
AUD38, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to relax and prepare for dinner.
Drive back to Melbourne
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Attica

Dine at one of the world’s best restaurants, celebrated for its innovative Australian cuisine.
Walk or drive to Attica
AUD250, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ballarat Day Trip

Ballarat, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Bella

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore Ballarat.
Train to Ballarat
AUD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Sovereign Hill

Step back in time and experience the gold rush era in this outdoor museum.
Walk through Sovereign Hill
AUD38, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Red Stag Restaurant

Relish a wonderful lunch in a rustic setting near Sovereign Hill.
Walk to the restaurant
AUD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Get close to kangaroos, koalas, and other Australian wildlife.
Drive or walk to the park
AUD30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ballarat Art Gallery

Explore one of Australia's oldest galleries featuring both local and international artists.
Walk to the art gallery
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Forge Pizzeria

Enjoy a casual dinner with gourmet pizzas made from fresh ingredients.
Walk to The Forge
AUD30, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Melbourne

Head back to Melbourne by train to unwind after an exciting day.
Train back to Melbourne
AUD10, 1 hour
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Day 5: Philip Island Adventure

Philip Island, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cape Kitchen

Enjoy early morning breakfast overlooking the coastal views.
Drive to Philip Island (2 hours)
AUD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Explore the stunning coastal scenery and perhaps see some wildlife.
Walk through the parks
AUD18, 2 hours

11:30AM

Penguin Parade

Experience the famous Penguin Parade as little penguins return to shore at sunset. (Book in advance)
Drive to Penguin Parade location
AUD40, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Cowes Pizza

Savour some great pizzas at this popular local spot.
Walk to Cowes
AUD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Koala Reserve

See koalas in their natural habitat in this special reserve.
Drive to Koala Reserve
AUD20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Penguin Parade

Get ready for the magical evening to witness the Penguin Parade.
Drive to Penguin Parade
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre

Enjoy a meal before witnessing the adorable parade.
Walk to the Visitor Centre
AUD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Prom Café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring the stunning national park.
Drive to Wilsons Promontory (2 hours)
AUD25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hike to Squeaky Beach

Enjoy a scenic hike to Squeaky Beach known for its fine white sand.
Hike from the car park
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat within the park.
Explore the park
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tidal River Café

Enjoy a casual lunch with stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Drive to the café
AUD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore more hiking trails

Discover diverse landscapes; choose from several well-marked trails.
Hike further into the park
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Head back to Melbourne

Ease back into Melbourne after a day of adventure.
Drive back to Melbourne
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Flower Drum

Indulge in a delightful dinner at this award-winning Cantonese restaurant.
Walk or drive to Flower Drum
AUD95, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Albury

Albury, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Union Cafe

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at this local favourite before heading out.
Depart from Melbourne
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Albury

Set off for the 3-hour drive to Albury, enjoying the scenic countryside.
Drive to Albury
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Three Stacks

Stop in Albury for a delicious lunch at this award-winning BBQ joint.
Walk to Three Stacks
AUD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Albury Botanic Gardens

Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque Albury Botanic Gardens.
Walk from lunch
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Murray Art Museum Albury

Discover contemporary art exhibits in this modern museum.
Walk to the museum
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Bended Elbow

Enjoy a hearty pub-style dinner at this local favourite.
Walk to the restaurant
AUD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Canberra Exploration

Canberra, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tempting Taste

A delightful breakfast before embarking on a day filled with exploration.
Depart for Canberra
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Canberra

Travel to Canberra, Australia's capital city, and admire the picturesque landscapes.
Drive to Canberra (3 hours)
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cupping Room

Experience delicious brunch options in this popular café known for its coffee.
Walk to the café
AUD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Australian War Memorial

Visit this iconic memorial dedicated to Australian service members.
Drive/take an Uber
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Parliament House

Explore Australia’s Parliament House and its beautiful architecture.
Drive from War Memorial
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Boat House

Enjoy riverside dining with stunning views at this acclaimed restaurant.
Drive to the restaurant
AUD60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Journey to Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Little Bird Café

Enjoy breakfast at this charming café before your journey to Sydney.
Drive to Broken Hill
AUD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sydney

Set off for Sydney on a 3-hour drive, filled with excitement for the bustling city.
Drive to Sydney
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sydney Fish Markets

Indulge in fresh seafood at this renowned market, sampling from various stalls.
Walk in Fish Markets
AUD40, 2 hours

3:00PM

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of this iconic architectural masterpiece.
Walk to Sydney Opera House
AUD30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore The Rocks District

Stroll through this historic area filled with shops, cafés, and local events.
Walk to The Rocks
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Aria

Enjoy a fine dining experience with sweeping views of the harbour at Aria.
Walk or drive to Aria
AUD90, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Sydney Sightseeing

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Have a wonderful breakfast at this idyllic café set in a garden.
Walk or drive to the café
AUD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Taronga Zoo

Visit this stunning zoo that offers amazing views of the city.
Ferry from Circular Quay
AUD42, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Zoo Café

Dine with a view after an exciting morning at the zoo.
Walk within the zoo
AUD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Bondi Beach

Take a leisurely afternoon at the iconic Bondi Beach, soaking up the sun.
Return by ferry and take a bus
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Bondi to Coogee Walk

Experience one of Sydney's most famous coastal walks with scenic views.
Walk from Bondi to Coogee
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

Relish a meal with stunning ocean views at this bustling venue.
Walk to Icebergs
AUD80, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: More Sydney Adventures

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Sydney

Indulge in breakfast with a gorgeous view of the harbour.
Walk to Café Sydney
AUD40, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Blue Mountains Day Trip

Embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Blue Mountains for a hike and exploration.
Join a tour or drive (2 hours)
AUD100, 8 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Carrington

End your day with a relaxing dinner at The Carrington, a historic hotel in the mountains.
Drive back to Sydney
AUD60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Farewell Sydney

Sydney, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Devon Café

Enjoy your last breakfast at this stylish café known for its innovative menu.
Walk to Devon Café
AUD30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Last-minute shopping at Pitt Street Mall

Shop for souvenirs and gifts before departing Australia.
Walk to Pitt Street Mall
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Miss Gibbles Café

Savour a final lunch with delicious dishes at this beloved café.
Walk to Miss Gibbles
AUD35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-out & Depart

Check-out from your accommodation and prepare for your onward journey.
Walk to your accommodation
Free, 1 hour
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