14-Day Adventure in Australia: Rail Trip on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Sydney Exploration

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Rocks

Start your day with an authentic Aussie breakfast at The Rocks, famous for its vibrant food market.
Walk through The Rocks to the market about 10 minutes.
AUD15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of this iconic architectural wonder.
Walk to Sydney Opera House, 15 minutes.
AUD40, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Circular Quay

Enjoy lunch at a café overlooking the harbor.
Short walk to Circular Quay.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Walk through the Royal Botanic Garden

Stroll through the beautiful gardens soaking in views of the harbor.
Short walk from Circular Quay.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Art Gallery of NSW

Explore Australian and Indigenous art at this grand gallery.
Walk to the Art Gallery, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Dine at one of the bustling restaurants with a view of the water.
Take a bus or walk to Darling Harbour, 20 minutes.
AUD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a budget-friendly breakfast at the hotel.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Katoomba

Take the train from Sydney to Katoomba to discover the stunning wilderness.
Board the train at Central Station.
AUD11, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Three Sisters

Delve into Aboriginal legend while gazing at this remarkable rock formation.
A short bus or taxi ride from Katoomba Station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch in Katoomba

Savor a meal at a cozy café in the town.
Walk to a nearby café.
AUD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Scenic World

Enjoy breathtaking views and the scenic railway at Scenic World.
Bus ride back to Scenic World.
AUD42, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Sydney

Take the train back to Sydney and unwind.
Board the train at Katoomba Station.
AUD11, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Indulge in some budget-friendly Asian cuisine at one of the stalls.
Travel by bus or walk to Chinatown.
AUD15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Newcastle Harbor

Newcastle, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café on King Street

Grab a fresh, hearty breakfast at this local favorite.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
AUD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take the Train to Newcastle

Travel north on the train, enjoying picturesque views.
Board the train at Central Station.
AUD15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Tour of Fort Scratchley

Explore this historic site and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.
Take a bus to Fort Scratchley.
AUD10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nobbys Beach

Picnic-style lunch by the beach, ideal for relaxing by the waves.
Walk to Nobbys Beach.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Newcastle Art Gallery

Experience the vibrant local art scene.
Walk to the gallery.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Darby Street

Delight in a casual dining experience in this trendy area.
Travel by bus or a short walk.
AUD25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Port Stephens Retreat

Port Stephens, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy coffee and toast in a quaint café in Newcastle.
Walk to the café.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take Bus to Port Stephens

Travel to Port Stephens for the day’s adventures.
Catch the bus at Newcastle Interchange.
AUD15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Dolphin Watching Tour

Spot charming dolphins at play in their natural habitat.
Board tour at Nelson Bay.
AUD40, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood, a local specialty.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing or swimming at Shoal Bay.
Bus or walk to Shoal Bay.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Newcastle

Take the bus back after a day of fun.
Catch the bus at Shoal Bay.
AUD15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Newcastle

Relax at a laid-back bistro with local dishes.
Short walk to dinner venue.
AUD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Sydney

Sydney, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before departing for the city.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train Back to Sydney

Travel back to the bustling city of Sydney.
Board train at Newcastle Station.
AUD15, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Darling Harbour

Stroll along the waterfront and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk to Darling Harbour.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Harbourside Shopping Centre

Choose from a variety of affordable eateries.
Located at Darling Harbour.
AUD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Encounter diverse marine life in one of Australia’s largest aquariums.
Walk to the aquarium.
AUD40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Pub

Experience traditional Aussie pub food in a lively setting.
Short walk from the aquarium.
AUD25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Melbourne City Vibe

Melbourne, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day at a cozy Melbourne café with great coffee.
Walk to café near hotel.
AUD12, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Melbourne

Travel on the XPT train from Sydney to Melbourne.
Board train at Central Station.
AUD75, 11 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Fitzroy

Explore the trendy Fitzroy neighborhood, famous for its food scene.
Taxi or tram to Fitzroy.
AUD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Great Ocean Road

Melbourne, Australia

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a budget breakfast.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

7:30AM

Day Trip to Great Ocean Road

Start an early day exploring this iconic coastal drive.
Join a tour departing from Central Melbourne.
AUD120, 10 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Eating at a local eatery showcasing Melbournian cuisine.
Return to Melbourne and walk to the local eatery.
AUD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Warrnambool Coastal Charm

Warrnambool, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast at your accommodation.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Warrnambool

Take a train or bus to this lovely coastal town.
Board your chosen transportation.
AUD30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch by the Beach

Enjoy a casual lunch at a beachside café.
Walk to café during arrival.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Discover maritime history at this fascinating living history village.
Walk to the village.
AUD20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy fresh local cuisine.
Short walk to the restaurant.
AUD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Ballarat Goldrush Experience

Ballarat, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

A budget-friendly breakfast to start the day.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Ballarat

Travel to this historic gold rush town.
Catch a bus to Ballarat.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sovereign Hill

Experience life during the gold rush at this open-air museum.
Take local transport to Sovereign Hill.
AUD35, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sovereign Hill

Enjoy a historical meal at the museum.
On-site dining available.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Ballarat Wildlife Park

Meet Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos and koalas.
Take a local bus to the park.
AUD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Ballarat

Have dinner at a welcoming local pub.
Short walk to the venue.
AUD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Adelaide City and Culture

Adelaide, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a busy day ahead with a filling breakfast.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Adelaide

Travel to the capital city of South Australia.
Travel to the train station.
AUD45, 10 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Central Market

Explore a variety of affordable dining options at the market.
Walk from the accommodation.
AUD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Kangaroo Island Adventure

Kangaroo Island, Australia

6:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Start the day early with coffee and pastries.
Walk to the café.
AUD15, 1 hour

7:00AM

Ferry to Kangaroo Island

Embark on a ferry to this breathtaking island.
Depart from Cape Jervis.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park

Meet Australian sea lions in their natural habitat.
Hire a local taxi or join a tour.
AUD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Enjoy a casual lunch with great views.
Walk to the café.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Remarkable Rocks

Marvel at the stunning rock formations on Kangaroo Island.
Join a local tour or hire transportation.
AUD30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return Ferry to Mainland

Journey back to the mainland after a fulfilling day.
Board ferry at the island.
AUD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Adelaide

Enjoy a local dining experience to celebrate your adventure.
Short walk from the ferry terminal.
AUD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Alice Springs Exploration

Alice Springs, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly to Alice Springs

Travel to the heart of Central Australia and its desert landscape.
Airport transfer to Alice Springs.
AUD150, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Alice Springs Desert Park

Learn about desert ecosystems and local wildlife.
Taxi to the Desert Park.
AUD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy a meal in a typical Australian café.
Walk to the café.
AUD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Anzac Hill

Enjoy stunning views of Alice Springs from this lookout.
Taxi or bus to Anzac Hill.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at a Local Pub

Dine at an English-style pub popular with locals.
Short walk to the pub.
AUD25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Uluru Wonders

Uluru, Australia

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with breakfast served at the hotel.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

7:30AM

Tour to Uluru

Witness the breathtaking beauty of Uluru and learn about its significance.
Join a guided tour.
AUD100, 5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Go for a budget-friendly meal nearby.
On-site at the tour stop.
AUD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kata Tjuta

Discover these intriguing rock formations as part of your tour.
Included in the tour.
Included, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Accommodation

Relax after a long but rewarding day.
Return with tour transport.
Included, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner Under the Stars

Enjoy an iconic outdoor dining experience under the magnificent night sky.
On site.
AUD70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Uluru before departing.
On-site.
AUD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Sydney

Catch a flight back to Sydney to wrap up your adventure.
Airport transfer.
AUD150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Spend your last day relaxing at the famous beach.
Train or bus to Bondi.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Bondi

Dine on fresh seafood or a light meal at a beach café.
On the beach.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Circular Quay

Toast to your adventure with dinner overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour.
Take a bus or walk to Circular Quay.
AUD50, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening at Sydney Opera House

End your trip with a performance or walk around the Opera House.
Short walk from Quay.
AUD60, 2 hours
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