10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Sydney, Gold Coast & Melbourne on a Budget

Day 1: Arriving in Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this popular café known for its fresh produce and beautiful gardens.
Head south on Bourke St toward McEvoy St; it's about a 20-minute walk.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Sydney Opera House

Take some stunning family photos and explore the iconic architecture of the Sydney Opera House.
Take bus 333 from the café to Circular Quay.
AUD 0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Circular Quay

Enjoy a casual lunch with views of the harbour at a picnic spot, grabbing takeaway fish and chips from a local vendor.
Find seating along the waterfront at Circular Quay.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore The Royal Botanic Garden

Stroll through this beautiful garden and let the kids play while you enjoy the views of the Sydney Harbour.
Walk along Macquarie St which leads right into the garden.
AUD 0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Bondi Beach

Wrap up your day with a visit to Bondi Beach for some sun, sand, and surf.
Take bus 333 from the garden to Bondi Beach.
AUD 0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bondi Icebergs Club

Enjoy dinner with a stunning view of Bondi beach, famous for its relaxed vibe and great food.
Dine at the restaurant located on the beach.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sydney Sights

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Café on the Rocks

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast with a view of the Rocks area.
Take a short walk from your accommodation.
AUD 45, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Taronga Zoo

Catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo to see Australian wildlife and exotic animals.
Walk to Circular Quay and take the ferry.
AUD 80, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Taronga Zoo Café

Grab a light lunch at the café inside the zoo to recharge.
Eat at the zoo in one of the picnic areas.
AUD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax by Darling Harbour

Enjoy some leisure time in Darling Harbour, with opportunities for kids to play at the park.
Catch the ferry back to Circular Quay and walk to Darling Harbour.
AUD 0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Opt for dinner at one of the family-friendly spots in the area, such as Criniti's.
Dine at a restaurant close to the waterfront.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Gold Coast

Sydney to Gold Coast, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a quick breakfast to prepare for your travel day.
Pack up and check out.
AUD 30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Gold Coast

Take a comfortable Greyhound bus ride from Sydney to Gold Coast.
Board the bus at Central Station.
AUD 40, 9 hours

6:00PM

Check into Your Accommodation

Arrive and check into a budget-friendly hotel or motel.
Ensure you have pre-booked your accommodation.
AUD 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Surfers Paradise

Enjoy dinner at a local spot such as The Mexican for family-friendly options.
Walk from your accommodation to Surfers Paradise.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Gold Coast Adventure

Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Visit a nearby café for budget breakfast options like fruit bowls and toast.
Walk to a café in Surfers Paradise.
AUD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Interact with native wildlife and enjoy a day filled with fun activities at the sanctuary.
Take a bus or drive to Currumbin.
AUD 79, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Currumbin

Grab a casual lunch at the Currumbin Wildlife Café with kid-friendly meals.
Dine in the sanctuary’s café.
AUD 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Currumbin Beach

Relax at the beautiful Currumbin Beach where kids can swim and build sandcastles.
A short walk from the sanctuary.
AUD 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Venitti

Enjoy family dining at this relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu.
Take a bus from Currumbin Beach to the restaurant.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Gold Coast Relaxation

Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a view of the ocean.
Enjoy your hotel’s breakfast options.
AUD 0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Burleigh Heads National Park

Hike the beautiful trails with stunning views of the coastline.
Take a bus to Burleigh Heads.
AUD 0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Burleigh

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the park’s picnic areas.
Stop by a local supermarket to grab supplies.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Burleigh Beach

Head down to Burleigh Beach for a relaxing afternoon swimming and sunbathing.
The beach is a short walk from the park.
AUD 0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Niche & Co.

Dine at a casual restaurant known for its burgers and friendly atmosphere.
Walk from the beach to the restaurant.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Melbourne

Gold Coast to Melbourne, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast before preparing to travel.
Check out and pack up.
AUD 30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Fly from Gold Coast to Melbourne

Take a budget flight to Melbourne which is the fastest route.
Board your budget airline from Gold Coast Airport.
AUD 100, 3 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Melbourne

Check into a budget hotel or hostel for the duration of your stay.
Use public transport to get to your accommodation.
AUD 150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Explore the market and grab some budget-friendly street food options.
Take tram 19 to Queen Victoria Market.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Melbourne’s Laneways

Wander through the vibrant laneways filled with street art and boutique shops.
Walking distance from the market.
AUD 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hardware Societe

Enjoy French-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting.
Head to Hardware Lane for dining options.
AUD 80, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Discover Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast provided by your hotel.
Enjoy the morning at your hotel.
AUD 0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Explore the museum and its extensive exhibits that are fun for the whole family.
Tram 86 to the museum.
AUD 60, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lygon Street

Head to Lygon Street for some authentic Italian pizza and pasta.
Walk to Lygon Street from the museum.
AUD 75, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Carlton Gardens

Relax in this beautiful park adjacent to the museum, ideal for kids to play.
Stroll to Carlton Gardens.
AUD 0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Melbourne Zoo

Spend time exploring the zoo and observing the exotic animals from around the world.
Tram 58 or 59 to Melbourne Zoo.
AUD 75, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Enjoy riverside dining with a tasty seafood menu.
Walk along the Yarra River to find the restaurant.
AUD 85, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Melbourne Exploring

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Try a local café for breakfast, sipping on their famous coffee.
Explore nearby options from your hotel.
AUD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Federation Square

Visit this cultural precinct with lots of family-friendly exhibits and activities.
Walk to Federation Square.
AUD 0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Southbank

Enjoy a casual lunch along Southbank, where many eateries offer kid-friendly menus.
Take a short walk along the river to reach Southbank.
AUD 60, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

Experience breathtaking views of Melbourne from the giant observation wheel.
Head to the Docklands area via tram.
AUD 100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Spend a fun-filled afternoon exploring exhibits of underwater life.
Stroll to the aquarium from the observation wheel.
AUD 80, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Pub

Dine in a family-friendly pub with classic meals for all tastes.
Choose a pub in the CBD area for convenience.
AUD 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Nature Day in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Get ready for a day of exploration.
AUD 0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Day Trip to Yarra Valley

Take a day trip to this beautiful wine region known for its natural landscapes.
Join a pre-arranged family-friendly tour.
AUD 150, 8 hours

5:30PM

Return to Melbourne

Return to Melbourne after a day filled with nature and wine tastings.
Homeward journey via the tour bus.
AUD 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Wrap up your day with dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring multicultural dishes.
Walk to a cozy local eatery.
AUD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure from Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at a café

Enjoy a final breakfast at a local café before heading home.
Head to a nearby café.
AUD 40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Pack and Check-Out

Pack up and check out to prepare for departure.
Prepare for your travel to the airport.
AUD 0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Head to Airport

Travel to Melbourne Airport for your departure flight.
Use SkyBus for direct airport transport.
AUD 20, 1 hour
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