12-Day Christmas Festival Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary in Australia

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bills

Start your trip with a famous breakfast at Bills in Darlinghurst, renowned for its ricotta hotcakes.
Walk 5 minutes to Circular Quay.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Sydney Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House to appreciate its stunning architecture.
Short walk from Circular Quay.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore The Rocks District

Wander through The Rocks, a historic area filled with boutiques and cafes, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
Walking distance from the Opera House.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Dishing Up

Enjoy a delightful lunch at a cafe known for fresh local ingredients.
Walk to the cafe near The Rocks.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Christmas Markets at Hyde Park

Experience the festive atmosphere at the Christmas markets featuring crafts, gifts, and food stalls.
Take a quick taxi ride to Hyde Park.
Free entry, varies for purchases, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Icebergs

Dine with a breathtaking view of the ocean at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.
Walk from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.
AUD 70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Christmas Celebration in Sydney

Sydney, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Paper Mill

Enjoy a festive-style breakfast with seasonal flavors in the lead-up to Christmas.
Drive 30 minutes to Circular Quay.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Christmas Lights Tour

Stroll around the city to view the dazzling Christmas light displays and decorations.
Walking tour through the CBD.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Royal Botanic Garden

Enjoy a leisurely walk in the garden, which offers beautiful views of the Sydney Opera House decorated for Christmas.
Walk 10 minutes from the CBD.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria

Savor a delightful lunch in this charming café with a Christmas-themed menu.
Drive 15 minutes to Alexandria.
AUD 50, 2 hours

3:30PM

Darling Harbour Christmas Precinct

Experience festive activities, pop-up markets, and live entertainment at Darling Harbour.
Drive 15 minutes back to Darling Harbour.
Free entry, varies for purchases, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Icebox Restaurant

Indulge in a seasonal Christmas dinner menu with coastal Australian cuisine.
Short walk to the restaurant at Darling Harbour.
AUD 70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Blue Mountains Adventure

Blue Mountains, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Blue Mountains Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local favorite before heading on your adventure.
Drive 2 hours from Sydney to Blue Mountains.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Three Sisters Lookout

Visit the iconic Three Sisters viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.
Drive 15 minutes to Echo Point.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Scenic World Experience

Take a ride on the Scenic Railway and Skyway for a unique view of the beautiful landscape.
5 minutes from the lookout by car.
AUD 45, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Boiler House

Savor a delicious lunch featuring local ingredients while soaking in views from the mountains.
On-site at Scenic World.
AUD 30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking the Grand Canyon Walk

Embark on a scenic hike through the Grand Canyon, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Drive 10 minutes to the start of the trail.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Lookout

Unwind with dinner while admiring the scenic views of the Blue Mountains.
Return to the main trailhead for dinner.
AUD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wine & Dine in Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cellar Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast with a fresh local twist, featuring seasonal produce.
Drive 1 hour from Blue Mountains to Hunter Valley.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Join a guided winery tour and tasting experience to savor some of Australia’s best wines.
Book a wine tour that includes transport.
AUD 100, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Lovedale Long Lunch

Indulge in a relaxing lunch featuring local delights amidst vineyard views.
On-site at the winery.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Continue Wine Tasting

Visit more wineries and discover the charm of the Hunter Valley tasting rooms.
Continue your guided tour.
Included in tour price, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Christmas Lights

Enjoy a magical evening visiting local holiday light displays in the valley.
Drive through the valley at dusk.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Convent

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a festive touch at a restaurant within a historic site.
Drive 10 minutes to The Convent.
AUD 60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Brisbane City Exploration

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Start your day with high-quality coffee and artisan food in Brisbane.
Drive 2 hours to Brisbane.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

South Bank Parklands

Wander through the vibrant South Bank Parklands with gardens and a man-made beach.
Short walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Queensland Art Gallery

Explore Australian and international art exhibitions at this chic gallery.
Walk 10 minutes to the gallery.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Sample dishes from different food vendors at this lively street food market.
Drive 15 minutes to Eat Street Northshore.
AUD 30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Brisbane Christmas Festival

Enjoy festive markets, entertainment, and lights at the Brisbane Christmas Festival.
Drive to the festival location.
Free entry, varies for purchases, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Aria Brisbane

Enjoy a gourmet dinner with elegant views of the Brisbane River.
Drive back to the city center.
AUD 80, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beach Day at Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium Gold Coast

Fuel your beach day with a hearty breakfast by the coast.
Drive 1 hour to Gold Coast.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Surfing Lesson

Take a surfing lesson at the famous Surfers Paradise Beach.
Short walk to the beach.
AUD 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Relax at Surfers Paradise

Enjoy free time at the beach, sunbathing, or taking a dip in the ocean.
Stay at Surfers Paradise.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Explore Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit the wildlife sanctuary where you can see kangaroos and koalas up close.
Drive 30 minutes to Currumbin.
AUD 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Rick Shores

Indulge in Asian-inspired dishes with ocean views at Rick Shores.
Continue from the sanctuary to the restaurant.
AUD 60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Byron Bay’s Relaxation

Byron Bay, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Byron Bay General Store

Enjoy a fresh and wholesome breakfast at Byron Bay’s favorite spot.
Drive 30 minutes from Gold Coast to Byron Bay.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse

Take the coastal walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and enjoy stunning views.
Start the walk from Byron Bay downtown.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Free Time at Main Beach

Relax, sunbathe, or take a swim at the picturesque Main Beach.
Walk back to Main Beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Byron Bay Hotel

Sublime beachfront dining experience with Australian modern cuisine.
10-minute walk from Main Beach.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Crystal Castle

Explore the enchanting Crystal Castle filled with crystals, gardens, and a peaceful ambiance.
Drive 20 minutes to Crystal Castle.
AUD 25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Italian Diner

Delight in homemade pasta and classic Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
Drive back to Byron Bay center.
AUD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Cairns Adventures Begin

Cairns, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Nero

Savor freshly brewed coffee and pastries at this popular local cafe.
Fly from Gold Coast to Cairns (1.5 hours flight).
AUD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk

Stroll along the vibrant Esplanade and head to the lagoon for relaxation.
Walk from your accommodation.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Skydive Cairns

Experience an exhilarating skydive over the reef and rainforest.
Meet at the booking center before your jump.
AUD 350, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Raw Prawn

Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant after your skydiving adventure.
Walk back to the Esplanade.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Cairns Night Markets

Visit the bustling night markets for shopping and local food stalls.
Short drive to the markets.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Dine with a menu that celebrates local produce and Indigenous flavors.
Walk back from the markets.
AUD 70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef Excursion

Cairns, Australia

6:00AM

Breakfast on Board

Enjoy a pre-departure breakfast while cruising towards the reef.
Meet at the reef tour dock.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

8:00AM

Great Barrier Reef Tour

Dive into the spectacular underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling or scuba diving options.
On the tour boat.
AUD 200, 6 hours

2:00PM

Return to Cairns

After a day at the reef, enjoy some downtime back in Cairns.
Transfer back to the city.
Included in tour, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Cairns Lagoon

Unwind at the swimming lagoon in the Esplanade area.
Walk from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Rattle N Hum

Enjoy casual dining with live music in a vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from the lagoon.
AUD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Rainforest Exploration

Daintree Rainforest, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Drive 1.5 hours to Daintree Rainforest.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Daintree Rainforest Tour

Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Daintree Rainforest on a guided tour.
Join a local tour group.
AUD 140, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Daintree Village

Have a laid-back lunch in Daintree Village amidst beautiful surroundings.
Drive to the village after the tour.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Mossman Gorge Visit

Take a short drive to Mossman Gorge for stunning swimming and rainforest walks.
Drive 30 minutes from Daintree Village.
AUD 12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Mossman Grill

Relish a meal at this local favorite known for its fresh ingredients and beautiful view.
Drive back to Mossman Gorge.
AUD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Desert Adventure in Alice Springs

Alice Springs, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Watertank Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out on your desert adventure.
Fly from Cairns to Alice Springs (2-hour flight).
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Alice Springs Desert Park

Explore the unique flora and fauna of the desert environment with informative presentations.
Drive 10 minutes from the café.
AUD 40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Anzac Hill

Take a short hike for panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding ranges.
Drive to Anzac Hill.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Overlanders Steakhouse

Experience Australian bush tucker lunch in a unique setting.
Drive back from Anzac Hill.
AUD 45, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Learn about the telegraph history in this historic site.
Drive 5 minutes from lunch.
AUD 12, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Overlanders Steakhouse

Sample the offerings at this heartwarming eatery known for its steak.
Remain at the same dining location.
AUD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Cultural Immersion in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Delight in a French-inspired breakfast at one of Melbourne's iconic cafes.
Fly to Melbourne from Uluru (2-hour flight).
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Federation Square

Discover the cultural hub of Melbourne filled with art galleries, shops, and cafes.
Walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Taste diverse street food offerings while enjoying the market's vibrant atmosphere.
Drive or take public transport to the market.
AUD 30, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Melbourne Museum

Engage with exhibits showcasing Australia's history and cultural heritage.
Short walk to the museum.
AUD 15, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Fitzroy Gardens

Stroll through the delightful gardens and enjoy the tranquility.
Walk or drive to Fitzroy Gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Savor modern Australian fine dining with stunning views of the Melbourne skyline.
Drive or take public transportation to the restaurant.
AUD 150, 2.5 hours
View Hotel Availability